Colin Smith, known as The Listener, is a seasoned expert in deep listening and mindful communication. In this engaging conversation, he delves into the transformative power of genuine listening in strengthening relationships and combating loneliness. Colin shares insights on how being present and curious can enhance interactions. He emphasizes that small acts of kindness can uplift connections and reflects on the importance of vulnerability in authentic communication. Listeners will gain practical tips on cultivating a more compassionate approach to conversations.

In this heartfelt discussion, Karen Maurice-O’Leary, an award-winning brand storyteller and wellbeing leadership speaker, opens up about her journey through grief after losing her husband. She shares how a missed final meal inspired her to create The Bolognese Philosophy, emphasizing the importance of being present in life's fleeting moments. Karen explores the duality of beauty and sorrow, the dangers of tying self-worth to success, and the necessity of meaningful relationships. This conversation invites listeners to cherish the fragility of life and embrace both joy and pain.

In this conversation with Nathan Kinch, a sociotechnology ethicist and organizational designer, listeners explore the profound journey from emotional suppression to authentic living. Nathan candidly shares his struggles with long COVID and how it intertwines with mental health, emphasizing holistic healing. He discusses the significance of embracing vulnerability and emotional expression, including the cathartic power of crying. This dialogue about self-acceptance and integrating all aspects of identity offers valuable insights for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery.

Nadjeschda Taranczewski, a Master of Psychology and Master Certified Coach, dives into the essence of building conscious collectives. She emphasizes the need for safe spaces that encourage aloneness in togetherness and the importance of embracing vulnerability. Nadja discusses how understanding emotions and establishing clear boundaries can deepen connections in communities. Through sharing personal stories and emphasizing storytelling, she illustrates the power of collective experiences in fostering unity and enhancing resilience.

Patrick Boland, a leadership consultant and psychotherapist, offers profound insights on navigating life's seasons. He emphasizes shifting from a busy, frantic existence to one filled with moments of meaningful connection. Patrick highlights the illusion of control and the beauty found in embracing life's uncertainties. Through personal stories, he shares the importance of self-reflection, cultivating compassion, and savoring intimate moments. This conversation invites listeners to let go and authentically engage with their journey.

In this enlightening conversation, Cormac Russell, a social explorer and author, shares his extensive experience in community development across 35 countries. He reflects on the importance of shifting from 'doing' to 'being', emphasizing genuine solidarity over misguided self-help efforts. Cormac challenges the idea of individualism, advocating for recognizing the interconnectedness of communities. He also encourages listeners to channel their emotions into meaningful actions, ultimately awakening to the deeper value of community connections.

On the 99th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Darcia Narvaez. Darcia is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, and Fellow of the American Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association, Association for Psychological Science, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to studying evolved morality, child development and human flourishing. Her most recent books include Restoring the Kinship Worldview, and The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities. Her book, Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality: Evolution, Culture and Wisdom won the 2015 William James Book Award from the American Psychological Association and the 2017 Expanded Reason Award. Her recent short films are Breaking the Cycle, The Evolved Nest, and Reimagining Humanity. She hosts the webpage EvolvedNest.org and serves as president of KindredWorld.org.In this enlightening conversation, Darcia shares her journey to creating The Evolved Nest, a concept that integrates insights from child development, parenting, and adult behaviour. We discuss reconnecting with our natural rhythms, engaging with the world around us, fostering welcoming social environments, embracing play, and allowing the spirit of both children and adults to flow freely.This conversation is a wonderful invitation to reconnect with our primal wisdom, reflect on how we disconnect from it, and learn how to create the nurturing environments we need to thrive.For further content and information check out the following:- Darcia's Newsletter: https://darcianarvaez.substack.com/- The Evolved Nest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolvedNest- The Evolved Nest website: https://evolvednest.org/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my weekly free silent conversations, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:11 What is wrong with the world?07:51 The path to The Evolved Nest10:26 Soothing Perinatal Experiences 12:41 Disconnecting from our natural rhythms16:41 The wonder of nature and breastfeeding21:51 A welcoming social climate26:10 Embracing joy and wise teachers 30:11 Play and experimenting 33:11 Wisdom and wildness37:13 Punishment and connection to spirit40:11 Minimising babies’ needs and work46:31 The need for multiple nurturers and mentors48:51 Nature and immersion with landscape55:13 Restorative healing practices1:01:49 What is a good life for Darcia?

In this thought-provoking discussion, Nora Bateson, an award-winning filmmaker and the mind behind Warm Data theory, explores the inherent ambiguities of life. She delves into the perils of seeking certainty, urging a shift towards mutual learning and understanding. The conversation touches on the power of language and the necessity for nuanced communication in a polarized world. Bateson emphasizes interdependence, urging listeners to embrace complexity while fostering genuine connections and awareness within communities.

Diarmuid Lyng, co-owner of Wild Irish Retreats and a former Wexford hurling captain, dives into the importance of reconnecting with nature and ourselves. He shares transformative experiences that shaped his journey toward self-acceptance and love. Diarmuid discusses the balance between modern life and embracing our wild instincts, encouraging listeners to leave space for aliveness. Through stories of community, hurling, and spiritual growth, he invites everyone to explore deeper connections and the essence of a fulfilling life.

On the 96th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, John Oliver. John is an artist and sense-making facilitator, exploring multidisciplinary practices based on complexity principles and narrative frameworks. Since 2020, he has developed an artistic practice that integrates the arts with complexity principles, working in portraiture film, and experimental installations. Certified in developmental psychology coaching and co-founder of Human-Equity Ltd, he specialised in qualitative metrics for organisational development and human insights in investment portfolio management. Previously, John managed technology transfer projects in Nepal and Ghana for the NGO Intermediate Technology Development Group, spent 15 years in strategy consulting, and was an early team member at the French start-up OneAccess. He holds a BEng from Brunel University and an MBA from EDHEC in France.In this expansive conversation, John shares his journey towards greater creativity and his explorations of self and no-self. We discuss sense-making through dialectics, revelations through creativity, and the concept of positive disintegration. We also delve into the dissonance experienced during transitions, with John sharing his insights on the arts as a spiritual practice.If you are currently navigating, or contemplating, major or minor life transitions, this conversation offers many valuable insights and themes that are worthy of your contemplation.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for full interviews and clips.For further content and information check out the following:John's experimental art: www.tyler.worldJohn's portraiture film: www.interiortruth.comJohn's positive disintegration piece: https://www.tyler.world/positive-disintegration- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my weekly free silent conversations, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction02:50 The path of no self07:50 Sense making through dialectics 12:10 Revelations through creativity19:05 Positive disintegration24:55 New paths and intergenerational influence29:10 Sense of self and connection to collective33:40 Navigating the dissonance between transitions39:20 Realisation through suffering or awareness?48:20 Integrating the whole 53:20 Silence and being enough58:20 The arts as a spiritual practice 1:04:05 The Soul and the Spirit1:10:35 Sexuality as a spiritual practice1:14:00 What is a good life for John?