What is a Good Life?

On the 15th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast I am joined by Benjamin Western, who is the Founder at The Shining Light Project, a trustee at Hope & Aid Direct, and Head of Sustainability at LRQA.This episode is different from the others, as this is more a conversation than an interview, and we are focussing on the teachings of Anthony De Mello.Anthony De Mello was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. A spiritual teacher and author of several spiritual books, two of which, Awareness and The Way to Love, have had a huge impact on both mine and Benjamin's lives.In this episode we explore and reflect on the core teachings of De Mello, essentially that our attachments in life are making us suffer. We explore where we as humans are most attached, to possessions, caring what people think of us, achievement, habits, our beliefs, and our proclivity to chase thrills and excitement rather than what brings us real happiness.I loved discussing these themes with Benjamin, who is a wise and thoughtful soul, and it will give you plenty to contemplate in terms of your present attachments in life.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and weekly reflections.Running Order: 01:34 Podcast begins02:09 Discovering the work of Anthony De Mello07:07 Attachments are the source of our misery10:04 Our happiness is contingent on so many things12:19 Do you realise what you are attached to?15:14 The hardest thing to accept in his teachings20:24 Exploring an attachment to life25:22 Unhealthy attachments that are normalised28:34 Awareness of attachments 31:34 Letting go doesn’t mean renunciation33:46 Do you accept yourself or others as they are?37:54 Being who you were meant to be41:04 What lens do you view the world through?44:34 Be wary of the labels you apply to others46:18 World feelings v Soul feelings52:14 Joy in difficult circumstances55:34 Explore your attachments playfully58:49 Humour in the human predicament1:02:04 What is a good life for Benjamin?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/- Benjamin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwestern/

On the 14th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast I am joined by Charlotte Wiedemann, who is a Journalist and a Death Doula. Through her journalism work, she is creating greater awareness of death, funeral, and grief issues, and at Ahorn Gruppe, where she currently works, she has helped to amass a following of almost 200k people on TikTok through discussing these themes.In this episode we discuss our societal difficulties in talking about death, our repression of emotions, beautiful moments within suffering, how we can support people experiencing loss, the aliveness and gratitude for life Charlotte experiences through working with the dead, and how birth, life and death are so deeply intertwined. Charlotte also shares some profound exercises and thoughts with regards contemplating death to create a better life.Paradoxically, I found this discussion around death to be extremely enlivening, and it further enhances my perspective that the more we avoid acknowledging death, the more we fear fully living. This conversation left me with A LOT to contemplate, as I’m sure it will for you too.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and weekly reflections.Running Order: 01:23 Podcast Begins02:16 Inquiry with death begins04:46 Difficulties with talking about death08:14 Repression of emotions09:45 Picturing yourself on your own death bed11:38 It’s ok to have regrets with the dying16:21 Moments of beauty in sadness20:23 You can’t fix death or make it better, just be there for people22:55 There are many moments of loss in life25:43 Prolonging of life28:55 Magical moments in death34:00 How the experience of birth led to deathcare39:25 The effect of working with a dead body42:07 Bringing the conservation around death to a wider audience45:28 What is a good death?48:42 What is a good life for Charlotte?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/- Charlotte's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-wiedemann-71614b17/

On the 13th episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by David McQueen. David is an Executive Coach, a Keynote Speaker, and an executive and non-executive director for several businesses.In this episode David takes us through the role compassion plays in his life - for himself, for others, in reconnecting with nature, in building community, and in contributing to others. While we also discuss anything from the supernatural, imposter syndrome, the importance of knowing when enough is enough materially and to ultimately following your own path.This conversation resonated with me a lot, and David provides a great example of someone who is consciously carving out his own version of a good life. The episode is filled with insights and reflections that will give you plenty to ponder in terms of experiencing more compassion for yourself and those around you.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and weekly reflections.Running Order: 01:15 Podcast begins02:18 What would it take for us to have more compassion?05:32 Convenience over compassion?12:20 Humans are selfish15:18 Community and self-connection18:45 We are all connected22:50 The void of religion26:58 Wrestling in my mind between the skeptic & the spiritual29:30 Reconnecting with Nature34:10 Switching off38:15 Moving from surviving to thriving40:15 Regrets of the dying42:38 Giving back45:45 What really brings us happiness49:00 Time alone & balance50:40 Seeing life as an adventure54:45 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/- David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidmcqueen/- David's website: https://www.davidmcqueen.co.uk/ 

On the 12th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am joined by Alison Taylor, who is a Clinical Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, Executive Director at Ethical Systems, and is writing a book for the Harvard Business Review Press on how business can do the right thing in a turbulent world.In this episode Alison describes how curiosity has been her main driving force in life, taking her on a journey from investigating corporate corruption on several continents to teaching at NYU. She talks about embracing adventure, playing to your strengths, loving your work, and the importance of contributing to what you care about to remain optimistic in the face of a tumultuous world.Given both our proclivities for jumping continents and careers at various points in life, I took a lot of inspiration from her story, and success, of backing herself and going her own way - as I’m sure you will too.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and weekly reflections.Running Order: 01:08 Podcast begins02:30 Stories versus Facts06:09 What does it take for society's values to shift?07:40 Optimism for humans?12:30 Playing to your strengths / contributing to what you care about15:10 Curiosity & Humility19:50 Not having a long term plan23:50 Trust and developing a sense of self26:07 I know who I am / what I want27:50 The power of humility & experimenting33:40 Loving your work37:20 Being yourself in a world telling you to be something else40:55 Summary of themes in the conversation43:22 What is a good life for Alison?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/- Alison's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/followalisont/

On the eleventh episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Darragh Power, who is researching and writing a book on wisdom.If you are feeling stuck, are being too hard on yourself, and are in need of some inspiration and tools to progress, this episode will be for you.In this conversation we talk about the importance of quests and curiosity in unlocking our potential and motivation, seeing wisdom in the everyday and ourselves, feeling alive in one’s life, how to presently see ourselves as being enough, as well as holding wider philosophical views to help us feel more ease with the constant chatter and reactions of the mind.While Darragh has a wonderfully grounded and practical wisdom to listen along to, where he is as likely to draw from Shakespeare or Socrates in one sentence, as he is from his Granny or a friend in the next. Darragh is a lifelong learner, having completed 3 Masters to date, he lectures part-time at DCU, and is a Senior Director at SAP, in learning design and coaching roles.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and weekly reflections.Running Order: 01:36 What is a wise being?07:21 Observing wisdom in the everyday 09:09 Asking questions to unlock your motivation/potential/future12:51 Engaging with the unknown16:11 Finding balance between your soul and your responsibility21:11 Deficiency in our senses and education26:11 Feeling alive29:11 The Universal nature of aliveness and wisdom30:41 Grounded wisdom35:21 Seeing the opportunity in adversity39:16 Seeing ourselves as enough43:11 Being ok with your thinking and its fluctuations47:41 The peace of the present moment49:41 Getting ok with the mind’s fluctuations52:31 Compassion for ourselves and others54:51 Everyone is wise1:01:31 What is a good life for Darragh?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/- Darragh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darraghpower/

On the tenth episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Baiba Rubesa.Baiba is a business executive across several industries, from natural resources, banking, automotive, telecoms, and most recently transport / railways – in which she served as the Chairperson & CEO at RB Rail.In this episode, Baiba takes us through her fascinating journey from her youth in Canada and Germany, born to Latvian parents with a dream of supporting her homeland, to ultimately being part of a shaping a post revolutionary society in Latvia later in life. From being the only woman on many boards to focussing on women’s economic empowerment (currently Co-founder at Novatore), while sharing her thoughts on the Golden Rule, seizing the day, intuition, pivoting, and focussing on one’s strengths.I wanted to interview Baiba as I believe she lives a truly unique life, and one I learned a lot from listening to her reflect on – as I am sure you will too.Running Order:  01:16 Podcast begins02:46 A call to supporting Latvia05:16 Life being shaped by personality, enjoyment, values07:36 Hold your plans lightly10:31 Intuition in decision making11:59 Supporting women in business17:16 Being the only woman in the boardroom23:36 The importance of listening, understanding, and communicating27:56 Seize the day29:56 Facing an early midlife crisis31:46 The importance of pivoting35:46 Learning to go with the flow / Intuition40:26 Dreams for Latvia45:21 “I was part of a revolution”48:46 Focussing on my strengths53:16 Knowing who you are57:46 What is a good life for Baiba?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/- Novatore's Website: https://www.novatore.eu/- Baiba's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baibarubesa/Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel for daily clips and weekly reflections.

On the ninth episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Jonny Camara.In this episode Jonny takes us through his journey of growing up in Belfast to an Irish mother and a Senegalese father, from repressing parts of himself to reclaiming them, from pain and suffering to creativity and connection, and ultimately to finding the trust and courage to being himself and understanding what he wants, and what matters, in life.Jonny is a Leadership Development Strategist and Coach, who’s path of suffering, self-inquiry, and alignment, is also serving as inspiration to his burgeoning screenwriting and acting endeavours.Having interviewed 150+ people around this question to date, if I had to name one thing that leads people to being more themselves, or to figuring out what they want in life, then suffering, or periods of struggle, would be it. This conversation with Jonny provides an inspiring example of this observation.Running Order: 01:40 How do I use all of my talents?05:25 Suffering leading to play & creativity08:20 Allowing our complexity to emerge10:10 Journaling13:05 The need for self-expression15:40 Growing up in a predominantly white environment19:45 Seeking belonging26:10 What stories do we attach to our difference?30:10 Deconstructing the lens through which we view life33:10 Turning pain into expression37:25 The pain of facing racism41:02 Stories to connect our humanity45:42 Reclaiming oneself48:30 Letting go & self-compassion50:32 “I hope you never find out who you are”53:38 What is a good life for Jonny?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/- Jonny's Website: https://www.jonnycamara.com/- Jonny's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny--camara/Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel for daily clips and weekly reflections.

On the eighth episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Dr. Daria Chrobok, an artist, a scientist (PhD in plant physiology), and an entrepreneur.In this episode Daria takes us through her journey of cultivating more inner peace (via ice baths, meditation, and the grounding influence of nature), redefining relationships, releasing her creativity, stepping away from academia, setting up her own company (DC SciArt), and residing in her purpose.If you are still looking to identify what you want to do with your life, if you pay attention to Daria’s whole process, I believe you’ll observe many of the necessary steps to identify and engage with one’s purpose. Running Order: 00:00 Introduction01:00 Podcast Begins01:20 What attracted Daria to plant physiology04:00 The grounding of plants09:00 The need for Nature11:12 Getting out of her head – Ice bathing & Meditation16:00 Inviting small discomforts into our lives18:58 Rediscovering Art21:25 A rush of creativity25:28 Recognising the need to slow down29:10 Recognising when relationships no longer serve us33:30 Stepping into your own truth35:50 Engaging with the unknown40:06 Crisis leads to inspiration43:22 Difficulties with the academic system46:31 Balancing logic, emotion, feelings, and intuition50:05 Connecting Art and Science53:40 Challenges in experiencing a good life56:00 What is a good life for Daria?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/- Daria's Website: https://www.dariasciart.com/- Daria's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariachrobok/Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel for daily clips and weekly reflections.

On the seventh episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Alex Holmes, whose work focusses on the mental and emotional health of men.Alex is the Founder of The Mindful Life, an award winning Podcaster (Time to Talk with Alex Holmes, The Mindful Man), an Author, Time to Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection, and a Therapeutic Coach (using Bibliotherapy amongst other approaches). In this episode Alex takes us through his journey of experiencing breakdowns at work, to redefining his relationship with himself and those around him, establishing his values, to discovering his purpose in serving men’s mental health, and he brings up many of the challenges men face in addressing their mental health. Running Order: 00:00 Introduction01:07 Podcast begins03:22 Curiosity06:17 Starting off in Journalism08:07 what brought Alex to exploring men’s mental health12:32 Life can be lonely15:32 Experiencing breakdowns at work17:32 Developing and understanding better relationships21:20 The importance of developing your own values25:11 Learning to communicate when problems arise27:42 We need to give our relationships more attention29:29 Alex discovers his purpose35:07 Being in service to others37:37 The importance of looking inwards42:32 What stops us from looking inside?45:07 Accessing the inner child47:56 There is still hope51:40 Kinkeeping57:37 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://alexholmes.co/- Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byalexholmes/Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel for daily clips and weekly reflections.

On the sixth episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Paul Gleeson. In his lifetime, Paul has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, cycled across Australia, rowed the Northwest passage in Canada, participated in an expedition to the Artic, amongst many more adventures.Paul runs his own coaching and consulting practice, Turas Consulting, he has authored a book about his experience of rowing across the Atlantic, Crossing the Swell, and is currently writing a book about building an expedition mindset.  What’s more, Paul is a great mate of mine who I find to be one of the most effortlessly inspiring people I know, with no airs, graces, or pretences about him.In this podcast we discuss his experiences of fearing for his safety and handling uncertainty while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, finishing his ride across Australia despite being knocked down twice, and what lessons he has learned about himself, his mind, performance, and life, through these adventures.Running Order:00:00 Introduction01:35 Podcast begins03:37 First inspiration for adventure05:37 Are we getting too comfortable?10:13 Satisfaction in discomfort13:00 Motivation for cycling across Australia15:57 Getting knocked down 20:47 What you running from?23:12 3 lessons from cycling across Australia26:17 Getting knocked down a second time30:17 The importance of nature33:27 Deciding to row across the Atlantic Ocean with little rowing experience36:02 Two lessons from preparing to row across an ocean40:02 Handling fear42:32 The motivation for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean45:32 Handling uncertainty and risk48:47 Fearing for his life crossing the ocean 51:42 Seeing land for the first time in 85 days56:17 embracing Family after crossing the ocean59:47 Reconnecting with something primal1:02:17 Tips for finding your own expedition1:05:37 What is a good life for Paul?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/- Paul's Website: https://www.turasconsulting.com/- Paul's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paultgleesonSubscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel for daily clips and weekly reflections.