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?” Join our growing community of 140,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today. Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Brian Greene (Ultimate Reality)
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.” Join our growing community of 45,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today. Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Tanya Luhrmann (Divine Encounter)
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.” Join our growing community of 45,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today. Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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David Goyer (Heroes)
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” Join our growing community of 45,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today. Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Meghan Sullivan (The Good Life)
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. Join our growing community of 45,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today. Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
The Templeton Ideas Podcast is a show about the most awe-inspiring ideas in our world and the people who investigate them. We sit down with thinkers like Gretchen Rubin, Ethan Kross, and David Brooks to explore how their work has transformed their lives — and how it may transform yours. These thoughtful conversations will take listeners on a journey through psychology, philosophy, physics, and more.
The Templeton Ideas Podcast is a project of the John Templeton Foundation.
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