The One You Feed

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.

Will Guidara, former co-owner of the acclaimed 11 Madison Park and author of Unreasonable Hospitality, shares his insights on the transformative power of radical hospitality. He discusses how small gestures, like sending out hot dogs on fine China, create meaningful connections. Guidara emphasizes viewing service as a noble pursuit rather than subservience, highlighting the balance of self-care and service. He also explores innovative communication in hospitality, weaving in the magic of creativity and kindness in forging lasting relationships.

In this engaging conversation, Henry Shukman, a Zen master and meditation teacher, shares profound insights on awakening and the collapse of separation. He emphasizes the importance of observing thoughts during meditation, encouraging mindfulness and present moment awareness. Shukman explores the concept of the 'middle way,' balancing acceptance and change, and delves into lessons from the Tao Te Ching on moderation and happiness. The discussion unveils the healing power of embracing uncertainty in life, fostering deeper connections with reality.

Henry Shukman, a Zen teacher and poet, shares insights on finding clarity through meditation while navigating chaos. He highlights the harmony between effort and acceptance, discussing how sudden insights and gradual progress coexist in spiritual growth. Shukman emphasizes understanding one's motivation for meditation, which can sustain long-term practice. He encourages embracing all facets of oneself, including challenges, and reflects on the role of structure in facilitating transformation. Discover how meditation fosters personal development on this enlightening journey.

Ryan Holiday, author of 'Courage is Calling' and a key figure in modern Stoicism, dives deep into fear and hope. He illustrates how everyday courage is not about being fearless but about making conscious choices. Through captivating stories, he highlights the connection between vulnerability and community, showing how sharing experiences fosters healing. Holiday also discusses the role of personal accountability in shaping character and emphasizes that hope and courage are vital, especially in the face of adversity.

In this lively conversation, Debbie Millman, a longtime host of Design Matters and acclaimed designer, shares her insights on using failure as a stepping stone to personal growth. She discusses how gardening reflects life's challenges and the enriching lessons learned from failures. Debbie emphasizes the value of embracing being a beginner, especially later in life, and the importance of external support in overcoming obstacles. Filled with reflections on resilience and the transformative power of nature, this dialogue inspires listeners to cultivate their own growth.

Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist and author of 'The Friendship Bench,' innovatively combines traditional wisdom with modern psychology to tackle mental health in Zimbabwe. He discusses how storytelling and radical empathy can outperform traditional medication. Chibanda shares insights on training grandmothers as community healers, promoting human connection as essential for mental healing. He emphasizes the importance of hope over symptom checklists, showcasing how personal narratives can foster vulnerability and community support in overcoming mental health challenges.

In this discussion, Martha Beck, a renowned author and speaker, delves into overcoming anxiety through creativity and curiosity. She explains how anxiety differs from instinctual fear and the societal factors exacerbating it. Personal anecdotes bridge her journey from a restrictive background to finding joy. Martha emphasizes self-compassion as a tool for reframing anxiety, discusses the interplay between perception and creativity, and highlights how sensory experiences can enhance mental clarity and personal growth. It's an empowering conversation about living authentically.

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Williams, a science journalist and author of 'Move,' explores the fascinating link between physical movement and mental health. She reveals how activities like walking, dancing, and even laughing can significantly reshape our emotional well-being. Caroline delves into concepts like interoception and the impact of posture on feelings. She also emphasizes the concept of 'movement snacks'—short bursts of activity to enhance mood and cognitive function, making a strong case for integrating more movement into our daily lives.