The One You Feed

John Mabry, a United Church of Christ pastor and author, dives into the intersection of shamanism and Christianity. He shares insights from his book, exploring how shamanic practices can lead to wholeness and healing. John discusses his transformative shamanic journey and the significance of his spirit animal, the panther. He emphasizes the distinction between trust and belief in spirituality and the importance of imagination in forming connections with the spiritual world. Join him as he navigates through the complexities of faith and personal experience.

Katy Milkman, a Professor at The Wharton School and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative, discusses her book on transforming habits. She reveals how to balance stubbornness with flexibility in change. Enjoyable goals can drive persistence, while tailored strategies help navigate internal conflicts. Milkman explains the power of small rewards and examines how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations intertwine. Finally, she underscores that change is non-linear, emphasizing self-compassion and the role of fresh starts in personal growth.

Dr. John Kaag, Professor of Philosophy at UMass and author of 'Sick Souls, Healthy Minds,' explores how to infuse life with zest. He discusses William James's philosophy and the importance of recognizing we're not alone in our struggles. The conversation dives into the balance between cultivating new experiences and maintaining commitments, emphasizing how habits can lead us to autopilot living. Kaag also highlights the significance of intentional choices in shaping our existence, urging listeners to discover excitement in ordinary moments.

Jessica Hagy, an acclaimed artist and author of numerous internationally translated books, shares her wisdom on fear and personal growth. She emphasizes that every fear carries a hope and advocates for focusing on desires over worries. Jessica discusses the power of envy as a motivational tool and the importance of celebrating small victories. They explore how intense emotions can drive us forward, the impact of isolation on fear, and the necessity of aligning personal goals with intrinsic values for a fearless life.

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.