

The One You Feed
Eric Zimmer
Transformative ideas from the best thinkers on the planet including guests like James Clear, Susan Cain, Michael Pollan, Deepak Chopra, Nicole LaPera, Yung Pueblo, Gabor Mate, Maggie Smith, David Whyte, Macklemore, George Saunders, Anne Lamott, Frank Turner, Mark Manson, Tara Brach, AJ Jacobs, Oliver Burkeman, Ryan Holiday, Parker Palmer. It’s not about perfection; it’s about direction.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Quiet Pain of Self-Loathing and Finding the Courage to Face It with Sarah Gormley
In this episode, Sarah Gormley discusses the quiet pain of self-loathing and finding the courage to face it. Sarah had it all – a thriving corporate career, success, and admiration. But beneath was a quiet, relentless self-loathing she couldn’t shake. In her memoir, The Order of Things, Sarah shares the profound turning point at 40 when she finally asked, is this how it’s going to feel forever? She unpacks why therapy isn’t linear, how grief can deepen gratitude, and the freedom that comes when we stop performing and start genuinely living.Feeling stuck? It could be one of the six saboteurs of self-control—things like autopilot, self-doubt, or emotional escapism. But here’s the good news: you can outsmart them. Download the free Six Saboteurs of Self-Control ebook now at oneyoufeed.net/ebook and start taking back control today!Key Takeaways:Journey of self-discovery and self-acceptanceImportance of mental health and therapyStruggles with self-loathing and emotional challengesImpact of grief on personal growth and gratitudeRelationship dynamics and self-worthCaregiving experiences and their emotional complexitiesNavigating grief while supporting othersThe role of compassion in healingTools for managing negative self-talk and thought patternsThe interplay of environment, genetics, and personal agency in shaping identityIf you enjoyed this conversation with Sarah Gormley, check out these other episodes:How to Tame Your Inner Critic with Dr. Aziz GazipuraHow to Practice Self Compassion with Dr. Shauna ShapiroFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
Why We Stop Noticing What Matters and How to Feel Alive Again with Tali Sharot
In this episode, Tali Sharot explains why we stop noticing what matters and how to start feeling alive again. She describes what habituation is and how our minds normalize what once moved us. Tali also explores ways that we can reawaken joy, purpose, and even moral clarity. It’s an eye-opening look at the subtle ways we lose and then can reclaim our aliveness.Feeling stuck? It could be one of the six saboteurs of self-control—things like autopilot, self-doubt, or emotional escapism. But here’s the good news: you can outsmart them. Download the free Six Saboteurs of Self-Control ebook now at oneyoufeed.net/ebook and start taking back control today!Key Takeaways:Concept of habituation and its effects on emotional responsesImportance of noticing the extraordinary in everyday lifeStrategies for counteracting habituation, such as taking breaks and diversifying experiencesRelationship between habituation and creativityImpact of social media on emotional well-being and habituationExploration of habits and addiction, particularly in relation to social mediaDiscussion on the nature of lying and habituation to dishonestyThe balance between exploration and exploitation in personal experiencesThe complexities of human emotions and expectations, particularly regarding women’s rights and happinessEncouragement to experiment with life choices to enhance well-being and fulfillmentIf you enjoyed this conversation with Tali Sharot, check out these other episodes:How to Stop Losing Your Mind (Literally): The Surprising Science of Attention with Amishi JhaHow to Create Elastic Habits that Adapt to Your Day with Stephen GuiseFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 17, 2025 • 52min
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Life: Finding Ease and Clarity with Charlie Gilkey
You're doing everything right, staying productive, chasing growth, keeping up. But what if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that you need to do more, but a signal to let go? In this episode, Charlie Gilkey and I explore the Tao Te Ching, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but not as a relic from the past, but as a guide for navigating the speed and complexities of modern life, including the rise of AI.We talk about how ancient wisdom can live side by side with new technology and how presence, simplicity, and inner alignment still matter, now more than ever,The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, come check it out here.Key Takeaways:Discussion of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text attributed to Lao Tzu.Application of Tao Te Ching, teachings to modern life and contemporary challenges.Exploration of themes such as presence, simplicity, and inner alignment.The balance between engagement and busyness in daily life.The metaphor of feeding the “good wolf” within us and acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of our nature.The significance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating life’s changes.The importance of mental health and accessibility to support systems.Reflection on the “Three Treasures” of the Tao Te Ching: simplicity, compassion, and patience.The role of philosophy in fostering human connection and understanding.Encouragement to embrace the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, for personal growth and fulfillment.If you enjoyed this conversation with Charlie Gilkey, check out these other episodes:How to Get Things Done with Charlie GilkeyEmbrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1)For full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 13, 2025 • 58min
How to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Burnout with Leah Weiss
What if the very thing that gives your life meaning is also what's burning you out? That's the paradox. Leah Weiss found herself in teaching compassionate leadership at Stanford. Working with organizations inspired by the Dalai Lama. Doing the kind of work most of us dream of. And yet she was falling apart. In today's conversation, we unpacked the silent erosion of self that can happen even when everything looks right on the outside. Leah shares how burnout crept in under the guise of purpose, why discernment can't be done alone, and how the small act of knitting helped her find her way back to herself. This episode is a map for anyone wondering is it me? Is it the job or is it the world we're trying to survive in?Key Takeaways:The issue of burnout, particularly in the workplace.Personal experiences and challenges related to burnout.The importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of burnout.The concept of discernment in addressing dissatisfaction.Distinction between burnout and compassion fatigue.The role of community and support in navigating burnout.Factors contributing to burnout at individual, team, and organizational levels.The significance of psychological safety and team dynamics.The search for meaning and alignment of personal values in work.The impact of entrepreneurship on well-being, particularly for women founders.If you enjoyed this conversation with Leah Weiss, check out these other episodes:Embracing Emotions at Work with Liz FosslienHow to Deal with Burnout Through Self-Compassion with Kristin NeffFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramThe Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara
What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the author of Unreasonable Hospitality and advisor on the hit series The Bear, shares how he transformed a restaurant into the best in the world not through perfection but through moments of radical hospitality. Whether it was sending out hot dogs on fine China or designing hand signals to pour water silently. It was never only about the food, it was about making people feel seen. This is a conversation about joy, about seeing service not as subservience, but as nobility and the kind of creativity that invites connection.The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.Key Takeaways:The concept of hospitality and its significance in various aspects of life.Insights from the restaurant industry and the transformation of dining experiences.The balance between kindness and excellence in service.The importance of making people feel seen and valued.The idea of “unreasonable hospitality” and exceeding expectations.The role of creativity in building meaningful connections.The impact of self-care and generosity in service roles.Navigating relationships and managing people effectively.The value of criticism as an investment in personal growth.The importance of community and connection in fostering relationships.Will Guidara: Website | Instagram | LinkedInIf you enjoyed this conversation with Will Guidara, check out these other episodes:How to Connect More Deeply With the World with James CrewsHow to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Charles DuhiggFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 2)
In part one of this two-part conversation, we walked along the edge of paradox where effort gives way to ease and the search itself becomes the obstacle. In this second part of my conversation with Zen teacher Henry Shukman, the way begins to reveal itself, not as something we grasp, but something we live. We talk about awakening, the collapse of separation, and what it means to encounter reality directly beyond language, beyond self. And we find ourselves circling the same mystery from different directions, Henry through the Zen path and his app The Way and me through a new project with Rebind, which is a new AI powered dialogue with the Tao Te Ching. Different forms, different longing to meet life more honestly, more fully and more whole.Discover a Deeper Path in Meditation – Looking for more than just another meditation app? The Way, created by Zen teacher Henry Shukman, offers a single, step-by-step journey designed to take you deeper—one session at a time. Get started today with 30 free sessions!The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.Key Takeaways:Exploration of meditation and mindfulness practices.Insights on the nature of thoughts and their observation during meditation.Importance of a structured approach to meditation.Personal experiences and reflections on meditation journeys.Discussion of the “inner radio” metaphor for understanding thoughts.Techniques for enhancing present-moment awareness through meditation.The significance of variety in meditation practices to cater to individual needs.The role of moderation and balance in personal growth, drawing from the Dao De Jing.The relationship between relative understanding and direct experience in Zen.The transformative potential of embracing uncertainty and interconnectedness in life.Henry Shukman is a poet, author, and meditation teacher who has guided thousands of students from around the world through mindfulness and awakening practices. A Zen master in the Sanbo Zen lineage and the spiritual director emeritus at Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Henry is a cofounder of The Way meditation app and founder of the Original Love meditation program and has taught meditation at Google and Harvard Business School. Connect with Henry Shukman: Website | InstagramIf you enjoyed this conversation with Henry Shukman, check out these other episodes:Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1)How to Find and Follow a Healing Path with Henry ShukmanFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1)
In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the importance of understanding one’s motivation for meditation and how a clear “why” can sustain long-term practice. The episode encourages listeners to embrace all aspects of themselves and appreciate the journey of personal growth. Discover a Deeper Path in Meditation – Looking for more than just another meditation app? The Way, created by Zen teacher Henry Shukman, offers a single, step-by-step journey designed to take you deeper—one session at a time. Get started today with 30 free sessions here: www.oneyoufeed.net/theway Key Takeaways: The transformative power of meditation in personal growth. The balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice. The relationship between sudden insights (satori) and gradual development in meditation. The importance of understanding one’s motivation and purpose in maintaining a meditation practice. The role of structure in facilitating spiritual growth and practice. The significance of embracing all aspects of oneself, including less desirable traits. The dualities present in spiritual practice, such as self-improvement versus self-acceptance. The concept of “wu wei” or effortless effort in meditation and life. The value of recognizing life as a gift, even amidst challenges. The interplay between various meditation traditions and their contributions to a well-rounded practice If you enjoyed this conversation with Henry Shukman, check out these other episodes: How to Embrace Original Love on the Path to Awakening with Henry Shukman How to Find and Follow a Healing Path with Henry Shukman Effortless Mindfulness with Loch Kelly For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 30, 2025 • 53min
Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday
In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its significance in everyday life. The relationship between courage and fear, including how to confront fears. The importance of personal agency and making choices that shape our lives. The role of vulnerability in fostering connection and understanding. Historical and contemporary examples of courage and heroism. The four cardinal virtues: courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. The idea that courage is not just for heroes but is present in daily decisions. The impact of sharing struggles and experiences on personal and collective healing. The notion that hope requires courage, especially in the face of adversity. The importance of taking action and making decisions to overcome analysis paralysis. If you enjoyed this conversation with Ryan Holiday, check out these other episodes: Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen How to Overcome Cynicism and Embrace Hope with Jamil Zaki For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 27, 2025 • 60min
Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman
In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the richest soil we have. Whether you've ever felt stuck, afraid to try, or unsure if it's too late to start. Key Takeaways: Personal growth and development through gardening Lessons learned from failure and embracing new experiences The metaphor of gardening as a reflection of personal growth The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal endeavors The importance of understanding circumstances that affect growth The balance between effort and environmental conditions in achieving success The significance of being a beginner and confronting fears later in life The role of external support and accountability in personal challenges The interplay between creativity, self-worth, and professional obligations The connection between nature, personal experiences, and emotional well-being If you enjoyed this conversation with Debbie Millman, check out these other episodes: Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas How to Find Zest in Life with Dr. John Kaag For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 23, 2025 • 55min
From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda
In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, not symptom checklists, is the truest measure of success. Along the way, you’ll hear how ancestral wisdom blends with clinical science, how labels can hinder more than help, and how the very grandmothers Dixon trained ended up transforming him. Key Takeaways: Discussion on anxiety and its management through personal values and positive actions. Importance of human connection and storytelling in mental health care. Overview of the Friendship Bench initiative and its origins in Zimbabwe. Role of trained grandmothers in providing mental health support within communities. Need for accessible mental health care and addressing social determinants of health. Integration of Western psychiatric principles with African cultural practices. Significance of empathy and nonverbal communication in building therapeutic relationships. Training process for grandmothers in cognitive behavioral therapy and effective communication. Use of support groups to foster community and shared healing experiences. Emphasis on the power of storytelling and vulnerability in the therapeutic process. If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Dixon Chibanda, check out these other episodes: Why We Need to Rethink Mental Health with Eric Maisel Insights on Mental Health and Resilience with Andrew Solomon For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.