The Learning + Performance Podcast

In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Noah Rasheta, a Buddhist philosopher, author, and podcaster dedicated to making Buddhist philosophy accessible and practical for everyday life. Noah's podcast, The Secular Buddhism Podcast, shares Buddhist principles and practices that modern people can use to learn, perform, and live more wisely. His book, "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners," breaks down key Buddhist concepts for a Western audience and is an invaluable resource for those seeking to incorporate mindfulness and philosophical insights into their daily routines. In the conversation, Noah and I discuss some basic ideas from Buddhism and ways people from a secular background can leverage Buddhism. Noah enjoys photography, paragliding, volunteering as a school bus driver, and spending time with his wife and kids in Utah. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Noah and I hit on several topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is secular Buddhism The Four Noble Truths The difference between pain and suffering Seeing life as a game The power of awareness and attention for learning and performance Common myths and misconceptions about Buddhism and mindfulness Enlightenment as a journey vs. a destination Unlearning as a tool for learning Acknowledging multiple perspectives The Middle Way of optimal performance The power of pausing and returning to the breath Doing things for the sake of it Questioning the judgments and evaluations we make ABOUT THE GUEST: Noah Rasheta is a Buddhist philosopher, best-selling author, and podcast host. He has presented his teachings at some of the world's most renowned organizations, such as Apple®, PwC, YPO, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and many others. His teachings have been downloaded millions of times by individuals all around the world. CONNECT WITH NOAH: Secular Buddhism website Instagram Facebook Twitter/X MENTIONS and RESOURCES: Performance vs. effort - See this and this Secular Buddhism - See this and this and this First Noble Truth - Truth of Suffering - See this and this Second Noble Truth - Truth of the Cause of Suffering - See this and this Third Noble Truth - The End of Suffering - See this and this Fourth Noble Truth - Eightfold Path to End Suffering - See this and this AND this Pain vs. Suffering - See this and this Groundlessness Life as Chess vs. Tetris - The Myth of Having a Totally Happy Life Life Bingo Myth: Meditation as a Way to Feel Good (Catch the Butterfly) vs. a Way of Better Seeing/Feeling (Flashlight to Raise Awareness) Happiness as a Butterfly Myth: Enlightenment as an End Goal vs. a Journey Importance of awareness in learning and teaching Unlearning as a tool for learning Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant - different ways of understanding things Learning styles vs. preferences Secular Buddhism podcast No Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners The Power of the Pause Flow experience The Middle Way of Performance Doing things for the sake of it Not tying identity to outcomes Parable of the Farmer and the Horse - "Who knows what is good/bad?" Life is short, so make the most of it

In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher, professor, author, and expert on Stoicism and practical philosophy. Massimo and I discuss why humans should study philosophy and how modern people can apply the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to improve our ability to learn, perform, and live well. The episode provides a toolbox of Stoic principles and practices for us all to navigate an increasingly complex, chaotic, and uncertain world. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Massimo and I hit on a number of topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is philosophy and why it matters to the average person The two main branches of philosophy - theoretical and practical Stoicism as a philosophy of life The three main components of philosophies as ways of life The Origins of Stoicism The three aspects of human nature The four cardinal virtues Key Stoic figures like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca and what they can teach modern people Common myths and misconceptions about Stoicism and other ancient philosophies The difference between intentions and outcomes Analytical and practical techniques devised by the Stoics to help us be wiser and flourish A whole lot more! ABOUT THE GUEST: Massimo is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. Massimo holds PhDs in evolutionary biology and philosophy. He conducts research and teaches classes on topics including philosophy, philosophy of science, and Stoicism. Massimo’s authored several articles and books that make ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism, more accessible and applicable to everyday life. He’s part of Modern Stoicism, a movement to help revive Stoicism that has equipped many with tools to handle life’s challenges more effectively. You can learn more about him from Wikipedia. CONNECT WITH MASSIMO: Website University Page Substack YouTube Stoa Nova Modern Stoicism MENTIONS, REFERENCES, AND RESOURCES: Internal vs. external standards Biological, machine, and human learning Definition of Philosophy Two branches of philosophy - theoretical vs. practical Eudaimonia - flourishing in life Plato Stoicism The three components of philosophies as a way of life - Meta-physics, ethics, practices Living in accordance with nature Zeno of Citium - founder of Stoicism Three aspects of human nature - biology, rationality, sociality The four cardinal virtues - practical wisdom, courage, justice, temperance Marcus Aurelius Stoic training/practice How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus's Enchiridion Seneca's Letters Stoic definition of "passion" Stoic vs. stoic Epicurean vs. epicurean A Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez Contemplative exercise: Philosophical journaling The myth of learning from experience alone Musonius Rufus Physical exercise: Fasting, abstaining, intentional mild discomfort Dichotomy of control exercise A Guide to the Good Life by Bill Irvine Intentions vs. outcomes Galen Setting internal vs. external goals Aristotle and aristotelianism Epicureanism The Philosophy of CBT by Don Robertson The Role Ethics of Epictetus by Brian Johnson Hic et nunc - "Here and now" tattoo

Mike Christensen, Director of Professional Development at the Feeling Good Institute, shares his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He explores how our thoughts shape our feelings and actions, highlighting the difference between CBT and mere positive thinking. Mike discusses the powerful TEAM approach to therapy, emphasizing empathy and measuring outcomes. He also shares techniques for overcoming resistance to change, the benefits of deliberate practice for personal growth, and how to frame challenges as opportunities for success.

Connie Malamed, known as the eLearning coach, has devoted over twenty years to crafting engaging online learning. In their conversation, she debunks myths about eLearning and champions scenario-based training for better retention. Connie shares essential visual design principles that enhance digestibility, addresses the common struggles designers face, and emphasizes the importance of empathy and evaluation in learning. The discussion also touches on innovative techniques for effective learning and the growing role of AI in instructional design.

Heidi Kirby is an L&D strategy consultant with a PhD in instructional design and over a decade of experience. She discusses the necessity of strategic thinking within L&D teams and how to effectively manage stakeholder expectations. The conversation highlights building diverse teams and beginning projects with evaluation in mind. Heidi shares insights from her experiences, including designing for NASA, and emphasizes the importance of aligning L&D initiatives with organizational goals for enhanced learning and performance.

Chris Deavin, a seasoned health coach and personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, shares his insights on habit formation and behavior change. He dives into the myth of quick fixes, emphasizing the importance of hard work and consistency. Chris discusses how understanding core values can enhance motivation and the crucial role of mindset in making lasting changes. He also highlights designing environments to facilitate positive habits and addresses the power of accountability and learning from failure on the journey to better health.

Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership & Management at Harvard Business School, explores groundbreaking topics around psychological safety in teams. She dispels myths about safety, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering innovation and accountability. Discover how to embrace failures as learning opportunities, the four elements of 'intelligent' failures, and the importance of supportive environments for open communication. Edmondson shares insights on leadership's role in creating psychological safety, driving engagement, and adapting in complex organizational landscapes.

Todd Gerspach, a former C-level executive and founder of Fortitude Executive Coaching, delves into how leaders can elevate their performance while balancing personal well-being. He shares insights on defining success and the differences between leadership and management. The conversation covers embracing change, the importance of mentorship, and the development of personal mission statements. Todd highlights the impact of mental models on effective leadership and the significance of continuous learning in navigating professional challenges.

Dr. Jenny Woo is a Harvard-trained educator and cognitive scientist specializing in social-emotional learning. In this conversation, she talks about the crucial role of emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world, emphasizing that these skills can be developed. Jenny shares insights on the importance of relationships for human development and discusses innovative games designed to enhance life skills. The episode also highlights the relevance of emotional agility and psychological safety at home and in the workplace.

Curt Bonk, a Professor at Indiana University's School of Education, dives into the transformative power of self-directed online learning. He discusses engaging methods to enhance student involvement and the significance of MOOCs in today's education landscape. The conversation highlights practical tools like Miro and Trello for non-traditional learners, and Bonk shares insights on technology adoption among educators. He also reflects on innovative educational experiences and the influence of personal principles on learning outcomes.