Life Lab

David Ponder and Zach Schaefer

Experiment With Life. That is the essence of Life Lab, a weekly podcast that discusses life lessons in a very conversational way. We give listeners simple ways to make positive change in their lives, and most of our shows are organized around principles to live “the good life.” We end each episode with Change Challenges that come from the “teach a person to fish” philosophy. Each episode also weaves together a patchwork of knowledge and stories from diverse sources and topics. You might learn what rapper 50 Cent has in common with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, how Pink Floyd can improve your time management, and how Charlie Sheen can teach you to be a better negotiator. We use history, current events, and futuristic visions to understand who we are as humans and how we live. The goal of Life Lab is growth, so sit down, plug in, and spark your development. read less

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Episode 113: Entertainment

Episode 113: Entertainment

Stories, plays, books, movies, games, sports, toys, hobbies... the list goes on. There are many things we seek provide us amusement. Is there a difference between passive and interactive forms? Are we seeking escape, inspiration, or something else? Join us as we discuss entertainment.

Episodes

Episode 113: Entertainment

Episode 113: Entertainment

Stories, plays, books, movies, games, sports, toys, hobbies... the list goes on. There are many things we seek provide us amusement. Is there a difference between passive and interactive forms? Are we seeking escape, inspiration, or something else? Join us as we discuss entertainment.

Episode 112: Luxury

Episode 112: Luxury

In this episode, we take a journey takes us through the “finer things” and their historical evolution and its varied meanings across cultures. We probe the allure of luxury, examining how it can symbolize success and artistry, but it can also aggrandize consumption. Join us as we dissect the layers of luxury, challenging ourselves to understand its role in our lives and society, and recognizing that true luxury may lie in balanced, meaningful experiences.

Episode 111: Kids

Episode 111: Kids

What does it feel like to see the world through the eyes of a child? To have a sense of wonder, and pure joy in newly experiencing the simplest of things? In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to our own childhoods, exploring the memories and experiences that shaped us. We reflect on how we get the unique opportunity to revisit this world of wonder anew as parents, witnessing our children as they encounter life's marvels for the first time. Join us as we revisit the magic of being a kid..

Episode 110: Intimacy

Episode 110: Intimacy

What does it mean to truly connect with another person on a deeper level? How does deep connection manifest in our relationships, and how can it lead us towards a path of self-discovery and mutual understanding? In what ways does exploring this connection enrich our lives and the bonds we share with others? Join us as we discuss intimacy.

Episode 109: Extraterrestrial Life

Episode 109: Extraterrestrial Life

Is there life beyond our planet? When we gaze up at the vast expanse of the universe, the question lingers in our minds: Are we alone? The concept of extraterrestrial life has fascinated humans for centuries, igniting our imaginations and driving scientific inquiries. It's like a cosmic puzzle, waiting for the pieces to fall into place. Dive deep with us as we explore the mysteries and possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

Episode 108: Presence

Episode 108: Presence

Right now as you sit reading this, are you fully giving your attention to reading it? Where are you? Who are you with? Is there something else taking part of your attention? Another task? Something else you’re watching or listening to? A thought about something you did, or something you have yet to do? Join us as we discuss presence.

Episode 107: News

Episode 107: News

It's everywhere. Coming at you from your computer. From TVs everywhere. The radio. Have you heard about it? Do you believe it? I can't believe what they said about it. What is your opinion of it? Join us as we discuss the news.

Episode 106: Resistance Revisited

Episode 106: Resistance Revisited

Why do we procrastinate? If we know we should do something, why not just do it? Sometimes it’s because there’s a feeling. A negative feeling when we think of the thing that needs doing. It works like the force between two magnets with the same pole facing each other to push us away. Where does that force come from? Join us as we discuss resistance.

Episode 105: History

Episode 105: History

Many consider history to bee unimportant. Maybe it would be if it were just memorization of dates and events. But humans love stories and story-telling, and the best stories are at least rooted in the truth. “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana “History doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes.” - Mark Twain Join us as we discuss History

Episode 104: Tribalism

Episode 104: Tribalism

We believe humans long ago lived in groups, or tribes. Tribes still exist, but today they’re much different. They’re groups where you get your identities, beliefs, and emotions. You have loyalty to your groups, and hold them higher than the others you’re not a part of. Today we can be part of many tribes. We can belong to sports tribes, political tribes, religious tribes, geographical tribes, tribes tied to our identity, and others. Have you stopped to think about the tribes to which you belong? What about the conflict between your tribes and others? Join us as we discussed tribes.

Episode 103: Danger

Episode 103: Danger

When you have anxiety your heart rate will increase, tension builds in your muscles, and you may even hold your breath. Mainstream sociologists have said we live in one of the safest times in known history, so why are anti-anxiety medication sales at all time highs? Join us as we discuss Danger.

Episode 102: Personal Responsibility

Episode 102: Personal Responsibility

One of the great lessons of life as told by Spider Man is that with great power comes great responsibility. If that’s true, then how does it apply to all of our lives and the power we hold over ourselves? Join us as we discuss personal responsibility.

Episode 101: Narrative

Episode 101: Narrative

Stories are a powerful, uniquely human way of communicating. They bring order and meaning to our chaotic and nonsensical world. We're always looking for patterns and relationships to compare what we've experienced to what we have not, and stories give us that for new events and situations. It's curious how much we want others to hear our stories, to share our meaning, and to share our beliefs on the stories of events we haven't personally experienced. Join us as we discuss narrative.

Episode 100: Freedom

Episode 100: Freedom

We all want freedom for ourselves and others, right? Perhaps not unbounded freedom. If not unbounded then with what constraints? Who chooses those constraints? How are they enforced? Do you want everyone to have more or less ability to act, speak, or think without constraint? Join us as we discuss freedom.

Episode 99: Wisdom

Episode 99: Wisdom

Aware of it or not, we all benefit when we can find "a moderate course between extremes, a dynamic between knowledge and doubt, a sufficient detachment from the problem at hand". How can we find those things when our emotions and thoughts are anything but? Join us as we discuss wisdom.

Episode 98: Vitality

Episode 98: Vitality

Do you know anyone who seems to always be full of energy? Full of physical strength and mental vigor? Are you envious of them, or do you have it too? What feeds that drive? Join us as we discuss Vitality.

Episode 97: Hope

Episode 97: Hope

Do you have optimistic or pessimistic expectations? Do you have expectations and desires for a good future, or not? Do your expectations serve as a fuel for action or an excuse for inaction? Join us as we discuss hope.

Episode 96: Fairness

Episode 96: Fairness

"The world isn't fair.", said just about every parent ever, including ours to us. Why do unfair outcomes so seldom favor us? Certainly our viewpoint and biases don't impinge on our judgement of what's fair? Join us as we discuss fairness.

Episode 95: Altruism

Episode 95: Altruism

Are people are inherently good or bad? Even when doing good, are people selfish, and only doing it to make themselves feel good? Or, is that a feature of humanity (Feeling good helping others) and proof that people are good? Join us as we discuss Altruism.

Episode 94: Awe

Episode 94: Awe

When was the last time you were struck with a feeling of wonder? When did you last experience something that left you feeling blown away? How great was it? How indescribable? Join us as we discuss awe.