The One You Feed

Jamie Wheal, Executive Director of the Flow Genome Project and author of 'Recapture the Rapture,' dives into the essence of 'radical hope' as a means to confront despair in today's fractured world. He critiques the superficial positivity often promoted in the face of serious crises, advocating instead for a resilient, realistic approach. Discussing the importance of community and meaningful connections, Wheal emphasizes navigating existential risks and reimagining cultural narratives to foster genuine hope amid societal challenges.

Elissa Epel, an expert in stress and aging from UCSF, discusses how stress accelerates the aging process by shortening telomeres, the protective caps on our DNA. She highlights the significant impact of lifestyle choices and nutrition on telomere health, advocating for a whole food diet to combat inflammation. Epel also explores the relationship between depression and cellular aging, providing strategies for reframing stress as a challenge. Mindfulness and social support are emphasized as vital tools for managing stress and promoting well-being.

In this discussion, Scott Barry Kaufman, a renowned author and psychologist, redefines our approach to pain and growth. He emphasizes shifting from a 'Why Me?' mindset to 'What Now?' to empower personal development. Kaufman dives into the dangers of black-and-white thinking and highlights the importance of acknowledging inner struggles as catalysts for growth. He underscores the significance of self-compassion while urging listeners to embrace their agency amidst adversity. This insightful conversation offers practical techniques for emotional regulation and reframing negative thoughts.

Victor Strecher, author and professor, shares his insights on purposeful living after personal loss. He discusses the difference between having a purpose and living purposefully, emphasizing how energy, nutrition, and mindfulness contribute to well-being. Strecher introduces practical methods like the headstone test for discovering one’s core values. The conversation touches on the universal accessibility of purpose, the impact of relationships on joy, and the importance of aligning actions with values, inviting listeners to reflect on their legacy.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs and author of 'Tiny Experiments', highlights the power of small experiments to overcome procrastination and foster personal growth. She emphasizes curiosity as a guiding force, encouraging listeners to embrace uncertainty and explore change without rigid goals. The discussion includes the value of understanding emotions, the concept of growth loops as a dynamic approach to decision-making, and techniques like 'field notes' for mindfulness. Le Cunff advocates for viewing procrastination with curiosity rather than self-blame.

Taylor Jacobson, founder of Focusmate, dives into the underlying causes of procrastination and personal transformation. He discusses how repressed emotions can hinder progress and the importance of processing feelings for growth. The conversation emphasizes the role of community support and accountability in overcoming distractions. Jacobson also touches on the challenges of startup culture, advocating for authenticity and work-life balance as essential for well-being. Listeners will gain insights on aligning with their true selves and the transformative power of vulnerability.

In this conversation, Sarah Gormley, author of 'The Order of Things,' shares her inspiring journey from a successful career to confronting deep-seated self-loathing. She highlights the transformative power of therapy, the complex interplay of grief and gratitude, and practical tools to combat negative self-talk. Sarah also discusses the emotional challenges of caregiving and the importance of self-kindness in fostering healthier relationships. Her reflections on personal identity and growth encourage listeners to embrace authenticity and face their inner saboteurs.

Tali Sharot, a neuroscientist known for her work in behavioral economics, dives into why we often overlook what truly matters in life. She explains habituation, uncovering how we adapt to both joys and hardships. Discover strategies to reignite happiness, such as embracing novelty and recognizing extraordinary moments. Tali also tackles the detrimental effects of social media and urges listeners to break free from emotional escapism. Her insights offer a compelling path to feeling alive and engaged in an ever-evolving world.

Charlie Gilkey, founder of Productive Flourishing, shares insights on how ancient wisdom from the Tao Te Ching can guide modern living. He discusses letting go of the need for constant productivity and instead finding ease through presence and simplicity. The conversation dives into the balance between engagement and busyness, advocating for meaningful connections. Gilkey also explores an innovative digital project that makes the Tao more accessible, merging timeless teachings with contemporary technology to enhance personal growth.

Leah Weiss, a compassionate leadership educator at Stanford, shares her insightful journey through burnout despite her seemingly fulfilling career. She unveils how burnout can disguise itself as purpose and the critical need for discernment and community support. Leah emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout's signs and the distinctions between burnout and compassion fatigue. Through her personal narrative and experiences, listeners learn about the intricate balance between work, personal values, and the significance of fostering psychological safety in teams.