What is a Good Life?

Alan Wilson, a seasoned Director of People & Operations, dives into the transformative power of self-love in this engaging discussion. He shares his journey from seeking external validation in achievements to embracing genuine self-acceptance. Alan reflects on how grief and self-inquiry can foster personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of moment-to-moment awareness, the role of children in guiding us back to joy, and how focusing on being rather than doing can lead to a fulfilling life.

In this engaging conversation, Matt Zeigler, Managing Director at Sunpointe Investments and co-owner of Excess Returns, shares his transformative journey from disconnection to meaningful connections in family, work, and community. He reflects on the pivotal therapy moment that taught him the importance of vulnerability and authentic sharing. Matt introduces his model of three cultural domains and discusses how small acts of openness can build lasting friendships. He emphasizes the value of intentional experiences in creating a fulfilling life.

Alejandra Guzmán González, a Nicaraguan educator and writer, explores the journey of trusting her own voice. She reflects on the anxiety amplified by parenting and the challenge of seeking external validation. Alejandra highlights the importance of daily questioning and cocooning as methods to nurture inner trust. She shares a pivotal moment with her father, reclaiming her autonomy midlife, and emphasizes that a good life is rooted in simplicity, curiosity, and the right to listen to oneself.

Julian Kirchherr, an associate professor and partner at McKinsey & Company, delves into the intersection of academia and practical impact. He shares his journey from a passionate PhD student to a disillusioned tenure-tracker, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and diverse experiences. Julian critiques the 'bullshit' in academia and explains how grassroots movements inspired him to pursue unconventional goals. He discusses balancing dual roles in consulting and academia, advocating for iterative research methods and reframing setbacks into fuel for progress.

In this enlightening discussion, Katie Elliott—a facilitator, writer, and creator of Amiko® Cards—delves into the intricate dynamics of human relationships. She shares her lifelong curiosity about patterns and the importance of staying open in the face of bewilderment. Discover how her experiences with chronic illness and late autism diagnosis shape her perspective. Katie emphasizes the power of vulnerability in friendships and how meaningful conversations can transform our connections. Explore the art of self-compassion and the value of revealing our true selves.

On the 153rd episode of What Is a Good Life?, I’m joined by Ethan Hsieh for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation on service, being, and what happens when self-work goes too far.Ethan is currently undertaking his PhD research integrating performance-training with 4E cognitive science. With an MA in Professional Practice: Theatre and Drama Facilitation, he has designed and delivered transformational community-building programs, retreats, and workshops across Asia and Europe through his organisation 5ToMidnight, where he is Artistic Director. He also serves as Platform Manager for The Lectern and has co-designed select practices with John Vervaeke, including the Socratic Imaginal Self-Reflection and the Socratic Search Space. Ethan maintains a private coaching practice working with corporate leaders, professional athletes, and social organisations.Together, we explore nihilism, play, embodiment, identity, and the question that now orients Ethan’s life: When does being itself become service?This episode invites listeners to loosen self-fixation, recover participation, and rediscover what becomes possible when we allow life—and each other—to change us.For more of Ethan's work:Website: https://www.5tomidnight.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-hsieh-828a63240/For more of my work:Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own good life through:- 1-on-1 coaching and online group courses: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/individual-coaching- The podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/individual-coaching00:00 A Question of Service05:40 Self-Work’s Breaking Point 08:04 From Optimization to Orientation12:52 Not Knowing Intimately 16:31 Returning to Play 26:56 Letting Experience In 31:31 Contact With Life36:46 Seeing Others Anew43:42 Identity Held Loosely52:19 Embodiment and Coherence 59:30 What is a good life for Ethan?

Tim Leberecht, a German-American entrepreneur and author, explores the nuances of living well in a world increasingly shaped by performance and artificial intelligence. He delves into the importance of belonging and intimacy, discussing how daily rituals can reconnect us with ourselves. Tim contrasts beauty with mere success, advocating for ethics and connection amid our synthetic realities. He also addresses how silence and deep conversations can foster vulnerability, enriching our relationships in both personal and professional realms.

In this conversation, Olaf Lewitz, a leadership thinker and Trust Artist, delves into the intriguing question, "What am I missing?" He highlights how this inquiry can reshape our perceptions of anger and boundaries. Olaf shares insights on creating drama through interpretations rather than reality and the power of humor in defusing tension. He emphasizes balancing personal boundaries with compassion and reflects on the importance of inner worth and hope. Ultimately, Olaf defines a good life as enjoying the present while striving to make the world a bit better.

Claire Goodey, an artist and humanistic psychotherapist, shares her journey of returning to creativity after a decade in private practice. She discusses her late autism diagnosis and its impact on her understanding of needs and the importance of nervous system awareness. Claire reflects on navigating fear versus love, emphasizing the value of presence and intentional rest. She also introduces the metaphor of "getting into the slipper" for retreat and highlights how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more humane existence amid life's chaos.

Adam Mastroianni, an experimental psychologist and popular science writer, dives into the intriguing world of curiosity and meaningful contributions. He discusses how relentless questions can feel like demonic possessions driving creativity. Adam also ponders the historical delays in innovations like indoor plumbing and explores the contrast between online validation and real-life feedback. The conversation highlights the importance of finding your unique role in the world and how embracing authentic work can shape a fulfilling life.