The One You Feed

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist and author of "My Stroke of Insight," shares her remarkable journey of recovery from a stroke that left her with a unique understanding of brain function. She discusses her new book, "Whole Brain Living," which introduces the four characters of our brains and how they influence our choices. Jill delves into the duality of the left and right hemispheres, illustrating their roles in identity and emotion. Emphasizing mindfulness, she offers insights on retraining our responses to enhance emotional well-being.

Adyashanti, an acclaimed American spiritual teacher and author, dives into the complexities of spiritual awakening. He shares insights from his book, highlighting how innate competitiveness has shaped his journey. The discussion emphasizes the balance of positive and negative traits and the importance of trust in awakening. Adyashanti distinguishes between fleeting moments of awakening and lasting enlightenment, critiquing the desire for definitive labels. He also explores the connection between spiritual growth and mental health, advocating for compassion in personal journeys.

Johann Hari, a bestselling author and journalist, dives into the causes of depression in a profound discussion. He distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and critiques how societal pressures, especially consumerism, shape mental health. Johann highlights the loneliness epidemic and the need for community connections as innovative ways to combat depression. He urges a compassionate understanding of grief and emphasizes recognizing pain as a crucial signal. This refreshing, holistic approach offers unexpected solutions to mental health challenges.

Sonya Renee Taylor, a celebrated poet and founder of The Body Is Not An Apology, dives into radical self-love and its transformative power. She explores how societal messages create body shame and discusses the role of inquiry in clearing these obstructions. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering self-acceptance and redefining personal narratives for empowerment. Sonya shares practical approaches to eliminating negativity and emphasizes that self-love is not just an individual journey but a collective effort toward social justice.

Rainn Wilson, the multi-talented actor and producer, teams up with Reza Aslan, a renowned author and professor, to explore spirituality in depth. They dive into how happiness emerges from acts of service and highlight the importance of rituals in daily life. The duo delves into the interplay of faith and doubt, suggesting that embracing uncertainty is key to spiritual growth. They also discuss the significance of self-knowledge on one's spiritual journey, making a case for looking inward rather than seeking answers externally.

Mingyur Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author of 'In Love With The World,' shares insights on embracing life's challenges. He discusses the importance of awareness in transforming difficult emotions and experiences. Rinpoche highlights the power of letting feelings come and go, emphasizing mindfulness as a path to compassion. Notably, he reflects on his journey from monastic life to engaging with a chaotic world, demonstrating how love and awareness can lead to personal growth and self-liberation.

Sophia Bush, renowned for her roles in "One Tree Hill" and "Chicago P.D.," shares her insights as an actress and passionate activist. She discusses the dangers of perfectionism and the importance of embracing all emotions, highlighting how vulnerability fuels personal growth. Sophia underscores the connection between spirituality and nature, advocating for environmental stewardship. The conversation also touches on the roles we play in activism and the need for empathy in confronting societal injustices, inspiring listeners to engage meaningfully with their communities.

Philip Goldberg, an ordained Interfaith Minister and meditation teacher, discusses the transformative power of spiritual practices in everyday life. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing daily meditation, movement, and how to cultivate resilience. Goldberg illustrates the struggle between our 'good wolf' and 'bad wolf' and the importance of perspective—whether it's spiritual, scientific, or historical—for understanding life’s challenges. He encourages listeners to engage mindfully with their thoughts and foster personal growth through awareness.

Christopher Keevil, an ordained Zen teacher and founder of Wellspring Consulting, shares insights from his book about finding peace in everyday moments. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and being present, offering meditation tips for beginners. Keevil visualizes spiritual growth as a helix, illustrating how personal development involves cycles of learning. The conversation dives into the interplay of faith and doubt in Zen practice, as well as the transformative power of kindness and confronting emotional truths for clarity.

Resmaa Menakem, a therapist specializing in trauma and author of "My Grandmother’s Hands," delves into the complexities of racialized trauma. He discusses how societal views on race affect mental well-being and emphasizes the importance of body awareness in healing. Menakem articulates the need for white individuals to confront discomfort and engage in anti-racist practices. He highlights the critical role of community support and personal introspection in overcoming systemic biases, advocating for a transformative journey towards collective healing.