The One You Feed

David Christian, a Distinguished Professor of History and director of the Big History Institute, discusses the profound idea of origin stories and their significance in shaping our identities. He delves into the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to life on Earth, emphasizing the intricate dance of dualities—like the 'good wolf' and 'bad wolf' within us. The conversation bridges ancient philosophies with modern science, revealing how understanding our origins can help us confront today's complex challenges and foster a deeper connection to our place in the universe.

In a compelling discussion, Cal Newport, a Georgetown professor and author of 'Digital Minimalism,' unpacks the philosophy behind intentional tech use. He highlights the balance of harm and benefit from social media and urges listeners to reclaim personal autonomy in a digital world. Topics include the hidden costs of attention switching, the importance of aligning technology with personal values, and strategies to reduce digital overwhelm for a more focused life. Newport's insights inspire listeners to optimize tech for what truly matters.

Liz Fosslien, Head of Content at Humu and co-author of "No Hard Feelings," discusses the transformative role emotions play in the workplace. She explains how understanding and embracing both positive and negative feelings can significantly improve workplace culture. Fosslien shares tools for better emotional management, highlights the pitfalls of ignoring emotions, and advocates for meaningful connections among colleagues. The conversation delves into emotional intelligence as a key to professional success and the importance of effective communication in remote settings.

Greg Marcus, a practitioner and innovator of American Mussar, dives into the spiritual practice of good actions, emphasizing mindful living. He explains how balancing soul traits like enthusiasm can enhance personal growth. The conversation explores overcoming inner conflicts and the significance of persistent effort in spiritual journeys. Marcus shares the transformational power of kind actions and the ripple effect they create in communities. Tune in for insights on the healing power of gratitude and the importance of self-awareness in navigating emotions.

Dr. John Norcross, a distinguished psychology professor and behavior change expert, shares insights from his book, Changeology. He emphasizes the importance of motivation, willpower, and learnable skills over reliance on sheer willpower. The podcast explores the five stages of behavior change, illustrating how setbacks can be transformative rather than failures. Norcross highlights the value of supportive relationships in this journey and offers practical strategies for combatting emotional eating by understanding triggers, making it a valuable resource for personal growth.

Loch Kelly, an author, meditation teacher, and psychotherapist, discusses the transformative power of effortless mindfulness. He shares practical techniques to help integrate mindfulness into daily life, enhancing compassion and overall well-being. Loch explores the duality of human nature through the metaphor of two wolves, emphasizing awareness and emotional balance. He introduces the concept of 'glimpsing' for brief moments of mindfulness, guiding listeners to foster true awareness and connect beyond self-identity.

Judith Blackstone, a pioneer in non-dual realization and spiritual psychotherapy, shares her insights on healing trauma through consciousness. She discusses her book, 'Trauma and the Unbound Body,' emphasizing the significance of attuning to fundamental consciousness and the three components: awareness, emotion, and sensation. Judith explores how trauma divides us, impacting our ability to connect deeply with ourselves. She also highlights the importance of embodied awareness and relational work in the healing process, encouraging personal empowerment and emotional restoration.

David Richo, a psychotherapist and author known for blending psychological and spiritual insights, discusses the 'five givens' of life that challenge human experience. He emphasizes that perfection is unattainable and encourages embracing life's inherent difficulties with resilience. Richo reflects on acceptance in relationships and the unpredictability of human behaviors, urging listeners to cultivate emotional strength. The conversation highlights personal growth through mindful engagement and the importance of finding significance beyond predefined meanings.

Tony Wrighton, a regular on Sky Sports News and host of the Zestology podcast, shares his insights on energy management and building positive habits. He discusses the importance of meditation, quality sleep, and nutrition for boosting energy levels. Parenting challenges and the balance of control in relationships are explored, along with the impact of simple pleasures on well-being. Utilizing techniques from Neurolinguistic Programming, he emphasizes intentional living and authentic self-expression in today's fast-paced world.

James Finley, a contemplative practitioner and former monk under Thomas Merton, shares profound insights on contemplation and awakening. He emphasizes the importance of love in nurturing our true selves and discusses the battle between the 'good wolf' and the 'bad wolf' within us. Finley touches on the transformative nature of contemplative prayer, the paradox of solitude versus community, and the necessity of embracing vulnerability to connect with the divine. His teachings aim to illuminate the path toward deeper self-understanding and unity with the infinite love.