The One You Feed

Florence Williams, a journalist and author known for her contributions to Outside Magazine and the New York Times, explores the profound impact of heartbreak in a candid discussion. She shares her personal journey following a 25-year marriage, emphasizing how emotional pain manifests physically. Florence highlights the importance of confronting negative emotions and the healing power of nature and beauty. Through her 30-day wilderness experience, she discovers insights on solitude and connection, advocating for mindfulness and community as essential tools for emotional recovery.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Stulberg, a researcher and coach renowned for his focus on health and performance, dives into his book, 'The Practice of Groundedness.' He explores the balance between well-being and success, emphasizing the importance of the journey over mere outcomes. Listeners will learn practical strategies for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness, the significance of embracing imperfection in self-care, and how to navigate the complexities of mental health. Stulberg's insights inspire a more compassionate approach to personal growth.

Brigid Schulte, an award-winning journalist and author of "Overwhelmed," dives into the chaos of modern life. She explores the culture of busyness and its negative impact on mental health, offering practical strategies for managing time and stress effectively. Schulte discusses the notion of 'contaminated time' and its effect on mindfulness, while also emphasizing the importance of perspective in navigating overwhelm. With insights on gratitude and community support, she shares how to cultivate joy even amidst life's challenges.

Yoni Ashar, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist at Weill Cornell Medicine, explores the fascinating link between beliefs, emotions, and chronic pain. He discusses neuroplastic pain, emphasizing that perceptions of threat can perpetuate discomfort even after injuries heal. Yoni shares innovative pain management techniques, including somatic tracking, which encourages curiosity about pain rather than fear. He highlights how mental habits can exacerbate pain and introduces Pain Reprocessing Therapy as a transformative approach for relief.

In this discussion, Josh Trent, the Founder of Wellness Force Media and breathwork expert, uncovers the transformative power of breath in enhancing mental and physical health. He shares his personal journey that fueled his passion for wellness. The conversation delves into defining breathwork practices like box breathing, their role in stress management, and their connection to neuroplasticity. Listeners learn about actionable techniques for integrating breathwork into daily life for emotional healing and stress reduction.

Leah Weiss, a researcher and lecturer at Stanford, specializes in compassionate leadership and burnout prevention. In this discussion, she opens up about her own journey with workplace burnout and highlights its signs and causes. The conversation delves into the nuanced differences between burnout, depression, and compassion fatigue. Leah emphasizes the importance of boundaries, personal values, and supportive environments in managing burnout. She also shares practical tools for self-reflection and maintaining well-being in high-pressure roles.

Steve Hagen, an ordained Zen priest and author known for his insights into Buddhism and philosophy, dives into profound topics. He unpacks his book, discussing the concept of grand delusion—how our belief in the substantiality of existence shapes our reality. Hagen emphasizes the coexistence of two truths and the importance of realizing the mind's role in perception. He advocates for embracing uncertainty, the difference between perception and conception, and the transformative power of compassion in finding meaning and peace.

Michael Bungay Stanier is a renowned author of best-selling books on coaching, including 'The Coaching Habit.' In this conversation, he shares insights from his latest work, 'How to Begin,' addressing how to tackle fear and embrace ambition. He emphasizes the importance of setting 'Worthy Goals' and provides a three-step foundation for starting projects effectively. Michael also discusses the balance between ambition and contentment, focusing on personal growth and the power of commitment in achieving meaningful goals.

Taylor Jacobson, CEO and Founder of Focusmate, passionately discusses tools for enhancing focus and accountability. He reveals how his platform fosters productivity through peer support, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe in a community. The conversation touches on overcoming procrastination by establishing supportive environments and the significance of morning routines. Additionally, Taylor dives into the complexities of emotional well-being in high-pressure settings, advocating for authenticity and soulful work culture.

Veronica Valli, a former psychotherapist and sobriety coach with nearly 20 years of experience, dives into the transformative journey of sobriety. She discusses her book, 'Soberful,' and examines how alcoholism often signals deeper emotional struggles. Veronica shares her personal battles with addiction and challenges the culture surrounding drinking. The conversation also emphasizes emotional mastery, the impact of community support in recovery, and the importance of addressing underlying issues for a fulfilling alcohol-free life.