The One You Feed

Josh Radnor, the talented actor from 'How I Met Your Mother,' shares his insights on embracing the messy parts of life. He discusses the internal battles that come with fame and the importance of accepting imperfections for true freedom. Josh highlights the duality of self, navigating identity amidst public perception. He reflects on aging with grace and the transformative power of discomfort, suggesting that personal growth often arises from embracing vulnerability. A meaningful life, he concludes, is crafted from within, not defined by external measures.

Laura McKowen, author of "We Are The Luckiest" and founder of The Luckiest Club, shares her insights on the power of community and courage in personal transformation. She dives into the concept of the 'messy middle'—the challenging space between comfort and change. McKowen highlights the importance of community in sobriety and discusses 'fawning' as a trauma response. Her journey reflects a deep understanding of how real healing starts with vulnerability and connection, inviting listeners to embrace their own paths to recovery.

David Whyte, a poet and author renowned for his insights on human emotions, joins the conversation to explore anxiety, beauty, and resilience. He discusses how anxiety can lead to deeper understanding and connection, emphasizing the duality of joy and struggle in our lives. The power of poetry in expressing complex feelings is highlighted, alongside the significance of navigating unspoken truths in relationships. Whyte encourages embracing life's uncertainties as pathways to growth and meaningful conversations.

In this heartfelt tribute, musician Mike Peters, lead singer of The Alarm and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, shares his journey of resilience in the face of cancer. He reflects on how music acts as a source of strength and healing, discussing early influences and the profound meaning behind his song 'Strength.' Mike emphasizes the power of community support and spirituality in overcoming adversity, framing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. His message of love, hope, and standing tall in darkness resonates throughout the conversation.

Brian Klaas, a political scientist and author of 'Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters', explores the balance between chaos and control in our lives. He argues that embracing uncertainty can lead to a more fulfilling existence and discusses the profound impact of small choices on our experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of intrinsic values over material success, the ripple effect of our actions, and the empowering nature of accepting randomness. Klaas encourages listeners to celebrate their uniqueness and challenge societal norms.

Susan Cain, author of 'Bittersweet' and 'Quiet', delves into the transformative power of sorrow and longing. She describes how music can evoke bittersweet emotions, fostering deep connections and creativity. Cain discusses the delicate balance between grief and joy, encouraging listeners to embrace these feelings. She highlights the significance of grief in personal growth and how experiencing it fully can lead to healing. This conversation ultimately inspires a search for beauty in life's challenges, emphasizing the collective power of shared emotional experiences.

Claire Hoffman, journalist and author of "Sister Sinner," delves into the life of Aimee Semple McPherson, a captivating figure who crafted a religious empire even while embracing contradictions. They discuss how flaws and doubts can fuel personal growth and navigate the shadows of fame and public scrutiny. Claire highlights the complex relationship between identity and societal expectations, particularly for women, exploring themes of grace, authenticity, and the transformative power of embracing both light and dark aspects of ourselves.

Chip Conley, author of 'Learning to Love Midlife' and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, explores the transformative journey of redefining success and happiness after 40. He shares personal challenges like burnout and loss that led to significant growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, the balance of ego, and finding purpose beyond achievements. Conley also discusses gratitude, mindfulness, and managing life transitions, encouraging a hopeful perspective on aging and personal autonomy.

Join Maggie Smith, a renowned poet and author of 'Dear Writer,' as she redefines creativity beyond traditional artistic boundaries. She shares insights on nurturing creativity amidst chaos, emphasizing the importance of intuition and listening to one's inner voice. Maggie discusses overcoming creative blocks, balancing information consumption with personal wellness, and embracing playfulness in the process. Learn how to find joy in creative expression and the value of community in artistic growth, all while maintaining a sense of hope in a noisy world.

Jillian Richardson, an author and coach focused on adult connections, educates listeners on transforming loneliness into belonging. She tackles the complexities of making friends as adults, emphasizing that vulnerability and intention are key. Jillian shares strategies for nurturing deeper relationships, the importance of consistency, and the power of engaging in uncomfortable conversations. Her practical tips on initiating friendships encourage a more meaningful community experience, illustrating that real connections often emerge from navigating discomfort.