Emily Esfahani Smith will be discussing her new book, The Power of Meaning, at Curious Minds Weekend (March 3-5). The book is an intriguing account of what science, philosophy and societies around the globe can teach us about the search for a more satisfying and meaningful life.

We caught up with Smith this week.

SDTC: What should we be paying more attention to?

EES: The world outside of our head. ​

What was the last Netflix/TV series you binged on?

The Man in the High Castle.

One new thing you learned this year?

How to ​make sticky toffee pudding.

What memory brings a smile to your face?

Meeting my husband for the first time in college. ​

What lyric (or poem or book) is resonating with you right now?

The poem “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost.

Describe the funniest thing you’ve experienced in recent memory.

My husband does wonderful impressions and they always crack me up.

Best advice you’ve been given?

Swim in your own swim lane—in other words, walk your own path and don’t compare yourself to others.

What is the best part of being your current age?

I love seeing my friends starting their families.

What word or phrase should we use more often?

I love you. ​

What’s your mantra for 2017?

I’m not a mantra person, but I’m trying to make more time for silence and stillness in my life this year. ​

What’s one item would you be lost without (besides your phone)?

My iPad, because it contains all my books​.

How do you create/find meaning in your own life?

Reading, writing, and spending time with the people I love. ​

What trends are you loving right now?

The trend of researchers finding that wine and dark chocolate are “healthy.” Dear scientists, please add more indulgences to the list!

Who was your celebrity crush when you were a kid?

Leonardo DiCaprio. ​

What do you love about Toronto?

How friendly everyone is. ​