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The Examined Mind

The Examined Mind

A BBC radio collection exploring the history, philosophy and science of self-help

Summary

This collection brings together history, science, philosophy and comedy to explore our age-old search for meaning. We live in an age of self-improvement and self-examination - lifehacking, wellbeing, self-care, mindfulness retreats - but this seemingly very modern phenomenon is a pursuit that dates back for millennia.

Join comedian Robin Ince to explore how the ancient Greeks aimed to get happier, healthier and richer.
Will Self asks some of Britain's key scientists, philosophers and faith leaders to share their conclusions on the meaning of our existence.
Historian Kate Williams investigates the Grandfather of Self-Help, Samuel Smiles' 1859 book Self Help, and its lasting influence.
In 'Hell is Other People', performer Byron Vincent attempts to overcome his paralysing fear of social situations.
Emma Barnett traces the multi-billion dollar mindfulness industry to its Buddhist roots to discover whether it's just another health fad.
Comedian Felicity Ward tries to solve her mental health issues, one app at a time.
Sian Williams presents a practical guide to boosting brain power through exercise, relaxation, stimulation, sleep and diet.

From the ancient Greeks to the present day and even into the future, The Examined Mind provides an unique insight into our constant quest to be better people.

About the authors

Robin Ince

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Kate Williams

Kate Williams is an author, social historian and broadcaster. She fell in love with history whilst studying for her BA and DPhil at the University of Oxford and has MAs from Queen Mary and Royal Holloway. She is a Professor of History and appears regularly on television – she recently presented The Stuarts, is the in-house historian and royal expert for CNN, and has appeared on programmes from The Great British Bake Off to election coverage and comedy panel shows. She has written five historical biographies and a series of historical novels, and loves nothing more than a spending her time in dusty archives.
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Byron Vincent

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Emma Barnett

Emma Barnett is an award-winning broadcaster and journalist. She was named Interviewer of the Year for 2022 at the British Journalism awards and is a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today Programme, as well as hosting TV interviews and documentaries across the BBC. She has presented programmes that include Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4 and Newsnight. She also presented a global interviews programme on Bloomberg TV, interviewing international figures from across the world of politics, sport, entertainment and technology.

Emma pens a bi-weekly newspaper column for the i, and was previously a columnist for the Sunday Times and the Daily Telegraph, where she was also the Women’s Editor. After the birth of her first child, she wrote Period: It’s about Bloody Time, her first book.

Emma grew up in Manchester, and now lives in London with her husband and their two children.
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Will Self

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Felicity Ward

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