Episode 200: What makes someone an adult? Is it a job? A mortgage? A family? Or something harder to define, like emotional maturity or civic contribution?

In this 200th episode of The Ethical Life podcast, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore how our expectations around growing up have shifted and whether the long arc toward independence seen in younger generations is a sign of thoughtful living or a troubling retreat from responsibility.

Rada reflects on his eagerness as a child to do things independently and how that shaped his adult identity. Kyte shares a contrasting view: as a teenager, he felt apprehensive about the demands of adulthood, even as he took on responsibilities like ski patrol work at the age of 16. That contrast sets the stage for a wide-ranging conversation about why some people seem to rush toward maturity while others hold back.

The episode touches on parenting styles, changing economic conditions, birth order and the influence of trauma — all factors that can shape when and how someone begins to take ownership of their life. But it also dives into the ethical implications: Do we owe it to our communities to “grow up” on a socially accepted timeline? Or is it fair — even wise — to proceed at your own pace?

Along the way, they discuss the story of a 27-year-old “Jeopardy!” contestant who described himself as a “stay-at-home son,” raising questions about whether clever labels obscure real consequences. When does personal choice cross into social withdrawal?

As always, the show ends with an ethical dilemma. This week’s question: Should a stranger ever step in to correct someone else’s child? What about another adult? A conversation that starts with a 4-year-old’s foot on a train seat reveals much deeper attitudes about authority, community and accountability.

Episode 199: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada take a closer look at quitting, not as a failure, but as a potentially wise — and even ethical — choice.

Using Jason Feifer’s recent column as a starting point, the two explore how our cultural celebration of grit and perseverance can trap us in situations that no longer serve us, whether it’s a dead-end job, a one-sided relationship or even a volunteer commitment that has become unsustainable.

They tackle the tricky distinction between persistence and stubbornness, and examine the ethical trade-offs that come with staying vs. leaving. Drawing on examples from professional sports, personal stories and real-life career dilemmas, the hosts ask: When does staying become more selfish than quitting?

The episode also explores how quitting decisions affect others, how to have ethical conversations about leaving and why walking away can sometimes be the most honest and self-aware choice.

Episode 198: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada are off this week, so we looked back through our show archives and are sharing four of our favorite ethical dilemmas from the past few months.

Topics include whether to reimburse someone for the cost of gas, what to do if you think someone at your gym doesn't belong there and how important it is not to spoil the ending of a popular TV show.

Episode 197: It’s easy to complain about what’s wrong with the country. It’s much harder to suggest meaningful solutions — especially when those solutions are bound to be unpopular.

Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada take a different approach. Instead of lamenting what’s broken, they each offer three ideas they believe would make life in America better. The catch? Most people don’t seem to want them.

Among the six proposals discussed are calls for ambitious housing reforms, a nationwide ban on cellphones in K-12 schools and the introduction of religious education into public school curricula. Kyte argues that American students are missing a crucial understanding of how religion shapes history, culture and personal identity — knowledge he says is essential to navigating the modern world.

Rada’s own list includes a push for year-round school calendars, a politically fraught but practical shift aimed at minimizing learning loss and offering teachers more balanced breaks throughout the year. He also calls for an end to single-family zoning, which he sees as a key driver of unaffordable housing and urban sprawl.

The two also take on one of the third rails of American politics: Social Security. Kyte proposes gradually raising the retirement age and means-testing benefits.

The episode closes with a conversation about public service. Rada argues that elected officials and their staff are vastly underpaid, leading to a lack of expertise in government and an overreliance on special interests to shape legislation.

“This might be our least popular suggestion,” Rada said. “But it’s hard to get smart policy when the people writing it are stretched thin and planning their exit strategy.”

Episode 196: The Amish are often portrayed as paragons of simplicity, faith and hard work — living peacefully in the countryside, growing food without chemicals and raising barns as a community. In an era of rapid change and digital burnout, their lifestyle can seem idyllic, even enviable.

But are we overlooking serious ethical concerns in favor of nostalgia?

Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore why Americans tend to romanticize the Amish while ignoring the costs experienced by many within those communities. The conversation begins with a moment of contrast: a social media post condemning a retailer’s retreat from diversity initiatives followed immediately by another celebrating Amish businesses as wholesome alternatives. That tension — between modern values and traditional practices — drives the discussion forward.

Together, the hosts dive into issues often absent from mainstream depictions of Amish life: restricted educational access, lack of medical care, gender inequality and the practice of shunning those who choose to leave. At the same time, they acknowledge the benefits that come with strong social ties and belonging — qualities that many modern communities struggle to maintain.

Throughout the discussion, Rada challenges whether we give the Amish a pass simply because their lifestyle appears peaceful or quaint, while Kyte urges listeners to consider what broader society might learn from their sense of purpose and interdependence. It’s a back-and-forth that wrestles with fairness, freedom and the limits of tolerance.

Episode 195: Everyone says they want a motivated team. But when it comes to actually fostering a workplace where people care about their jobs — and feel like they matter — most companies fall short.

Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore why efforts to improve workplace culture so often miss the mark. Instead of focusing on deeper needs like trust, autonomy and shared purpose, organizations often reach for surface-level fixes — think free snacks, casual dress codes or even office game rooms. While those perks might sound appealing, they don’t address what really drives connection and commitment.

So what does?

Rick shares a framework he calls “RAP” — short for relationships, agency and purpose — and explains how those three elements are essential for creating meaningful work environments. The conversation takes a close look at how front-line supervisors can make or break an employee’s day-to-day experience, and why promoting the wrong kind of leader can quietly damage morale across an entire team.

Scott and Rick also discuss the growing challenges of remote work, where physical distance can make it even harder to foster a sense of belonging or shared mission. And they tackle the sometimes tricky balance between pursuing personal fulfillment and maintaining financial security — especially in a world where “following your passion” is often romanticized.

Episode 194: For generations, the American Dream has been portrayed as a promise of success — a good job, a home to call your own and a better life for your family. But in 2025, that dream looks very different depending on where you live and who you ask.

Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore how lifestyle choices have become a new front in America’s ongoing cultural divide.

“Some people picture success as owning a big truck and a home with plenty of space,” Rada said. “Others see it as living in a walkable neighborhood with fewer material possessions and a smaller environmental footprint. Both claim the label of the American Dream — but they’re often in direct conflict when it comes to public policy.”

The episode looks at how zoning laws, housing shortages and infrastructure debates have turned personal preferences into political battles. Rada and Kyte discuss a growing movement called the “Abundance Agenda,” which argues that America should focus on building more — more homes, more transit, more energy — to create opportunities for everyone. However, they also warn of the risks associated with prioritizing economic growth as the sole objective.

“We’ve built systems that reward some dreams while shutting out others,” Kyte said. “And often, the people making these decisions aren’t the ones feeling the consequences.”

The episode also highlights recent political messaging that encourages Americans to settle for less, such as higher prices or fewer product choices, in the name of national interest. Kyte and Rada debate whether that kind of sacrifice is a noble calling or a political distraction.

In the end, the hosts agree that America’s real challenge may not be choosing between big trucks or bike lanes, but learning how to make space for both.

“Our democracy works best when people are willing to compromise and respect different paths to a meaningful life,” Kyte said. “The question is whether we’re still willing to do that.”

Episode 193: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte explore the erosion of social etiquette in American life and why it may be more consequential than it first appears.

From rising road rage and customer service outbursts to the coarse tone of online discourse, the episode looks at how rudeness has become more visible — and perhaps more accepted. One recent Pew Research Center study found that nearly half of Americans believe people have become ruder since the COVID-19 pandemic, though most don’t see themselves as part of the problem.

The conversation touches on generational divides, including sharp differences in attitudes toward profanity, and explores how digital communication and AI-driven systems reshape civility expectations. Kyte also reflects on his own classroom experiences and the ways formality and politeness in education have shifted over time.

Rather than seeing manners as outdated relics, Kyte argues they play a vital role in building trust, humility and cooperation. While norms constantly evolve, he cautions against the assumption that abandoning them altogether leads to greater freedom. Instead, he calls for a redefinition of etiquette that upholds respect and reinforces a more community-minded society.