The One You Feed

Paul Loomans, founder of Unraveling Stress in Amsterdam and a Zen practitioner with 40 years of experience, shares his insights on finding balance in our chaotic lives. He discusses 'time surfing' and how traditional time management often fails, advocating for an intuitive approach instead. Loomans emphasizes the importance of focusing on one task at a time and incorporating 'breathers' to enhance creativity. He also explores the connection between self-awareness, procrastination, and emotional clarity, offering practical strategies for better decision-making.

Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of "The Happiness Lab," shares profound insights into happiness and mindful living. She highlights that happiness is a practice, not a destination. Through small, consistent actions, we can enhance our joy. Santos discusses the impact of our social connections, challenges misconceptions about happiness, and offers strategies to combat loneliness. She emphasizes the importance of reframing daily annoyances and intentional use of free time to align with personal values for greater fulfillment.

Pete Etchells, a psychology professor and author known for his research on technology's behavior effects, shares valuable insights on rethinking our engagement with digital devices. He discusses the nuanced impacts of screen time on mental health and offers effective strategies for managing technology use. The conversation highlights the blurred lines between healthy usage and addiction, urging mindful interactions with social media. Etchells also emphasizes the importance of individual agency in navigating distractions, advocating for a balanced approach to technology in our lives.

Emily Balcetis dives into the transformative power of visualization for achieving goals. She discusses how our visual environment can shape our behaviors and perceptions of success. Practical tips are shared on tracking progress and the importance of maintaining a positive focus. Listeners learn when to narrow their goals and when to broaden their perspective to maximize effectiveness. The conversation also touches on how visual cues can enhance motivation and the psychological dynamics behind personal growth.

Rosemerry Trommer, a poet and co-host of various podcasts, explores the profound interplay of grief and joy. She shares her personal journey through loss, highlighting the role of self-compassion in navigating emotional turmoil. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of poetry during grief and the necessity of community support. Rosemerry delves into finding joy in everyday moments and recognizes the beauty within sorrow, encouraging acceptance of life’s dualities to foster resilience and deeper connections.

Catherine Gray, a bestselling author known for her memoirs and debut novel "Versions of a Girl," dives deep into the complex interplay of identity and the impact of past experiences. She shares her transition from non-fiction to fiction, emphasizing how small decisions shape our lives. The discussion spans the battle between nature and nurture, the intricacies of parenting amid societal pressures, and strategies for overcoming people-pleasing tendencies. Catherine also highlights the unique paths to recovery from addiction, reminding us that while our past influences us, we hold the power to define our futures.

Ruth Whippman, a British author and journalist, dives deep into the tangled web of masculinity and its impact on boys. She explores how societal pressures create impossible standards, leaving boys struggling to express their emotions. The conversation challenges traditional views of masculinity, advocates for blending masculine and feminine traits, and highlights the often-overlooked body image issues men face. Ruth emphasizes the need for empathy and open dialogue to help boys navigate their identities in a healthier way.

Peter Kim, a management and organization professor at USC, dives into the fascinating world of trust dynamics. He highlights how intention plays a pivotal role in shaping trust within relationships. Listeners learn the delicate balance between competence and integrity, and how these factors influence our connections. Kim also discusses strategies for repairing trust, including the importance of genuine apologies. The conversation explores the complexities of trust violations, illustrating how perceptions can vary and the essentiality of understanding context.

Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care expert and author of "With the End in Mind," shares profound insights on living while facing death. She discusses the importance of open conversations about mortality to reduce fear. Kathryn emphasizes how the dying process can be more peaceful than expected and highlights the need for individualized end-of-life planning. With heartwarming stories, she illustrates the significance of supporting loved ones in their final days and reminds us to embrace authenticity, fostering meaningful connections amidst life's challenges.

Yoni Ashar, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist at Weill Cornell Medicine, shares groundbreaking insights on healing chronic pain. He explains 'Pain Reprocessing Therapy' as a new approach that challenges traditional pain management methods. The discussion highlights how beliefs and emotions shape our pain experiences, the role of neuroplasticity, and the impact of fear on chronic pain. Yoni introduces the concept of somatic tracking to help cultivate a sense of safety around pain, offering hope and innovative strategies for those struggling with chronic discomfort.