On the 35th episode of the 'What is a Good Life?' podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Marina Cantacuzino MBE. Marina is an award-winning journalist, author, and Founder of The Forgiveness Project, a charity that collects and shares real stories of forgiveness for people to consider, examine, and choose forgiveness in the face of atrocity.
In this episode, we explore the role of forgiveness in transforming pain, the appropriateness of forgiving or not forgiving in different circumstances, what allows us to forgive, and the role curiosity often plays in forgiving others. Marina also shares numerous inspiring stories of forgiveness from her wonderful project that has spawned a book (Forgiveness: An Exploration), a BBC radio series, and exhibitions throughout the world.
This episode will give you plenty to contemplate regarding the idea of forgiveness that you may not have considered before. It will also reveal the complexity and ambiguity of the topic, as well as that of life itself.
Finally, if you are anything like me, it will make you reflect on your own relationships presently and perhaps serve as an impetus to reach out to people you want to be more at peace with in your life.
Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for shorter clips and reflections.
Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.
Running Order:
02:30 How can we best deal with our psychological pain?
05:44 The appropriateness of forgiveness
12:30 Forgiveness’ role in transforming pain
15:35 Curiosity, genuity, and spite in forgiveness
20:00 The inception of The Forgiveness Project
24:17 Forgiveness in extreme circumstances
28:45 The power of empathy
34:45 What has allowed people to forgive?
40:05 Man incredibly forgives his father
43:27 Personal stories of forgiveness
50:25 The confusing and ambiguous nature of forgiveness
1:00:19 What is a good life for Marina?
For further content and information check out the following:
- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos
- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/
- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/
- Marina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinacantacuzino/
- The Forgiveness Project website: https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/
Keywords: Meaning of Life Interviews | meaning of life conversations | exploring life | big life questions | meaning of life discussions | creating a meaningful life
What is What is a Good Life??
What is a Good Life? is a podcast about the questions that shape our lives: how we live, who we become, and what truly matters. For the past five years, I've asked more than 300 people one deceptively simple question: What is a good life?
There isn't a single answer. Instead, each conversation offers a different way of seeing the world—through stories, ideas, struggles, joys, and moments of hard-earned wisdom. Together, they form a richer picture of what it means to be human.
Whether you're searching for clarity, purpose, or simply a thoughtful conversation, this podcast is an invitation to reflect on your own answer.
New episodes every Tuesday.