
Guest appearances
Alain de BottonEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop
philosopher and author, frequent podcast guest
- Episodes
- 13
- Shows
- 11
- Hours
- ~10
Tracked from 27 Apr 2016 to 30 Dec 2025
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GuestVine has tracked 13 episodes across 11 shows, with links to the original publisher audio.
Podcasts Alain de Botton has appeared on
The shows with the most detected Alain de Botton guest appearances.
- On Being with Krista TippettLatest appearance: 11 Feb 20213 episodes
- ReThinkingLatest appearance: 30 Dec 20251 episode
- Worklife with Molly GrahamLatest appearance: 30 Dec 20251 episode
- How To Fail With Elizabeth DayLatest appearance: 7 Sept 20251 episode
- The High Performance PodcastLatest appearance: 4 Jun 20251 episode
- Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan ChatterjeeLatest appearance: 20 Nov 20241 episode
- Bestsellers ClubLatest appearance: 4 Apr 20241 episode
- Resúmenes de lectura rápidaLatest appearance: 20 Oct 20231 episode
Appearance timeline
How often Alain de Botton has guested over time — by quarter, from tracked appearances.
Recent guest appearances
Show 13 episodes — hide
- Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins
Alain de Botton is a philosopher, bestselling author, and cofounder of The School of Life, known for his fearless engagement with the complexity of human existence. In this special episode, Adam co-hosts alongside former guest RaQuel Hopkins, a therapist, social media star, and fan of Alain’s work. They discuss the roots of and remedies for status anxiety. They also discuss the loneliness and dissatisfaction that many people experience in the quest for happiness and examine how we’ve lost the plot on therapy. Host & Guest Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: https://adamgrant.net/ ) Alain de Botton (Website: https://www.alaindebotton.com/ ) RaQuel Hopkins (Instagram: @raquel_the_capacity_expert) Link Follow The School of Life (Instagram: @theschooloflifelondon | Youtube: @theschooloflifetv | Website: https://www.theschooloflife.com/ ) Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ted Facebook: https://facebook.com/TED LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferences TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcasts ReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard . Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith. For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- ReThinking: Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins
Alain de Botton is a philosopher, bestselling author, and cofounder of The School of Life, known for his fearless engagement with the complexity of human existence. In this special episode, Adam co-hosts alongside former guest RaQuel Hopkins, a therapist, social media star, and fan of Alain’s work. They discuss the roots of and remedies for status anxiety. They also discuss the loneliness and dissatisfaction that many people experience in the quest for happiness and examine how we’ve lost the plot on therapy. Host & Guest Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: https://adamgrant.net/ ) Alain de Botton (Website: https://www.alaindebotton.com/ ) RaQuel Hopkins (Instagram: @raquel_the_capacity_expert) Link Follow The School of Life (Instagram: @theschooloflifelondon | Youtube: @theschooloflifetv | Website: https://www.theschooloflife.com/ ) Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ted Facebook: https://facebook.com/TED LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferences TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcasts For the full text transcript, visit https://www.ted.com/podcasts/worklife-transcripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- ON HEARTBREAK... With Alain de Botton and Jay Shetty
Welcome to this brand-new concept for How to Fail – where I dive into the back catalogue of the How to Fail archives, highlighting specific themes each week to bring you bitesize takeaways! Hopefully these episodes can bring some clarity on similar issues you’re facing or great stories that you might find comfort from. This week we’re looking at heartbreak. You’ll hear a highlight from my conversation with philosopher Alain de Botton, originally released in October 2019, who shares wise and insightful advice on how to process and understand heartbreak. Secondly, we hear from Jay Shetty, whose episode originally broadcast in May 2023, and gives incredibly validating advice and support for anyone who might have experienced heartbreak of any kind. I hope that this episode will be a beacon of light to anyone who has been or is currently going through this! Listen to Alain de Botton’s full episode of How to Fail here: https://link.chtbl.com/RBaS4VUy Listen to Jay Shetty’s full episode of How to Fail here: https://link.chtbl.com/-nR18lfT 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Jay Shetty’s book – 8 Rules of Love www.8rulesoflove.com Elizabeth’s upcoming one-off show at Cadogan Hall on 21 Sep for her new novel One of Us: https://www.fane.co.uk/elizabeth-day Elizabeth’s Substack: https://theelizabethday.substack.com/ Join the How To Fail community: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow How To Fail & Elizabeth: Instagram: @howtofailpod @elizabday TikTok: @howtofailpod @elizabday Website: www.elizabethday.org Have a failure you’re trying to work through for Elizabeth to discuss? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- How Asking One Hard Question Builds Deeper Trust, with Alain de Botton
This new Essential Habits series breaks down the key habits behind high performance, one episode at a time. This week’s habit is deceptively simple: asking better questions. Philosopher Alain de Botton joins us to explore how a single, uncomfortable question, “How have I annoyed you?” can deepen trust, defuse tension, and create stronger connections in every part of life. Whether it’s at home, at work, or with close friends, we often avoid the conversations that would help us grow. Alain shows us a different way, one built on emotional generosity, honest listening, and the courage to be vulnerable. In this episode, we explore: Why awkward questions build trust How to listen without getting defensive The science behind emotional connection What high-performing teams can learn from philosophy The hidden power of backstories and being 'truly heard' Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode: The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness . Arthur Aron, Elaine Aron (1997) Understanding the conversation gap: Why employees aren’t talking, and what we can do about it (Braverly), referenced in How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Employees . Harvard Negotiation Project Rejection Really Hurts , published in Science (Oct 2003). University Of California - Los Angeles Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Listen to the full episode with Alain De Botton here: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- The Truth About Modern Anxiety, A Surprising Way To Find Joy and Meaning & How To Transform Your Relationships with Alain de Botton #495
Have you ever wondered why, despite all our modern comforts, so many of us still struggle with unhappiness and anxiety? What if a more fulfilling life isn't about constant positivity but rather a form of ‘cheerful pessimism’? Today's guest is Alain de Botton. Alain is the founder of The School of Life, a hugely popular education and wellness organisation that provides guidance on how to achieve happiness and fulfilment. He is also an internationally renowned philosopher and the author of multiple books including his very latest : A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From The School of Life . In this conversation, we delve deep into the complexities of modern life and the importance of love, empathy and tolerance in addressing societal problems. Alain introduces the concept of ‘attuned care’ in childhood and explains why a lack of it can show up in our adult behaviours and relationships. Alain also explains a concept that he calls ‘cheerful pessimism’ which challenges what he describes as the modern obsession with happiness and introduces the idea that a more melancholic outlook to life, might actually lead to greater fulfilment. We also discuss the value of inner reflection, the truth about modern anxiety and the importance of effective communication. Throughout this conversation, Alain shares practical tools that we can immediately apply into our lives – such as specific journaling exercises, ‘the 2 chair’ technique he has borrowed from Gestalt therapy and simple strategies to help us become better listeners and more effective communicators. This conversation is an invitation to reassess what truly matters in life. Alain’s message of hope and understanding about the shared human experience of suffering and complexity is both comforting and inspiring and his thoughtful and practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone seeking a more authentic and meaningful life. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore . For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com . Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://www.essilor.com https://calm.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/495 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
- Seeking Solace: Exploring The Consolations Of Philosophy with Alain de Botton
Chapter 1: Summary of a book The Consolations Of Philosophy "The Consolations of Philosophy" by Alain de Botton is a book that explores the teachings of various philosophers throughout history and how their ideas can help us navigate the challenges of everyday life. De Botton examines the wisdom of Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, and Schopenhauer, discussing topics such as love, work, and the pursuit of happiness. Through engaging and accessible writing, he shows how these philosophical ideas can provide comfort and guidance in times of personal turmoil and uncertainty. Ultimately, the book offers insight into how philosophy can be a source of solace and inspiration in our modern world. Chapter 2:the meaning of a book The Consolations Of Philosophy The Consolations Of Philosophy by Alain de Botton explores the teachings and wisdom of some of history's greatest philosophers - including Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche - and how their ideas can help us navigate the challenges and struggles of everyday life. Through a series of essays, de Botton presents the philosophical insights and strategies for finding peace of mind, overcoming adversity, and living a more fulfilling life. The book aims to show that philosophy is not an abstract pursuit but a practical tool for understanding ourselves and the world around us. Chapter 3:a book The Consolations Of Philosophy chapters Chapter 1: Introduction The book begins with the author explaining how philosophy can offer solace in times of personal difficulties and challenges. He introduces the idea of using philosophical teachings to find consolation and guidance in life. Chapter 2: Socrates The author discusses the teachings of Socrates, a Greek philosopher known for his method of questioning and search for truth. He explains how Socrates' emphasis on self-awareness and introspection can help individuals navigate their own doubts and insecurities. Chapter 3: Epicurus The author explores the philosophy of Epicurus, who believed that the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain are the primary goals of life. He explains how Epicurean principles can help individuals find contentment and peace in a materialistic world. Chapter 4: Seneca The author examines the life and teachings of Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher who emphasized the importance of self-control and resilience in the face of adversity. He discusses how Seneca's writings on mindfulness and acceptance can help individuals cope with life's challenges. Chapter 5: Montaigne The author delves into the philosophy of Michel de Montaigne, a French Renaissance thinker known for his essays on human nature and self-exploration. He explains how Montaigne's ideas on self-awareness and self-acceptance can provide comfort and insight to individuals struggling with their own identity. Chapter 6: Schopenhauer The author discusses the pessimistic philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer, a German thinker who believed that life is filled with suffering and discontent. He explores how Schopenhauer's ideas on detachment and acceptance of life's hardships can offer a unique perspective on finding meaning and fulfillment. Chapter 7: Nietzsche The author examines the controversial philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher who challenged traditional beliefs and values. He explains how Nietzsche's teachings on self-reliance and individualism can empower individuals to create their own meaning and purpose in life. Chapter 8: Conclusion The author concludes the book by summarizing the key teachings of the philosophers discusse
- The Philosophical Journey: Exploring Life's Meanings with Alain de Botton and John Armstrong
The author of Art As Therapy The author of "Art as Therapy" is Alain de Botton and John Armstrong. Alain de Botton is a Swiss-born British philosopher, writer, and television presenter, known for his works on philosophy, art, and psychology. John Armstrong is a British philosopher and art critic. Together, they co-authored "Art as Therapy," which was published in 2013. In the book, they explore the potential of art to address human emotional and psychological needs and argue that art can play a crucial role in promoting personal wellbeing and self-understanding. What are the seven functions of art Alain de Botton? According to Alain de Botton, there are seven core functions of art. These functions are as follows: 1. Remembering: Art has the power to preserve memories and remind us of our history, culture, and experiences. 2. Hope: Art can provide us with a sense of hope by offering a vision of an alternative reality or inspiring us to strive for a better world. 3. Sorrow: Art has the ability to help us confront and make sense of our sorrows and difficult emotions, providing a form of solace and understanding. 4. Rebalancing: Art can act as a means of restoring emotional balance by inviting us to slow down, reflect, and find tranquility in a chaotic world. 5. Self-Understanding: Art has the capacity to deepen our self-awareness, enabling us to explore our own thoughts, feelings, and identities. 6. Growth: Art has the potential to inspire personal growth and development by challenging us to think critically, expanding our perspectives, and encouraging us to embrace new ideas. 7. Appreciation: Art allows us to appreciate the beauty and wonders of the world, helping us to find joy and meaning in life's simplest pleasures. It's worth noting that these functions are not exhaustive or universally agreed upon, but rather reflect Alain de Botton's perspective on the subject. Summary of Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton "Art as Therapy" by Alain de Botton proposes that art has the potential to fulfill psychological needs and offers practical suggestions on how to engage with art in a therapeutic way. The book argues that art can aid in personal growth, emotional healing, and self-understanding. It suggests that art should be seen as a tool for inner exploration, offering a means to address universal human concerns such as love, nature, and death. By examining specific artworks, de Botton demonstrates how art can be relevant to daily life, providing solace, consolation, and inspiration to individuals. The book also emphasizes the importance of museums and art institutions in creating meaningful encounters with art, advocating for a more immersive and interactive approach to viewing and experiencing artworks. Overall, "Art as Therapy" encourages readers to engage with art as more than just aesthetic objects, but as powerful tools for therapeutic and emotional well-being.
- [Unedited] Alain de Botton with Krista Tippett
What if the first question we asked on a date were, “How are you crazy? I’m crazy like this”? Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton’s essay “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person” was one of the most-read articles in The New York Times in recent years. As people and as a culture, he says, we would be much saner and happier if we reexamined our very view of love. Nowhere do we realistically teach ourselves and our children how love deepens and stumbles, survives and evolves over time, and how that process has much more to do with ourselves than with what is right or wrong about our partner. The real work of love is not in the falling, but in what comes after. This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Alain de Botton — The True Hard Work of Love and Relationships.” Find more at onbeing.org.
- [Unedited] Alain de Botton with Krista Tippett
As people, and as a culture, Alain de Botton says, we would be much saner and happier if we reexamined our very view of love. His New York Times essay, “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person,” is one of their most-read articles in recent years, and this is one of the most popular episodes we’ve ever created. We offer up the anchoring truths he shares amidst a pandemic that has stretched all of our sanity — and tested the mettle of love in every relationship. Alain de Botton is the founder and chairman of The School of Life. His books include Religion for Atheists and How Proust Can Change Your Life . He’s also published many books as part of The School of Life’s offerings, including a chapbook created from his essay Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person . This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Alain de Botton — The True Hard Work of Love and Relationships." Find the transcript for that show at onbeing.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Tunng Presents The Dead Club Podcast with Alain De Botton
Tunng Presents The Dead Club Podcast with Alain De Botton. In this episode of The Dead Club Podcast, Sam speaks to Alain De Botton. Alain is a Swiss born British philosopher and author. His books discuss various contemporary subjects and themes, emphasising philosophy's relevance to everyday life. He is also the founder of The School of Life. Sam discovered The School of Life via YouTube, including several short talks on the subject of death. His conversation with Alain explores cultural attitudes to death including the question of how we face the reality of our own mortality when many of us no longer accept the simple comforting answers that religion offers. The Dead Club Podcast is an 8 part podcast series that brings to life British band, Tunng’s ground-breaking collaborative musical project, Dead Club: a meditation on loss and a riotous trip through life in all its goodness, oddness and wonder. We have interviewed people who have studied death, written about it, and documented it, but also those whose lives have touched it and have been close to it as well those for whom death is all in a day’s work. In this podcast series we’ll hear their voices. We’ll hear from Philosopher AC Grayling, author, Max Porter, illusionist, Derren Brown, musician Speech Debelle, author and palliative care Physician Kathryn Mannix, philosopher and writer Alain De Botton, poetry editor of the New Yorker, Kevin Young and Professor of Forensic Anthropology, Dame Sue Black. Each episode will present one of these conversations in depth, in all its detail. Underpinning and punctuating each episode is a soundscape formed from the new music we're creating for this album, as well as our own voices talking about the subject and what it means to us. There will also be some silliness and some spontaneity and some of that beautiful and unique wonkiness that makes us Tunng. If you or somebody you know needs support in relation to any aspect of death, dying or grief you may find the following sites useful. https://deathcafe.com https://www.samaritans.org https://www.cruse.org.uk https://www.mind.org.uk https://eol-doula.uk Tunng Presents The Dead Club Podcast is a Stabl production and was made possible in part thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. You can pre-order the album, Tunng presents Dead Club here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
- Yoda wasn‘t chill all the time, with Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton is a philosopher who has written on work, sex, leisure, architecture - and every other subject in between. I first discovered Alain's work in the early noughties, when I inhaled his debut novel, Essays in Love, which he wrote aged just 23 and which sold over 2 million copies. Whether you're a fellow fangirl, or new to his philosophy, you're in for his treat - Alain's pragmatism (and his vast bank of wisdom) are so extremely comforting and clarifying in these muddling times. We discuss the difference between interior and exterior progress, the perils of instant gratification and why no-one is Yoda, all of the time. Not even Alain. How Do We Know We're Doing It Right is out now in both hardback and audiobook , narrated by Pandora.
- [Unedited] Alain de Botton with Krista Tippett
Alain de Botton is the founder and chairman of The School of Life. His books include “Religion for Atheists” and “How Proust Can Change Your Life.” His new book is a novel, “The Course of Love.” This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Alain de Botton — A School of Life for Atheists ” Find more at onbeing.org.
- Alain de Botton with Richard E. Grant
Writer and philosopher Alain de Botton joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest novel, The Course of Love. Alain brings along a number of objects that shaped his book, including his copy of Virginia Woolf’s essay The Docks of London and a recording of Bach’s Mass in B Minor, as he explains why he decided to turn his attention to what happens after happily ever after. Crushes and sulks come under Alain’s philosophical microscope as he explains why love is more dangerous than a nuclear power station and advocates schools for relationships. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alain de Botton has appeared on 13 recent podcast episodes across 11 different shows. GuestVine keeps this list complete and up to date — new appearances are added automatically and delivered to the podcast player you already use.
Frequently asked
- What podcasts has Alain de Botton been on?
- Alain de Botton has appeared on 13 recent podcast episodes across 11 shows, including On Being with Krista Tippett, ReThinking, Worklife with Molly Graham.
- What is Alain de Botton's latest podcast appearance?
- The latest detected appearance is “Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins” on ReThinking, published 30 Dec 2025.
- How many hours of Alain de Botton podcast interviews are there?
- GuestVine has tracked about 10 hours of Alain de Botton guest appearances across 13 episodes, going back to 27 Apr 2016.
- How does GuestVine keep this list updated?
- GuestVine tracks delivered guest appearances, excludes own-show episodes where possible, and links back to the original publisher audio. New appearances are added automatically as they are detected.
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