

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

Aug 27, 2021 • 39min
Therese Borchard on Strategies for Depression
Therese Borchard is the author of Beyond Blue and The Pocket Therapist. She blogs for Everyday Health and is an Associate Editor and a regular contributor to Psych Central. She writes about her own struggles with depression.In this episode, Eric and Therese discuss her book, Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad GenesBut wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Therese Borchard and I Discuss Strategies for Depression and …
Her book, Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes
Her struggle with treatment-resistant depression
How she combined a holistic and traditional approach to treating her depression
Avoiding important conversations when hungry, angry, lonely, and tired (HALT)
The importance of connecting with others who share the same challenges
Why there are not more depression support groups
The difference between mental health and 12 step culture
Learning to live with the messiness of life and accepting things as they are
Therese Borchard Links:Therese’s WebsiteProject Hope and BeyondFacebookTwitterIf you enjoyed this conversation with Therese Borchard, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Brent Williams on Recovering From DepressionMark Henick on Suicide and DepressionSee 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.

Aug 24, 2021 • 51min
Bela Koe-Krompecher on Life, Recovery, and Music
Bela Koe-Krompecher is a writer, social worker, professor, lecturer, and owner of long-time established record label, Anyway Records. He was Eric’s sponsor in AA at one point and he, Eric, and Chris have been friends for a very long time. In this episode, Eric and Bela discuss his book, Love, Death, and Photosynthesis.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Bela Koe-Krompecher and I Discuss Life, Recovery, Music and …
His book, Love, Death, and Photosynthesis
How he is able to care about people but not carry their burdens
His two now-deceased best friends who struggled with mental illness and substance abuse
His history with substance abuse, mental illness, and the path of recovery
The types of support people need in their lives in order to change
How childhood trauma can impact the way people build trust
The term “recovery-capitol”
Having faith in your choices
The way he prioritizes living a life of non-judgement of others
When you want to pull away, lean in
The role of music in his life
Bela Koe-Krompecher Links:Bela’s WebsiteTwitterInstagramTalkspace is the online therapy company that lets you connect with a licensed therapist from anywhere at any time at a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy. It’s therapy on demand. Visit www.talkspace.com or download the app and enter Promo Code: WOLF to get $100 off your first month.If you enjoyed this conversation with Bela Koe-Krompecher, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Writing for Healing with Maggie SmithImprovising in Life with Stephen NachmanovitchSee 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.

Aug 20, 2021 • 39min
John Mabry on Shamanism and Spirituality
John Mabry is a United Church of Christ pastor and is the Director of the Spiritual Direction Program at Chaplaincy Institute. He is the lead singer of 2 bands in the Bay area and is the author of many novels and books on theology, spirituality, and spiritual guidance. In this episode, Eric and John discuss his book, Soul Journeys: Christian Spirituality and Shamanism as Pathways for Wholeness and UnderstandingBut wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, John Mabry and I Discuss Shamanism, Spirituality, and …
His book, Soul Journeys: Christian Spirituality and Shamanism as Pathways for Wholeness and Understanding
How life is messy for everyone and how we’re not seeing everyone’s entire picture
His Shamanic journey experience of finding wisdom and healing
The upper, middle, and lower worlds as part of a shamanic journey
His spirit animal, the panther
How practice and training our imagination can form relationships with spiritual realities
The importance of leaving room for mystery
How our culture reinforces that only what can be measured and explained is real
Using the word trust rather than believe
His morning practice of imaginative prayer
His exploration into the different spiritual traditions and finding where his heart lives
John Mabry Links:John’s WebsiteFacebookCalm App: The app designed to help you ease stress and get the best sleep of your life through meditations and sleep stories. Join the 85 million people around the world who use Calm to get better sleep. Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription (a limited time offer!) by going to www.calm.com/wolfIf you enjoyed this conversation with John Mabry, you might also enjoy these other episodes:How Perception Creates Reality with John PerkinsGregg SwansonSee 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.

Aug 17, 2021 • 53min
Katy Milkman on How to Change
Katy Milkman is a Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, host of Charles Schwab’s popular podcast “Choiceology with Katy Milkman”, which explores key lessons from behavioral economics about decision making, and the former president of the Society for Judgment and Decision Making. She’s also the co-founder and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative.In this episode, Eric and Katy discuss her book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Katy Milkman and I Discuss How to Change and …
Her book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
The biggest barriers to change (and how to overcome them)
The importance of recognizing the choices you’re making when you’re actually making them
The benefit of making it fun to do what’s needed to accomplish goals
How to combine intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to maximize the benefit
The non-linear nature of change
The key to sustained habits
How important it is to apply both flexibility and discipline to habits
Katy Milkman Links:Katy’s WebsiteTwitterPeloton: Of course the bike is an incredible workout, but did you know that on the Peloton app, you can also take yoga, strength training, stretching classes, and so much more? Learn all about it at www.onepeloton.comFeals: Premium CBD delivered to your doorstep to help you manage stress, anxiety, pain, and sleeplessness. Feals CBD is food-grade and every batch is tested so you know you are getting a truly premium grade product. Get 50% off your first order with free shipping by becoming a member at www.feals.com/wolfIf you enjoyed this conversation with Katy Milkman, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Tiny Habits for Behavior Change with BJ FoggBehavior Change with Dr. John NorcrossSee 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.

Aug 13, 2021 • 54min
Dr. John Kaag on How to Find Zest in Life
Dr. John Kaag is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts. He has written extensively on academic philosophy but his work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Paris Review, and Harper’s Magazine. In this episode, John and Eric discuss his new book, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Dr. John Kaag and I Discuss How to Find Zest in Life and …
His book, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life
William James’s philosophy of sick souls
James’s important message of not being alone in having a sick soul
How having a “maybe” means there is possibility
The theory of emotions and how the body keeps score
Habits are a tool that allows us to negotiate our world in an easier way
The downside to habits is that they can make us less aware and go on autopilot
The danger of midlife
Being able to expand our consciousness and view of the world
Confusing the immediate for the important and meaningful
Realizing that your will can only take you so far
How you can orient yourself to the circumstances you are faced with
Having zest for life is what makes it significant
How we tend to repeat actions when we are in midlife, making it difficult to see the newness
How his brush with death caused him to seek the zest in life
Learning to find zest in the commitment is the task of life
Finding the balance between habit and novelty
Dr. John Kaag Links:John’s WebsiteTwitterBest Fiends: Engage your brain and play a game of puzzles with Best Fiends. Download for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. John Kaag, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Unsafe Thinking with Jonah SachsMaking Time for What Matters with John ZeratskySee 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.

Aug 10, 2021 • 49min
Jessica Hagy on How to Be Fearless
Jessica Hagy is an artist and writer of many books which have been translated into over a dozen languages. Her blog, Indexed, won a Webby award. She is a visual storyteller and her simple, brilliant drawings illustrate the connections between things. In this episode, Jessica and Eric talk about her book, How to Be Fearless: In 7 Simple Steps.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Jessica Hagy and I Discuss How to Be Fearless and …
Her book, How to Be Fearless: In 7 Simple Steps
That inside every fear is a hope
Dwell on what you want instead of what worries you
How envy isn’t shameful, it’s powerful
How her diagrams boil things down to their essence
Ways we can build hope within ourselves
How one small accomplishment motivates you towards your next
Resourcefulness as finding treasure everywhere
That intense emotions aren’t a problem, they can be our power
The importance of making plans to make progress
The relationship between isolation and fear
Jessica Hagy Links:Jessica’s WebsiteTwitterInstagramUpstart: The fast and easy way to get a personal loan to consolidate, lower your interest rate, and pay off your debt. Go to www.upstart.com/wolfIf you enjoyed this conversation with Jessica Hagy, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Jessica Hagy (Interview from 2014)Poetry in Every Day Life with Jaqueline SuskinSee 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.

Aug 6, 2021 • 51min
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor on Whole Brain Living
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist. In 1996, Jill experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain, causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight documents her experience with her stroke and her 8-year recovery and it spent 63 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her new book is Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters that Drive Our Life.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and I Discuss Whole Brain Living and …
Her book, Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life
The wolf parable as it relates to the right and left hemispheres of the brain
The differences between the right and left brain and how they work together
Losing her left brain function as a result of a stroke and being left with just the present moment
The division between the science of the left brain and the spirituality of the right brain
The function of the amygdala in the left and right hemispheres
Four different “characters” of the brain
How we can change the habitual patterning of our circuitry
Mindfulness is choosing purposefully to train our automatic responses
A “brain huddle” is bringing the four characters together as a team
B.R.A.I.N. huddle: breath, recognize, appreciate, inquire, navigate
Our lives are a collaboration of our whole brain
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor Links:Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s WebsiteTwitterFacebookPeloton: Of course the bike is an incredible workout, but did you know that on the Peloton app, you can also take yoga, strength training, stretching classes, and so much more? Learn all about it at www.onepeloton.comIf you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Neuropsychology and the Thinking Mind with Dr. Chris NiebauerLessons About the Brain with Lisa Feldman BarrettSee 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.

Aug 3, 2021 • 49min
Adyashanti on Spiritual Awakening
This is Adyashanti’s fourth time as a guest on the show! He’s an American spiritual teacher who offers talks, online study courses, and retreats in the U.S. and abroad. He’s also the co-founder of the Open Gate Sangha Meditation Center and is the author of many books, including the one he and Eric discuss in this episode, The Direct Way: Thirty Practices to Evoke Awakening.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Adyashanti and I Discuss Spiritual Awakening and …
His book, The Direct Way: Thirty Practices to Evoke Awakening
The evolution of his innate competitive nature and its role in his spiritual growth
That we tend to go towards our strengths in any situation, regardless of whether or not it’s what the situation actually calls for
How he describes spirituality
His teacher’s instruction to him: “Always and only teach from your own experience.”
His answer to the question What do you trust?
The Spiritual Heart
The difference he sees in awakening and enlightenment
The damaging myths of awakening
Adyashanti Links:Adyashanti’s WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebookBiOptimizers: Just 2 capsules of their Magnesium Breakthrough taken before bed gives you all 7 forms of magnesium so that you sleep better at night. Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/wolf and use the promo code WOLF10 at checkout to save 10%.If you enjoyed this conversation with Adyashanti, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Adyashanti on Living in the Service of Truth (Part 1)Adyashanti on Living in the Service of Truth (Part 2)Awakening in Life with Ryan OelkeSee 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.

Jul 30, 2021 • 59min
Johann Hari on Lost Connections
Johann Hari is the New York Times bestselling author of Chasing the Scream, which has been adapted into a feature film. Johann was twice named ‘National Newspaper Journalist of the Year’ by Amnesty International UK He has written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and many other publications. His latest book is Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the Unexpected Solutions, In this episode, Johann and Eric discuss his book that proposes a more holistic, societal look at the causes and treatment of depression.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Johann Hari and I Discuss Lost Connections and …
His new book, Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the Unexpected Solutions
The two kinds of human connection
Intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivations
“Junk” values
The more you’re driven by extrinsic values, the more likely you’ll suffer from anxiety and depression in your life
Our society drives us to live in this extrinsic way
The whole point of advertising is to make us feel inadequate and our problems can be solved by buying
Extrinsic motives can crowd out the more fulfilling intrinsic motives
The 9 causes of depression and anxiety
The need to look more holistically at anxiety and depression than just a chemical imbalance
The loneliest culture that has ever been
The importance of addressing the deep environmental factors/reasons why we’re so depressed and anxious
Our sense of home and sense of belonging
The problems manifested by being isolated and alone and the benefit of being part of a “tribe”
Realizing that you’re not the only one who struggles and feels the way you do
Grief and the diagnosis of depression
Just having a chemical imbalance means your pain doesn’t have meaning
Depression and not having your needs met
Following the pain to its source
Pathologizing Depression
Johann Hari Links:Johann’s WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebookTalkspace is the online therapy company that lets you connect with a licensed therapist from anywhere at any time at a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy. It’s therapy on demand. Visit www.talkspace.com or download the app and enter Promo Code: WOLF to get $100 off your first month.Calm App: The app designed to help you ease stress and get the best sleep of your life through meditations and sleep stories. Join the 85 million people around the world who use Calm to get better sleep. Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription (a limited time offer!) by going to www.calm.com/wolfIf you enjoyed this conversation with Johann Hari, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Johann Hari (2015)Recovering from Depression with Brent WilliansSee 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.

Jul 27, 2021 • 50min
Sonya Renee Taylor on Radical Self Love
Sonya Renee Taylor is a former national and international poetry slam champion, author, educator, and activist. She is also the founder of The Body Is Not An Apology, which is a digital media and education company promoting radical self-love and body empowerment as the foundational tool for social justice and global transformation.In this episode, Sonya and Eric discuss radical self-love: what it is, why we struggle to practice it, and the pathways to cultivate it so that we become the highest version of ourselvesBut wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Sonya Renee Taylor and I Discuss Radical Self Love and …
Her book, The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love
Natural Intelligence says that we come here already wired to become the highest version of ourselves
How she defines our “body” and how to uncover our issues which are the result of damaging societal messages
How we can heal our issues with our body
How to remove the obstructions that tell us we’re not enough, clearing the way to radical self-love
The role of inquiry and insight on the path to radical self-love
That even after profound insights, it can take a while for us to live these harmful conditionings out of our system
The three “peaces”
The metaphor of the acorn and the oak tree
The four pillars of practice
The collective nature of this journey
Sonya Renee Taylor Links:Sonya’s WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterSkillshare is an online learning community that helps you get better on your creative journey. They have thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people. Sign up via www.skillshare.com/feed and you’ll get a FREE one-month trial of Skillshare premium membership.Feals: Premium CBD delivered to your doorstep to help you manage stress, anxiety, pain, and sleeplessness. Feals CBD is food-grade and every batch is tested so you know you are getting a truly premium grade product. Get 50% off your first order with free shipping by becoming a member at www.feals.com/wolfIf you enjoyed this conversation with Sonya Renee Taylor, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Perfecting Self Love with Scott StabileSelf Compassion with Kristin NeffSee 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.