On Being with Krista Tippett
Religion & Spirituality
About
Wisdom to replenish and orient in a tender, tumultuous time to be alive. Spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, and poetry. Conversations to live by. With a 20-year archive featuring luminaries like Mary Oliver, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Desmond Tutu, each episode brings a new discovery about the immensity of our lives. Hosted by Krista Tippett, Learn more about the On Being Project’s work in the world at onbeing.org.
Episodes
- “The Fierce Urgency of Now” — Michelle Alexander and Lucas Johnson
Michelle Alexander and Lucas Johnson reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Beyond Vietnam" speech and its contemporary relevance. The discussion explores King's vision beyond civil rights, emphasizing a "revolution of values" and the "fierc…
- Shai Held — On Love, and Judaism
Rabbi Shai Held joins Krista Tippett to discuss his book "Judaism is About Love." He explores Judaism's historical relationship with love and its capacity to address modern challenges in politics, war, and human relationships.
- Jason Reynolds — On Hopelessness, the Virtue of Stamina, and Showing Grace to Ourselves
In this episode, Jason Reynolds and Krista Tippett discuss themes of hopelessness, the virtue of stamina, and giving grace to ourselves. Reynolds shares his perspective on these topics, drawing from his experience as a celebrated author fo…
- Arab Aramin, Robi Damelin, Liora Eilon, Mohamed Abu Jafar — Turning Unbearable Loss Into Ground of Shared Life
Krista Tippett speaks with members of the Parents Circle - Bereaved Families Forum. These Israeli and Palestinian families have experienced loss due to the conflict and choose to work towards shared understanding and reconciliation. They d…
- Gül Dölen — Psychedelic Science and Radical Healing
Neuroscientist Gül Dölen explores psychedelic science and its role in radical healing. She discusses how psychedelic-assisted therapies reveal the brain's capacity for change and transformation, particularly in addressing trauma and distre…
- Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith – "This world is full of everything good, everything beautiful."
Krista Tippett has a conversation with former U.S. Poet Laureates Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith. They discuss poetry as a way to understand oneself and the world, even through grief and challenges. Harjo and Smith also share insights from t…
- A New Season for a Tender New Year
Krista Tippett announces upcoming episodes of On Being, featuring conversations with poets Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith, neuroscientist Gül Dölen, and author Jason Reynolds. The episodes will explore themes of hope, love, and new developme…
- Jane Goodall, In Memoriam — What It Means to Be Human
This episode presents a 2020 conversation between Krista Tippett and the late primatologist Jane Goodall. They discuss Goodall's work with chimpanzees, her perspective on humanity's connection to nature, and the moral and spiritual wisdom…
- Joanna Macy, In Memoriam — Beauty and Wisdom and Courage (and Rilke) to Sustain Us
This episode of On Being features a 2021 conversation between Krista Tippett, Buddhist teacher Joanna Macy, and psychologist Anita Barrows. The discussion reflects on the work of Rainer Maria Rilke and Macy's perspectives on navigating the…
- Ross Gay — Hope Portal, Episode 7
Poet and teacher Ross Gay discusses the practice of delight as a form of fuel and advocacy during challenging times. This seventh episode of The Hope Portal series invites listeners to journal about moments of joy and pleasant interactions.
- Joy Harjo — The Hope Portal Ep. 6
Musician, visual artist, and former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo discusses her experience of time described as "the whole of time." This episode includes journaling prompts centered on the "200-Year present" and perspectives on hope.
- Joanna Macy — Hope Portal, Episode 5
In this episode of the Hope Portal series, Joanna Macy speaks on the relationship between grief, pain, and a resilient, reality-based hope. The session includes journaling prompts to help listeners explore how acknowledging loss can deepen…
- Ocean Vuong — Hope Portal, Episode 4
In this episode of On Being with Krista Tippett, Ocean Vuong discusses the power of language, the act of bearing witness, and the intentional practice of speaking hope into being. The episode includes journaling prompts focused on identify…
- Naomi Shihab Nye — Hope Portal, Episode 3
In this episode of On Being with Krista Tippett, poet Naomi Shihab Nye discusses the role of writing in sustaining hope. This session invites listeners to explore hope through journaling exercises and reflections on their inner selves.
- Walter Brueggemann, In Memoriam — When the World We Have Trusted In Is Vanishing
This episode of On Being features a 2011 conversation with the late biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann. It explores the relevance of the prophetic tradition in times of uncertainty and the role of the preacher, released as a tribute follo…
- adrienne maree brown — Hope Portal, Episode 2
In this episode of On Being with Krista Tippett, author and organizer adrienne maree brown discusses the concepts of hope and emergence. The session includes reflection prompts focused on how imagination and small actions influence real-wo…
- Krista Tippett — Hope Portal, Episode 1
Krista Tippett introduces a six-week reflection and course experience titled the Hope Portal, featuring insights from various thinkers on the concept of muscular, reality-based hope. The series provides listeners with journaling prompts an…
- Roberta Bondi — What is Prayer and How to Begin
Krista Tippett shares a conversation from the early history of the show with theologian Roberta Bondi. They discuss the meaning of prayer and the wisdom of the early desert fathers and mothers.
- Yochi Fischer and Loaay Wattad — On Seeing the Trauma of the Other
Yochi Fischer and Loaay Wattad discuss intergenerational trauma, shared history, and the potential for healing between Jewish and Palestinian peoples in a conversation recorded in The Hague. The episode highlights their friendship and expl…
- Jason Reynolds and Kessley Janvier — On Being Young In America
Krista Tippett leads a discussion with author Jason Reynolds and Georgetown student Kessley Janvier about the experience of being young in America today. They explore the complexities faced by younger generations and the wisdom they hold f…
- David Bornstein — On Our Lives with the News
Krista Tippett speaks with David Bornstein, co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, about the impact of modern news coverage. They discuss how a focus on negative reporting has affected public trust and explore ways to maintain hop…
- Katsi Cook — "Women are the First Environment"
Mohawk midwife and elder Katsi Cook discusses ancestral knowledge, environmental reproductive health, and the reclamation of the power of birth. In this conversation with Krista Tippett, she explores the importance of intergenerational car…
- Justin Vernon — Being Bon Iver
Krista Tippett interviews Justin Vernon of Bon Iver at the 2025 On Air Fest. They discuss the experience of fame, his creative process, and themes found in his music and his fifth album, SABLE, fABLE.
- A New Season of On Being
Krista Tippett announces a new season of On Being beginning April 16. The season features six conversations with guests including Justin Vernon, Katsi Cook, and Jason Reynolds, alongside an experimental seven-week reflection experience tit…
- Remembering Nikki Giovanni — ‘We Go Forward With a Sanity and a Love’
This episode features a 2016 conversation between Krista Tippett and the late poet Nikki Giovanni. The discussion explores Giovanni's life, work in the Black Arts Movement, time at Virginia Tech, and her lasting voice as an elder and poet.
- Joan Baez — "This Gift of a Voice"
Krista Tippett speaks with musical icon and activist Joan Baez at the 2024 Chicago Humanities Festival. They discuss her life and career, including her poetry, her battle with personal struggles, and her perspective on the theme of overcom…
- adrienne maree brown — On Radical Imagination and Moving Towards Life
Author and activist adrienne maree brown discusses radical imagination, pleasure activism, and emergent strategy. She explores navigating ecological despair, finding joy, and the role of science fiction in social justice movements.
- “The End of Poetry” by Ada Limón
U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón reads her poem "The End of Poetry" and discusses her work and role as Poet Laureate. This episode explores the connections poetry can foster between people and the natural world.
- Atul Gawande — On Mortality and Meaning
Surgeon Atul Gawande discusses the complexities of medicine, mortality, and the importance of focusing on quality of life. This conversation explores how shifting our perspective on frailty and finitude can help us better understand what m…
- “Ars Poetica #100: I Believe” by Elizabeth Alexander
Poet and educator Elizabeth Alexander reads her poem "Ars Poetica #100: I Believe" and discusses her work. The episode also highlights her background as an author and her role as president of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
- Luis Alberto Urrea — On Our Belonging to Each Other
Author Luis Alberto Urrea discusses the complexities of borders, human connection, and stereotypes in this conversation about his experiences and writing. He explores the potential for a more inclusive vision of society that recognizes our…
- Ross Gay — On the Insistence of Joy
Host Krista Tippett speaks with poet and essayist Ross Gay about the role of joy in the face of suffering. They discuss his work, including The Book of Delights and Inciting Joy, and the practice of cultivating delight as a form of human c…
- Janine Benyus and Azita Ardakani Walton — On Nature's Wisdom for Humanity
Krista Tippett discusses biomimicry and nature's wisdom with Janine Benyus and Azita Ardakani Walton. They explore how natural systems can guide human approaches to healing, community, and addressing contemporary challenges.
- Befriend Your Body: A Compassionate Body Scan
Clinical psychologist Christine Runyan leads a guided body scan practice aimed at fostering compassion for the nervous system. This session was part of the 2021 On Being Midwinter Gathering.
- Christine Runyan — On Healing Our Distressed Nervous Systems
Clinical psychologist Christine Runyan discusses the impact of the pandemic on the human nervous system. She offers strategies for healing and finding ease as individuals and communities.
- “Joy is the Justice (We Give Ourselves)” by J. Drew Lanham
Ornithologist and poet J. Drew Lanham performs a live adaptation of his poem "Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves" from his latest book during an On Being event. The episode highlights this performance and references his previous work and…
- Lyndsey Stonebridge and Lucas Johnson — On Love, Politics, and Violence (Channeling Hannah Arendt)
Krista Tippett discusses love, politics, and the influence of Hannah Arendt with Lyndsey Stonebridge and Lucas Johnson. The conversation explores themes of democracy, power, human rights, and the potential for social change in the current…
- New From Poetry Unbound: A Series on Conflict and the Human Condition
This episode of On Being presents a preview of the Poetry Unbound series on conflict. Pádraig discusses Wisława Szymborska’s poem "A Word on Statistics" to explore human nature and the complexities of the human condition.
- Colette Pichon Battle — On Knowing What We're Called To
Colette Pichon Battle discusses her work in ecological transition, community development, and disaster recovery. She reflects on her career shift following Hurricane Katrina and her role in leading Taproot Earth.
- Kate DiCamillo — On Nurturing Capacious Hearts
Author Kate DiCamillo joins Krista Tippett to discuss the intersection of joy and sorrow in her writing and the importance of cultivating hearts that can embrace the complexities of life. They reflect on her career as a two-time Newbery Me…
- Nick Cave — Loss, Yearning, Transcendence
Musician and writer Nick Cave joins Krista Tippett to discuss his experiences with loss, yearning, and spirituality. This conversation explores his evolution as an artist and individual, shaped by both his career and his personal encounter…
- A Word from Krista
In this episode, Krista Tippett shares reflections on the current season and upcoming finale, while offering ways for listeners to stay connected through the show's resources.
- Sara Hendren — Our Bodies, Aliveness, and the Built World
Sara Hendren discusses the design of the built world, human vulnerability, and the ways our bodies adapt. She explores the concept of "normal" in design and how we might better accommodate the reality of human change and dependency.
- Christiana Figueres — Ecological Hope, and Spiritual Evolution
Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, discusses the ecological crisis, managing grief, and the need for spiritual evolution to address climate change. She explores moving from despair to hope and action in service…
- Clint Smith — What We Know in the "Marrow of Our Bones"
Poet and author Clint Smith joins Krista Tippett to discuss the relationship between language, bodily experience, and American history. They explore how memory and emotion reside in the physical body and affect how we understand our past.
- “Dance Party” by Clint Smith
Clint Smith reads his poem “Dance Party,” which is featured in his full conversation with Krista Tippett titled “What We Know in the ‘Marrow of Our Bones.’”
- “Ode to Those First Fifteen Minutes After the Kids Are Finally Asleep” by Clint Smith
Clint Smith reads his poem, "Ode to Those First Fifteen Minutes After the Kids Are Finally Asleep," which is featured in his conversation with Krista Tippett for On Being. This episode highlights Smith's work as an author and poet.
- [Extended] Clint Smith with Krista Tippett
Krista Tippett interviews poet and author Clint Smith about his work, focusing on the connection between language, history, memory, and the physical body. They discuss Smith's writing process and how his perspective as a poet shapes his ap…
- Three Skills for Staying Calm, Sane, and Open in a Chaotic World | Krista interviewed by Dan Harris for Ten Percent Happier
Krista Tippett discusses insights from two decades of interviewing, exploring themes such as navigating differences, engaging with open questions, and defining a wise life. This episode features an interview hosted by Dan Harris for the Te…
- Latanya Sweeney — On Shaping Technology to Human Purpose
Latanya Sweeney joins Krista Tippett to discuss the complexities of data privacy, algorithmic neutrality, and the societal impacts of digital technology. They explore the evolution of the internet and how the field of Public Interest Techn…