In this outdoor episode of Some Questions Regarding Life, we spiral—in the best way.

Audrey Hua sits down with Annie Mohr, Cole Piraino, Jessica Dang, Yule Kwon, and Lilly Killinger to ask: Should we live by reason or emotion? Is altruism real, or just self-preservation in disguise? Can we even agree on what it means to be evil?

What unfolds is a wide-ranging and vulnerable conversation about belief, bias, suffering, logic, and God—all under a canopy of birdsong and a sky full of questions.

🌀 Thematic Arcs by Time

• [00:00:33] Bias & Decision-Making

• [00:08:30] Utilitarianism vs. Emotion & Personal Morality

• [00:16:00] Action vs. Intent vs. Consequence — What is Evil?

• [00:22:30] Belief Systems, Morality & Doubt

• [00:34:00] Nature vs. Nurture & Baseline Morals

• [00:47:00] Religion, Suffering & True Altruism

🌳 Recorded outdoors. Best enjoyed with headphones and curiosity.🌀 Follow SQRL and share with someone who spirals in the best way.

In the second episode, I invite junior Shelly Shen to a slow, deliberate conversation on means and ends.

Episode 2 in a 🌰:

Is getting good grades the goal—or just a step along the way? In this reflective, thoughtful convo, Audrey and Shelly dive deep into one of life’s classic philosophical dilemmas: should we live for the result, or for the journey itself?

From college apps and parental pressure to Pixar's Soul, astrophysics, and creative writing, this episode explores what it means to live with purpose—or without one. Expect an honest, sometimes funny, sometimes deep exchange on what really matters in high school and beyond.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Chasing Grades or Meaning?

00:32 Understanding Means and Ends

00:54 The Pressure of Grades and Future Anxiety

02:51 Parental Perspectives on Success

05:30 Defining Personal and Family Goals

10:14 The Meaning of Life and Personal Fulfillment

12:16 Pixar's 'Soul' and Life's Purpose

15:38 Talent, Purpose, and Fear of Missing Out

17:11 Reflecting on Musical Journeys

18:49 The Spiritual Value of Art

20:01 Memories Beyond Grades

24:09 The Joy in Philosophical Discussions

26:05 Creative Writing and World Building

27:30 Finding Meaning in the Means

30:49 The Importance of Reflection

32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🥜Hypothetical Nut of the Day: What would you do if you had no responsibilities and time?

Hope you liked the ep!

In our very first episode, I sit down with An Yan, a junior at Mercersburg Academy.

Episode 1 in a 🌰:

1. Means vs Ends

Are we doing things in high school because of genuine interest, or just to add to our college resume? Is college just the stepping stone to a job?

2. Passion vs Practicality

Should we follow what we love, or choose a major based on what’s “useful”? STEM vs Humanities? Is philosophy impractical, and therefore meaningless?

3. Definition of success

What is society's definition of success -- something that gains money? Without monetary motivation, would we really do the things we love?

🥜Hypothetical Nut of the Day: AI takes our jobs and guarantees us material survival. What would we be doing? Would this lead to a better society?

4. Why philosophy?

Why do we study philosophy anyway? Should we?

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview

00:22 – Means vs. Ends: Understanding the Concept

00:57 – College: A Means or an End?

01:32 – STEM vs. Humanities: a Debate on Practicality

02:04 – Philosophy and Practicality: the Great Paradox

04:06 – Success: Wealth vs. Happiness

06:50 – AI and the Future of Work

12:46 – The Meaning of Life and Philosophy

18:27 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hope you enjoyed the ep!