The Missing Piece of the "Good Life" — with Dr. Lorraine Besser

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Recorded04 May 2026

Publisherfeed.podbean.com ↗

Handlerec:18246317

Show notes

You've built the life. You've checked the boxes. You've chased happiness and searched for meaning — and yet something still feels... off. In this episode, philosopher and professor Dr. Lorraine Besser joins us to talk about the missing third dimension of the good life: psychological richness. Drawing from her research and groundbreaking book The Art of the Interesting, Dr. Besser reveals why happiness and meaning alone aren't enough — and what it actually takes to live a fuller, more captivating life. We talk about why our plans might actually be limiting us, how to turn wasted moments into rich experiences, and the surprisingly simple mindset shift that can change everything — no new job, no sabbatical required. In this episode: What psychological richness is and why it matters How over-planning shrinks our capacity for interesting experiences The three things most correlated with a psychologically rich life: novelty, complexity, and challenge Why we should stop "seizing the day" and start engaging with it Practical ways to find interestingness in carpool lines, commutes, and everyday moments Connect with Dr. Lorraine Besser: Website: lorrainebesser.com Instagram: @lorbesser Book:The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a friend or take a quick second to leave a review where you’re listening. For real reflections, some of the most loved takeaways and a little spark to your inbox, subscribe to the newsletter.

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