Templeton Ideas Podcast (John Templeton Foundation)

Dr. Carol Graham is interim vice president and director of the Economic Studies program at Brookings, a professor at the University of Maryland, and a Senior Scientist at Gallup. She has spent much of her career studying happiness and wellbeing around the world. Carol joins the podcast to discuss what she calls ‘deaths of despair’ and explains why cultivating hope is essential for societies mired in deeply entrenched problems. Her latest book, The Power of Hope: How the Science of Well-Being Can Save Us from Despair, is available now.

Shadi Hamid is a columnist and Editorial Board member at The Washington Post and a research professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller Seminary. He has authored several books, including The Problem of Democracy and Islamic Exceptionalism. Hamid is also the co-founder of Wisdom of Crowds.

Dr. Samuel Kimbriel is a political philosopher, author, and founding director of Aspen’s Philosophy & Society Initiative. He is the author of Friendship as Sacred Knowing: Overcoming Isolation. He writes widely on solidarity, ideology, democracy, power, and trust for outlets including The Washington Post and BBC. Kimbriel is Contributing Editor at Wisdom of Crowds.

In this special episode of Templeton Ideas, Shadi and Samuel join David Nassar, VP of Strategic Engagement at the John Templeton Foundation, to discuss what makes for a good society, where beliefs come from, and how disagreement can help us grow.

What’s the key ingredient to accepting differences? Listening. Find out why in our article “To Cultivate Humility, Lend an Ear.” 

Want to hear more Templeton Ideas? Listen to David Nassar’s interview with Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center “What the Founders of America Can Teach About Happiness”

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Dr. Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor in the Biology department at Tufts University, where he serves as director of the Allen Discovery Center and the Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. He works at the intersection of biology, computer science, and cognitive science, uncovering the latent intelligence of individual cells and tissues. Among other topics, his lab explores how organisms repair and regenerate entire body parts, a capacity with tantalizing potential for human medicine. 

Michael joins the podcast to discuss common misconceptions of biology, building biological robots, and the potential of regenerative medicine to revolutionize human health.

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Philip Ball is a science writer based in the UK. With a degree in chemistry and a doctorate in physics, he served as an editor of the journal Nature for over 20 years. He has authored nearly 30 books on a wide range of scientific and historical subjects, including H2O: A Biography of Water, How to Grow a Human, and The Book of Minds. His newest book is entitled How Life Works: A User’s Guide to the New Biology.

Philip Ball joins the podcast to discuss his 30-year journey of science writing. In his new book How Life Works, he refutes the popular metaphors that DNA is like a blueprint or instruction manual, and he contends that even the simplest organisms construct meaning from their complex environments.

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Dr. Francis Collins is the former Director of the National Institutes of Health and led the Human Genome Project to its successful completion in 2003. In his leadership, public speaking, and popular writing, including his bestselling book, The Language of God, Collins has demonstrated how religious faith can motivate and inspire rigorous scientific research. He was awarded the Templeton Prize in 2020. His newest book is entitled The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust.

Francis joins the podcast to share his experience mapping the human genome, his journey directing the NIH, and how his life has been shaped by both scientific and spiritual exploration.

Learn more about the intersection of faith and science in our article “What Can Science Say About the Study of Prayer?” on Templeton Ideas. 

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Dr. Seth is a Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The author of over 200 research papers, Anil integrates psychology, philosophy, computer science, and neuroscience to explore how our brains generate subjective experiences. Outside the laboratory, Anil has a knack for communication, too. His TED Talk has reached nearly 15 million viewers, and his bestselling book Being You: A New Science of Consciousness takes a baffling topic and makes it relatable and engaging for general readers.

Anil joins the podcast to explain why animals may be conscious, but artificial intelligence is not, and why, despite the potential for technological dystopias, he is optimistic about the future.

Are you curious about consciousness? Don't miss out on our intriguing story "Can Digital Computers Ever Achieve Consciousness?" by Marcus Arvan on Templeton Ideas.

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Andy Crouch is a partner for theology and culture at Praxis, a business and non-profit accelerator that supports redemptive entrepreneurs. As the author of five books, he explores culture, power, technology, and the arts. His latest book The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World explores what it means to be a person, and how to flourish in the face of modern challenges. Andy joins the podcast to explain the concept of “effortless power”, and how we can enhance human dignity in the digital age.

Have YOU ever wondered what it means to be human? Check out our story "Humanity 3.0" by Alene Dawson on Templeton Ideas. 

Read more from Andy: “We Don’t Need Superpowers. We Need Instruments.”

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Ann Merchant is the Deputy Executive Director of Communications at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. She leads the institution’s creative engagement activities, including the Science & Entertainment Exchange, a program that connects entertainment industry professionals with top scientists and engineers. Since 2008, these collaborations have borne fruit in hundreds of films and TV series, including many from Marvel Studios and “The Big Bang Theory”. Ann joins the podcast to explain how Dune screenwriter Jon Spaihts and other film creators have integrated scientific inspiration with creative storytelling. 

Want to learn more about the intersection of imagination and science? Check out our story “Where Hollywood Meets The Science Community” by Alene Dawson on Templeton Ideas. 

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Bruce Feiler is a bestselling author known for living the experiences he writes about. He is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Life in the Transitions, The Secrets of Happy Families, Council of Dads, and Walking the Bible. His three TED Talks have been viewed more than four million times, and he also writes the popular newsletter “The Nonlinear Life” for the New York Times. His latest book, The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World, lays out a roadmap for finding purpose and meaning at work. Bruce joins the podcast to discuss why we should reimagine how we think about work, what makes a meaningful life, and how all of us can be the author of our own story.

Jennifer Wallace is an accomplished journalist who frequently contributes to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. A graduate of Harvard, Wallace began her professional career at CBS “60 Minutes,” and is currently a Journalism Fellow at the The Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Jennifer’s new book is entitled Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It. Jennifer joins the podcast to discuss the concept of "mattering" and the origins of the toxic achievement culture — and how those caught in its cycle can begin to step off the hamster wheel.

Dr. Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. In our very first episode, Dacher joins the podcast to discuss his personal experiences with awe, how awe relates to life and death, and the many ways people can cultivate awe in their daily lives. Dr. Dacher Keltner's new book is entitled Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.

Brian Greene is a Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University. His research has significantly contributed to the advancement of string theory, and he is widely regarded as one of the world's leading science communicators. As a best-selling author, co-founder of the World Science Festival, and frequent guest on prominent television programs and films, Brian has a remarkable ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to audiences across the globe. His latest book, Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe, is a fresh look at the cosmos. Brian joins the podcast to explore the fundamental nature of reality.

What is “Nature”? Is it an idea, a force, a physical reality, or a god? How does a universe come to exist in the first place? To explore this mystery, check out our essay by Manil Suri, entitled “Mathematics Can Do Anything But This.”

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Scott Shigeoka is a fellow at the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and a lecturer at the University of Texas, Austin. He is also an international speaker and author whose new book is SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. Scott combines social science research and real-world experience into practical strategies to bridge cultural differences, build new relationships, and embark on transformative life experiences.

Scott joins the podcast to explain the difference between deep curiosity and shallow curiosity, how inward curiosity can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, and what the world may look like if we all became a little more curious.

Want to learn more about curiosity? Check out our story “Curiosity Has Two Faces” by Annelise Jolley on Templeton Ideas. 

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Dr. Murtazashvili is the founding director of the Center for Governance and Markets and a professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the school of public and international affairs. As the author of notable books about the political order of Afghanistan and economic development more generally, Jennifer studies communities, power, conflict and how they all intertwine.

On this episode of the Templeton Ideas podcast, Jen joins Ben Carlson, director of strategic communication at the John Templeton Foundation, to discuss common misconceptions about Central Asia, the strength of bottom-up approaches to building democracies, and practical advice to employ in your own communities.

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Dr. Colwell is an anthropologist, editor, and author of over a dozen books. He received his doctorate from Indiana University and was the Senior Curator of Anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for over a decade. He is currently the editor-in-chief of SAPIENS, a digital magazine that makes anthropology accessible to everyone. Chip’s latest book is entitled So Much Stuff: How Humans Discovered Tools, Invented Meaning, and Made More of Everything. Chip joins the podcast to explain how we came to live in a society where no matter how much money we spend, it’s never enough and why the average human has accumulated so many personal possessions.

What if true happiness isn’t tied to the latest trends? What if fulfillment is found somewhere else? Find out in our story “Your Hero’s Journey: The Key to Unlocking Meaning in Your Life.” 

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Professor Al-Khalili is a theoretical physicist at the University of Surrey, as well as a prominent author and broadcaster. Jim has written 14 popular books about science translated into 26 different languages. His latest book, The Joy of Science, applies the principles of science to our daily lives. Jim is a regular presenter of science documentaries, and he hosts the long-running weekly BBC Radio 4 programme, The Life Scientific.

On this episode of the Templeton Ideas podcast, Jim explores the intersection of quantum mechanics and biology, the enduring mystery of the origin of life, and reflects on his journey as a science communicator.

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Dr. Jimmy Lin is a cancer genomics researcher and entrepreneur who founded The Rare Genomics Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to aiding patients and families affected by rare diseases. He also currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at Freenome, an AI genomics company, where he's developing a blood test to enable the early detection of colorectal cancer. Jimmy joins the podcast to discuss his experience mapping the cancer genome, his spiritual journey, and why he identifies as a 'scientific doxologist.'

Jeffrey Rosen is the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, where he hosts We the People, a weekly podcast of constitutional debate. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic. He was previously the legal affairs editor of The New Republic and a staff writer for The New Yorker. Rosen’s new book is The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.

On this episode of the Templeton Ideas podcast, Jeff joins David Nassar, vice president of Strategic Engagement at the John Templeton Foundation, to delve into the influence of classical writers on the Founding Fathers, why virtue, defined as self-mastery, self-regulation, and the pursuit of the public good, is essential for the survival of a republic, and to reflect on the resurgence of interest in Stoic philosophy, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Dr. VanderWeele is the Director of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program and Co-Director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion. He holds degrees in mathematics, philosophy, theology, finance, and biostatistics from the University of Oxford, University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard University. Tyler’s research spans epidemiology, the science of happiness and human flourishing, and the study of religion and health. Tyler’s latest book, A Theology of Health: Wholeness and Human Flourishing, explores the concept of health and well-being from a more holistic perspective, including the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of humanity. Tyler joins the podcast to explain what it means to be healthy, and the difference between the health of the human body and the health of a whole person.

Could our spiritual and religious practices be as critical to our health as diet and exercise? Find out in our story “When Therapists Prescribe Prayer”

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Dr. Mona Siddiqui is a professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, as well as an Assistant Principal for Religion and Society. Her research interests include Islamic jurisprudence, ethics and Christian-Muslim relations. Among her many publications, she has published books exploring gratitude, hospitality, and faith. Dr. Siddiqui is a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, holds six honorary doctorates, and is a frequent commentator on BBC Radio. Mona joins the podcast to discuss the importance of hospitality as a facet of spiritual life, the impact of the pandemic on our ability to practice hospitality, and her advice for cultivating gratitude and hope.

Maggie Jackson is an author and journalist known for her pioneering writings on social trends, particularly technology's impact on humanity. Her essays, commentary, and books have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, LA Times, New Philosopher, and National Public Radio. Maggie’s work explores the travails facing modern society, including the steep cost of our tech-centric, attention-deficient modern lives. Her latest book is Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. Maggie joins the podcast to explain why we should rethink our attitudes on uncertainty, how uncertainty and curiosity are related, and the potential applications of uncertainty for artificial intelligence.

Dr. Alison Gopnik is a professor of psychology and affiliate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. She is particularly well-known for her studies of babies and young children, and how their minds can help us unlock deep philosophical questions. This week, Alison joins the podcast to discuss flaws in our popular understanding of children and babies, the connection between children and awe, and how caregiving contributes to a meaningful life. Dr. Alison Gopnik is the author of several popular books, including The Philosophical Baby, The Scientist in the Crib, and The Gardner and the Carpenter. 

Ross Douthat is a New York Times columnist who writes about religion, society, and moral values. He is also the author of several thought-provoking books, including Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics, and a memoir of his personal struggle with a debilitating sickness, The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery. His latest book is Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. Ross joins the podcast to discuss how decadence is shaping society and whether religion has a vibrant future.

Why do so many people pray? Does it really work? And if so, in what way?

Explore these questions and more in an essay by psychologist Frank Fincham, “What Can Science Say About the Study of Prayer?”

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Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela is a professor and influential former member of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was created to address the injustices of apartheid. She was awarded the 2024 Templeton Prize for her insight into trauma and forgiveness in post-apartheid South Africa. She also developed a model for social healing in the aftermath of conflict, which she calls “the reparative quest.”

Her award-winning book A Human Being Died That Night recounts her conversations with Eugene de Kock, the former commander of state-sanctioned death squads, and she builds a case for the possibility of remorse, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Pumla joins the podcast to explain why we can’t just “forgive and forget” and how her encounters with Eugene DeKock led her to develop the concept of “the reparative quest.” 

How can we learn to view someone who has hurt us as not a monster, but a human being? Find out in our story: “Beyond Forgiveness: The Reparative Quest in South Africa”

Dr. Kevin Mitchell is an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College in Dublin. His research focuses on understanding the wiring of the brain and how it relates to variation in human faculties, especially to psychiatric and neurological disease. Kevin’s latest book tackles a longstanding philosophical debate and makes bold new claims. It is entitled Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will. Kevin joins the podcast to discuss how natural selection could have favored the development of agency and free will in humans and other complex organisms, and how consciousness provides major advantages in the natural world.

Dr. Sara Algoe is social psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she directs the Emotions and Social Interactions in Relationships Laboratory. She also founded and directs The Love Consortium, a community of scholars who collaborate to advance the field. Sara’s expertise spans emotions, relationships, and health psychology, and she has studied the dynamics of social interactions in friendships, romantic couples, and coworkers. Sara joins the podcast to explain the difference between love and gratitude, describe the features of a loving person, and unpack the impact of technology on the landscape of love.

Dr. David Sloan Wilson is an evolutionary biologist and professor emeritus at Binghamton University. During his career, David started the Evolutionary Studies program at Binghamton to unify diverse disciplines under the theory of evolution. He also co-founded the Evolution Institute, advanced multilevel selection theory, and is a prominent proponent of group selection in evolution. David joins the podcast to discuss the theory of group selection, the advantages of ultra-social “super organisms,” and why it’s important to create an alignment between the way that we think about spirituality intellectually and the way we feel it experientially.

Dr. Larry Temkin is a moral philosopher at Rutgers University. His four-decade career in ethics, social, and political philosophy has regularly focused on questions of human inequality. His newest book, Being Good in a World of Need, reveals that many of our efforts to help the world’s neediest people fall woefully short of our expectations. Larry joins the podcast to explain why we may need to rethink how to do good in the world.

To build a better society, what are the best opportunities and respective roles for the non-profit, for-profit, and government sectors? Find out in our new story by Alene Dawson, entitled “Pursuing the Good.”

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Eboo Patel is a civic leader, author, and Founder of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Eboo served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, has given hundreds of keynote speeches, and has written several books. His most recent book, We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy, argues for the necessity of institution-building for those of us dedicated to refounding America as a just and inclusive democracy. Eboo joins the podcast to discuss the roots of his own love-based activism, how social change actually works, and why so many influential social activists have been people of faith. 

Tanya Luhrmann is a professor of anthropology at Stanford University. Her work focuses on the edge of experience: voices, visions, and the world of the supernatural. From Chicago to London, and from India to Ghana, she has studied Zoroastrians, Evangelical Christians, Orthodox Jews, and people who practice magic. Two of her notable books include When God Talks Back and How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others. Tanya joins the podcast to discuss how people cultivate relationships with the divine in their everyday lives.

Why is God imperceptible to some people, but not others? Could God really be speaking to some, but remain silent to others? To explore this mystery, check out our essay by Joshua Moritz, entitled “Waiting on the Invisible God.”

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Dr. Talithia Williams is a mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd College, where she develops statistical models and applies them to environmental and social problems. Author of the book, Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics, Williams is known for taking sophisticated quantitative concepts and making them relatable to everyone, a skill which she illustrates in her TED Talk, “Own Your Body’s Data.” Talithia joins the podcast to talk about the rebel women of mathematics, the relevance of statistics in everyday life, and her view that God is a mathematician. 

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How much awe and wonder do you experience in your life? From the John Templeton Foundation, the Templeton Ideas podcast explores the most awe-inspiring ideas in our world, diving deep into conversations with the people who investigate them. Hosts Thomas Burnett and Abby Ponticello sit down with inspiring thinkers like Alison Gopnik, Dacher Keltner, and Gretchen Rubin to discuss how their investigations have transformed their lives… and how they may transform yours.

Dr. De Cruz is a philosophy professor and Danforth Chair of Humanities at Saint Louis University. Helen holds doctorate degrees in philosophy as well as archaeology and art studies. Her research attempts to understand why humans engage in philosophy, religious reflection, mathematics, science, and art. She explores these themes in her new book Wonderstruck: How Wonder and Awe Shape the Way We Think. Helen joins the podcast to explain why activities like art, music, and spirituality are nearly universal among humans, even though they don’t seem necessary for survival.  

Did the recent solar eclipse inspire awe in you? Discover the inspiring accounts of scientists and amateur astronomers in our article “The Value of a Dark Night Sky: Stargazing, Splendor & Science.”

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Dr. David DeSteno is a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, where he also runs the Social Emotions Group. Throughout his career, Dave has studied the ways in which emotions guide decisions and behaviors fundamental to social living. On his podcast, How God Works, Dave explores the science behind spirituality, specifically considering what we can learn from the careful study of spiritual practices. Dave joins the podcast to discuss how religion “scooped” his scientific findings by thousands of years, why religious rituals are so effective, and what he believes we can gain by talking about science and religion together.

Rabbi Held is a theologian, scholar, and educator. Named as one of the most influential rabbis in America, he is the President, Dean, and Chair in Jewish Thought at the Hadar Institute, which he co-founded in 2006 in New York City. He is the author of several books, including a biography of Abraham Joshua Heschel; and The Heart of the Torah, a collection of essays on the Hebrew Bible. His newest book is entitled Judaism is about love: Recovering the heart of Jewish life. Shai joins the podcast to discuss his family's complex relationship with Jewish tradition, the centrality of love in Judaism, and his advice for people feeling overwhelmed by societal challenges. 

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Liane Young is a professor at Boston College, where she directs the Morality Lab, which explores concepts like virtue, social norms, identity, and belief formation. Dr. Young’s current research focuses on theory of mind and emotions in moral judgment and behavior. Her insights and findings have appeared in The New York Times, NPR, and more.

On this episode of the Templeton Ideas podcast, Liane joins Ben Carlson, director of strategic communication at the John Templeton Foundation, to explore why morality can be described as a moving target, the factors that influence moral judgements, and the role of intentions in everyday interactions.

Want to learn more about curiosity? Check out our story Curiosity Has Two Faces by Annelise Jolley on Templeton Ideas. 

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Dr. Shep Doeleman is a professor at the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard and the Smithsonian, where he studies supermassive black holes. He is the Director of the Event Horizon Telescope, a global array of radio observatories that produced the first-ever image of a black hole. He also leads Harvard’s Black Hole Initiative, which aims to establish black hole science as a new field of study. Shep joins the podcast to discuss his adventures in Antarctica, how you produce an image of an invisible object, and how his international collaboration gives him hope for humanity.

Interested in learning more about black holes? Watch our speaker series, "The Story Behind the First Image of a Black Hole," featuring Dr. Shep Doeleman and Dr. Peter Galison on Templeton Ideas.

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Dr. Jennifer Wiseman is an astrophysicist and Director Emeritus of the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program. Among her many scientific accomplishments, Dr. Wiseman discovered the Wiseman-Skiff comet. She joins the Templeton Ideas podcast to discuss her journey from the Ozarks to the edges of the universe, and the pure delight of space exploration.

Dr. Shannon Vallor is a professor at the University of Edinburgh, where she serves as chair of the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Her research explores how new technologies, especially AI, robotics, and data science, reshape human character, habits, and practices. She also advises policymakers and industry on the ethical design and use of AI. Her latest book, The AI Mirror: Reclaiming Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking, argues that AI can be a tool to enhance our humanity, not replace it.

Shannon joins the podcast to discuss artificial intelligence, both what it is and what it could be if we step back and rethink what technology is for. 

Are you curious about artificial intelligence? Don't miss out on our story "Predicting and Controlling Bad Actor Artificial Intelligence" by Alene Dawson on Templeton Ideas.

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Dr. Robert Hazen is a mineralogist and astrobiologist based at the Carnegie Institution’s Geophysical Laboratory and George Mason University. His research interests focus on life’s origins, mineral evolution, and mineral ecology. Hazen, who also had a 40-year career as a professional trumpeter, has authored more than 400 articles and 25 books on science, history, and music. Robert joins the podcast to discuss the co-evolution of life and minerals, the stories rocks can tell us if we learn to read them properly, and why humans are drawn to the search for life outside of our planet.

Dr. Walker is an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist at Arizona State University, where she explores the origins of life, artificial life, and the detection of life on other worlds. At ASU, she has built a highly interdisciplinary research program and leads one of the largest theory groups in origins of life and astrobiology internationally. Her latest book Life as No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence proposes an answer to the age-old question, “What is life?” Sara joins the podcast to explain how the search for alien life is related to the origins of life and whether we are more likely to find microbes on other planets or intelligent life. 

Can minerals provide clues in the search for the origins of life? Find out in our story: “Nine Ways to Make a Diamond” by Nate Barksdale on Templeton Ideas. 

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Dr. Sarah Schnitker is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University. She studies character development and virtue formation in young people, specializing in the study of patience, self-control, gratitude, generosity, and thrift. Sarah joins the podcast to discuss the role of patience in our society, the difference between patience and passivity, and how narrative identity shapes our experiences — including her own experience with chronic illness. 

Dr. Meghan Sullivan is an ethics professor at the University of Notre Dame. Her research examines the ways philosophy contributes to a good life and the best methods for cultivating philosophical thought. Her latest book, The Good Life Method, is based on her wildly popular introductory philosophy course called “God and the Good Life”. The book invites us to question our priorities, explore the underpinnings of virtue, and ask what commitments we should make to lead a meaningful life. Meghan joins the podcast to discuss if studying philosophy can actually make you a better person.

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Dr. Nick Holton earned his doctorate in educational psychology from Michigan State University. After years of formal classroom teaching, he has expanded his efforts to work with schools, athletes, and leaders from around the world to enhance their performance and well-being. He is the Co-Founder of The Anti-fragile Academy and co-hosts the podcast FlourishFM, sponsored by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. 

Nick joins the podcast to explain that true human flourishing requires us to take on difficult challenges, experience adversity, and discover a sense of meaning and purpose to guide our growth.

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Dr. Philip Goff is an associate professor of philosophy at Durham University, who researches philosophy of mind and consciousness with a specific focus on how to integrate consciousness into a scientific worldview. His popular book, Galileo’s Error, posits the theory of panpsychism as a plausible explanation for human consciousness. Philip joins the podcast to discuss his lifelong struggle with the problem of consciousness, the relationship between panpsychism and physics, and why he believes there is good philosophical reason to be optimistic about the future of our world.

David Goyer is a screenwriter, director, and producer best known for his role in films like Blade, Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight trilogy, in which he redefined superhero storytelling. Goyer has also brought Isaac Asimov’s iconic Foundation novels to television and introduced science-infused, thought-provoking narratives to the big screen. With decades of experience in Hollywood, he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. Goyer joins the podcast to discuss the fine line between being a hero and being a villain. 

Through books and film, we hear the stories of fascinating characters whose lives take many twists and turns. But if you were the subject of a film, how would you narrate your life? To find out more, check out our essay: “Your Hero’s Journey: The Key to Unlocking Meaning in Your Life”

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Dr. Dacher Keltner is a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley and the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. He also hosts a podcast called The Science of Happiness. Dacher has written over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.

Dacher joins the podcast to discuss his personal experiences with awe, how awe relates to life and death, and the many ways people can cultivate awe in their daily lives.

Have YOU ever gazed at the stars and felt humbled? Our story "What Stars and Saints Reveal About Awe" explains why. Read it here. 

Producer's note: This episode marks the debut of the Templeton Ideas podcast, originally released in March 2023. We're re-releasing it for our new listeners and for those who have been with us from the start. We hope you enjoy it.

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Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is a professor of Economic Psychology at the London School of Economics. His research explores the processes that underlie culture and social change, as well as what makes humans so distinctive from other animals. Michael’s latest book is entitled A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going. Michael joins the podcast to discuss the four fundamental laws of life that govern every human society and form of life.

Have you ever grown weary of the status quo and wondered what it might be like to live in a different era or place in human history? If this is you, check out our story: Çatalhöyük: A City of Gardeners, Hippies, and Home Decorators, Circa 7000 BC

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Dr. Nagasawa is a global scholar who specializes in the philosophy of religion. After academic positions on three continents, in Australia, Canada, and the U.K., Yujin is now the Kingfisher College Chair of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at the University of Oklahoma. He has published two new books this year– Global Dialogues in the Philosophy of Religion and The Problem of Evil for Atheists. Yujin joins the podcast to explain just why the problem of evil is so perplexing, not just for people who believe in God, but also for people who don’t. 

Learn more about how philosophy tackles big questions in our article Philosophy vs Science: Just What CAN You Establish From The Comfort of Your Armchair? on Templeton Ideas. 

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Dr. Tara Isabella Burton is an author of both fiction and nonfiction, whose works have appeared in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more. Her new book Self-Made: Curating Our Image from Da Vinci to the Kardashians explores self-makers throughout history who’ve set themselves apart from conventional society, from Renaissance geniuses to Instagram stars. Tara received her doctorate in theology from Oxford in 2017. Tara joins the podcast to discuss self-making in contemporary society, the definition of dandyism, and the mysterious “it factor” associated with both modern and historical celebrities.

Tyler Cowen is a professor of economics at George Mason University and serves as the director of the Mercatus Center. A dedicated writer and communicator of economic ideas, Tyler hosts the popular blog Marginal Revolution, and the podcast Conversations with Tyler. He is also the author of several bestselling books, including The Great Stagnation, Stubborn Attachments, and Talent. His latest project is a generative book entitled GOAT: Who is the Greatest Economist of all Time and Why Does it Matter? Tyler joins the podcast to share his ideas on education, economics, and progress as well as the potential of artificial intelligence and the importance of humility in politics.

What did you think of this episode? Let us know with a rating and a review!

Still curious? https://www.templeton.org/news is where you can find the latest stories from our grantees, our staff, and contributing writers from around the world.  

Join the conversation on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.         

What did you think of this episode? Let us know with a rating and a review!

Still curious? https://www.templeton.org/news is where you can find the latest stories from our grantees, our staff, and contributing writers from around the world. 

Join the conversation on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Bill Courtney is a football coach and entrepreneur who is widely known for his role in the Oscar-winning documentary Undefeated. In this special episode, we pull back the curtain on Bill’s experience coaching football at Manassas High School in Memphis Tennessee, and reveal what “building character” truly means.

Gretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and podcaster who is well-known for thought-provoking investigations into happiness and human nature. Gretchen joins the podcast to discuss how she became a writer, the books and spiritual teachers that have inspired her, and how a case of pink eye led her to investigate the human senses. Gretchen's new book, Life in Five Senses, is available on April 18th. 

David Brooks is a political and cultural commentator who has written an Opinion column for the New York Times for two decades. His essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and more. He is also the author of several books, including “The Social Animal,” “The Road to Character,” and “The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life.” David’s newest book, “How to Know a Person” is a practical guide to fostering deeper connections at home, work, and throughout our lives. David joins the podcast to discuss the social and relational crisis in our society, why it’s better to be an illuminator than a diminisher, and his practical advice on how we can become better people.

Dr. Reich is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. His lab analyzes the DNA of ancient human remains to better understand major human migration patterns, adaptations, and population mixing throughout prehistoric and more recent eras. David’s book, Who We Are and How We Got Here, explores the deep history of humanity and how the discoveries of ancient DNA challenge the popular stories we tell about the past. David joins the podcast to explain why every human outside of Africa has some Neanderthal ancestry and how human migration patterns for tens of thousands of years have reshuffled populations and cultures over millennia. 

Did you know that no two people will ever develop the same way? Find out why in our story: The Trillion Terrible—or Terrific—Typos in Your Brain

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Dr. Ethan Kross is a psychologist, author, and professor at the University of Michigan, where he is the founder and director of the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory. His research focuses on emotional regulation and the benefits of mastering one’s inner voice. Ethan is the author of international bestseller Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It. Ethan joins the podcast to discuss the advantages and potential pitfalls of introspection, the relationship between goal-setting and self-control, and why all emotions are useful if experienced in the right dosages.

Olga Khazan is an author and staff writer at The Atlantic, where she publishes stories on health, social science, psychology, and other thought-provoking topics. In 2020, she published her first book, Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World, which draws on her experiences as both an immigrant and a natural introvert. Olga’s latest book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change, chronicles her year-long personal experiment to reshape her personality. Olga joins the podcast to discuss how she intentionally became more extroverted and how becoming a parent can change our personalities. 

Does being a parent make you miserable, happy, or is that the wrong question entirely? Explore these ideas and more in an essay by psychologist Kendra Thomas entitled “Parenting is About Hope, Not Happiness.”

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