Good Life Project
Jonathan Fields / Acast
What does it mean to live a good life? Is it about happiness, health, friendship, love, or meaning? What about work, wealth, purpose, service, or something else? Can you live a good life even when things are hard? These are the questions and topics we explore every week in conversation with leading voices from health, science, art, industry, mindset, and culture, like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Mel Robbins, Alex, Elle, Adam Grant, Elizabeth Gilbert, Yung Pueblo, Maya Shankar, Mitch Albom, Glennon Doyle & hundreds more. The New York Times says, "the show’s holistic approach to fulfillment is bound to resonate." Listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 25, 2025 • 44min
Myth of the Clean Slate
Forget the clean slate myth! True transformation lies in embracing your past, viewing setbacks as valuable lessons rather than failures. Discover how self-acceptance and understanding can fuel real growth. Jonathan Fields shares personal stories and exercises to help you appreciate each version of yourself. He encourages reframing failures and using your history as a resource, fostering compassion, and recognizing moments that reveal your true self. It's time to stop erasing who you are and start building from your unique journey.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 57min
How to Quiet Your Inner Critic & Escape Perfectionism | Dr. Ellen Hendriksen
Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist and author focused on anxiety and perfectionism, dives deep into the pitfalls of perfectionism. She unpacks the difference between healthy striving and destructive self-criticism, shedding light on how perfectionism affects mental and physical health. Ellen offers practical strategies for silencing the inner critic, stresses the importance of living by core values, and encourages embracing imperfection in both work and relationships. Her insights help redefine success and foster self-compassion.
Dec 18, 2025 • 41min
Turning Down Tinnitus
Jonathan shares his transformative journey with tinnitus, transitioning from despair to acceptance. He discusses how shifting his mindset turned the sound from an inner tormentor into a teacher. Mindfulness practices emerge as key tools in managing anxiety and reclaiming a sense of control. The power of breathwork and daily routines helps him reshape his perception of suffering. With practical tips and a loving-kindness meditation, Jonathan inspires listeners to find peace amidst uncertainty.
6 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 57min
Healing Shame, When Nothing Seems to Be Working | Dr. Zoe Shaw
Dr. Zoe Shaw, a licensed psychotherapist and author of 'Stronger in the Difficult Places,' explores the depths of complex shame. She unpacks how traditional healing methods often fall short, leaving people feeling trapped despite success. Zoe discusses the distinction between shame and guilt, the impact of early experiences on shame development, and shares practical strategies for transformation. From cultivating a courageous truth-teller to integrating grief, she emphasizes the importance of releasing shame to rebuild relationships and live authentically.
13 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 49min
Attention Grown-ups: If You’re Not Playing, You’re Likely Paying a Big Price. | Cas Holman
Cas Holman, a renowned toy designer and former RISD professor, dives into the importance of play for adults. She reveals how our culture stifles playful impulses and offers refreshing definitions of play that go beyond loud activities. The conversation encourages micro-play moments in daily life and discusses the impact of play on resilience and creativity. Holman also debunks myths about adult play, promoting intrinsic motivation over external rewards, and shares practical steps for reclaiming joy as an adult.
Dec 8, 2025 • 54min
Hope, Not Fear: New Conversations on Cancer Breakthroughs | Future of Medicine [Ep. 6]
Dr. Ross Levine, a physician-scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, is at the forefront of cancer research, particularly in blood cancers. He discusses the revolutionary role of AI in early cancer detection and personalized treatments, advocating for patients to explore molecular options. Levine highlights key advancements such as genomic tests and liquid biopsies while emphasizing the impact of lifestyle and the microbiome on cancer risk. His insights illuminate a hopeful future in cancer care, driven by transformative therapies and patient advocacy.
Dec 4, 2025 • 53min
The Relationship Rules Keeping You Stuck (and how to fix them) | Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile
Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile, a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship educator, challenges conventional relationship norms. She discusses how practices like sleeping apart can enhance intimacy and why proactive work is essential before problems escalate. Stephanie emphasizes giving partners the benefit of the doubt and the importance of tailoring relationship rules to fit individual needs. She also offers insights on managing family expectations and nurturing both romantic and self-relationships for a fulfilling life.
Dec 1, 2025 • 58min
What Your Body is Secretly Telling You: A Guide to Wearable Tech | Future of Medicine [Ep. 5]
Join Michael Snyder, a leading figure in precision medicine, and Ali Yetisen, a biosensing research genius, as they explore groundbreaking wearable health technologies. They discuss how smart tattoos can change color for health alerts and the role of continuous glucose monitors in personalizing health. Learn about the future of real-time health monitoring, including new sensors for infection detection and emotional well-being. Their insights on transforming healthcare from reactive to preventive are both fascinating and inspiring!
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
A Guide to Living Fully After Loss | Spotlight Convo
In this insightful conversation, Alua Arthur, a death doula turned author, shares her journey from law to end-of-life support. Claire Bidwell-Smith, a renowned grief therapist, explores the nuances of grief, emphasizing its transformative potential. Cyndie Spiegel, a bestselling author, introduces the concept of 'microjoys'—finding joy alongside grief. Together, they discuss creating healing rituals, the importance of honest conversations about death, and ways to navigate the tricky path of loss while embracing life.
18 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 59min
Beyond Diet & Exercise: Radical New Ways to Protect Your Heart | Future of Medicine [Ep. 4]
Join Dr. Ami Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology, as she dives into the innovative world of heart health. Discover how AI is transforming early detection and personalized treatment of heart disease. Dr. Bhatt discusses tackling gender bias in diagnosis, the role of wearables, and the importance of lifestyle habits in cardiovascular care. She also shares her vision for AI's future in individual risk assessment and its potential to enhance clinician support. This conversation is a must for anyone interested in the future of healthcare!
