Good Life Project

Have you ever received criticism that left you confused and defensive, wondering what you could do better? How often have you felt personal attacks masquerading as helpful feedback? These experiences are all too common, leaving us questioning our self-worth and abilities.Today's episode explores how we can navigate criticism in a way that fosters growth instead of damage. Listen as we explore the psychological effects of criticism, debunk the myths surrounding it, and share strategies to make it a catalyst for positive change within your life and work.You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.If you LOVED this episode:Be sure to check out our entire Summer Series, which you can find easily organized as a Spotify playlist as they are released each week.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bessel van der Kolk, renowned trauma researcher and author, talks about trauma's impact on mental and physical health. He discusses the prevalence of trauma, its effects on the brain, and the importance of recognizing and addressing traumatic experiences. He also explores the role of talk therapy in processing trauma and the challenges faced in promoting the importance of trauma awareness.

We all have those moments, maybe even days, months, years, some of us, maybe even decades of our lives where our minds just won't stop racing. We get caught up in this whirlwind of thoughts and anxieties, wary stories, just rehashing the past, forecasting the future, and all too often imagining these worst-case stories or scenarios and we just can't let them go.Yes, we are talking about overthinking, and today we are going to unravel this interesting, complicated, sometimes messy mental pattern and share with you a set of science-back strategies, a sort of an overthinking ultimate toolkit to help you stop overthinking and start taking action to become more present in your life. More focused on what matters, more engaged with those around you because you are not spinning those things in your head and just perpetuate, overthinking.And you may be surprised at just how much control you do have over this process and how powerful and fairly quick to implement some of the tools we'll share are. So that is where we're headed today in this second installment of our Good Life summer series where every Monday we take on a single topic that is critical to a life well lived, to dive into ideas, the issues, the practical impact, science, art, and then explore strategies, tips, and tools to navigate these experiences with more grace and ease.You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.If you LOVED this episode:Be sure to check out our entire Summer Series, which you can find easily organized as a Spotify playlist as they are released each week.You’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aric Prather about transforming your sleep in just seven days.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martinus Evans, transformed his life after a harsh doctor's comment. From a tough childhood in Detroit to becoming an international marathoner, he shares how he turned struggle into inspiration through running. Overcoming challenges, creating his own path in the running community, and finding meaning in his journey. His story has resonated with many, leading to the creation of the Slow AF Run Club and collaborations with top fitness brands. Running has become intertwined with his purpose, transforming his life in ways he never imagined.

We've all experienced that magical feeling of something we've longed for becoming real - a creative project finally coming together, a new relationship blossoming, achieving a health goal we never thought possible.But have you ever wondered how those seemingly "impossible" things actually happen? What mix of vision, persistence, luck and effort makes dreams into realities?In this illuminating exploration, we aim at one of today's most controversial and widely discussed phenomena: manifestation and the law of attraction. You'll learn surprising historical roots that stretch back centuries across cultures. You'll discover real psychological and physiological mechanisms that play a crucial role - and what actual research says about goal achievement and motivation.New possibilities emerge when we understand ourselves and the world more deeply. And through this wide-ranging yet practical discussion, you just may find a new way of thinking about - and actually making - the impossible possible in your own life.You'll walk away with a modern, science-backed approach to visualization, goal-setting and psychological strategies that can truly transform your ability to pursue and achieve big dreams. Whether you're skeptical of "mumbo jumbo" concepts like manifestation or a firm believer in its power, you'll gain insights and tools to push past what once seemed impossible into powerful and purposeful action.So join me as we uncover the stories, secrets and science behind how "impossible" dreams actually become our realities - through mixing vision and grit, determination and grace, science and spirit. Let's embark on a journey into the fascinating yet practical stories of how humans make the impossible possible.If you LOVED this episode be sure to check out our entire Summer Series, which you can find easily organized as a Spotify playlist as they are released each week.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sex and relationship expert Vanessa Marin discusses the taboo nature of discussing sex and how it can lead to unmet needs and dissatisfaction in relationships. Her new book, Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life, provides practical exercises and dialogue prompts to improve communication around intimacy, breaking down shame and stigma. Through open discussions on touchy subjects and setting rituals for intimacy, Marin believes couples can foster deeper connection, igniting intimacy and enhancing their love lives.Many people struggle to openly discuss sex due to shame and stigma.Open communication about sex and intimacy is important for a healthy relationship.Vanessa recommends five core conversations: acknowledgment, connection, desire, pleasure, and exploration.She provides practical methods to make these conversations easier.Rituals like makeout routines can create intimacy Understanding one's desires, boundaries, and pleasures enables satisfying communication.Giving positive feedback during sex helps partners figure out each other's pleasures.Scheduling sex demonstrates priorities but reframing as "planning" can help.You can find Vanessa at: Website | InstagramIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Eli Finkel about the self-actualized marriage.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marriage and family therapist Stan Tatkin shares strategies for improving communication in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of working through conflicts instead of pushing partners away. Topics discussed include facing challenges together, navigating conflicts productively, the impact of the pandemic on relationships, establishing governance and embracing differences, the impact of stress on relationships, prioritizing the relationship over self-interest, and the importance of cooperation in a relationship.

We want to hear from YOU! Take our survey.Ever wish you had the courage to try something entirely new? To create something that didn’t exist before? Even if you’re already successful at your career, and you enjoy much of it? Sometimes we just feel this call to try on something new. That’s one of the big ideas we dive into with award-winning journalist and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi. • Manoush had success at NPR but later started her own company and podcast, showing it's never too late to try something new.• Manoush recommends side passions or "garden plots" that let you experiment freely, fueling your main work with energy and excitement.• We discuss the rapid impact of technology on identity, creativity and relationships, and how to harness change instead of just surviving it.• Manoush believes in laughing at life's absurdity, being proud of getting older, and taking action instead of waiting on others to live a good life.• The conversation covers big ideas, passions and perspectives on living well from Manoush's viewpoint as an award-winning journalist.Join us as we dive into big ideas, passions and living well with award-winning journalist Manoush Zomorodi.You can find Manoush at: Website | ZigZag PodcastIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kevin Kelly about excellent advice for living.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We want to hear from YOU! Take our survey.Beyond money, what truly matters is meaning and purpose - feeling like your work and life make a difference. Studies show significance is key to satisfaction.Yet workplaces often keep us from these feelings. Seth Godin explores how to transform work into a source of fulfillment and purpose.Seth has inspired many through his insights on work culture, leadership and spreading ideas. His latest book, The Song of Significance serves as a manifesto for creating a more human-centric workplace.We discuss:Embracing change as the new normalReimagining the workplace to enroll, empower and trust everyoneHow the past few years have trained us to embrace changeThe importance of taking responsibility for meaningful workRediscovering the value of human connection at workThis is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more purpose-driven approach to work. Seth's book can help transform workplaces and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.You can find Seth at: Website | InstagramIf you LOVED this episode:You’ll also love my January episode, featuring the Sparketypes and how to better align your work with who you are, in order to experience more meaning, purpose, and possibility.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For a Complete List of Vanity URLs & Discount Codes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We want to hear from YOU! Take our survey.Have you ever felt stuck in any part of your life? Trapped in a soul-sucking job, an unfulfilling relationship, a health, fitness or performance plateau, or a creative rut? What if there was a way to tap scientifically-validated principles to get unstuck, break free from the invisible forces holding you back and unleash your full potential? What if you could literally engineer breakthroughs? Turns out, you can.Adam Alter joins us to discuss his new book Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most, which explores the often unavoidable experience of feeling stuck - whether it's a relationship, career, or health issue - and what we can do to turn stuckness into breakthrough. Adam shares strategies and mindset shifts to get unstuck and how simplifying and experimenting can ultimately help us make progress.Stuckness is an inevitable part of the human experience, especially for long-term goals that have a lull period in the middle. We become fixated on the end goal and overlook the journey.When stuck, people feel anxious, confused, isolated, and like their struggles are unique even though stuckness is universal. It leads to a flailing response that doesn't help.The first step is managing emotions by taking down the pressure and slowing down. Only then can you start to think strategically about how to move forward.Hitting plateaus is natural due to the plateau effect - constant methods become less effective over time. Anticipating plateaus and chunking large goals into smaller ones helps navigate through them.Failure is also inevitable but we have different cultural baggage around failure depending on the domain. The key is to reframe failure as learning rather than a stain on your character.Conducting a "friction audit" - identifying and removing obstacles - can reduce stuckness, especially if done periodically.Simplicity trumps complexity when stuck - focus on the 1-2 most important factors that will make the biggest difference now.Experimentation, exploration, and luck also play a role in breakthroughs. Being more exploratory increases serendipity.Surrounding yourself with different types of people, including those who challenge you, can enrich your life.You can find Adam at: Website | TwitterIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love my January episode on the power of success scaffolding to achieve incredible visions.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For a Complete List of Vanity URLs & Discount Codes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.