We all want to find meaning in our lives, our reason to get up in the morning, yet doing so may not be easy. What is meaning in life and how do we find it for ourselves? The guest for this episode is Clara Hill, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Maryland and author of Meaning in Life: A Therapist’s Guide.
APA is currently seeking proposals f ... Show More
Aug 20
Why numeracy counts in everyday life, with Ellen Peters, PhD
From deciding whether to buy a house to weighing the risks and benefits of taking a new medication, many important life decisions hinge on understanding numbers, statistics and probability. Ellen Peters, PhD, author of “Innumeracy in the Wild: Misunderstanding and Misusing Number ... Show More
35m 22s
Aug 13
Encore - How science can help you change your behavior for the better, with Katy Milkman, PhD
What can you learn from the science of behavior change that can help you make the changes you want to see in your life? Katy Milkman, PhD, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of the book How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where Y ... Show More
43m 42s
Aug 6
Encore -- Why we choose to suffer, with Paul Bloom, PhD
Why do people like to watch scary movies or listen to sad songs? Why do we run marathons and raise children, even though both of those pursuits come with struggle and pain? Paul Bloom, PhD, discusses why suffering is linked to meaning in life, the connection between pleasure and ... Show More
23m 18s
Oct 2023
What’s the meaning of life?
In this episode, we're tackling a question as old as humanity itself: What is the meaning of life? We will dive into various philosophies, personal anecdotes, and scientific perspectives to shed light on this profound question. We'll explore how the meaning of life isn't a one-si ... Show More
18m 53s
Jan 2021
How to Stop Chasing Happiness and Make a Meaningful Life Instead
Welcome to The Academic Life. You are smart and capable, but you aren’t an island, and neither are we. So we reached across our mentor network to bring you podcasts on everything from how to finish that project, to how to take care of your beautiful mind. Wish we’d bring in an ex ... Show More
49m 19s
Apr 2021
Finding Your Purpose In Life
Our purpose in life can be boiled down to our reason for being here on this floating rock. We can spend our entire life (trust us, just ask Google) trying to find meaning through countless books, a million quotes, seminars, and so many other resources during our sacred search for ... Show More
27m 39s
Dec 2023
#379 - How to Figure Out What You Want in Life
If you are a smart, growth-oriented person, the possibilities for your life are infinite. So how are you supposed to choose a life path? Figuring out what you want in life is easier said than done. It takes self-reflection, courage, and a belief in yourself, even when your choice ... Show More
43m 42s