The Arthur Brooks Show

When people say they love God, what do they actually mean? Are they merely describing a feeling? A physiological experience? Or something more? Arthur seeks answers to what’s happening in our hearts and in our brains when people express love for the divine. Featuring conversations with Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, and Curt Thompson, psychiatrist and expert on neuroscience and spiritual practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though seemingly straightforward, the question, “Do you love your country?” has taken on added significance in recent years. So what does it mean to love one’s country? And how should we love our country? Arthur takes a closer look at the debate over the appropriate places of patriotism and nationalism, and the virtues and vices of each. Featuring conversations with Brown University political science professor Prerna Singh, Georgetown University international affairs professor Paul Miller, and National Review editor Rich Lowry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s easy to love people who see the world in the same way that we do. But loving our enemies? That’s easier said than done. Arthur examines how former enemies learned to reconcile with one another, and how we can apply the lessons of love and reconciliation to modern political conflicts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By many measures, Americans have fewer friends and feel lonelier than ever before. Arthur explores the decline of intimate friendship in the U.S., the consequences of loneliness, and how we can build the kinds of friendships that we most deeply desire. Featuring conversations with Doug Nemecek, Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health at Cigna, Julia Bainbridge, host of The Lonely Hour podcast, and Vivek Murthy, former surgeon general of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices