The One You Feed

Kamla Kapur, an award-winning author, poet, and playwright, shares her insights on the transformative powers of life experiences. She discusses how suffering can become a powerful teacher, leading to personal growth and resilience. Drawing on Rumi's teachings, she emphasizes the importance of inner awareness, vulnerability, and the role of storytelling in overcoming adversity. Kamla also explores the significance of gratitude and acceptance, especially in the context of aging, showing how these elements can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Ryan Oelke, co-founder of Buddhist Geeks and founder of Awakening In Life, shares his insights as a seasoned meditation teacher. He discusses the power of Radical Curiosity and how it can facilitate personal awakening in everyday moments. Oelke emphasizes the need to embrace small spiritual practices amidst our busy lives, weaving mindfulness into daily experiences. He also reflects on the adaptation of ancient spiritual traditions in modern contexts, encouraging listeners to trust their intuition while navigating their spiritual journeys.

Stephen Mitchell, an esteemed author and translator of spiritual texts, shares his profound insights on the questioning mind and Zen practice. He emphasizes how reality transcends good and bad, urging listeners to embrace the present moment. The discussion dives into the nuances of suffering, clarifying the distinction between physical pain and mental suffering. Mitchell also explores the transformative power of inquiry, the essence of the Heart Sutra, and the challenges of translation, all while emphasizing authenticity in action.

Gretchen Rubin, a celebrated author and expert on happiness, shares her insights on living skillfully. She discusses the struggle between our 'bad wolf' habits and the importance of knowing whether you're an abstainer or a moderator. Rubin introduces her 'Four Tendencies' model, which categorizes people into Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels, helping listeners tailor their approaches for success. She emphasizes the power of personal agency and shares her thoughts on balancing self-acceptance with the desire for growth.

Fleet Maull, a renowned author, consultant, and Zen Master, shares insights from his transformative book on Radical Responsibility. He discusses the power of choosing personal agency over blame, encouraging listeners to embrace fear as a natural emotion. Maull emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness, using techniques like straw breathing for emotional management. He also draws parallels between extreme adversity and personal growth, showcasing how self-compassion and vulnerability can lead to meaningful change.

Dive into the enlightening exploration of personal growth and transformation. Discover how breakthroughs often come from gradual changes rather than single moments of epiphany. The discussion questions the rise of the growth mindset and whether it's just a trend. It also emphasizes the often painful but essential journey of change, reflecting on experiences like addiction recovery and the supportive role of community. Tune in for thoughtful insights that challenge the conventional views on self-improvement!

Sarah Wilson, a New York Times Bestselling author and the founder of iquitsugar.com, dives deep into her journey with anxiety and her latest book, First, We Make the Beast Beautiful. She discusses how anxiety can be reframed as an opportunity for personal growth and beauty. The conversation highlights the vital balance between medication and therapy, emphasizing that mental health challenges can drive connection. Wilson also shares insights on slowing down amidst the chaos and the importance of personal responsibility in managing anxiety.

Steven C. Hayes, a leading psychologist and founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), discusses his new book and the power of psychological flexibility. He shares insights on transforming negative emotions into growth opportunities and the importance of recognizing personal values in leading a fulfilling life. Dr. Hayes emphasizes vulnerability as a pathway to genuine connections and resilience. Listeners learn practical techniques to enhance their mental health and navigate life's challenges, all while nurturing their inner strengths.

Pete Holmes, an engaging American comedian and author known for his book 'Comedy Sex God,' shares his unique blend of humor and spirituality. He discusses how frustrations can be navigated through mindfulness and the importance of embracing the present moment to experience spirituality daily. The conversation uncovers the idea that sin is a form of unconsciousness, and emphasizes genuine fulfillment through gratitude and acceptance. Holmes also explores the tension between being and doing, illustrating how vulnerability can connect us to deeper truths.

In this enlightening conversation, Linda Graham, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of "Resilience: Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back," shares her insights on cultivating resilience. She explores the neuroscience behind our emotional responses and how all emotions can guide us toward wise actions. Linda discusses practical strategies like mindfulness, self-compassion, and the impact of small, consistent practices to rewire our brain for resilience. Listeners will find valuable tools to navigate challenges and embrace personal growth.