The One You Feed

Michael Bungay Stanier, author of the best-selling "The Coaching Habit" and founder of Box of Crayons, dives into the art of building better relationships. He introduces the concept of keystone conversations that can radically transform connections at work and in life. Michael emphasizes the three core elements of relationships: safety, vitality, and repairability. He shares strategies for initiating tough conversations and highlights the importance of curiosity and mindfulness in deepening interpersonal ties.

Florence Williams, a contributing editor at Outside Magazine and author of 'The Nature Fix,' reveals the remarkable benefits of spending time in nature. She discusses how just 15 minutes in a forest can lower cortisol levels and improve emotional well-being. Williams explains the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder, emphasizing that nature can sometimes surpass meditation in promoting mental health. The conversation encourages listeners to reconnect with their surroundings, highlighting the transformative power of natural environments on happiness and creativity.

Suleika Jaouad, author of the bestselling memoir 'Between Two Kingdoms,' shares her inspiring journey from leukemia diagnosis at 22 to finding purpose through writing. She discusses the transformative power of creativity as a coping mechanism for adversity. Topics include embracing uncertainty, the significance of vulnerability and love, and the importance of community support in overcoming trauma. Suleika emphasizes the ongoing journey of navigating pain and the value of rituals in fostering resilience during life's unpredictable moments.

Rohan Gunatillake, creator of Meditative Story and the app Buddhify, discusses how storytelling has shaped his understanding of mindfulness. He shares insights on incorporating mindfulness into daily life without disrupting routines. The conversation touches on the balance between app usage and deep meditation practices, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement. Rohan also explores the nuances of meditation versus mindfulness and the need to let go of rigid expectations, inviting listeners to adapt mindfulness creatively in their chaos-filled lives.

John Kaag, a renowned philosopher and author, shares his insights on aligning work with personal values. He emphasizes Thoreau's view on meaningful labor, urging listeners to find fulfillment beyond materialism. Topics include navigating the gig economy and reevaluating work-life balance for deeper satisfaction. Kaag encourages a simpler lifestyle, continuous self-discovery, and the moral responsibilities tied to our careers. His reflections inspire a fresh perspective on living intentionally while reconnecting with nature and self.

Ginny Gay, a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, teams up with Brandi Lust, a facilitator dedicated to creating safe spaces, to explore navigating abuse of power. They discuss the warning signs of abusive dynamics and the psychological impact on victims. Highlighting the importance of setting boundaries, they offer practical advice for reclaiming one's power and authenticity. Their conversation underscores the need for supportive communities in healing, emphasizing that shared experiences can catalyze meaningful change.

Mark Coleman, an instructor at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and founder of Awaken the Wild, delves into the transformative benefits of nature and mindfulness. He highlights how practicing attention can shift our focus from negativity to joy and understanding. The conversation uncovers nature's role in grounding us in the present, combating anxiety, and fostering emotional well-being. Coleman shares insightful practical meditations and anecdotes that illustrate the beautiful reciprocity between humans and the natural world, urging a deeper appreciation of life's impermanence.

Ginny Gay, a certified mindfulness teacher, and Brandi Lust, a speaker and facilitator, share powerful insights from their journeys of surviving abuse. They discuss the importance of community support in healing and reclaiming one's voice. The duo emphasizes how unacknowledged power dynamics are at the root of abuse and highlight effective strategies for confronting authority. Listeners will discover how to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior and the role of self-trust in recovery, all while normalizing the conversation around these often-silent experiences.

In this engaging conversation, Bruce Feiler, a best-selling author and speaker specializing in meaningful work, shares insights on navigating career transitions. He defines 'workquakes' and discusses how personal values can guide us toward fulfilling careers. Bruce encourages embracing unorthodox decisions and recognizing the power of individual narratives in shaping professional journeys. He dives into the evolving nature of work, emphasizing self-awareness and intentionality in pursuing happiness and meaning in our careers.

Brandi Lust, a speaker and consultant focused on creating safe spaces for sharing truths, joins to discuss navigating grief. They explore how grief impacts personal identity and relationships, revealing opportunities for connection with memories of loved ones. Brandi shares the significance of rituals in the grieving process and offers practical tools to cope with loss. Throughout, they emphasize that grief is a non-linear journey that requires embracing pain and compassion, ultimately leading to personal growth and healing.