The One You Feed

Skip Prichard, the fifth president of OCLC and author of "The Book of Mistakes," shares insights on personal growth and resilience. He discusses how focusing on the right mindset can transform challenges into opportunities. Prichard emphasizes the importance of accountability and the need to reject excuses for failure. He explores the concept of success as a balance of ambition and peace. Delving into emotional regulation, he highlights its critical role in achieving personal goals and overcoming setbacks.

Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist and author of How to Be Yourself, shares her insights on conquering social anxiety. She discusses the dual nature of social anxiety, how it can foster empathy, and the neuroscience behind it. Ellen emphasizes the importance of facing fears to change brain responses and combat the negative effects of avoidance. Practical tools for managing the inner critic and practicing self-compassion are highlighted, offering strategies to transform social interactions for the better.

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.