What is a Good Life?

On the 93rd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Kemo Camara. Kemo is the visionary behind Omek, a community-centric platform whose mission is to amplify the talent, voices, and energy of biculturals of African descent. A social entrepreneur, community influencer, economist, and captivating speaker, Kemo's journey has spanned continents, with impactful engagements across Africa, the United States, and Europe. He has held extensive leadership roles and responsibilities in community organisations and co-founded multiple businesses and non-profit organisations in the United States and Europe. His passion lies in activating our collective human potential, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to work towards a common goal.In this wonderful conversation, Kemo shares his journey of building community and realising purpose in his life. He discusses the insights around community that he gained from his upbringing and family in Guinea, the values of trust, dignity, and respect that were instilled in him, and the energy we drain from ourselves by constantly having our guards up.This entire conversation is a great example of the importance of reflection, understanding who we are, and paying attention to the feedback life provides in order to utilise all aspects of ourselves to realise greater purpose in our lives.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:Omek's Website: myomek.comKemo's LinkedIn: LinkedIn- 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 What kind of impact do I want to make?06:20 What do people in my life say about me?10:30 What is fundamentally important14:50 Family, elders, and respect19:50 Giving trust and possibilities27:20 Building community in other countries35:00 Realising what matters most40:50 Paying attention to the life’s feedback44:50 Speaking to people as humans at work47:35 The journey to building new leaders & community54:05 Bringing all of who we are57:05 What is a good life for Kemo?

On the 92nd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Rachel Donald. Rachel is the creator of Planet: Critical, the podcast and newsletter for a world in crisis with 15,000+ subscribers from 160 countries. Planet: Critical connects the dots of science, art, language, politics, media, philosophy and power to reveal the big picture. Rachel speaks internationally on this ecosystem as an independent researcher and writer. Alongside Planet: Critical, her world exclusive investigations into climate corruption have been published in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Mongabay, The Intercept, Byline Times and the New Republic.In this wonderful conversation, Rachel takes us on her journey of looking beyond the veil, as for her, the world never seemed the way people said it was. She shares her experiences of questioning what is real and true, letting go of certainty, becoming more aware of and focused on the relationships between everything, and the joy that comes from doing work you love that serves others. She also explores finding ways to engage with the world while staying true to your own nature.This entire conversation is filled with insights and realisations that deeply connect to experiencing a fulfilling life, while Rachel’s path may inspire you to think more critically and to reflect on what you are actively questioning and choosing in your own life.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:Rachel's Website: www.planetcritical.comRachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-donald/- 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 Introduction02:52 Not holding onto answers or certainty08:02 The shift towards accepting uncertainty11:12 Getting out of our way to grow14:52 No decision is permanent17:52 Making big decisions with clarity24:12 Empowered to choose your own struggle28:22 Sensing something wasn’t true31:52 Seeing the world differently36:52 Engaging with the world while remaining who we are43:02 New ways of lifting the veil47:22 A network of responses50:32 Developing empathy for different perspectives56:22 What is a good life for Rachel?

On the 91st episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome our guest, Andrea Hiott. Andrea is a philosopher and the founder of Making Ways, a private educational consultancy that works with individuals, businesses, and organisations such as EMI to explore the guiding philosophies at the core of our lives and actions. She is also an author and educator, holding degrees in the philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and UNESCO World Heritage. Andrea has authored several books, including Thinking Small, and her work has appeared in renowned publications such as the The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, National Geographic, and the San Francisco Chronicle. In addition, she hosts several podcasts, including Love & Philosophy and Desirable Unknown. In this captivating conversation, Andrea shares her journey with the question, "What is mind?" We discuss the importance of developing our ability to hold paradox, handle the intensity of our emotions, and navigate the challenges, joys, and fears that love can sometimes bring. We explore how our presence and attention can facilitate change within ourselves and others, and the profound impact of sharing meaningful moments together.This whole conversation is deeply insightful, offering much to learn from Andrea’s curiosity, wisdom, and reflections. Which may help you to embrace the experience of being human more fully.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:Andrea's Website: https://www.andreahiott.net/ Andrea's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@waymaking23/featured - 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 What is mind?07:16 What can we handle?11:41 Portals to be present15:11 More to this than we understand19:21 The joy and curiosity of deep feelings23:21 What is mind and what is mine? Holding paradox27:51 We are always in process32:21 Being present and the changes it allows33:41 Acknowledging our own possibility for change41:46 Time, mind, and memory46:31 The resonance of meaning through time50:41 The paradox of our separate and shared lives56:18 What is a good life for Andrea? 

Seb Randle, founder of The Helpful Space, is a consultant and coach focused on personal growth. In this insightful conversation, he shares his journey of self-discovery, including his experiences with family counseling and body image. Seb highlights the importance of self-acceptance, intentional living, and releasing self-judgment. He delves into the impact of social media on identity and the need for allyship and meaningful connections. With relatable anecdotes, he inspires listeners to navigate their own paths toward understanding their truth.

Manda Scott, a veterinary-trained novelist and host of the Accidental Gods podcast, dives into a captivating exploration of connection to the living web of life. She discusses her transition from veterinary surgery to writing, emphasizing how places and objects speak to us through energetic imprints. Manda contrasts learning through pain versus love and introduces three pillars: gratitude, compassion, and joyful curiosity. She shares insights on co-creation, the role of artists in envisioning a better future, and the essence of a good life as rooted in genuine connection.

Derek Sivers, an insightful author and former musician known for his engaging TED talks, shares transformative stories from his varied life. He explores how embracing diverse perspectives can reshape our understanding of challenges. Sivers discusses the journey from musician to entrepreneur, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of growth and self-actualization. He dives into the paradox of wealth and altruism, and the emotional journey of creative expression. This conversation inspires listeners to reflect on authenticity and the joy of exploring life with curiosity.

Dr. Niobe Way, a Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU and founder of the Project for the Advancement of Our Common Humanity, dives deep into what shapes our humanity. She discusses the clash between cultural norms and our true nature, advocating for active listening and storytelling as tools for connection. Niobe shares her insights on the complexities of adolescent friendships and the importance of recognizing diverse narratives. She emphasizes how meaningful conversations can combat isolation and enhance emotional intelligence, particularly among boys today.

Nic Askew, a filmmaker renowned for his exploration of human connection, shares his journey into authenticity and belonging. He reveals how his 'Inner View' method uses stillness and the camera to highlight our innate sense of belonging. Nic discusses the exhaustion of seeking external validation and the transformative power of silence in fostering deeper relationships. He emphasizes that true worth comes from simply existing, inviting listeners to embrace their inherent value and connect meaningfully with others.

On the 85th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Jon Alexander. Jon is the author of CITIZENS: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us, a book that seeks to reframe the current moment as one of immense civic opportunity rather than merely a time of crisis and collapse.In 2014, Jon co-founded the New Citizenship Project, a strategy and innovation consultancy that aims to shift the dominant societal narrative from Consumer to Citizen. He is a Fellow of the Young Foundation, a founding member of the OECD's Innovative Citizen Participation Network, a Strategic Advisor to DemocracyNext, and a member of the Leadership Council of the Democracy and Culture Foundation. Additionally, Jon has represented Great Britain in both rowing and triathlon.In this inspiring conversation, Jon shares his journey of building greater trust in himself and others, which has shaped his ideas about evolving from a Consumer story to a Citizen story. In this new narrative, we expand our self-interest, connection, and sense of belonging, embracing the uncertainty we collectively face. We discuss the importance of stories over data, becoming who we want to be, reflection, and the immense satisfaction of being part of something bigger than ourselves.If you feel somewhat stuck and perhaps overwhelmed by the mounting crises, and if you are looking to reengage with a sense of agency and empowerment, this episode, along with Jon’s journey, will give you much to contemplate, as well as inspiration for action.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.For further content and information check out the following:Jon's book & website: https://www.jonalexander.net/Jon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-alexander-11b66345/Jon's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonjalex- 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/Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to further explore your own lines of self-inquiry or create experiences that lead to more connecting and genuine conversations amongst groups of people.00:00 Introduction02:55 Consumer Story & Citizen Story05:35 What would you do if you believed in yourself & others09:15 Self interest and expanded self-interest13:05 Human and community and connection16:45 Stories and connection over data21:55 Collectively becoming who we want to be25:55 Pretending we have answers and solutions30:40 Safe uncertainty34:35 A need for belonging, community, and contribution38:20 Trusting others43:55 Time to reflect and portals50:55 Not something to give up but to gain55:55 What is a good life for Jon?

Wakanyi Hoffman, an artist of life and Ubuntu philosopher, shares her insights on integrating ancient wisdom into modern life. She explores themes of solidarity, compassion, and dignity, advocating for a relinquishing of control to foster personal and societal growth. Reflecting on the pandemic's impact, she emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots. The discussion also touches on the evolution beyond capitalism towards community values and the joy of embracing life’s natural flow, encouraging a more connected and aware humanity.