The Plant Yourself Podcast

Just because homelessness is a complex problem doesn't mean that there aren't simple solutions.The obstacles to ending homelessness stem from the "address homelessness" industry itself, which benefits from the persistence of the problem rather than its eradication.What's needed, according to today's guest, Momma Kai Sanders, is affordable housing.That's the root of the issue: homes that people can afford to live in.And Momma Kai isn't just talking about it. She's taking action — running for mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, on a write-in ticket.She's running for her son, Wisdom, to create the policies now that can give him a chance at a good life in the future.She's fighting for the most vulnerable and marginalized from a position not just of solidarity, but identity.She's all about compassion and authentic leadership.If you can vote for her, I hope you do so.If you know folks who live in Raleigh who can spread the word, I hope you reach out to them.It's a long shot, sure, but the most important question isn't "Who's going to win?" Instead, it's "Whose team do you want to be on?"LinksMomma Kai's Instagram pageHelping the Unhoused – and Homeless – Move From Poverty to Prosperity: Momma Kai Sanders on PYP 562True Privilege is Growing Up in a Low-Trauma Environment: Momma Kai Sanders on PYP 566

Tom Solid and Paco Cantero are the minds behind the Paperless Movement, a consultancy and educational program for people who aspire to high performance in a fast-changing digital landscape.Which is to say, they're here to help us get shit done in a world of infinite bits and bytes, a world of 24/7 access to information, and a world which will grab our calendar by the short and curlies and impose a zillion external agendas upon us if we don't learn how to defend our time, our priorities, and our purpose.Rather than focus on the latest and greatest individual tools (the "it girls" of the productivity world), Tom and Paco emphasize the need to understand systems, and use tools for particular purposes to achieve desired results.We dive into their ICOR framework, and encounter such things as the Capturing Beast, the Single Source of Truth, and the pitfalls of using the internet as a "Second Brain."We also explore the difference between Deep and Shallow work, and why it's crucial to be deliberate in building time and space for the former. Here are the key takeaways, according to AI:Productivity is about performing at your best without burning out.Understanding that everything is a system can enhance productivity.Busy professionals can be productive if they have clarity in their tasks.Switching tools frequently can lead to confusion and inefficiency.A structured approach to productivity is essential for busy professionals.Continuous improvement happens naturally when systems are in place.Clarity in goals and tasks leads to better tool usage.It's not the tools that matter, but how you use them.A combination of small changes can lead to significant improvements.Ultimately, productivity is simply a means to achieve What Matters Most to us. Joyfully.With peace of mind.And on purpose.LinksPaperlessMovement.comICOR® Journey: Learn how to build your ultimate productivity system with any tools!

In the movie There's Something About Mary, there's a scene where Ben Stiller's character picks up a hitchhiker who tries to pitch him on a business idea.There's a popular exercise video called Eight Minute Abs, but the hitchhiker is going to capture market share by making a video called Seven Minute Abs.He explains, "If you walk into the video store and you see Eight Minute Abs and Seven Minute Abs, which one are you going to take? Seven minutes, of course.But he gets stumped by the question, "What if somebody else comes out with Six Minute Abs?"I thought of that scene when I got pitched for a new book called Three Minutes a Day: A Fourteen-Week Course to Learn Meditation and Transform Your Life, by Richard Dixey.I thought, boy, have we really dumbed down the tradition of meditation from its origins.Starting with Buddha sitting under the tree for days or weeks at a time until enlightenment descended upon him, to the practices of of monks and nuns of the monastic orders in Europe who would sit and pray for several hours a day.And now, just like everything else in the West, we've turned it into something that you can package and microwave and sell to the masses who just want a quick fix.Then I took a look at the book and completely changed my mind.And in fact, the conversation you're about to hear with Richard Dixey, the author, is actually one of the deepest explorations of spirituality I have ever had. It's changed how I think about my own spiritual practice. And it's been a couple of weeks now of going through the exercises in the book, and my spiritual practice has transformed for the better.I understand if you're skeptical. So have a listen, and let me know what you think.A Mantis Carol, by Laurens van der PostA Story Like the Wind, by Laurens van der PostThree Minutes a Day: A Fourteen-Week Course to Learn Meditation and Transform Your Life, by Richard DixeyYet Being Someone Other, by Laurens van der PostDharma CollegeRichardDixey.com

In this engaging conversation, Jodi Wellman, an executive coach and author of *You Only Die Once*, shares her insights on embracing mortality with a dose of memento mori. She discusses how acknowledging the brevity of life can motivate us to chase our dreams without hesitation. Jodi brings humor into discussions about indulgence versus restraint, encouraging listeners to find balance. The talk reveals the importance of pursuing passions amid life’s responsibilities, reminding us that life is too short for regrets.

In a fascinating conversation, Sarah Davis, a seasoned risk manager and adventurer, shares her journey as the first woman to paddle the Nile. She reflects on breaking free from a safe corporate life to pursue a more fulfilling existence. With insights on balancing caution and risk, she discusses how her professional skills shaped her daring adventures. Sarah emphasizes the importance of stepping outside comfort zones and finding passion projects, all while embracing challenges that lead to personal growth.

Huw Thomas is a change expert who has transformed the lives of countless individuals and executives. In this engaging discussion, he reveals his three keys to large-scale behavior change: leadership, management, and governance. Huw emphasizes the critical need for empathy and adaptability in driving successful change within organizations. The conversation also touches on the importance of clear goal-setting and the nuances of communication in fostering supportive environments. Their shared journeys illuminate both personal and organizational obstacles to transformation.

Dr. Richard Hodge, an expert in advanced systems thinking and education, dives into how to create meaningful global change. He emphasizes the power of holistic approaches to tackle complex issues and the importance of listening to marginalized communities. The discussion critiques traditional education and healthcare systems, advocating for innovative strategies and preventive measures. Hodge also highlights Indigenous knowledge systems in risk management and calls for grassroots movements to ensure a sustainable future. It's an inspiring exploration of collaboration and community empowerment.

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.You don't hear the word joy thrown around a lot in business. And that's why I'm delighted to share this conversation with you with business psychologist Simi Rayat.Simi is the author of the upcoming book Productivity Joy. And her thing is, are you a joy to be around at work, at home, on the streets? It's such a great question. It reminds me of my friend Howard Prager's trademark question: “How can I make someone's day?”They’re both a sort of mantra that allows you to orient your whole life towards a really beautiful goal. And for Simi, it's about being a source of joy for others; being someone that other people actually want to be around. And if you think about it — what a powerful focus for the workplace, for our volunteer organizations, for our families, for anywhere that we want to have a positive changeThere’s so much wrong with the world and there's so much to be angry about and there's so much to be sad about. And if we want to mobilize people to action, to make a difference, to make a change, we can't just run on the fuel of negativity. We also need joy. And the harder it is to generate that joy, the more it's needed. So I'm really excited to share this conversation. It's chock full of science. It's chock full of joy. And I hope it helps you bring about the world that you want to see. Click to subscribe to the Mindset Mastery Memo.Support the show

Dr. Richard Hodge, a brilliant thinker, introduces the insightful four-quadrant model for tackling complex problems. He emphasizes the importance of starting with 'why' to clarify meaning and values. The discussion covers how to build connections, strategize effectively, and anticipate impacts, relevant for both personal and organizational challenges. Hodge highlights the distinction between long-term sustainability and short-term thinking in governance. With relatable examples, he showcases how structured approaches can enhance communication and foster collaboration to tackle societal issues.

Dr. Richard Hodge, an expert on indigenous knowledge systems and Aboriginal culture, discusses how these perspectives can help us navigate today’s complex challenges. He emphasizes the importance of totems, like the dragonfly, in fostering connection and collaboration over control. Hodge presents his Dragonfly Model for deep systemic change, highlighting the value of shifting our perception and values. He also explores the transformative impact of parenthood, the significance of community engagement, and the need for emotional courage in effecting meaningful social change.