The Ethical Life

Episode 129: There was a time, not all that long ago, when most Americans in their 20s did several things — often in quick succession. They got married, started a family, joined a church, bought a house and subscribed to the local newspaper. Once that checklist was complete, you were clearly an adult. Today, however, things aren’t nearly so simple. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada tal...

Episode 128: There are ongoing talks about what can be done to better secure the southern border. And although almost everyone thinks this is an important topic, few expect any federal legislation on this issue before the election. The hosts look at the ethics that help frame the debate and what responsibility the federal government has to its citizens and those who want to immigrate here. 

Episode 127:  We live in a country of laws, but it seems there are certain laws that aren’t enforced in consistent and substantial ways. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss three areas — chronic school absenteeism, traffic safety and shoplifting — where it seems that there isn't as much enforcement as there used to be. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: Ski...

Episode 126: Whether it’s issues about health, money or family, life can give us plenty to worry about. And like many things in life, it’s probably not a bad thing in moderation. But for many people, excessive worry and anxiety can be paralyzing. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss why this can be a bigger problem for certain people, and they share solutions that can help people...

Episode 125: It’s impossible to go through life without feeling like someone has wronged us. Some of these offenses can be minor, while others are much more serious. Either way, we’re told, forgiving those who have harmed us has real physical and psychological benefits.  Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss about why forgiving others can be so important, and why empathy and sincerity play key...

Episode 124: We live in a world where people have the ability to learn more about nearly any subject that piques their interest. Even if the topic you’re curious about is uncommon, it’s likely that you’ll uncover some information about it in a dusty corner of the internet. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about why curiosity is an under-appreciated virtue and what we can to foster this behav...

Episode 123: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada are off this week, so we looked back though our show archives and are sharing four of our favorite ethical dilemmas from the past year. Topics include whether to help a stranger in emotional distress and what to say if the table next to you at a restaurant has unruly children. About the hosts:  Scott Rada  is social media manager with Lee Enterprises,...

Episode 122: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada are joined by special guest Lawrence Eppard of the " Utterly Moderate Podcast " to make predictions for 2024. Topics include the conflict in the Middle East, the 2024 election and advances in technology. In addition, Kyte and Rada review their forecast for 2023 to see how many of their prognostications came true. About the hosts:  Scott Rada  is socia...

Episode 121: Christmas is almost here, and this is the time of the year most people are nostalgic for the past. And if you need some convincing, simply listen to how often memories of past gatherings are referenced in popular Christmas songs. As many of us get ready to gather with family this month, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about whether we should focus on making new memories or can...

Episode 120:  At a time when there is little in common between the political parties, it seems most people agree that we need better candidates running for office. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss whether a more-knowledgeable electorate would encourage better-qualified people to run for office, and if paying our politicians more is part of the answer. Links to stories discussed during the...

Episode 119: As computers get smarter and learn more about us, they’re also being built to be funnier. And unlike your friends, who use humor to build stronger relationships, the motives of these digital devices are less clear. Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about the health benefits of laughter, how what's funny has changed over the past several years and why a sense of humor can be an imp...

Episode 118: A recent article in The Atlantic by Hannah Seo says that our relationships to the Earth and our relationships with each other are deeply intertwined. Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss why this might be true and what we can do to help strengthen our ties to the Earth and to each other. About the hosts:   Scott Rada  is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte...

Episode 117: We are in the middle of Thanksgiving week, which means two things — platters of turkey followed by the start of the hectic holiday shopping season. And although cellphones, televisions and computers are certain to be on many Christmas lists this year, most consumers seem resigned to the fact that these and other costly and complicated gadgets are nearly impossible to repair. There hav...

Episode 116: It’s not very often that a book about philosophy has people talking, but the recent publication of “Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will” by Robert M. Sapolsky is an exception. The argument made by Sapolsky, a professor of biology of Stanford University, is remarkable simple: none of us are in control or responsible for the decisions we make. This is not, as you might think...

Episode 115:  Last month, Marc Andreessen published a column he titled the “Techno-Optimist Manifesto.” Andreesen, who was the cofounder of Netscape in the 1990s and later became a wealthy investor in numerous tech companies, argues that civilization was built on technology, and that, "Technology is the glory of human ambition and achievement, the spearhead of progress, and the realization of our...

Episode 114: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss why some people are naturally better at connecting with people and what we can learn from them. Later, they review tactics when we encounter rudeness in our everyday lives. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: How to be surprisingly likable , by Jason Feifer 5 stoic tips for handling rude people , by Daily Storic About the hosts:   S...

Episode 113: Health experts have said for years that excessive noise can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. But unlike other health risks, it’s not a topic that’s widely discussed. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss what can be done to make people think of excessive noise as much more than simply a nuisance? Links to stories discussed during the podcast: Finding a quiet place is tough...

Episode 112: If you’re not already familiar with the term surge pricing, it’s likely you’ll hear a lot more about it soon. Simply put, it’s when businesses identify times when there is a high demand for their products or services — whether an Uber ride or a pint of beer — and raise prices. Anyone who has taken am introductory economics course learns that when supply of something is low and the dem...

Episode 111:  Not so long ago, many of our K-12 schools were hoping parents would pay more attention to what was going on in the classroom. Too often, it seemed, parent-teacher conferences were not well attended, PTA groups were struggling and school board elections were all but forgotten about. Recently, however, there has been a major shift in our nation, as the parental-rights movement has caus...

Episode 110:  Countless studies have shown that there has been a steep drop in adult friendships over the past decade, and this decline is more serious that it might first sound. Research shows that being lonely can have negative effects on public health, and has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day . Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss what's behind this trend and what can be done t...

Episode 109: A competitive race for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates has been in the spotlight since it was revealed that the Democratic candidate, Susanna Gibson, had streamed sex acts with her husband. As first reported by The Washington Post, the couple appeared on the website Chaturbate , on which they urged viewers to give the couple “tips” to perform certain crowd-sourced requests....

Episode 108: Earlier this month, ESPN reported that 11,000 runners were disqualified after they were found to have cut at least part of the 26.2-mile course at a marathon in Mexico City. They weren’t running for big cash prizes, but that didn’t stop about a third of runners from cheating. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada examine what motivates people to be dishonest, whether in sports, in the cla...

Episode 107: A recent study looked at what the best places to live in America have in common. It found that people seem to thrive when inequality is low; when landownership is widespread; when social connection is high; and when corruption and violence are rare. Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about which steps can be taken to boost the social connectivity of our cities and towns, and why ru...

Episode 106: Across our nation, millions of students are heading back to colleges and universities, but there is plenty of disagreement about whether those degrees will help prepare young people for the work force. Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how different generations view the workplace and what responsibilities schools have in preparing students for the future. Links to stories discussed...

Episode 105: We talk a lot about diversity in this country, and while many Americans seem to like the idea of having a country that is welcoming, most of us still choose to spend most our time with people who are a lot like ourselves. And this is especially apparent when it comes to class. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss why far too many people are comfortable in discriminating against p...