Why is forgiving others so important?

Episode 125: It’s impossible to go through life without feeling like someone has wronged us. Some of these offenses can be minor, while others are much more serious. Either way, we’re told, forgiving those who have harmed us has real physical and psychological benefits.  Hosts Richard Kyte and Sco…

What can we do to encourage curiosity?

Episode 124: We live in a world where people have the ability to learn more about nearly any subject that piques their interest. Even if the topic you’re curious about is uncommon, it’s likely that you’ll uncover some information about it in a dusty corner of the internet. Hosts Richard Kyte and S…

What would you do if you faced these four ethical dilemmas?

Episode 123: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada are off this week, so we looked back though our show archives and are sharing four of our favorite ethical dilemmas from the past year. Topics include whether to help a stranger in emotional distress and what to say if the table next to you at a resta…

We make six bold predictions for 2024

Episode 122: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada are joined by special guest Lawrence Eppard of the "Utterly Moderate Podcast" to make predictions for 2024. Topics include the conflict in the Middle East, the 2024 election and advances in technology. In addition, Kyte and Rada review their forecast f…

Why is nostalgia so strong around Christmastime?

Episode 121: Christmas is almost here, and this is the time of the year most people are nostalgic for the past. And if you need some convincing, simply listen to how often memories of past gatherings are referenced in popular Christmas songs. As many of us get ready to gather with family this mont…

Would we have stronger candidates if we had more-informed voters?

Episode 120: At a time when there is little in common between the political parties, it seems most people agree that we need better candidates running for office. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss whether a more-knowledgeable electorate would encourage better-qualified people to run for of…

How has technology changed what we think is funny?

Episode 119: As computers get smarter and learn more about us, they’re also being built to be funnier. And unlike your friends, who use humor to build stronger relationships, the motives of these digital devices are less clear. Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about the health benefits of lau…

Does a life in nature help us build stronger relationships?

Episode 118: A recent article in The Atlantic by Hannah Seo says that our relationships to the Earth and our relationships with each other are deeply intertwined. Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss why this might be true and what we can do to help strengthen our ties to the Earth and to each…

Do consumers have the right to repair what they purchase?

Episode 117: We are in the middle of Thanksgiving week, which means two things — platters of turkey followed by the start of the hectic holiday shopping season. And although cellphones, televisions and computers are certain to be on many Christmas lists this year, most consumers seem resigned to t…

How much free will do we really have in life?

Episode 116: It’s not very often that a book about philosophy has people talking, but the recent publication of “Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will” by Robert M. Sapolsky is an exception. The argument made by Sapolsky, a professor of biology of Stanford University, is remarkable simpl…