Episode 201: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada dive into a virtue that’s often dismissed in modern society: gentleness.

The discussion began with a simple LinkedIn post Kyte shared about how much he’s come to value gentleness in others — particularly when reflecting on mentors, teachers and leaders who shaped his life. The post sparked numerous responses, many of which noted how rare, misunderstood or even stigmatized gentleness has become in public life.

From there, Rada and Kyte explore a wide range of questions: Why is gentleness often confused with weakness or passivity? How can it be a strength in leadership, especially during conflict? And why do we praise this quality in caregivers and teachers but rarely reward it in CEOs or elected officials?

Through personal stories and cultural observations, the episode makes the case that gentleness — far from being outdated — may be a powerful tool for creating space, building trust and de-escalating tension. The hosts discuss how the rise of social media and the push for constant self-promotion have made it harder for gentle voices to be heard, and how our cultural obsession with attention and speed often sidelines quieter virtues.

They also examine how gender expectations affect perceptions of gentleness and reflect on public figures — including Fred Rogers and Jimmy Carter — who modeled this approach in profound ways.

Listeners are invited to consider not only how they view gentleness in others but also whether it’s a trait worth cultivating in themselves.

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.