Ready Living Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Drawing on years of prescribing ‘books as medicine’ to people around the world, bibliotherapist Ella Berthoud reveals how bibliotherapy can offer comfort, insight, and a way forward through life’s many challenges. 

Central to her work is an unwavering belief in fiction’s transformative power. When reading a book deeply, whether alone in a quiet room, nestled in a dedicated reading nook, or even when on the move, reading allows us to step into another world and emerge changed.

Unlike nonfiction, which typically appeals to the conscious mind, fiction engages us at a deeper, subconscious level and invites us to become the characters we read about, experiencing both their joys and sorrows. In doing so, we change how we see ourselves and the world around us.

For a book to be therapeutic it needs to offer more than just a great story, Ella argues; it should also resonate with the reader’s personal circumstances and challenges. As a bibliotherapist, her recommendations span modern literature, enduring classics, poetry, and even graphic novels, each chosen with the unique needs of the reader in mind. 

She also highlights how children's and young adult books can hold real value for adult readers, noting that they contain profound stories worth engaging with even in later years.

While arguing that some books should be approached with caution – differentiating between content that is heavy yet ultimately meaningful versus unnecessarily hideous imagery that’s emotionally scarring – she notes the comfort fiction can provide in times of uncertainty.

In an age of near-constant digital distraction, she champions reading as a grounding practice that builds character, increases emotional intelligence, and even contributes to physical health. She suggests keeping a notebook to nurture a richer reading life amid the noise of modern life.

Whether someone is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic reader, she invites them to embrace reading as a profoundly personal, sensory, and meaningful act.

Ella is the co-author, along with Susan Elderkin, of The Novel Cure: An A to Z of Literary Remedies and The Story Cure: An A-Z of Books to Keep Kids Happy, Healthy and Wise. She also wrote The Art of Mindful Reading and 30 Second Literature: The 50 most important forms, genres and styles, each explained in half a minute.

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Award-winning Australian travel writer and author Louise Southerden has spent over two decades venturing to some of the most awe-inspiring corners of the planet, from canoeing in Madagascar and kayaking in the Arctic and Antarctica, to hiking in Nepal, and expedition-cruising in the Galapagos and the Russian Far East.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, she speaks about her fear of becoming trapped in a life that didn’t suit her and how freedom was a non-negotiable necessity.

She opens up about the profound impact her mother’s death had on her in her late twenties, describing the experience as one that stripped life down to its essentials. She recalls the clarity that followed and how everything unimportant suddenly fell away, becoming the catalyst to reimagine her life.

In a culture that encourages us to incessantly accumulate and consume, she found liberation in paring back. From traveling light with only a backpack to stripping her life down to the essentials, she embraced the power that often comes through simplicity.

She shares her thoughts on how freedom is about letting go of the expectations and assumptions that no longer serve us, and deliberately choosing to live differently in order to create a life rooted in curiosity and authenticity.

The most transformative journey she undertook was building and living in her own tiny house, which she recounted in the new book TINY: A memoir about love, letting go and a very small house. Constructed during the emotional turbulence of a relationship ending, her home became a literal and symbolic structure for embracing inner peace. 

Louise has been Australia's Travel Writer of the Year a record five times and won the Australian Society of Travel Writers’ Responsible Tourism Award six times. Her past travel stories and posts can be found on her blog No Impact Girl and her Facebook page. In addition to TINY, Louise is also the author of Surf's Up: The Girl's Guide to Surfing, Adventures on Earth, Japan: A working holiday guide, and A month of simple Sundays. Her tiny house has been featured on the international YouTube channel Living Big In A Tiny House. 

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In this Ready Living Podcast episode, Daniel J. Solove, one of the world’s foremost experts in privacy law and the #1 most cited law professor in the law and technology field, talks about technology’s impact on privacy, how the law often fails to adequately protect privacy, and what needs to be done to safeguard our personal privacy freedoms.

Dan challenges the traditional, narrow definitions of privacy and argues against what he calls “privacy essentialism”—the idea that privacy has clear, fixed boundaries. Instead, he proposes an approach that acknowledges the nuanced and evolving nature of privacy violations.

The way privacy is conceptualized, he explains, has profound implications for how laws are crafted, interpreted, and enforced. And unfortunately, he argues, the law too often falls short, particularly when it comes to addressing the impact of technology.

He describes how legislators and judges often get “brain freeze” when faced with cases involving technology, leading to a failure to recognize harms that should be apparent. Whether it’s the lack of a comprehensive federal privacy law in the U.S. or the messy patchwork of existing regulations, he paints a picture of a legal system struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change.

Dan explains how the design of technology—from social media algorithms to data collection tools—affects the choices people make about sharing their personal information. He notes that “control the design, control the decision,” highlighting how tech companies intentionally create platforms that encourage data sharing and polarizing content to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal well-being. Regulators, he argues, have been hesitant to address these design issues. 

He also raises alarm bells about the darker side of surveillance and the unprecedented power governments and corporations now wield through big data and artificial intelligence. With algorithms capable of analyzing vast amounts of personal data to draw highly detailed—and often biased—inferences, the potential for abuse is enormous. He warns that this level of surveillance could pave the way for authoritarian regimes to target dissenters and control populations, drawing chilling parallels to historical examples like Nazi Germany.

This episode is a must-listen for everyone who cares about privacy and the future of our society.

Dan is the Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor of Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the George Washington University Law School, and the founder of TeachPrivacy, a privacy and cybersecurity training company. He is the author of over 10 books and more than 100 articles; the #1 most cited law professor born after 1970, and the #1 most cited law professor in the law and technology field, having been cited in thousands of publications, excerpted in numerous casebooks, and discussed in many judicial opinions, including those by the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeal, district courts, and state supreme courts.

His newest book, On Privacy and Technology, comes out March 2025.

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What drives someone to pursue a Ph.D. in public health? For Kevin Cevasco, it all began with a story about a high schooler nearly dropping out to help pay his family’s rent during his mother’s medical treatment.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, Kevin recounts fascinating parallels from past outbreaks—like the Black Death in fourteenth century Europe and smallpox in the 1800s—to help us understand the various ways humans react to public health crises.

He looks at why people cling to misinformation in the face of evidence, why prevention efforts sometimes struggle to gain political support despite saving countless lives, and the important role cultural and religious leaders can play in advancing community health.

He also explains how public health efforts, from vaccination campaigns to better infrastructure, rely on proactive policies, adequate funding, and the trust of the communities they serve.

Kevin shares why studying patterns of disease isn’t just about medical data— it’s about people and their capacity to work together for the common good. He highlights the ways we can all contribute to a healthier and stronger society.

This episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of why public health matters and help see it as a shared responsibility.

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In a world often fractured by division, renowned architect Eddie Jones, founder of award-winning firm Jones Studio, offers a bold, transformative perspective of the border and challenges us to view it as a bridge between cultures, economies, and human experiences. Through architecture and a profound belief in the power of design, he illustrates how thoughtful infrastructure can reshape not just landscapes, but perceptions and lives.

Eddie’s vision for border architecture is rooted in the belief that design can transcend politics and foster shared humanity. His firm’s work on the Mariposa Land Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, exemplifies this philosophy. Inspired by "Border Lines," a poem by poet laureate Alberto Ríos, he began the design process by embracing the cultural duality of "Ambos Nogales," the name given to the twin cities of Nogales in Arizona and Nogales in Sorona, Mexico. Rather than defaulting to traditional symbols of division like barbed wire, the firm envisioned a port of entry where human dignity was central. They integrated open space and a garden to create a sense of welcome rather than distrust.

Beyond the symbolism, these innovations have real-world implications. Efficient and humane border design between the U.S. and Mexico plays a critical role in sustaining economic stability. Mariposa Land Port of Entry ceased being an economic choke point and became more of a passage that reflects the shared lives of those on both sides. Land Ports of Entry like Mariposa are a lifeline for the agriculture industry, particularly in Arizona, where produce shipments and labor depend on streamlined crossings. By reducing wait times and improving working conditions for thousands of migrant laborers, Jones Studio’s design enhances commerce and improves lives on both sides of the border. 

Eddie firmly believes that architects are uniquely positioned to solve complex societal problems. Trained at the intersection of art and engineering, they possess a rare blend of creative and analytical thinking that enables them to tackle multifaceted challenges. He points to their built-in capacity to think across disciplines, anticipate future needs, and balance human-centered solutions with practical constraints. He argues that the profession’s objective problem-solving abilities can bring fresh, innovative solutions to policy-making, and suggests that architects run for public office.

Eddie also shares his deep love and reverence for the creative process, particularly in a time when digital tools dominate the field. He remains committed to hand-drawing his designs, a practice he finds profoundly meditative. This tactile connection allows his designs to evolve organically, with each line carrying intention and emotion.

Eddie’s work demonstrates that architecture is far more than constructing buildings—it’s about designing spaces that reflect human passion, embody shared values, and  solve real-world problems. 

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Have you ever wondered what would happen to your beloved companion animal if something happened to you? It’s a question many of us would rather avoid, but one we can’t afford to ignore. In today’s episode, we explore this often-overlooked topic with Professor Ashley R. Dobbs from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Under American law, pets are treated as property, much like a chair or a laptop. This reality means that simply naming a friend or family member to take care of an animal companion in a will won’t be enough to ensure the pet’s well-being. What if that person’s circumstances change? What if they’re unable or suddenly unwilling to fulfill the promise when the time comes? Without the right legal structures in place, your beloved pet’s future could be left to chance.

Ashley explains why setting up an animal trust is the most secure way to provide for your companion after you’re gone. Unlike a mention in a will, an animal trust can legally enforce your wishes and provide funds directly for your pet’s care, without the delays of probate court.

She describes the basics of how to set up an animal trust, from choosing the right caretaker to determining the financial support needed. Her practical advice helps people plan ahead, protect their pets, and avoid the heartbreak of seeing a beloved companion end up in a shelter or on the street simply because no one was prepared.

Ashley understands the importance of protecting your companion animal and having peace of mind. She is an expert on animal-related matters whose past work includes drafting proposed federal legislation related to tax incentives and pet trusts; providing legal counsel to organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, and other local and national animal welfare organizations; serving as curriculum advisor to the American Prosecutors Association’s animal cruelty prosecution program; and chairing the educational subcommittee for the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee.

What if we could create a world where compassion, resilience, health and justice form the foundation of society?

Physician Hope Ferdowsian, author of Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives, and co-founder and president of Phoenix Zones Initiative, shares insights from over two decades of work caring for individuals experiencing violence, displacement, and other hardships, while also working on policy approaches to addressing structural inequities and exploitation.

Through the powerful stories of individuals she’s met – Ayanna, a young girl rescued from child marriage; Doc, a physician who sought asylum after suffering imprisonment and abuse; Grace, a woman who fled her home after experiencing severe violence; and Love, an injured dog found laying on the side of the road – she shows how resilience and compassion can rise, even when faced with great challenges.

Reflecting on her roots, Hope explains, “I grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma, and I learned pretty early about human rights violations around the world, in part through my parents and my Dad's history as an immigrant to the United States. And like a lot of kids who grow up around animals, I also was concerned about animal suffering in addition to human suffering.”

In this episode, she introduces listeners to "Phoenix Zones" – safe havens that uphold the principles of liberty, compassion, justice, and dignity. She argues that just as structural violence can permeate societies, so can structural resilience. “We need to be morally consistent in our application of compassion,” she says, suggesting that just as the big global challenges we face are intertwined, so are the solutions. “One of the only ways we’ll solve these great challenges is to expand our circles of compassion without bias, without prejudice. Truth is, compassion is contagious.”

Hope is a double board-certified internal medicine, preventive medicine physician with a master’s degree in public health. She was named a Humanitarian of the Year in the American College of Physicians in 2017. Currently a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, she previously held faculty positions at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Georgetown University School of Medicine.

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How do we truly prepare for disasters, and what does recovery look like when catastrophe strikes?

In this episode, renowned disasterologist Samantha Montano, Ph.D., takes us into the world of emergency management, offering practical advice on what communities and individuals can do. She also outlines the steps someone impacted by events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton can take to receive state and federal support and help them navigate the recovery process. 

As the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis, named one of the best books of 2021 by USA Today, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she shares what needs to be done to better prepare for and recover from crises. 

She sheds light on the deeper, often hidden, factors that make certain communities more vulnerable during crises. From the unequal distribution of resources to the lingering effects of discriminatory practices like redlining, she points to the long-standing systemic issues that exacerbate disaster impacts.

With a growing array of challenges, including cyber threats and rapidly intensifying natural disasters, she emphasizes the need for more specialized staff, improved local government coordination, and increased funding to ensure effective disaster response. She also argues for stronger local leadership and better preparation strategies to protect the most vulnerable communities and individuals. 

Drawing on her early work in post-Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and her academic research, Samantha discusses why it's crucial to professionalize and grow the field of emergency management.

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In her moving and deeply insightful new book Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs, Katherine Carver followed nearly 60 dogs and their journeys from shelters to loving homes.

She shares the emotional experience of photographing these dogs twice, first at the shelter or animal rescue and again a year later in their new homes. The initial sadness she witnessed in some dogs’ eyes contrasts sharply with the later joy felt by all those who found a second chance at life. Her beautiful portraits capture the dogs’ powerful transformations.

She shares how her own life changed after adopting Biscuit, a once fearful dog who became the heart of her family. That experience sparked a deep desire to raise awareness about rescue dogs and the many challenges they face. Later, after losing him, adopting Victory helped bring happiness back into her family’s life. 

She explains the complex reality of shelter life and the importance of adoption. She highlights that in 2023 alone, three million dogs entered shelters and rescues, with two million of those finding permanent homes and one million sadly not. To help address this crisis, she advocates for adopting from shelters and rescues over breeders.

Katherine reflects not only about the dogs but also the life-changing lessons they teach us – how to be present, grateful, and compassionate. She says that through patience and love, we can help abandoned dogs find hope and healing while at the same time transforming our own lives in ways we never expected.

A portion of the royalties earned from the sales of the book will be donated to SPCA International, helping dogs in need around the globe. 

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Over the summers of 2022 and 2023, Alexander Verbeek embarked on the legendary Camino de Santiago, an ancient 500-mile pilgrimage traversing several European countries. 

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, he shares the allure of the Camino and the diverse people he met along the way, each walking for reasons uniquely personal to them. He also talks about one poignant tradition of stopping at Cruz de Ferro and leaving behind a stone symbolizing each pilgrim’s burdens. He reflects on how this ritual transforms a simple act into a powerful moment of release and contemplation. 

A former diplomat, Alexander is a speaker and advisor on planetary change, consulting for academia, global NGOs, private firms, and international organizations. Over the past 30 years, he has worked on international security, humanitarian and geopolitical risk issues, and the linkage to the Earth's accelerating environmental crisis. He writes The Planet newsletter and also serves as Policy Director at the Brussels Environment & Development Resource Centre. 

Alexander launched the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Planetary Security Initiative at the Peace Palace in The Hague in 2015, which dove into the critical relationship between climate change and global security. He shares how this groundbreaking initiative placed climate change and its security implications at the forefront of the international agenda, including discussions within the UN and major global institutions.

He sheds light on how environmental conditions contribute to the rise of extremist groups, resource conflicts, and increased migration. In response to the pressing question of what governments should do, he advocates for visionary leadership and emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, rather than the short-term focus driven by political and corporate structures. As the climate crisis transcends borders, he argues that global cooperation is essential to addressing these challenges. He emphasizes the critical role that diplomacy plays.

He also reflects on the global wave of nationalism and draws parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and today’s political climate, advocating for a return to more balanced politics where political disagreements are handled in a more constructive way. 

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