logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
50m 7s

Alain de Botton with Isy Suttie

PENGUIN BOOKS UK
About this episode

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by bestselling author, public speaker, and founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton. His latest book, A Therapeutic Journey, deals with mental ill-health and recuperation and has been described as both a source of companionship in our loneliest moments and a practical guide to finding reasons for hope.

 

In this episode, Isy and Alain discuss the theory behind why, as adults, we cry at happy things, the importance of listening to children, and the value of pursuing a 'good enough' life that prioritises emotional wellbeing.

 

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Nov 20
What is the best translated fiction to read? With Karl Ove Knausgaard
<p>What are the best new books in Korean fiction? What is the process of translating a book into English? And how do you evoke a sense of place you haven't visited?</p><p>This week we sat down with award-winning and internationally best-selling author, <a href="https://www.pengui ... Show More
51m 30s
Nov 6
Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith
Which multi-generational novels inspired White Teeth? Where does Zadie Smith turn for her next great read? And our Penguin team is back to solve your reading dilemmas - whether you're after fascinating memoirs, this year's pick of prize-winning books, or stories perfect for Autum ... Show More
56m 1s
Oct 30
Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling? With Philip Pullman
What was the inspiration behind Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights series? How does he want readers to feel on Lyra’s final adventure in The Rose Field? Has his demon changed now that he has got to the end of this writing journey, and how do you say goodbye to characters you love?I ... Show More
42m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Alain de Botton on the joy of being average (E218)
<p>This episode encourages us to explore a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and why we should be seeking fulfilment not happiness.</p><br><p>Alain de Botton is an author and philosopher, known for co-founding The School of Life in 2008. The School of Life was ... Show More
1h 11m
Feb 2021
Alain de Botton — The True Hard Work of Love and Relationships
As people, and as a culture, Alain de Botton says, we would be much saner and happier if we reexamined our very view of love. His New York Times essay, “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person,” is one of their most-read articles in recent years, and this is one of the most popular e ... Show More
50m 35s
Sep 2022
Alain De Botton (Replay): Life Is Not Meant To Be Perfect
This episode is a replay with the brilliant Alain de Botton. He is a writer of multiple books described as a ‘philosophy of everyday life.’ His first book, Essays in Love, was published when he was twenty-three and went on to sell millions of copies. He is also the co-founder of ... Show More
37m 18s
Feb 2021
[Unedited] Alain de Botton with Krista Tippett
As people, and as a culture, Alain de Botton says, we would be much saner and happier if we reexamined our very view of love. His New York Times essay, “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person,” is one of their most-read articles in recent years, and this is one of the most popular e ... Show More
1h 32m
Oct 2019
S6, Ep2 How to Fail: Alain De Botton
This week on How To Fail, we are doing something slightly different. I know, I know, we don't like change, but sometimes IT'S GOOD FOR US. It's especially good for us when it comes in the form of Alain de Botton, one of the most intelligent, eloquent and thoughtful people on the ... Show More
55m 12s
Nov 2023
Alain de Botton: Lessons on Love and Life
<p>Does the stigma around mental health impact your view of life?</p> <p>Joining Sarah Grynberg is prolific author, philosopher and creator of the School Of Life Alain de Botton, who is not only the brain behind 15 internationally bestselling books, but a man who strives to under ... Show More
57m 4s
Dec 2023
Alain de Botton: Introspection, defence mechanisms, and ghosts
<p>Breaking patterns of intergenerational trauma could have a profound effect on the state of the modern world. Writer Alain de Botton believes love – or a lack thereof – is at the heart of our personal and societal issues.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this chat with Fearne, Alain expla ... Show More
54m 44s
Dec 2023
The Love Expert: We've Built A Loveless Society & It's Making Us Depressed! (here's the fix!) Alain De Botton
If you enjoy hearing about the philosophy of life, I recommend you check out my conversation with Ryan Holiday, which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PafvhTSC4yE Philosophy isn’t just for universities and lecture halls, philosophy can help guide every part of y ... Show More
1h 34m
May 2024
Episode 47- Life & How To Survive It (Part 1 of 3)
As the podcast nears its half century, we venture into another multi-parter, this time on John Cleese and Robin Skynner’s very readable, entertaining and insightful book ‘Life & How To Survive It’, the sequel to their ‘Families & How To Survive Them’. As with ‘Families’, this boo ... Show More
1h 24m
Oct 2019
37 - Alain de Botton
We always ponder what we think the meaning of life is, but philosopher Alain de Botton has the answer to this in this week's episode of the Positivity Podcast. Alain joins Paul to talk about our ideas of love and connection, what behaviours we should adopt to gain the most out of ... Show More
29m 20s