Curious Minds at Work

Kasley Killam, a public health expert and author, advocates for the recognition of social health as a crucial component of well-being. She discusses the loneliness epidemic and the importance of meaningful relationships, proposing practical strategies to enhance social connections, including the innovative 531 guideline. The conversation also explores the dual role of technology in social health and shares inspiring stories, highlighting how nurturing relationships can lead to happier, healthier lives.

Julia Hotz, an author dedicated to exploring alternative health solutions, discusses her book, The Connection Cure. She reveals how social prescriptions—like nature, art, and community service—can enhance mental and physical well-being, sometimes even more than traditional medications. Hotz shares powerful stories, including the transformative journeys of individuals like Frank and Heather, showcasing the healing effects of creativity and connection. This conversation highlights the urgent need for integrating social health into modern medical practices.

Anna Goldfarb, author of 'Modern Friendship,' dives into the intricacies of maintaining friendships in a fast-paced world. She discusses the importance of nurturing connections for well-being and shares insights on what to say when building deeper friendships. Goldfarb highlights the evolution of friendships across generations and the value of 'medium friends' in casual settings. With practical advice, she presents a unique friendship cleanse and emphasizes the significance of adaptability in navigating toxic relationships. A must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their social bonds!

Author Alex Budak shares insights on becoming a changemaker and leading positive change at any level. He discusses the importance of mindset, humility, adaptability, dealing with resistance, and leading change through culture. He also introduces the concept of micro-leadership and the changemaker canvas tool for executing and communicating change.

This year, we witnessed a solar eclipse. Walking the streets of my neighborhood that day, looking through my solar eclipse glasses and sharing them with others, I felt a profound sense of awe. And I saw that awe, that wonder, reflected in the faces of the people around me. For one or two hours, we were part of something bigger than ourselves. And that experience took us out of ourselves. It softened and connected us. Experiences like that are what made me want to read Dacher Keltner’s latest book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. In this conversation, we talk about what awe is, how it works, and why it matters. We also talk about how to build more awe into our lives. Episode Links Here’s Why You Need to Be Cultivating Awe in Your Life An Awe Walk Strengthen Your Leadership with the Science of Awe Interview with Norman Farb author of Better in Every Sense The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Award-winning science writer David Robson discusses overcoming loneliness by understanding cognitive biases and building social connections. Topics include shared reality, evolution of social pain neurons, navigating social relationships, self-expansion, gratitude, and human social potential.

There are many good reasons to look to others. For example, you might need expert advice or feedback to improve your performance. But there’s one reason not to, and, that is, to determine your self-worth. When you look to someone else to define you or tell you how to live your life, you lose a lot. And if you find it hard to believe you’d ever let someone else influence you in those ways, you’d be surprised. Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist who’s worked with elite athletes, artists, and leaders. Through his work, he’s learned that one of the biggest obstacles standing in their way is fear of other people’s opinions. And he’s seen just how crippling those fears can be. That’s why he’s written the book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You. In talking to Michael, I learned how our biology sets us up to place a lot of weight on other people’s opinions. I also learned how social media is designed to reinforce that fear. Fortunately, Michael shared insights on what to do. I walked away feeling empowered. Episode Links Stop Basing Your Self-Worth on Other People’s Opinions Free Your People from the Need for Social Approval Build a Great Team on a Relationship-Based Culture, Not the Myth of Family Interview with Jonathan Rhodes on Getting the Life You Want The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Author Jeff Wetzler discusses the importance of seeking knowledge and insights from others to achieve breakthroughs in leadership. He emphasizes the significance of asking for input timely, avoiding missed opportunities. The podcast explores the Ask approach, the ladder of understanding, and fostering psychological safety for open communication in organizations.

Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot discusses why things that make us happy lose their appeal over time. She shares insights on how to rekindle happiness by noticing what was always there. Exploring habituation's impact on happiness, strategies for maximizing joy, and addressing gender discrimination for positive change. Plus, delving into the psychology of curiosity and information seeking to enhance satisfaction in life.

Psychologist Michael Norton discusses the power of rituals in providing meaning and purpose. He explains how rituals, unlike habits, operate on an emotional level, deepening our experiences. The podcast explores the calming effect of rituals, finding joy in shared rituals, and using rituals to ease the pain of breakup. Norton's insights shed light on how rituals can impact emotions, relationships, and daily life.