Alain de Botton is interviewed about his 2000 book The Consolations of Philosophy, which contains six essays on six philosophers who de Botton feels offer practical wisdom on how to lead a happier life. The interviewer goes through each philosopher in historical order, and de Botton summarizes his take on what each philosopher has to offer us in terms of self-help today.
De Botton discusses the Socratic method of Socrates, what Epicurus meant by pleasure, Seneca's advice on not being surprised by catastrophe, Montaigne down-to-earth philosophy, Schopenhauer's consolations on dealing with a broken heart, and Nietzsche's thoughts on the importance of pain and suffering. It's an intellectually stimulating interview with de Botton, who has been emphasizing the relevance of philosophy in everyday life for many years now.