279. Why Is My Life So Hard?

Economists don’t usually talk about “culture.” But Joel Mokyr argues that it’s the engine of innovation — and the Nobel Prize committee agreed. Stephen Dubner sits down for a thousand-year conversation (including advice!) with the new Nobel laureate. SOURCES: Joel Mokyr, economic ... Show More

Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. In this updated episode from 2025, journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of c ... Show More

... of bad reviews, meager financing, or artificial intelligence. But he is worried that the world is full of sloppy thinkers who mistake facts for the truth. SOURCES: Werner Herzog, writer, filmmaker, and actor. RESOURCES: The Future of Truth, by Werner Herzog (2025). Every Man ... Show More

When we feel taken advantage of by people, it can be very hurtful and leave us feeling bitter. Giving a lot to our friends can come with the expectation that the same is offered in return. This is the experience of Jacob, from India. He speaks to Sister Dang Nghiem who suggests t ... Show More

<p>What is the purpose of negative emotions? Why do we engage with things we know will upset us? And how does Angie deal with rejection?</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our colle ... Show More

Il est frappant de constater que les personnes les plus malheureuses ne sont pas nécessairement celles qui ont subi les évènements les plus tragiques. Comment l'expliquer? De quoi souffrons-nous exactement ? #philosophie 

‏People’s emotions and feelings are valid. Even if somehow you did not go through what they went through. We have no right to belittle anyone’s experiences. We can only be there for them. If we can’t show empathy to someone who is going through something bad; what kind of people ... Show More

Today, we're diving into a powerful concept: 'what you focus on grows.' It's a game-changer, especially after a breakup. Instead of getting stuck on what's broken, let's pivot towards what's working and celebrate our progress. We'll tackle how to redirect our focus for a smoother ... Show More

Life frequently confronts us with circumstances that might appear unfair. We may encounter letdowns, such as not securing a job we were well-suited for, enduring heartbreak from a breakup, or feeling helpless in the face of societal issues we passionately believe need change. Nev ... Show More

<p>At times, the unforeseen disrupts our plans. Whether it's losing a job, the end of a relationship, or facing health issues, it can completely upend our lives. How do we navigate these turbulent times with hope and not despair? How do we cultivate resilience and ease our anxiet ... Show More

How could a good life include one with anger, or jealousy, or spite? In Dancing with the Devil: Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good (Oxford UP, 2023), Krista Thomason flips the script on popular ways of dealing with our emotions, including neo-Stoicism, mindfulness, and even the pros ... Show More

<p>Endings are hard. The conclusion of a relationship, whether it fizzles out or comes to a sudden halt, brings a wave of emotions that can leave us feeling lost, lonely, and engulfed in pain. The ache of loss can feel unbearable, prompting a desperate search for a way to make it ... Show More