What is a Good Life?

On the 139th episode of What is a Good Life?, I’m delighted to welcome Simon Höher—a public designer, researcher, and strategist based in Berlin. Simon works at the intersection of systems, futures, and justice, partnering with public institutions, startups, and cultural organisations to rethink how we design, govern, and live together. He is Systems Change Lead at Dark Matter Labs and currently supports the European Commission’s Net Zero Cities Mission.

In this conversation, we explore big questions about life, governance, and personal evolution: the nature of change, how today’s decisions shape future generations, and the role of resilience and trust in navigating uncertainty. We also look at ways to move beyond the problem–solution dichotomy.

This episode is an invitation to consider what more patience, deliberation, and intention might bring to your life.

For more of Simon's work:
Website: https://simonhoeher.com/
Substack: http://simonhoeher.substack.com

For more from Mark McCartney:
Newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/
Website: https://www.mmcleadership.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcmccartney

00:00 How do we create deliberate transitions?
04:30 What to do about the state of the world?
08:00 Evolution and transitions
12:00 Shifting from private to public interest
14:30 How do we gauge impact?
19:40 Questioning are we part of the problem
23:50 The impact of trust & hope on resilience
32:45 Trusting yourself through change
37:00 We are incredibly adaptive creatures 
39:30 The significance of openness
42:30 The problem-solution dichotomy
50:00 Minimal intervention
54:00 Summary and what is a good life for Simon?

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.