Surviving Middle Age w/ Ben Markovits

Surviving Middle Age w/ Ben Markovits

From Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger by Paul Ollinger

February 12, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

Ben Markovits discusses his novel exploring midlife crises and the search for happiness as we age.

Ben Markovits is the author of several acclaimed novels, including his most recent release The Rest of Our Lives, which explores marriage, infidelity, empty nesting, and mortality. The book, which was short-listed for the Booker Prize, focuses on a 55-year-old law professor’s midlife crisis and transformative road trip after his children leave home. You might say it examines the sources of happiness in our lives as we age. Ben’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. He spoke with me from his home in England. Please ⁠rate and review⁠ ⁠⁠Reasonably Happy⁠⁠ (DO IT!) Read ⁠Paul’s ⁠⁠Substack newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Read Ben's book ⁠NYT essay Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: Paul Ollinger

Guest: Ben Markovits

Topics covered

  • middle age
  • happiness
  • marriage
  • infidelity
  • empty nesting
  • mortality
  • midlife crisis

Keywords

  • Ben Markovits
  • The Rest of Our Lives
  • midlife crisis
  • happiness
  • marriage
  • infidelity
  • empty nesting
  • Paul Ollinger

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian

Books & works: The Rest of Our Lives

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