Lives Well Lived

ELLEN LANGER says you need to question everything

Lives Well Lived

Show Notes

Ellen Langer is an influential American psychologist and social scientist who bridges mindfulness, aging, health, and decision-making. Dr. Langer's insights challenge conventional views on aging, health, and personal capabilities, promoting a more mindful and engaged approach to life & happiness. Ellen emphasises the importance of active engagement and choice, and how our beliefs and perceptions can significantly affect physical health.

Learn more about Ellen and read her books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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More from Lives Well Lived

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Ryan Holiday explains how he discovered Stoicism and why its ideas continue to resonate today, particularly when confronting death, adversity, parenting and uncertainty. They explore memento mori as a practice for becoming more present and grateful, while distinguishing Stoic acceptance from fatalism. Kasia also reflects on how cancer led her to Stoicism as a way of managing fear and finding emotional balance.

Aug 20, 2026

Michael Pollan is on the podcast to discuss some of life’s biggest and strangest questions: is our food making us sick, can psychedelics unlock hidden dimensions of consciousness? are plants intelligent? and could AI ever truly wake up?

Aug 6, 2026

Sean Carroll explores the strange and fascinating world of quantum physics, unpacking concepts such as Schrödinger’s cat, the Copenhagen interpretation, and Everett’s many-worlds theory. He explains how quantum mechanics challenges our understanding of reality, and examines what the existence of multiple possible worlds could mean for our conception of the universe.

See all episodes →