On the 50th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce Claire McQuillan as our guest. Claire is currently completing a master’s thesis in architecture, where she explores the dynamics of sex work in urban settings. Additionally, she shares her life insights and experiences through a newsletter I follow, alles claire.During our conversation, Claire reveals her recent realisation that she isn’t an architect despite a decade of studying and working in the field. We delve into the intricate process of letting go of roles or labels we self-identify with, exploring both what helps and hinders us in these experiences.Claire also shares her journey as a 30-year-old single mother to her teenage son, Sebastian. We discuss the joys and strains of parenting, finding meaning and purpose, and the societal pressures that generally accompany the role of a parent.Finally, we explore the significance of local neighbourhood community. Claire and I both reside in the same Berlin neighbourhood, and we reflect on the profound impact of a fully connected local community on our lives.Whether you find yourself grappling with letting go of self-identifications, navigating the complexities of parenting amidst societal pressures, or simply curious about fostering more local community in your life, this episode offers ample food for thought.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:03:25 What is my place in the world?05:45 The difficulty of stepping away from what we identify with09:30 The significance of our environment in the choices we make17:35 Being a mother, finding meaning, purpose, and priorities26:05 The importance of communication and curiosity in our children28:45 Reflections on experiences of being a teenage mum34:45 Giving ourselves grace in parenting in the face of societal pressures42:18 The importance of open communication and community45:00 Experiences of loneliness and building community52:07 The impact of a connected neighbourhood58:56 What is a good life for Claire?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/- Claire's newsletter: https://allesklaire.substack.com/

On the 49th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce Dean Boland as our guest. Dean is a Co-Founder and CEO of PolkaStays, a property developer, investor, and serviced accommodation consultant.In this episode, Dean shares his experience of the toll that several of his corporate jobs were having on his well-being before stepping into something new. We discuss what kept him in the same loop of doing something he knew wasn’t good for him.We explore our desire to do what’s “normal” and the role societal expectations play in our lives. Additionally, we delve into the importance of self-reflection and therapy in creating more headspace, as well as spending more time on things that bring us more fulfillment. We both reflect on narratives we have sold ourselves, the pain that can be perpetuated when we don’t explore it ourselves, and the role of hope and the people around us in creating welcome change.I assume Dean’s experience in the corporate world will resonate with many, and while this isn’t a prescription for anyone else’s life, his journey of creating more time for reflection and inquiry, as well as the consequent changes in his life, will give you plenty to contemplate.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering for more authentic communication and connection.Running Order:02:35 Why do we keep doing things that don’t make us happy?07:05 What kept Dean stuck in a loop of work he didn’t like?11:20 The importance of continuously checking in with ourselves16:35 Creating the space to reflect22:16 Finding a sense of fulfilment28:20 The feeling of emptiness or a weight on our souls33:35 Opening up to therapy37:35 Realising what you are repressing and holding42:35 Perpetuating pain / importance of self-work47:35 Seeing the impact of personal change53:45 Summary of the conversation56:00 What is a good life for Dean?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/- Dean's website: https://www.polkastays.net/- Dean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-boland-polkastays/

On the 48th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce Dr. Brennan Jacoby as our guest. Brennan is a Philosopher and the Founder of Philosophy At Work, a collective of philosophers and business psychologists teaching professionals the skills they need to think their best.In this episode, we explore making space for meaning in our lives without forcing it. We delve into various tensions, from wanting to make the most of life to vegging out, accepting ourselves without lowering our standards, and balancing the time spent building a career with the need to invest in personal relationships.Additionally, we discuss the limitations of various philosophies when taken to their fullest interpretation, the importance of realising the subjective nature of our experiences, and the necessity of reflection to understand what we are projecting onto life. Throughout the conversation, we emphasise the profound significance of caring, noticing, and orienting towards a better life.For some reason, I found this conversation very cathartic. Brennan possesses a wonderful capacity to engage in a genuine conversation and an exploration while referencing philosophical concepts and sharing grounded, relatable personal examples. If you are anything like me, this episode will make you feel more comfortable with being human and navigating the tensions and experiences inherent in the pursuit of your own good life.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order: 02:22 How should I live?05:39 Making sense of our distractions09:13 Making space for meaning15:06 You can’t force meaning19:16 A good life is everything in it23:56 Letting go of fixed states and answers28:16 There may not be a “right” answer but it can be “better”32:04 Living with care and noticing39:36 Being OK with everything46:00 Navigating our imperfection52:01 Acceptance without lowering the bar57:46 What is a good life for Brennan?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/- Brennan's website: https://philosophyatwork.co.uk/- Brennan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brennan-jacoby-51807790/

On the 47th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to introduce Monika Jiang as our guest. Monika, a writer, curator, and community builder, currently focuses on exploring loneliness as a uniquely shared experience with the potential to bring us closer together.Throughout this episode, we examine how we've isolated ourselves from one another, the depth of relationships and intimacy we presently experience, the dynamics of unhealthy dialogue and political division, and the impact of our hyper-stimulated lives influenced by technology and work. Additionally, we share our personal experiences with loneliness.We delve into the nuances of loneliness, whether it's related to feeling a lack of community or connection, being alone in our perspectives on the world, or experiencing solitude in our inner worlds.The episode also explores the significance of community and how we can continuously foster and cultivate connection.If you are like so many who are experiencing a greater sense of loneliness, this episode explores numerous perspectives on a theme that is only growing more synonymous with modern life. While we also share many insights, anecdotes, and experiences for building both more connection and community in your life. Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:02:25 How do we move from I to we?05:15 We are contributing to our own loneliness08:55 The quality and depth of relationships14:00 The absurdity of general dialogue18:25 The division and loneliness of our politics24:15 The paradox of our interconnectedness and loneliness31:20 What we are missing 35:30 The impact of building local community40:55 Sometimes it’s just saying hello47:05 Starting the conversation around loneliness50:00 Experiences, expressions and nuances of loneliness57:45 What is a good life for Monika?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/- Monika's website: https://www.monikajiang.org/- Monika's Newsletter: https://sharingloneliness.substack.com/

On the 46th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to introduce Dave Zaboski as our guest. Dave is a classically trained painter, was an animator at Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros., has showcased his fine art at galleries internationally, and has painted for the Dalai Lama. While his work includes timeless films like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” he has also illustrated several acclaimed children’s books.In this episode, Dave tells us why attention is our most valuable commodity and discusses the connection between love, attention, creativity, and interdependence. We also explore the role of acknowledging and processing grief and its importance in creating something new, and moving on from anger.Dave also delves into the immense power of our storytelling and touches on the collective shifts we can accomplish through our stories. He also points to the universal laws of creativity and what we can extrapolate from them regarding life.If your life is lacking some spark, if you are feeling frustrated or even angry about not expressing your potential, this episode will give you plenty to contemplate. Dave is a force of loving nature, and I suspect that after listening to him for an hour, you’ll love and appreciate life a little more, while feeling inspired for action.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:02:30 Love & Attention07:52 On a path to mastery - creativity, interdependence, love11:42 The importance of processing grief19:03 Transmuting anger to grief to gratitude23:15 Human potential 29:20 What drives me for interviewing all these people 34:51 Exploring the mysteries of the emergent39:40 A collective shift from the stories we well46:53 Considerable change has already occurred in the world49:55 The role of creativity in living our fullest lives56:20 What is a good life for Dave?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/- Dave's website: https://www.laetro.com- Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davezaboski/

On the 45th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to introduce our guest, Teresa Quinlan - an Emotional Intelligence Coach and co-author of the book You Belong Here.In this episode, we dive into Teresa's lifelong exploration of the question "is that me?" We explore practical aspects like expanding our emotional vocabulary, the importance of paying attention to our emotions by observing and naming them, and discuss accountability for our actions and emotional responses. Furthermore, we tackle the significant topic of knowing and communicating our boundaries, emphasising the balance needed to prevent emotions from running wild.We also take a moment to reflect on the compassion and importance of acknowledging and accepting the changes in each other over time, instead of clinging to outdated models of ourselves and others.Teresa also shares a personal example of applying these insights to bring about a profound shift in her relationship with her mother - a story that will hold relevance for many listeners.If you're grappling with understanding and managing your emotions or find yourself continuously caught up in emotional reactions, this episode provides plenty of insights, thoughtful ideas to ponder, and practical exercises to experiment with towards crafting your own version of a good life.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:03:00 Is that me? Or something I’ve learned to be06:20 Can we be more malleable and compassionate with ourselves12:00 The benefits of being selfish16:50 Cultivating self-love and self-worth21:50 The importance of emotional vocabulary27:03 Developing greater emotional awareness35:23 The challenge of cultivating change40:29 Developing autonomy and support for our emotional reactions43:30 Profound emotional shifts with her mother49:05 Defending our boundaries with a firmness55:41 Inspiring or evoking change in others with our own change59:34 Acknowledging change in others1:04:40 Summary of the key themes discussed1:05:50 What is a good life for Teresa?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/- Teresa's website: https://www.iqeqtq.com/- Teresa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaquinlan12/

On the 44th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Danielle Donnelly Smyth as our guest. Danielle is an astrologer, yoga and meditation guide, energy healing practitioner and teacher, and served as one of my early guides in exploring spirituality.In this episode, Danielle shares her journey of living a connected life—whether it’s bridging her dreaming and waking worlds, the conscious with the sub-conscious, or connecting and navigating enlightened moments and the mundane aspects of life. She also discusses the importance of cultivating consciousness within her life, while acknowledging the challenges and struggles that may entail.Our conversation delves into spiritual and existential meanderings, exploring questions about the purpose of existence, acceptance within not finding answers, the role of suffering in awakening, the sense of separation presently in the world, and the significance of astrology in mapping and making sense of her own interpretation of life.If you’re eager to explore consciousness and ponder the meaning of existence without being explicitly provided with answers, this conversation is for you. While the breadth of topics, tools, and experiences covered will offer you ample material for contemplation on how you can interpret existence and your own good life.Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.Running Order:03:46 What is the purpose of experiencing life?06:41 Weaving and connecting experiences and poles12:46 Finding acceptance within the questioning18:11 Fractals of consciousness finding ourselves25:10 The role of suffering in our awakening35:48 An introduction to Astrology50:47 Facing challenges to express more consciousness59:44 Summary of key themes in the conversation1:01:46 What is a good life for Danielle?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/- Danielle's Website: https://12thspace.com/- Danielle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/12thspace/

On the 43rd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Pat Divilly as our guest. Pat is the host of the hugely popular Pat Divilly Podcast, the author of the #1 bestseller 'Fit Mind', and frequently delivers workshops, online programmes, and retreats designed to support emotional healing, connection, and authentic living.In this episode, we discuss Pat’s journey of reclaiming who he is and his transitions from the health and fitness industry towards spirituality, shadow work, emotional healing, and connection.We explore how to recognise who we are and what we need to express, allowing room for experimentation and play in our lives, embracing the messiness of transitions, accepting what is in our shadows, and engaging with the dozens of sub-personalities that exist within us.If you are feeling that the life you are living is not your own, and there is a yearning for something new in your life, this episode, along with Pat’s transparency, example, and guidance, will give you plenty to consider in recognising who you are and what your next steps can be.Running Order:01:58 Reclaiming who am I?07:03 The emergence of a spiritual path from self-improvement13:18 Finding balance with the shadow, spirituality, and life19:08 Allowing room for experimenting in life23:28 The messiness of transitions25:13 Responding to who am I and expressing it31:08 Recognising our personal needs and where we get energised38:18 Engaging with sub-personalities and resistance47:55 Accepting what’s in our shadow54:15 Summarising key themes from the discussion58:33 What is a good life for Pat?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/- Pat's website: https://www.patdivilly.com/

On the 42nd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Pranay Sanklecha as our guest. Pranay is a philosopher, the founder of The Philosophy Practice, and a former philosophy professor at The University of Graz.In this episode, Pranay looks to explore my own perspectives as well as sharing his own. We discuss the motives I had for starting this project, our realisations of the pitfalls of striving for particular states or experiences, and that real change may appear slow in the moment but can be considerable when viewed over time.He also breaks down bigger concepts or questions into more relatable and applicable chunks, like a good life into a good day, and notions of oneness and loving everyone to focussing on truly loving your partner in the more trying moments of life.Much of what Pranay is pointing to in this conversation is that if love, beauty, or God, are to be found anywhere, or if there is a good life to be experienced, it is right here in the mess of daily life, and not from escaping it.This episode will give you plenty to consider in terms of where, and how, you are looking to experience a good life!Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.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:02:34 Mixing the profound questions and the necessities05:14 Why did I start this What is a Good Life? Project12:16 Seeking a feeling rather than an outcome15:16 Not taking ourselves seriously but being committed20:39 Making peace with our commitments25:54 Dissolving a gap between daily life and enlightenment31:06 Mystical experiences and chasing states38:14 Just caring about my present day41:07 Feeling at home in your life45:36 Attachment and aversion and freedom50:10 What if everything was God?59:43 The effect of getting comfortable with who we are1:08:54 What is a good life for Pranay?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/- Pranay's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranay-sanklecha/- Pranay's Website: https://www.thenewphilosophy.com/

On the 41st episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Mark Smith of Mark Smith Photography as our guest. Mark is a wildlife photographer, videographer, and storyteller whose stunning work has amassed a huge online following with hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and elsewhere.In this episode, Mark shares with us his sense and experiences of flow from his work. We reflect on the beauty and awe of both the wild and being present with it. He talks about the inspiration he takes from nature regarding the seemingly insurmountable odds and significant obstacles he sees being faced every day.Mark also shares a touching and surreal account of his communication with a family of Cranes that later provided him with inspiration, perspective, and supported his healing when dealing with his own personal tragedy of suddenly losing his wife.Like his work, this discussion gives us insight into a world that most of us could greatly benefit from experiencing more often. This episode also offers a unique perspective on observing and navigating the cycles of life, and the joys and hardships that go with it.(We recorded this episode during the summer with Mark in the woods, so it is fittingly accompanied by the intermittent chirping sounds of nature)Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.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:03:10 Bonding over a common thing05:40 AI can’t replace the human experience07:00 Finding flow10:53 Gaining perspective and inspiration from nature16:55 How photography and observing nature has shifted his perspective21:00 Mother Nature balances things out24:41 Moments of deep loss and resonance with nature30:42 Observing nature and accepting the cycles of life32:10 Communication beyond words37:30 A lifelong fascination with nature and creating a YouTube channel42:45 The subtlety of observation 47:35 What is a good life for Mark?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/- Mark's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkSmithphotography/featured- Mark's Website: https://msmithphotos.com/