The Troubadour Podcast

Explore the essence of beauty and truth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 54, revealing the harmony between inner and outer attractiveness. Delve into the significance of integrity and honesty, and the relationship between canker blooms and roses. Reflect on the rarity of finding inner beauty and celebrate the decay of canker blooms. Discover how a rose metaphor conveys the concept of inner beauty and truth, as outer beauty fades.

Explore the emotional landscape of Tennyson's 'In Memoriam, A-H-H' and delve into themes of grief, loss, and renewal. Reflect on the need for change and living a noble life amidst chaos. Embrace hope and renewal through Tennyson's words and find inspiration for the new year.

Send us a textDoes becoming a parent condemn you to a less joyful marriage? Jesse McCarthy joins us to unravel the complexities of parental happiness and the dynamics between raising children and marital satisfaction. Our conversation moves beyond the common narrative that contentment dwindles post-children, probing into whether this decline is a parenting inevitability or a sign of unpreparedness. Along the way, we dissect perspectives on pro-natalism, the transformative potential of parenting for personal growth, and the delicate art of integrating children into the quest for a fulfilling life.Embark on a journey of self-reflection and educational evolution with us as we sift through the Montessori method's impact on independence and family appreciation. Jesse McCarthy, with his expertise, guides us through the philosophical embrace of memento mori and its capacity to deepen familial bonds. We also consider the spectrum of personal growth that parenting initiates, the role of coaching, and the growth mindset in navigating life's undulating terrain. The episode promises not merely to navigate the challenges of parenting but to offer a lens through which we might better understand ourselves and the enduring happiness we seek.As we wrap up this episode, we delve into strategies for cultivating positive friendships in children and the developmental advantages of experiencing different roles within a classroom setting. Our dialogue underscores the importance of modeling healthy relationships, respectful communication, and creating an environment ripe for learning—lessons aimed not only at children but at ourselves, too. We conclude with heartfelt thanks to Jesse McCarthy for enriching our discussion and invite our listeners to explore his resources for further enlightenment on the art of parenting and education.

A podcast exploring the holiday spirit through art, poetry, and heartwarming tales. Topics include an enigmatic painting, symbols of joy and benevolence, Luke Travers' latest book release, personal anecdotes of rekindling ties, acts of kindness, professional success and personal fulfillment, Scrooge's transformation, and the ripple effect of happiness spreading to others.

Jake Nuno, a certified financial planner, joins hosts Jake and Kirk to discuss money scripts and their impact on our relationship with money. They explore different money personalities and how they shape financial decisions. They also highlight the importance of understanding money scripts in relationships and the role of communication in financial matters. The episode concludes with a discussion on common money scripts in the younger generation and the value of a financial planner in making informed decisions.

Exploring the potential of art to replace romantic love, analyzing Lord Byron's 'The First Kiss of Love', cautioning against idealistic views in romance, exploring the significance of the first kiss of love in art and aging, discussing the importance of identifying and nurturing one's deepest values in love.

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an entrepreneur? Well, we have the perfect episode for you. We're thrilled to have Dr. Gena Gorlin with us, a trailblazer in the psychology of entrepreneurship. She offers an enlightening perspective on the entrepreneurial mindset, discussing the unique challenges and complexities that entrepreneurs face. She touches on the importance of making value-oriented decisions in our relationships, which are relevant not just to entrepreneurs, but everyone out there.What’s more, we delve into the importance of work in our lives, not in the typical sense but how being purposeful and goal-oriented changes your whole perspective about it. Dr. Gorlin sheds light on the concept of compartmentalizing work and how it shapes confidence and lends structure to your narrative. But that’s not all; work, according to Dr. Gorlin, can also have mental health benefits, providing an organizing function in one’s life.In the latter part of our discussion, we circle around to topics that resonate with all of us - the power of passion, purpose, and finding meaning in life. We discuss the importance of understanding our subconscious and the role that community plays in fostering a builder's mindset. Plus, find expert insights from Dr. Gorlin on emotional intimacy, the importance of vulnerability in relationships, and recognizing the value of people's contributions in supporting projects. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for personal and professional growth. Listen in!

YouTube engineer turned war volunteer, Dan Hackney, shares his extraordinary journey into the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. From finding a live grenade while building a drone to defying curfew for a taste of Ukraine's vibrant nightlife, Dan's experiences paint a chilling picture of war. The podcast discusses the wider implications of the conflict, parallels between Putin and Hitler, and the lasting impact on Ukraine's identity. Tune in to hear about Dan's personal growth, his encounters with a startup creating military drones, and his perspective on life, war, and freedom.

Explore the captivating world of romantic love through John Keats' poem 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci'. Delve into the paradox of love, the blissful yet despairing journey of a knight, and the symbolism and passion revealed in the encounter with a mysterious lady. Discover the power and pitfalls of obsessive romantic love as we analyze the imagery and themes in the poem.

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Surprised by Art', embark on a journey that intimately intertwines the worlds of art, poetry, passion, and pleasure. Discover how the subtle innuendos of a mysterious painting and evocative verse can profoundly amplify your appreciation of life's sensuous delights. Explore how flirting, foreplay, and secret desires are masterfully embodied in art, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and intrigue that deepens our understanding of desire, and ultimately, enhances our enjoyment of life and love. Dive in, and allow art to guide your senses to new heights of pleasure.For more see Luc Travers' upcoming four week course "Romantic Relationships in Art" at https://www.touchingtheart.com/