The Happiest Man in the World - Matthieu Ricard

Matthieu Ricard found himself part of the Parisian jet set as a young man, only to reject that lifestyle. The son of the great French philosopher Jean-Francois Revel, Matthieu was born in France in 1946 and eventually earned a Ph.D. in cell genetics at the renowned Institute Pasteur.

In 1967, Matthieu left science behind to move to the Himalayas and become a Buddhisy monk = and to pursue happiness, both at a basic human level and as a subject of inquiry.

Ricard is the author of The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill and his newest work, Why Meditate? - Working with Thoughts and Emotions.

Neuroscientists did numerous brain scans and brain wave measurements on Matthieu and discovered that parts of his brain associated with positive emotions were unusually active. A British paper nicknamed him, "The Happiest Man in the World." His website is - http://www.matthieuricard.org/

Two powerful people in broadcasting - Sheri Salata & Bill Siemering

Sheri Salata is President of Harpo Studios and served as Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show. She shares her favorite highlights of the show's 25 years and favorite moments on-air and behind the scenes. Sheri is also helping to promote a beautiful book just released, The Oprah Winfret Show: Reflections on an American Legacy.

Bill Siemering was a founding member of the National Public Radio (NPR) Board of Directors and author of the network's original mission and goals. Bill led the development of All Things Considered and helped launch Fresh Air with Terry Gross to a nationwide audience. He is now President of a great organization - Developing Radio Partners.

Sheri and Bill are great examples of people using the power of media to create personal and social change in the world. They are using their talents and gifts to help people think differently. They are...in their own way....bringing love to life!

Into the Heart of Life with Tenzin Palmo

Jestsunma Tenzin Palmo was raised in London and became of the the first Westerners to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. The popular book, Cave in the Snow, chronicled her journey of living in a cave for 12 years for meditation, the last 3 years in strict retreat.

She has been a passionate voice in promoting the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism. On this week's radio show, Tenzin Palmo will talk about her amazing journey and insights from her newest book, Into the Heart of Life. You can visit her at - http://www.tenzinpalmo.com/

Heaven Below with singer/songwriter Peter Mayer!

Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet - songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and the mystery of the world. I have listened to his music for years and it's a delight to have conversation with Pete again, on this week's show.

His newest CD, Heaven Below, is music for the soul and will inspire your heart. This humble social change artist from Minnesota is a gifted wordsmith and poet. He has an ability to truly 'see' what's most important in the world and reminds us to enjoy the awe and wonder of it all.

Enjoy the interview posted on "This Week's Show' webplayer. Visit Pete at - http://www.petermayer.net/