Good Life Project

Stanford neuroscientist Sean Mackey, MD, PhD reveals pain is highly subjective, shaped by our beliefs and experiences - not just injury signals. He unpacks chronic pain's persistence, promising treatment strategies like brief behavioral therapies, and research toward personalizing care through biomarkers and digital platforms. An illuminating look at pain's complexities.You can find Sean at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. David Spiegel about the surprising science of hypnosis, pain & habit change.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Non-binary author Jeffrey Marsh shares their journey from childhood rejection to joyfully embracing identity. They explore finding life-changing language/community, the path out of self-hatred, and why pronouns matter for human dignity. Marsh dives into myths of control, self-acceptance beyond gender/sexuality, and actively cultivating happiness. Their hard-won wisdom offers an inspiring roadmap for living authentically from their groundbreaking book, How To Be You. An uplifting must-listen on belonging and being true to yourself.You can find Jeffrey at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Trystan Reese about living and advocating for your truth.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could rewire your brain to dismantle limiting beliefs and negativity? Neuroscientist Nicole Vignola reveals the power of neuroplasticity in this fascinating listen.Drawing from her book, Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change (Your Neurotoolkit for Everyday Life), Nicole provides a roadmap to upgrade your neural circuitry through visualization, meditation, and science-backed practices.You'll learn to overcome subconscious programming and negativity bias. Imagine having more control over your reality by harnessing neuroplasticity. If you want to become the architect of your best life, this mind-expanding episode is essential.You can find Nicole at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Light Watkins about reclaiming a freer story and making big changes in life.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet Maggie Smith candidly unpacks the lightning strike success of her viral 2016 poem "Good Bones" and how it strained her marriage, ultimately unraveling - an upheaval she unflinchingly explores in her vulnerable memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful.Smith discusses metabolizing life's "unanswerable mysteries" through writing, going viral as an introvert, modeling authenticity for her kids, and our struggle to embrace life's "andness." With radiant honesty, she pursues the uncomplicated truth of simply being herself through stillness and creativity.This profound dialogue is a masterclass on upheaval, art, and what it means to truly live a good life from one of today's vital literary voices.You can find Maggie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Liz Gilbert about writing yourself letters from love.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything society told you about how to find happiness was misleading? My guest Stephanie Harrison, author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong, challenges the cultural conditioning around chasing achievements, wealth, and status as the path to joy. She provides insights from positive psychology research and her own experience with depression to unravel the myths behind our collective pursuit of happiness. Stephanie offers a practical philosophy centered on sharing our gifts of humanity, wisdom, and talent to create ripples of lasting well-being for ourselves and others. Tune in to rethink what true happiness means and how you can live it.You can find Stephanie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dan Lerner about the science of passion.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the difference between habits and rituals, and how can everyday routines shape our lives? Author Michael Norton reveals the hidden power of rituals in his new book, The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions. Discover how rituals create meaning, bind groups, help us grieve, and provoke a diversity of emotions. Learn to appreciate current rituals and add new ones to enhance your relationships, mental health, personal growth and more. Michael’s research shows rituals do far more than habits, transforming the emotional impact of mundane actions. Tune in for practical steps to tap into the ritual effect and imbue your life with greater connection and significance.You can find Michael at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with James Clear about habits.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlock the secrets to a mind-blowing sex life and deeper intimacy. This boundary-pushing episode brings together three trailblazing experts to shatter myths and reignite your desire.Vanessa Marin provides communication exercises and a "sex menu" to explore new realms of pleasure. Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are, shares neuroscience insights to rewire your brain for extraordinary orgasms. And Nicole Prause reveals cutting-edge research on using brain stimulation to boost libido or reduce hypersexuality.From overcoming shame to navigating mismatched drives, they guide you through candid conversations about erotic empowerment. Discover practical techniques to fan the flames of passion, prioritize pleasure, and create profound emotional and physical connections.Whether you're struggling with a dormant sex life or seeking the keys to next-level bliss, this is your roadmap to unlocking ecstasy. Get ready for a pleasure revolution!Episode TranscriptYou can find Vanessa at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with VanessaYou can find Emily at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with EmilyYou can find Nicole at: Website | Twitter | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with NicoleCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling stuck and can't break free? Neuropsychotherapist and author Britt Frank shares science-based insights on getting unstuck. Learn what underlies stuckness, how to reframe procrastination, collaborate with your inner parts, and move forward with self-compassion. Britt offers eye-opening new perspectives on relationships, play, possibility and more. Discover her powerful tools from The Getting Unstuck Workbook: Practical Tools for Overcoming Fear and Doubt - and Moving Forward with Your Life to overcome fear, doubt, and shame and start making real change. If you've ever felt trapped in life, this episode will give you a breakthrough understanding and practical way to get unstuck.You can find Britt at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Charlie Gilkey about finishing projects that matter.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions without fully appreciating life's gifts? My guest Cass Sunstein, co-author of Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There, explores how we unintentionally become desensitized to the amazing parts of our lives through "habituation." Learn how shaking up routines can reawaken childlike awe and help you see your relationships, work, and world with fresh eyes again. Cass shares fascinating research on habituation and practical tips for breaking out of "auto-pilot" to rediscover meaning in your marriage, health, community and more. This inspiring chat will open your eyes to the extraordinary possibilities waiting right in front of you - if only you know how to look again.You can find Cass at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Daniel Kahneman about how our brains do weird things to our behavior.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes love last decades instead of years? After studying thousands of couples, Drs. Julie and John Gottman discovered what separates the masters from the disasters. Learn their research-backed secrets, like the 5:1 magic ratio, bids for connection, and the 4 horsemen to avoid. It's all here - including insights from their book, Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.You can find The Gottman's at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Eli Finkel about the self-actualized marriage.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you think about free will is an illusion? Behavioral scientist Robert Sapolsky makes a provocative case that free will is largely fiction.Drawing from his book, Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will, he deconstructs the idea through neurobiology, genetics, and anthropology. Sapolsky explores startling implications for criminal justice, achievement, and being human. From reframing punishment to questioning meritocracy, he doesn't flinch from disruptive conclusions. Can we truly "choose" anything? Get ready to have your perception of human behavior radically reshaped in this mind-bending dialogue.You can find Robert at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Milton Glaser about how different people and experiences influence your path.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling weighed down by incessant overthinking and anxiety? Unlock shockingly simple mindset shifts to disarm unhelpful mental chatter and regain control.Positive psychology expert Emiliya Zhivotovskaya reveals the core forms of draining thought patterns like worry spirals, harsh self-judgment and obsessive rumination. More importantly, you'll learn potent "talk-back" tricks to befriend (not fight) your inner voice.Subdue the overthinking monster keeping you stuck. Tap into newfound mental calm and creative energy. This masterclass in mastering your mindset will transform how you relate to the voice in your head.You can find Emiliya at: Website | Instagram | Mind Over Chatter Course | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ethan Kross about handling chatter.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our disconnected world, are you longing for deeper bonds and a true sense of belonging? Discover how to cultivate extraordinary friendships, nurture healing communities, and transform the way you show up in relationships. This powerful episode brings together three trailblazers - Mia Birdsong on reimagining family beyond the nuclear model, Dr. Marisa Franco sharing the science of making profound platonic connections, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford illuminating the restorative magic of women's circles and sisterhoods. Through candid stories and research-backed insights, you'll gain practical tools for initiating authentic friendships, resolving conflict with empathy, and creating safe spaces to be truly seen and supported. Whether you crave more intimacy, community, or platonic love, this conversation will inspire you to invest in the meaningful relationships that allow you to thrive.Episode TranscriptYou can find Mia at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with MiaYou can find Marisa at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with MarisaYou can find Joy at: Website | Instagram | Therapy for Black Girls podcast | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with JoyCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if overcoming challenges and living an extraordinary life is simpler than you think? Jeff Karp shares his unlikely journey from a struggling student to pioneering Harvard professor and serial entrepreneur. Jeff developed a toolbox of “life ignition” practices to unlock creativity and possibility, despite learning differences. He reveals how embracing curiosity transformed his work and relationships. We explore tools to spark ideas, reframe failure, and lower the “activation energy” for change. Jeff explains how he turned to nature for inspiration to overcome setbacks in the lab, leading to breakthrough innovations. Discover how small mindset shifts can unlock your innate potential. Jeff Karp’s new book is LIT: Life Ignition Tools: Use Nature's Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action.You can find Jeff at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ozan Varol about drinking in life and making big things happen.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if writing simple letters of love to yourself could change everything? Liz Gilbert shares an unusual practice that became her lifeline during painful times. Discover how tapping into self-compassion through daily letter writing provides surprising wisdom and comfort. Liz explains the transformative power of listening to your heart's guidance - something she now shares with thousands on her popular Substack, Letters From Love. Learn to turn inward and receive the unconditional love and support you crave through this magical daily ritual. Liz provides inspiration and practical guidance to unlock your inner wisdom through writing.You can find Liz at: Website | Letters From Love with Elizabeth Gilbert | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about navigating love and loss and finding lightness again.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if facing mortality could unlock the secret to living fully? My guest Alua Arthur, a death doula and author of Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, knows firsthand how confronting death can transform how we live. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into taboo topics like grief, loss, and our cultural avoidance of mortality. Alua shares insights from her deeply personal journey of embracing end-of-life experiences, leading to more meaning, authenticity, and connection. Learn tangible practices to live more present and purpose-driven lives, reflect on death consciously, craft your own ideal experience, and discuss difficult topics with loved ones. This conversation may shift your entire outlook on how to live well by leaning into our universally shared mortality.You can find Alua at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about embracing life.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to break free from codependent patterns and create authentic connection? Mark Groves and Kylie McBeath share transformative insights from their new book, Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire on how to heal attachment wounds, set boundaries, and communicate openly to find freedom in your relationships. Learn why we conform to societal expectations, how to tap into your body's wisdom, and steps for becoming interdependent without losing yourself. Whether you struggle with anxious attachment, avoidance, or simply desire more fulfillment, Mark and Kylie provide practical tools to stop abandoning yourself, speak your truth, and manifest the healthy, conscious love you desire. Get ready to transform not just your relationships, but your whole life.You can find Mark & Kylie at: Website | Mark's Instagram | Kylie's Instagram | The Mark Groves Podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Julie & John Gottman about sustaining love in long-term relationships.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling to focus and finish what matters most? Learn how to build momentum and transform your identity from idea generator to accomplished doer on this episode with Charlie Gilkey, author of Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done. Discover why we fail to be productive, then rewire your brain, schedule, and actions to see beyond distractions. Implement "focus blocks" during peak energy times. Make conscious choices to displace low-value activities. Finish a small number of important projects to unlock a compounding effect on your confidence and career. Embrace your natural rhythms and limitations to contribute your gifts, then fully engage your relationships. This conversation provides an operating system to focus your limited time on what's essential.You can find Charlie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Brad Feld about focusing in what really matters in life or what he calls picking your 2% and putting everything up against it.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to leave behind the safety of a corporate career to wholeheartedly pursue your creative passions? In this inspiring conversation, poet Joy Sullivan pulls back the curtain on her journey from accomplished marketing professional to full-time artist and author of the new poetry collection Instructions for Traveling West. She busts myths that you have to starve, suffer, or lose it all to follow your dreams, revealing how she built her portfolio career through courage, commitment and joyful reverence for the poetic process. Tune in to hear Joy’s unbelievable story of personal and professional reinvention, and uncover practical insights about nurturing your gifts, finding belonging, sharing your voice, and manifesting a life of meaning and purpose. You’ll walk away ready to take the next step toward creative fulfillment.You can find Joy at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Morgan Harper Nichols about her journey as a successful poet and artist.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beloved author Anne Lamott joins us to share profound wisdom and insights from her seven decades of living, loving, and learning. In her latest book Somehow: Thoughts on Love, she compiles a lifetime of lessons on compassion, community, and the inner life to help us endure life's turbulence.Anne reflects on the power of vulnerability, finding your true self, and becoming an unlikely elder. She explores unforgettable metaphors like doors, hinges, and minus tides. With her trademark wit and candor, she nudges us to wake up to life’s beauty, do loving things, and discover fulfillment. Tune in for an illuminating conversation that will inspire you to live fully, love completely, and embrace the journey.You can find Anne at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Anne a little while back.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if leaning into grief could lead to profound personal growth? My guest Claire Bidwell Smith, therapist and author of Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss, shares how engaging with your pain fully can uncover meaning and purpose. We discuss the gift hidden within life’s losses, how to healthily process complicated grief, the importance of rituals and community, continuing bonds with the deceased, and more. Claire explains how grief transformed her life after losing both parents young, leading her to her calling as a grief counselor. Discover why avoiding heartache only prolongs it, while courageously facing grief may just help you become your best self.You can find Claire at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Megan Devine about feeling not okay after loss.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Sincero went from being broke and depressed to a #1 New York Times bestselling author with You Are a Badass and You Are a Badass at Making Money. Vivian Tu escaped Wall Street to build a viral online finance empire and now author of the new book, Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life. These two powerhouse women share their incredible journeys and hard-won wisdom on how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success. Jen and Vivian get vulnerable about overcoming financial and emotional hurdles, bust myths about wealth being unattainable, and offer practical, motivational advice to help you make more money, follow your purpose, and design your dream life. Whether you seek financial confidence or personal growth, this empowering episode will give you the mindset shifts and money moves to silence your inner critic and unlock your inner money badass. Start believing in yourself and get ready to create lasting change.Episode TranscriptYou can find Vivian at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with VivianYou can find Jen Sincero at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with JenCheck out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can generosity go viral? TED curator Chris Anderson believes it can in our hyperconnected world. In his new book Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading, Chris explores how small acts of kindness can ripple out in surprising ways. Learn how to tap into the asymmetric power of generosity, fight online negativity with delight, and share stories that light up human emotions. Chris and host Jonathan Fields discuss how practicing courage, creativity and authenticity can help spread compassion across our infinite global village. Get inspired to unleash more goodness and be the start of a contagious generosity movement.You can find Chris at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dacher Keltner about the power of awe.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you struggling to keep up in a world of dizzying change? My guest Morgan Housel offers a surprising solution: focus on timeless truths. In his book Same As Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes, Morgan reveals how embracing enduring aspects of human nature can be our guide.We discuss how masterful storytelling moves hearts more than facts, how to balance uncertainty with possibility, and why there’s no formula for “the good life” except the one you design yourself.Join us for a fascinating conversation on connecting with wisdom as relevant today as ever before. You’ll learn to build lives not on shifting trends but on the bedrock of eternal human truths.You can find Morgan at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Scott Galloway about finding center in a changing world.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling overwhelmed and defeated by stress? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, UCLA psychologist and author of Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, Dr. Jenny Taitz shares how reframing your mindset transforms your relationship with stress and anxiety. Discover science-backed techniques to shift thought patterns, regulate emotions, and tap into inner resilience—allowing you to thrive while pursuing a meaningful life, not just survive. Whether it’s parent burnout, work pressures, or life’s daily frustrations, Jenny equips you with practical tools to gain agency over internal and external demands. Get ready to rewrite your stress story.You can find Jenny at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Stephen Porges, Ph.D. about the polyvagal theory and the importance of psychological safety.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neuroscientist and addiction expert Dr. Judson Brewer unveils a practical, evidence-based approach to transforming your relationship with anxiety. Learn how to "unwind" worry and fear by understanding the habit loop of anxiety, applying mindfulness tools, and accessing your brain's innate wisdom. Discover why anxiety persists and how retraining your brain can create more ease and joy, drawing from Jud's research and bestselling book, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind.You can find Dr. Jud at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode: you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ellen Hendriksen, PhD about social anxiety and how to handle it.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What fuels your biggest dreams? How do you set goals that light you up instead of burn you out? New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff reveals how to ditch external pressures and re-center your goals around joy. Jon explains why starting with a "fun goal" builds confidence for bigger dreams, and how to stay motivated by tapping into creative flow states. Learn how to define success on your own terms through Jon's unique 3-step methodology from his new book All It Takes Is A Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential. Discover practical strategies to unlock your potential, eliminate regrets, and live a life filled with gratitude and purpose.You can find Jon at: Website | Instagram | All It Takes Is A Goal podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations where I share what I call my success scaffolding.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ageism distorts how we view aging and harms us at every stage of life. My guest today, Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, reveals where these stereotypes come from and how they seep into our minds. She explains powerful ways we can identify and challenge ageism in ourselves, our communities, and society. Ashton shares eye-opening facts that counteract myths about decline, along with steps to build a more age-inclusive world. If getting older fills you with dread, this conversation will give you a radically hopeful perspective on aging as a time of continued growth and joy—if we can erase the cultural biases clouding our vision.You can find Ashton at: Website | Instagram | TED Talk | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Karen Waldrond about the amazing parts of getting older.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an on-air panic attack, ABC anchor Dan Harris, author of the 10-year anniversary edition of "10% Happier,"  embarked on a quest to understand his lifelong anxiety. If you've ever experienced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or a fear of coming undone, don't miss this uplifting conversation with Dan Harris on living more fully and freely.Harris traces generational roots back to a suicidal great-grandfather, realizing he could either be crushed by these demons or befriend them. This crisis set Harris on a quest that led to Buddhism, reshaping his mind through ancient tools and "mental rewiring." Now tattooed with his personal mantra, he shares the conversations that helped him tap into compassion. Harris reflects on transforming anxiety into awakening, befriending darkness to reveal inner light, and his journey to bestselling author and founder of the meditation company 10% Happier.You can find Dan at: Website | Instagram | Ten Percent Happier podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Susan Piver about mindfulness and life.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if being more mindful could lead to better health, happiness and fulfillment? Pioneering psychologist Ellen Langer reveals how on this week's episode. Known as the "mother of mindfulness," Ellen shares insights from over 45 years of research showing how our thoughts directly impact our physical and mental well-being. Learn simple yet profound tips to become more present, question assumptions and unlock healthier living. Ellen explains how mindfulness is about engaging actively with the present moment rather than formal meditation. Discover how we can break free from mindless routines and limiting beliefs to shape empowering new realities. Find out why Ellen believes mindfulness could revolutionize healthcare. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with the author of the new book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health.You can find Ellen at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Robert Thurman about the power of mindfulness, meditation and presence.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can memory improvement unlock a better life? Neuroscientist Charan Ranganath reveals how memory intertwines with happiness, relationships, creativity, and meaning. In his new book Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters, Charan shares research on how memories form, the role of sleep, aging's effects, and practical ways to remember what matters. Learn how to harness your brain’s memory systems for personal growth and fulfillment. Discover techniques to preserve precious moments, let go of trauma, and pursue your passions. If you want to experience deeper connections and find more purpose, don’t miss this fascinating tour of memory’s power from a leading expert.You can find Charan at: X | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Bessel van der Kolk, MD about how memory, trauma and movement work together.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could communicate effortlessly with anyone, instantly establishing trust and connection? According to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg, author of the new book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, the most compelling communicators don't possess any magical talents. They've simply mastered the hidden rules that govern how we connect through conversation. Learn techniques to identify the 3 types of exchanges occurring simultaneously in every interaction. Discover how vulnerability and "deep listening" forge bonds of trust. Gain insight into dissolving conflict through empathy. Whether one-on-one or on stage, communication can change lives. This research-backed episode reveals the science of forging genuine understanding.You can find Charles at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had on our partner podcast, SPARKED with Ben Guttmann about how to communicate simply and clearly.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to cut cravings, boost energy, and take control of your health? Biochemist and bestselling author Jessie Inchauspé shares surprising hacks to steady your blood sugar in this fascinating conversation. Learn how timing sweets, pairing carbs with fat/protein, and starting your day without sugar can work wonders. Jessie busts myths around whole grains and fruit while translating complex science into simple, sustainable habits. Discover how to eat the foods you love in a healthier way from her groundbreaking book The Glucose Goddess Method: The 4-Week Guide to Cutting Cravings, Getting Your Energy Back, and Feeling Amazing. If you struggle with rollercoaster energy, cravings, or poor sleep - this episode is for you. Jessie empowers listeners with innovative ways to minimize glucose spikes and gain control of your health. Her passion for optimizing blood sugar shines as she reveals how tiny tweaks can help you feel your absolute best.You can find Jessie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aviva Romm about how our hormones influence our health.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if mattering could be the key to living your best life? Psychologist Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky joins us to unpack the profound human need for mattering. Isaac explains the two components of mattering—feeling valued and adding value. Discover how cultivating mattering through fairness, purpose, and small generous acts can transform health, happiness, work, and relationships. Learn why extremism rises when mattering is lacking, and how finding meaning by contributing to something bigger than yourself is the antidote. Get Isaac’s practical tips for taking responsibility to add value, listen generously, and promote wellness in yourself and society.You can find Isaac at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Robert Waldinger about meaning and life.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your closest friendships were just as significant as your marriage? My fascinating guest Rhaina Cohen, author of The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center, reveals compelling research on how profound platonic bonds can provide the same fulfillment and devotion as romantic ones. Tune in to hear Rhaina's eye-opening stories that reimagine social connection. We explore how to nurture deeper intimacy in friendships and move beyond limiting cultural biases. Discover practical tools to cultivate lifelong platonic partnerships that are just as central to living a good life as romantic love. This surprising conversation will transform your understanding of relationships.You can find Rhaina at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kat Vellos about how to plant the seeds of grown-up friendship.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After following in her activist parents' footsteps, Blair Imani reached her breaking point organizing protests in college. She shares how rediscovering spirituality helped her let go of toxic expectations and heal. Blair realized education was a more sustainable way for her to impact change as a historian and creator of the popular Smarter In Seconds educational video series. She discusses learning self-care, listening to your values when making decisions, and embracing practices like yoga and meditation. While still devoted to intersectional advocacy, Blair now approaches it with intention, only taking on projects aligning with her ethics. She offers insights on finding calm within chaos and being mindful of how your actions affect others. Blair is the author of the bestselling book Read This to Get Smarter.You can find Blair at: Instagram | Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Austin Channing Brown, about how we create the world around us and how we bring ourselves to it from a place of equity, dignity, and justice.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like you barely slept even after a full night in bed? You're not alone. Sleep expert Dr. Christopher Winter reveals the truth about the perception gap between how we think we're sleeping and reality. Discover science-backed techniques to get better rest, change your mindset around sleep, and stop obsessing over routines. Dr. Winter shares insights from his book The Sleep Solution and busts myths around optimal sleep needs. Learn how to ditch the anxiety around sleep and become the well-rested person you aspire to be. This candid conversation provides practical steps anyone can take to transform their relationship with sleep.You can find Chris at: Website | Instagram | Sleep Unplugged podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aric Prather about the fundamentals of sleep hygiene.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sex educator Emily Nagoski reveals how to sustain passionate intimacy over the long haul with research from her groundbreaking new book, Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections.She explains why pleasure trumps desire, how stress impacts connection, and the importance of open communication about desires. Emily offers practical steps to invite more pleasure into relationships as bodies change, and rejects cultural grind in favor of ease. Her insights on nourishing intimacy through pleasure can enrich partnerships when we center what truly matters. You can find Emily at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Vanessa Marin about how to talk about sex.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This January Jumpstart episode explores how we can rediscover our deepest sense of belonging within. Zen priest Rev. angel Kyodo williams and spiritual leader Melissa Carter share how embracing all of ourselves allows us to fully inhabit our humanity. By returning to our inner wholeness through mindfulness, we can move through the world from a place of truth, connect authentically with others, and transform society.Episode TranscriptYou can find Rev. angel Kyodo williams at: Instagram | Website | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Rev. angelYou can find Melissa at: Find Melissa Online Here | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with MelissaWe want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to [email protected]. We may include your reflections in an episode.If you LOVED this episode Find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The Five Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience, shares how to reframe our relationship with stress. She explains why feeling overwhelmed is a common human experience, not a personal failing. Simple, science-backed techniques like breathing, social connection, journaling, and eliminating multitasking can help our minds and bodies reset. Dr. Nerurkar offers realistic ways to introduce ease into our days through small, sustainable steps. Learn how to "do better" so you can start to "feel better" and thrive.You can find Aditi at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Stephen and Seth Porges about safety, stress, and your nervous system.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This January Jumpstart episode explores how movement strengthens your mind, body, and immunity. What if exercise could unlock your brain's creativity and make you happier, healthier, and more focused?Neuroscientist Dr. Jennifer Heisz and physician Dr. Gabrielle Lyon reveal how movement strengthens your mind, body, and immunity. Learn how to reframe exercise as playful self-care, not monotonous drudgery. Discover how muscle builds resilience against disease while microbursts of activity boost cognition. Small steps create big rewards when you tap the mind-body connection through joyful motion. Get science-backed insights on gaining strength, focus, and joy through intuitive movement.Episode TranscriptYou can find Dr. Heisz at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Dr. HeiszYou can find Dr. Lyon at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Dr. LyonWe want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to [email protected]. We may include your reflections in an episode.If you LOVED this episode, Find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling like you're always behind in life? Leo Babauta joins us to explore why we get stuck chasing unrealistic expectations, and simple mindset shifts that can transform your days into a graceful, meaningful, and fun game worth playing. Discover how to ditch perfectionism and embrace self-compassion to experience more ease and joy right now.You can find Leo at: Website | Instagram | Zen Habits Podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Suneel Gupta about discovering and following your dharma.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This January Jumpstart episode explores the power of exquisite attention - the ability to direct your focus with intention to create moments of profound presence. Renowned mindfulness teacher Tara Brach shares practices like RAIN to help awaken us from anxious, judgmental trances. Leading researcher Dacher Keltner illuminates how awe opens our eyes to everyday wonder and possibility.Learn simple tools to train moment-to-moment awareness and presence. Discover how slowing down, looking closer, and tuning in fully can uncover magic, amplify creativity, deepen connections, and transform your life. This episode will open your eyes to the blessings that surround you every day through the lens of exquisite attention.Episode TranscriptYou can find Dacher at: Website | LinkedIn| Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with DacherYou can find Tara Brach at: Website | Instagram | Tara Brach podcast | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with TaraWe want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to [email protected]. We may include your reflections in an episode.If you LOVED this episode find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When constant ringing and noise from tinnitus brought anxiety, despair and sleepless nights, Jonathan stumbled upon an unlikely antidote - mindfulness meditation. What began as therapy to cope with daily torment evolved into a profound practice for creativity, clarity and calm. Learn how mindfulness helped Jonathan find peace despite unrelenting symptoms, trained his brain to let go of fixating on the noises, and transformed his life. You'll also be led through a soothing lovingkindness meditation designed to ground you in the present. Discover how embracing a mindfulness practice could fundamentally alter how you experience even the most difficult circumstances.Guided Meditation starts around 22:40 into the episode.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change is hard. But what if embracing change led to your greatest growth? My guest is Brad Stulberg, bestselling author of Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You. Brad shares how we can cultivate “rugged flexibility” to gracefully navigate cycles of order, disorder and reorder. Imagine harnessing the storms of change to help you grow into your best self. Brad upends conventional wisdom, showing how accepting impermanence allows us to become our best selves. Having weathered major life changes himself, Brad did extensive research on how we can thrive amidst instability. This eye-opening discussion will challenge your assumptions and show you how to make peace with change.You can find Brad at: Website | Instagram | Farewell Podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Jason Mendelson about how he intentionally disrupted and kept changing his life over seasons and years.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really brings meaning and purpose to life? This episode is part of our January Jumpstart series where each week we dive into concepts to drive real change through learning and action.Get science-backed insights from an 80-year Harvard happiness study revealing how relationships and activities—not money or fame—unlock fulfillment with our guide, Robert Waldinger. Discover philosophical wisdom and practical tips to continually reconnect with what matters through relationships, reflection, and daily practices with Yale professor Matthew Croasmun, as he invites us to join in asking life's big questions to illuminate the quest itself as a source of joy.This research-inspired guide to crafting a life of significance also offers a simple 7-day challenge to increase your sense of purpose right away. Follow along each week, do the challenges with friends for accountability, and send us your questions. Let's make this year one of growth, discovery, and living your good life!Episode TranscriptDiscover the Work That Makes You Come Alive! Take the Sparketype® AssessmentYou can find Robert at: Website| LinkedIn | TED Talk | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with RobertYou can find Matthew at: Website | Life Worth Living | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with MatthewWe want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to [email protected]. We may include your reflections in an episode.If you LOVED this episode: Find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have big goals and dreams but struggle with making them happen, this episode is for you! We're sharing our powerful 8-part Success Scaffolding framework to finally accomplish your most meaningful visions this year.We'll create a vivid picture of the outcome you want and understand your deeper purpose behind it. Jonathan will walk you through making an adaptable plan, opening a possibility window, gathering proof, enlisting key people, establishing practices, and making a pledge. This comprehensive structure addresses every aspect needed to turn goals into reality!You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if small, incremental actions could transform your life? In this fascinating conversation with James Clear, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Atomic Habits, you’ll get proven strategies based in psychology and neuroscience for building the habits you want and breaking the ones holding you back. Learn how to create an environment that reinforces positive change and the crucial role identity plays in making new habits stick. Discover how to find the opportunities best suited to your natural strengths. James shares insights from his extensive research and personal experience to deliver actionable tactics you can start applying today to reinvent your habits, fulfill your potential, and live the life you aspire to. If you want to make lasting positive changes, this is one conversation you can’t afford to miss!You can find James at: Website | The 3-2-1 Newsletter | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Gretchen Rubin about how we meet our own expectations.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reignite your passion for life in 2024 with our January Jumpstart episode! We debunk false beliefs about finding your one true passion, reveal the science behind harmonious vs. obsessive pursuits, and explore why curiosity offers a healthier path than waiting for a thunderbolt moment. You'll hear insights from positive psychology expert Dan Lerner and author Elizabeth Gilbert on embracing gradual interest development, balancing multiple passions, and how small steps unlock hidden joys. Whether you feel devoid of passion or obsessed to an unhealthy degree, you'll gain actionable ways to uncover meaningful pursuits, avoid burnout, and integrate more vibrance into everyday life. Join us and awaken your passions!Episode TranscriptYou can find Dan at: Website | InstagramYou can find Elizabeth Gilbert at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with LizWe want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to [email protected]. We may include your reflections in an episode.If you LOVED this episode: Find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does your Contribution Bucket look like these days? On this special year-end reflection episode, we dive deep into the work and effort that fills you up rather than drains you. Jonathan shares what he's learned from researching human flourishing at work, including identifying the 5 key qualities that make work energizing: purpose, excitement, flow, full expression, and meaning. Jonathan then analyzes his own contribution bucket over the past year, how it was impacted by health challenges, and what he'll change going forward to align work with his values and sparketypes®.If you want to reflect on how your work and effort make you feel and set intentions for a more energized 2024, don't miss this episode. Discover how to find purpose and joy in your unique contribution.If you’re open to it, record your own responses and email them to [email protected]. We may include your reflections in an episode. I'm excited to share this powerful process over the coming weeks to help us all step into the new year with intention.Take The Good Life Bucket Quiz to discover your levels.Discover the Work That Makes You Come Alive! Take the Sparketype® AssessmentView the 1-page Worksheet.Find all of the Year-End Reflection episodes on this Spotify playlist.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.