The One You Feed

Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister and acclaimed author known for her advocacy of justice and equality, engages in an inspiring discussion. She emphasizes the significance of humility as a cornerstone of spirituality and shares her insights from her book, Radical Spirit. Topics include the detrimental effects of narcissism in culture, the true nature of obedience, and the importance of self-awareness for personal growth. Sister Joan encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and recognize the power of community in nurturing positivity.

In this enlightening conversation, Donna Cameron, an experienced executive and author of "A Year of Living Kindly," shares her passion for kindness. She discusses the personal stories that shaped her journey and the profound impact kindness can have on our health and relationships. Donna emphasizes choosing kindness over negativity and reveals how keeping score can undermine our connections. With engaging insights, she explores actionable ways to foster kindness in our lives, ultimately transforming both individual well-being and community dynamics.

Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D., co-founder of the Center for Mindful Living and an expert on mindfulness and depression, dives into transformative approaches to mental health. He discusses his book, highlighting how mindfulness and self-compassion can uncover happiness and break the cycle of depression. Elisha emphasizes the neurological insights into depression and the power of community support. He encourages curiosity and the importance of play in adulthood as ways to foster emotional resilience and joy.

Oren Jay Sofer, a leader in mindful communication and meditation with a Columbia degree in Comparative Religion, shares insights from his book, 'Say What You Mean.' He discusses the importance of being present and the impact of fragmented attention on our conversations. Oren outlines a three-step process for effective communication: leading with presence, coming from curiosity, and focusing on what matters. He emphasizes the power of pausing and the connection between our speech and nervous system, offering practical techniques to enhance interpersonal connections.

Dr. Tererai Trent, an internationally acclaimed advocate for women's empowerment and author of 'The Awakened Woman,' shares her incredible journey from a rural community to becoming an inspiring scholar. She delves into the concept of the 'two hungers' in life—the little and great—and the importance of pursuing meaningful aspirations. Dr. Trent recounts powerful stories of resilience, generational wisdom, and how dreams can thrive amid adversity, encouraging listeners to break their barriers and embrace their sacred dreams.

Discover the motivations of athletes in the Boston Marathon and how their personal stories drive community support. Dive into the concept of Hedonic Adaptation and the fleeting nature of happiness through amusing Disney anecdotes. Explore the value of novelty and gratitude in maintaining joy, highlighted by a touching poem from Mary Oliver. Finally, enjoy a blend of humor and introspection, reflecting on resilience amidst emotional challenges, topped off with a motivational song about perseverance.

In this discussion, Oliver Burkeman, an award-winning writer for The Guardian, dives into modern time management. He argues that technologies designed to make us efficient can often lead to more stress. Burkeman suggests that the endless to-do list is here to stay and that having emails in your inbox isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He reflects on the simpler times and emphasizes that true peace of mind requires difficult choices about how to spend our time, encouraging a reevaluation of productivity in our lives.

Eli Jaxon-Bear, founder of The Leela Foundation and author of "An Outlaw Makes it Home," dives into the exploration of the true self. He emphasizes the need to distinguish between our true essence and the false selves we create. The conversation covers intriguing insights into the Enneagram, suggesting a deeper understanding of identity beyond mere personality types. Eli also discusses the transformative journey from 'me' to 'I,' encouraging authenticity and self-awareness as pathways to fulfillment. Discover how silence and emotional healing play vital roles in this journey.

Discover how small steps can lead to substantial personal growth. The discussion highlights the power of consistency, emphasizing that it's not about being perfect but about making incremental progress. Using the metaphor of the Chinese bamboo tree, the conversation illustrates how success quietly builds over time. Listeners are encouraged to embrace perseverance and develop strategies to overcome setbacks while pursuing their goals.

Catherine Gray, author of "The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober" and "The Unexpected Joy of Being Single," shares her insights on embracing singlehood and the transformative power of sobriety. She discusses societal misconceptions about being single, encouraging listeners to find empowerment in their relationship status. The conversation also delves into the complexities of love addiction and the significance of self-acceptance. Gray emphasizes the need for diverse social connections and self-care to foster genuine happiness in all aspects of life.