What is a Good Life?

On the 33rd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by David Dunn. David describes himself as an alcoholic prison leaver trying to be the change he wants to see in the world. He is the CEO & Founder of Release Mates CIC, a group that brings positive change to individuals in the immediate hours following their release from prison.In this episode, David shares his inspirational journey from hitting rock bottom with addiction in prison to finding the courage to make a change, and ultimately dedicating himself to serving others who are in a similar situation to where he once was.We delve into the roles that spirituality, nature, being of service to others, honesty, and human connection played in this journey. Additionally, we discuss the significance of letting go of control and how this shift transformed his experience of life.If you are currently facing a difficult period in your life or struggling to find meaning and purpose, there is a wealth of valuable insights in this conversation. David is incredibly honest and open about how his life turned around, sharing many profound and noteworthy perspectives on life, regardless of your current circumstances.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for shorter clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:02:15 Letting go of needing answers in recovery from addiction04:21 Connecting to a secular spirituality and nature in recovery09:40 How can I be of service to others?12:42 Being honest with ourselves19:05 Experiencing rock bottom24:15 Finding courage and purpose to change30:54 Being kinder to ourselves32:38 Learning to let go of trying to controlling life37:33 Living life through a different lens40:33 Obsession with the perception of our lives43:29 How Release Mates was formed48:22 Trust and human connection56:24 Summary of the conversation57:40 What is a good life for David?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Release Mates' website: https://www.releasemates.org/- David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dunn-3b307387/

On the 32nd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Bassey Ikpi. Bassey is a Nigerian born, American bred writer, ex-poet, mental health and wellness advocate, and memoir procrastinator. Her Book, “I’m Telling The Truth But I’m Lying,” an instant New York Times Bestseller, reflects her experience living with bipolar II disorder and anxiety. She is currently soft at work on her next book.In this episode, Bassey shares her experiences of navigating life with bipolar II disorder and the impact mindfulness has had on her life. We discuss the role a heightened self-awareness has played in terms of being able to afford both herself and others grace, allowing her to connect more with people’s humanity and to see beyond the pain, hurt, and fear that many people are interacting from. She also shares with us how her creativity and writing affords her the space to observe life from multiple perspectives and the impact that can have on relationships.If you’re growing tired of the dichotomous way in which we are judging each other, if you’re seeking more nuanced ways of interpreting human behaviour, and you’re looking to cultivate more grace and humanity in your life, this episode will open up wider spaces for new perspectives in how we relate to ourselves and each other.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for shorter clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:02:35 Am I going to be ok?08:25 Am I contributing to my community in meaningful ways?10:20 Affording grace to ourselves and others16:41 The power of acknowledging and owning our behaviour18:15 The impact of Mindfulness20:35 What aren’t we able to disagree respectfully?23:15 The vacuum of religion and Divinity27:20 The beauty, love, and pain of life28:40 Seeing the fear behind the hurt and the hate36:14 The interaction of our fears38:53 Developing awareness while remaining human42:50 Writing to make sense of the world 46:35 Observing life from multiple perspectives50:13 Being able to hear the other side of the story55:22 The possibility of new perspectives57:05 Summary of the conversation1:01:18 What is a good life for Bassey?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Bassey's website: https://basseyikpi.com/- Bassey's book: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Bassey-Ikpi/dp/0062698346- Bassey's twitter: https://twitter.com/Basseyworld

On the 31st episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Alex Carabi. Alex is an author; his most recent book is "On Relationality," a leadership coach, and co-founder of Yellow, a group which offers spaces to learn, connect, and explore without predetermined outcomes or expectations.In this episode, we delve into the meaning of building greater intimacy with others and life itself, exploring various ways of relating to people that transcend manipulation and our typical defences. Our discussion uncovers the profound sense of aliveness, feeling, and depth that arises when we meet others and ourselves in the moment where we presently are. Moreover, we reflect on the alchemical potential of exploring the aspects of ourselves we have numbed.If you find yourself yearning for a deeper connection and greater intimacy in a world often characterised by superficial interactions, if you're tired of performing and acting at the expense of genuine connection and vitality, this conversation will provide ample food for thought. You'll gain insights into reshaping your approach to relating with others, along with fresh ideas to explore and incorporate into your own good life.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for shorter clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:38 Podcast begins02:16 What is here?06:50 Building intimacy with life10:50 A fear of being seen14:14 A different quality of relating - Martin Buber20:48 Dropping our strategies and defences when relating25:13 Exploring aliveness, feeling, and depth28:48 Dissolving the separateness between us33:23 Giving permission to what is here35:48 What allows for more intimacy?40:23 Getting in touch with where we are numb44:53 Benefits to feeling more of life50:11 Relating to life with meaning53:36 Divine moments in relating to each other55:36 Feeling ok with who and where you are1:02:15 Summary of the conversation1:04:00 What is a good life, for Alex?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Alex’s website: https://www.alexcarabi.com/- Yellow’s website: https://www.yellowlearning.org/- Alex’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/9198859307/

On the 30th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm excited to be joined by Lin Cassie Zhen. Cassie is a friend of mine who took a leap of faith and quit her job as a Design Lead in Tech, without establishing what was coming next, to create space for what would unfold organically.She’s currently writing a book as well as producing a podcast (Being Awareness - https://lnkd.in/e2t-3FxG) on the topic of mindfulness and inner transmutation.In this episode, Cassie shares her evolution from a relentless pursuit of productivity and life hacks to a deeper exploration of mindfulness and connection, and the shift from trying to control life to placing trust in herself and embracing the unknown. We delve into her methods for developing greater courage and trust, which led her to quit her previous role even without a firm next step. Additionally, we discuss the profound influence nature has had on helping her feel more connected to the world around her.If you are feeling stuck in life, if repeatedly leaning into productivity is not creating the life you want, if you’re feeling disconnected from yourself and not knowing what you want in life, this episode will provide you with plenty to contemplate and inspiration for stepping into the unknown.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:40 Podcast begins02:15 What is my purpose?05:15 A divide between the external persona and inner world11:42 Giving more space for creativity and being17:35 Taking a leap of faith / leaving old job20:40 Exploring Fear and the Unknown24:48 Letting go of roles and a sense of belonging29:20 Getting used to freedom31:36 Developing trust in oneself, life, and the world around us33:44 Flow in creativity39:05 Internal connection leading to connection with nature and outer world48:40 Summary of conversation’s key pointsFor further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Cassie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lin-cassie-zhen-73215113/- Being Awareness Podcast: https://lnkd.in/e2t-3FxG

On the 29th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm excited to have Cortney McDermott, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and strategist for Fortune 500 executives and creative entrepreneurs, joining me as a guest.Cortney takes us on a profound exploration of true freedom and the liberating act of being yourself. She shares her personal journey, which was spurred by a sense of emptiness following her successes as an executive, that led her to discover what truly needed to be explored and expressed in her life.Throughout the episode, Cortney reveals her personal processes that guided her back into her body and feelings, shifting her focus from external seeking to realising that everything she needed was already within her grasp.We delve into the immense energy that arises from aligning with one's essence and the importance of expanding our sense of trust in life. While Cortney also emphasises the significance of neither rejecting one's ego nor emotions, or blindly following ready-made prescriptions for life.If you find yourself grappling with a sense of emptiness despite your achievements and are yearning for more in life, this episode offers a wealth of contemplation. It will open new doors of perspective and fresh curiosity for what may come next, whatever that looks like for you.If you enjoy this conversation, the digital version of Cortney’s latest best-selling book, Give Yourself Permission, is discounted here (https://amzn.to/3Oe5oxO) for the next week!Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:50 Podcast begins02:27 How can I be free?05:30 Becoming aware of our conditioning08:45 Connecting with and exploring all of what we are feeling14:32 Giving yourself permission to be you17:25 Exploring self-expression22:05 Everything is within you25:43 Realising what you are seeking is right here29:02 The point of letting go32:25 Using your Ego in alignment38:32 The astonishing powers of connecting41:23 Expanding your trust 45:42 Learning to think and paying attention49:24 Finding your own lane, not following other people’s prescription54:46 Wild experiences in consciousness1:02:50 Summary of conversation1:05:25 What is a good life for Cortney?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Cortney's website: https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/- Cortney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneymcdermott/- Cortney's Book: https://amzn.to/3Oe5oxO

On the 28th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I have the pleasure of being joined by Guido Palazzo, a professor of business ethics at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. Guido delves into the intriguing topic of why good people sometimes make questionable choices, exploring the dark side of human behaviour.Throughout the episode, Guido sheds light on the factors contributing to ethical lapses of individuals within organisations, as well as the catalysts that can lead individuals to adopt more ethical behaviours. We also explore the crucial need for deeper connections to foster harmonious relationships with ourselves and the world around us.In these challenging times, Guido shares inspiring stories of individuals who managed to uphold their ethical principles even in the face of adversity. He emphasises the significance of prioritising qualities such as meaning, values, and having various options, which have not only influenced his own life journey but also hold immense importance in leading a meaningful existence.For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of societal challenges, this episode offers a much-needed perspective on our collective journey towards discovering new visions and narratives. It serves as a source of optimism and hope, encouraging us to actively create new stories and possibilities for an emerging future.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:45 Podcast begins02:15 Why do we do bad things?05:25 What supports people to do good things?07:51 What can make society more mindful?14:21 Lack of connection with ourselves and the world18:01 We are in between visions of society - individual to collective22:00 Letting go and grieving to create change26:31 Characteristics of people who live their values in uncertain times31:37 The importance of investigating your own values33:29 Prioritising meaning over happiness36:45 Building a life around meaning, options, and values39:57 Life is happening now, not in the future42:15 The importance of realising who you are45:10 Contributing to a new narrative52:10 What is a good life, for Guido?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Guido's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopalazzo-/- Guido's website: https://guidopalazzo.com/

On the 27th episode of the "What is a Good Life?" podcast, I am joined by Julian Voss-Andreae, who is a Sculptor and a Physicist, with his sculptures often engaging with scientific insights into the nature of reality. His work has received broad acclaim at international art fairs, galleries, and in print and broadcast media, with numerous videos of his work having gone viral with millions of views.In this episode, Julian shares with us his journey into exploring the nature of reality. From doing his graduate research in the lab of Physics Nobel Prize laureate, Anton Zeilinger, to changing paths in life to pursue art, where his passion for exploring the mysteries of the world have been a continual source of inspiration for his work.He also shares with us his curiosities and investigations into spirituality, his process of repeatedly challenging his own beliefs and world views, embracing discomfort, and how this has led to contentment with his life.If you are presently feeling stuck or stagnating, or that life is feeling a bit flat, this episode will give you plenty to contemplate in terms of engaging more with your curiosity and the energy which that can generate. Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:00:01 Introduction01:43 Podcast begins05:11 The wonderful weirdness of Quantum Physics07:23 Holding Paradox09:56 Free Will13:08 UFOs and psychedelics - going beyond the current scientific paradigm17:28 Fascination with weirdness, looking at the world with fresh eyes20:08 The path into Art and Sculpting24:33 Where do ideas come from?28:13 Not feeling fear29:48 Journey with spirituality34:28 Shifting perspectives and leaps of faith38:50 Humility of not knowing41:43 Challenging his own beliefs and world views / Embracing discomfort47:43 Inspiration for his work51:48 What is a good life for Julian?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Julian's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianvossandreae/- Julian's website: https://julianvossandreae.com/

On the 26th episode of the "What is a Good Life?" podcast, I am joined by Angela Kirwin, who is a Writer, Speaker, Campaigner, former Social Care Worker, and author of the acclaimed book "Criminal: How Our Prisons Are Failing Us All"In this episode, Angela shares with us her journey towards experiencing greater comfort in her own skin. From mainly focussing on hitting big goals to observing what actually makes her feel content (community and a common purpose), and from realising it was less about changing herself but returning to who she was. We discuss her process of observing, understanding, and accepting her experience with ADHD through therapy, as well as the life lessons around vulnerability and authenticity she witnessed from men’s groups she facilitated in prison. While she also highlights the importance of appreciating the nuance and complexity of others in order to afford ourselves more compassion.If you are presently being hard on yourself, experiencing negative self-talk, or you feel like you are on a constant treadmill to earn your own self-acceptance, this episode will give you plenty to contemplate, as well as providing a number of paths and perspectives to cultivate greater empathy for yourself. Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:38 Podcast begins02:13 How does change happen, societally, culturally, and individually?05:10 Comfort in my own skin08:08 Community and Purpose13:18 How much are we in control of change?17:23 Change or returning to who you were?22:06 Inspiration from vulnerability of men in prison29:52 Lack of honesty with ourselves and others34:00 Journey with ADHD39:38 Inspiration for writing books45:56 Appreciating the nuance of other people’s lives51:37 The power of openness, honesty, and a willingness to listen59:38 What is a good life for Angela?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Angela's newsletter and podcast: https://hyperactiveliving.substack.com/- Angela's book: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Angela-Kirwin/dp/1398705837

On the 25th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am joined by Jamie Crawford, a former CEO and leader of multiple media brands in Ireland who was diagnosed with MS at 32. After his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, together they created The Good Glow, a wellness company, with a hugely popular podcast and number one best selling book, Glow, to inspire people to live fulfilled and healthier lives.In this episode, Jamie takes us through discovering he had MS and what he felt contributed to this diagnosis. He also shares the series of adversities he faced in only a few years after the MS diagnosis, losing his father to cancer, and his wife being diagnosed with breast cancer several months after giving birth.We explore our sometimes unhealthy capacity to compartmentalise our struggles and how it generally exacerbates our problems. While Jaime shares how he is grateful for his experiences and what they have taught him in terms of resilience, the changes he has made to his life, and for ultimately becoming more aware of what matters most to him in life - moments & time with his family and helping others.Whether you are struggling with something presently in your life, facing adversity, or are finding it difficult to share your problems with others, this episode will provide you with plenty of inspiration, encouragement, and new perspectives, while providing numerous reminders of what truly matters in life. Jamie’s story is a great example of the obstacle becoming the way.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:50 Podcast begins02:35 How can I help?05:55 Life is a series of mountains and valleys09:05 Developing resilience11:10 Stress and MS13:15 The source of ambition15:43 Early signs of MS21:40 Denial and doubling down on effort25:35 Compartmentalising our problems32:00 Opening up about vulnerabilities and MS38:37 Self-discovery, curiosity and nature41:40 Being a father and the simple things45:26 Turning focus to helping others51:05 What is a good life for Jamie?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Jaime's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-crawford-ba2b3b5/- The Good Glow website: https://www.thegoodglow.ie/

On the 24th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am joined by Robbie Stamp, who is the is CEO of BIOSS International, a Senior Fellow at the Resilience and Sustainable Development Programme at Cambridge University, Chairman of HappenedHere, and was an Executive Producer on the Hitchhikers’s Guide to the Galaxy feature film.In this episode, we discuss the quality and significance of paying attention, cultivating compassion for ourselves and others, becoming ok with not knowing, appreciating all phenomenological and conscious experiences, the mirror AI holds up to us and the limitations AI will have in accounting for all human experience, and how there will always be a tension between creative and destructive behaviour, both internally and collectively.This episode will help you appreciate the messiness of being human and yourself, feel more comfortable with the uncertainty and paradoxes of life, exhibit more compassion for us all while striving to improve, and to cultivate some humility around the limitations of your own knowledge and perspective. Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:01:31 Podcast begins02:06 Paying attention06:51 Compassion for the messiness of human beings10:14 The paradox of needing to be hard and kind to yourself17:29 Becoming ok with not knowing21:32 Getting comfortable with uncertainty28:19 AI and the mirror it holds up to us33:11 What AI cannot capture38:13 The significance of all conscious experiences44:31 Suspending our labels and perspectives48:08 How do we create better civil discourse51:21 Burdening ourselves with ideas of Utopia54:56 Paradox of humility57:36 What is a good life for Robbie?For further content and information check out the following: - For the 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/- Robbie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-stamp-70254/