The One You Feed

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.

Marilyn Nelson, an acclaimed poet and former Connecticut Poet Laureate, shares insights into her impactful poetry. She discusses her works like "A Wreath for Emmett Till," delving into the emotional weight of memory and history. Nelson explores the unique form of the heroic crown of sonnets and highlights how poetry emerges from silence, promoting personal growth amidst modern noise. She also touches on the themes of empathy in her children's book, "Snook Alone," showcasing the beauty of companionship and reflection.

Johann Hari, a renowned writer and journalist praised by Oprah and Chomsky, dives into the pressing issue of attention in our digital world. He shares his transformative experience of living without the internet for three months and discusses how social media contributes to an attention crisis. The conversation explores the concept of 'cruel optimism' and critiques the self-help industry for overlooking systemic factors. Hari emphasizes the importance of both individual and collective efforts to reclaim focus in an age of distraction.

Joanna Macy, a renowned environmental activist and scholar, shares her insights on 'The Work That Reconnects.' She discusses the transformative experience of translating Rilke’s work, emphasizing the importance of patience and living with questions. Macy outlines her three visions: 'Business as Usual,' 'The Great Unraveling,' and 'The Great Turning,' which challenge listeners to engage with the world’s crises. She explores the interconnectedness of all beings, and encourages emotional expression as a vital part of healing and resilience in turbulent times.

Emma Gannon, a bestselling author and host of the popular podcast 'Ctrl Alt Delete,' dives into the themes of community and connection in today's digital landscape. She explores ideas from her book, 'Disconnected,' highlighting the joy and challenges of blending creative work with personal fulfillment. Gannon discusses how online behaviors can misalign with real-life interactions, the importance of taking breaks from social media, and the nuances of cancel culture. She reflects on women's experiences with motherhood and societal pressures, advocating for compassion and open dialogue.

Catherine Gray, a Sunday Times Bestselling author, has been sober since 2013 and writes about sobriety and embracing life. In the conversation, she dives into the lasting joy of sobriety and the transformative power of gratitude. Catherine discusses the complexities of addiction, emphasizing that it exists on a spectrum and doesn't have to define one's identity. She advocates for a more individualized approach to sobriety and shares insights on evolving perceptions about addiction and personal growth.

Emily Balcetis, an Associate Professor of Psychology at NYU and an acclaimed author, dives into the psychology of goal achievement. She shares insights from her book, highlighting four crucial tools for accomplishing goals and the importance of tracking progress. Emily emphasizes that our perceptions of progress can be misleading and discusses strategies to connect our present selves with our future aspirations. The conversation also touches on the power of visualizing goals and the role of environmental cues in motivating action.

Regina Louise is a resilient author and child advocate known for her inspiring journey through the foster care system. In this conversation, she shares powerful strategies for cultivating unconditional self-love, emphasizing the importance of embracing difficult emotions. Regina reflects on reclaiming dignity from her challenging past and the journey toward self-empowerment. She also highlights the role of community in healing and offers practical insights on nurturing a compassionate relationship with oneself while navigating personal growth.

Stephen Guise, an international bestselling author known for his book "Elastic Habits," delves into the art of forming adaptable habits. He shares insights on how flexibility in habit formation can lead to sustained motivation, emphasizing the significance of starting small for big changes. Guise discusses the roles of different types of cues that trigger habits, as well as the importance of emotional cues in building positive behaviors. His unique approach allows individuals to create habits that adjust to life's unpredictability, making personal growth more achievable.