On the 40th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Ladybird Morgan as our guest. Ladybird is a Palliative Care Consultant at MettleHealth and a Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member at Humane Prison Hospice Project. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, clinical social worker, and educator, Ladybird brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to this conversation.In this episode, we delve into the concepts of personal evolution and growth, explore the broader perspective beyond immediate pain, as well as embracing our interconnectedness and shared humanity. We consistently touch on the theme of personal congruence, discussing the importance of integrity and continuous self-reflection and inquiry.Ladybird also shares her insights on keeping our hearts open in moments of hurt or pain, and finding peace in embracing life's mysteries and uncertainties.If you find yourself struggling to align with or connect with who you are, this episode offers plenty to contemplate. Ladybird is a rare individual in her commitment to walking her talk, and her unwavering accountability serves as significant inspiration for fostering greater personal congruence and authenticity in your own 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:02:27 How do we evolve?06:12 Fixation on fixing without knowing or listening10:02 When wound becomes a distraction from the wider picture13:42 How together we can see things holistically19:14 What does personally evolving mean?22:08 More comfort in the existential realms 25:59 How Ladybird can work with grief in so many areas?28:28 Can we stop trying to make sense of it all?31:49 The importance of following your own orientation39:37 Surrendering the grasp45:38 Keeping our hearts open50:35 What is a good life for Ladybird?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/- Ladybird's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladybird-morgan-76b25368/- Website: https://humaneprisonhospiceproject.org/

On the 39th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to have Aidan McCullen as our guest. Aidan is the host of the Innovation Show podcast and the author of the book "Undisruptable." He is also a transformational consultant, leading workshops and giving keynote speeches, an adjunct professor at Trinity College, Dublin, and was previously a professional rugby player.In this episode, Aidan shares his journey of transitions and transformations, both in his professional evolution from rugby player to author, podcast host, and consultant, and in his philosophical shifts, encompassing various outlooks and profound learnings. We delve into his perspectives and experiences of overcoming setbacks, cultivating resilience, developing empathy for the diverse ways in which we experience the world, and nurturing the ability to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Throughout our conversation, Aidan highlights the significance of paying attention and listening to the signs and feedback life is sending us.Whether you find yourself navigating one of life's troughs or are feeling apprehensive about the next steps on your journey, this episode offers a wealth of perspectives and inspiration for contemplation. While Aidan's unique blend of theory and metaphor, infused with personal realisations and experiences, makes his thoughtful insights highly relatable and applicable to your own 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:02:18 What am I here to do? 06:33 Your why needs to be bigger than your try 09:23 Philosophical perspective on life14:01 The belief doing good yields good outcomes17:01 Interpreting setbacks differently23:44 We all experience the world differently28:38 Paying attention to the feedback life is giving us33:32 How do we react to life’s suffering36:28 The space to create choice40:14 Making big realisations in life48:11 The importance of having experience as well as theory and frameworks50:56 Listening to life’s feedback53:53 Summary of points in the conversation55:58 What is a good life for Aidan?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/- Aidan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanmccullen/- Aidan's podcast and website: https://theinnovationshow.io/

On the 38th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to have Anthea Grimason as our guest. Anthea is a Death Doula, Reiki Master, Certified Yoga & Breath Teacher, as well as a Psychedelic Guide, focusing on the research and healing impact psychedelics are having on people at all stages of life, including facing death.In this episode, Anthea shares with us her journey of studying various philosophies and practicing numerous spiritual methods across several continents. We discuss how losing her mother at a young age, as well as her studies of Eastern Philosophies, has made her more comfortable with death throughout her life and guided her toward her present work. Anthea also delves into a number of her profound experiences of working with the dying as well as significant moments from her own life when she felt connected with spirit and guided by a deeper intuition.We also reflect on our experiences with, and perspectives on, psychedelics, as well as elements of research that are being done in terms of their impact on people at the end of their life.If you're taking life for granted and going through the motions, or you're feeling disconnected from yourself and your intuition, this episode will give you plenty to contemplate and provides numerous perspectives, anecdotes, and methods for you to consider.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:02:25 Would I be ready to die tomorrow?06:32 Getting comfortable with death09:24 Experiences at the end of life13:00 Immense energy at the end of life17:10 Huge shifts with Yoga, Reiki and Meditation20:50 Thoughts on where we go after death23:49 Why are we here?25:45 The path to being a death doula33:10 Being guided by intuition, cultivating intuition35:40 The importance of spiritual health not only emotional, physical, and mental health42:08 Psychedelics and death50:09 The importance of inner-work around psychedelics59:19 Summary of the conversation1:00:04 What is a good life for Anthea?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/- Anthea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthea-grimason-390b6125/- Anthea's website: http://www.lifedeathbreath.com/

On the 37th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to have Piers Thurston as our guest.Piers is the founder of Quality of Mind, where he explores profound realisations that precede psychology, leading to transformative shifts in psychology. In this episode, Piers takes us on his journey, from exploring counselling, NLP, and other modalities to direct path non-duality. We also discuss the challenges often faced in personal development rooted in self-identification, breaking free from our addiction to focussing on our psychology, transcending the confines of the mind while fully embracing our emotions, and ultimately, discovering a sense of oneness and ease that can be experienced in life when we let go of our attachment to the separate self.If you’re frustrated with your personal development endeavours or you find yourself clinging too tightly to your self-identity, at the cost of more fully connecting with others and life itself, this episode offers plenty of food for thought.It articulates or points to a oneness that you've perhaps long suspected, but resisted embracing, that can have a profound effect on how you perceive 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:02:14 What makes people tick?07:02 The space before psychology10:22 Realising there is something more14:19 Personal development is predicated on a self identification18:22 The pursuit of oneness through various modalities21:52 Getting over our attachment to our self24:36 Going beyond the mind30:39 Embracing emotions and the human experience36:39 Not taking conflict so personally42:36 Not resisting what is56:14 What is a good life for Piers?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/- Piers' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piersthurston/- Piers' website: www.qualityofmind.biz 

On the 36th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Susie Orbach.Susie is an acclaimed psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, prolific writer, best-selling author, and social critic. She is also the co-founder of The Women’s Therapy Centre in London and The Women’s Therapy Center Institute in New York City. Additionally, she is the recipient of the first Lifetime Achievement Award for Psychoanalysis given by the British Psychoanalytical Society.In this episode, Susie discusses engaging with and participating in society, emphasising the importance of contributing to common missions and the sense of connection and meaning it brings. We also discuss the factors contributing to the decline of these values, the shift towards competition rather than collaboration, the influence of the era she grew up in on her own social activism, as well as the importance of maintaining curiosity in relationships and life.If you are experiencing a sense of disconnection in life, with society and the world around you, or if you are feeling a little isolated in your own world, this episode will provide you with plenty to contemplate regarding the potential outcomes of shifting your focus and perspectives in life to include the collective as well as the individual.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:02:47 Grappling with the demise of civil society05:44 Engaging with and participating in society09:02 Loss of values and connection11:45 A descent from decency - competition over community14:37 A difference between excellence and perfection18:10 Growing up in an era where society was more connected20:13 Founding The Women’s Therapy Centre 23:17 The power of curiosity in healthy relationships26:29 What is a good life for Susie?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/- Susie Orbach's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-orbach-11142737/- Susie Orbach's Twitter: @psychoanalysis

On the 35th episode of the 'What is a Good Life?' podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Marina Cantacuzino MBE. Marina is an award-winning journalist, author, and Founder of The Forgiveness Project, a charity that collects and shares real stories of forgiveness for people to consider, examine, and choose forgiveness in the face of atrocity.In this episode, we explore the role of forgiveness in transforming pain, the appropriateness of forgiving or not forgiving in different circumstances, what allows us to forgive, and the role curiosity often plays in forgiving others. Marina also shares numerous inspiring stories of forgiveness from her wonderful project that has spawned a book (Forgiveness: An Exploration), a BBC radio series, and exhibitions throughout the world.This episode will give you plenty to contemplate regarding the idea of forgiveness that you may not have considered before. It will also reveal the complexity and ambiguity of the topic, as well as that of life itself.Finally, if you are anything like me, it will make you reflect on your own relationships presently and perhaps serve as an impetus to reach out to people you want to be more at peace with in your 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:02:30 How can we best deal with our psychological pain?05:44 The appropriateness of forgiveness12:30 Forgiveness’ role in transforming pain15:35 Curiosity, genuity, and spite in forgiveness20:00 The inception of The Forgiveness Project24:17 Forgiveness in extreme circumstances28:45 The power of empathy34:45 What has allowed people to forgive?40:05 Man incredibly forgives his father43:27 Personal stories of forgiveness50:25 The confusing and ambiguous nature of forgiveness52:35 Dignity in dying1:00:19 What is a good life for Marina?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/- Marina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinacantacuzino/- The Forgiveness Project website: https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/

On the 34th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Pablo Escorcia. Pablo is a Berlin based entrepreneur, Biodanza teacher, Yogi, consultant, and Co-Founder of Purpose+Motion - a group serving others to live out their purpose and provoking change filled with meaning.In this episode, Pablo shares with us elements of his journey of searching for his own path through integrating the practical world of business, ancient wisdom, and the integral world of yoga and dance. We discuss Pablo’s current explorations of open loving relationships and what he has learned from past relationships too, the significance of owning and communicating our humanity, the fundamental importance of trust in personal and business relationships, and the role that Biodanza plays in both remembering what it is to be human and exploring new ways of relating to one another.If you are struggling to understand and express your needs in relationships, if you want to enhance the level of trust and number of courageous conversations in your life, or you’re seeking new modalities to help you reimagine a different future, this episode will give you plenty to contemplate.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 Exploring different forms of loving relationships?10:03 Communicating courageously in relationships15:10 Owning and communicating our humanity17:50 Nurturing relationships to reimagine society21:03 Trust is fundamental27:55 Biodanza: remembering what it is to be human31:25 New ways of being, relating & communicating38:30 Building adaptability, flexibility, and resilience42:24 Meeting people where they are48:10 The different components of trust56:10 The summary of the themes in the conversation57:15 What is a good life for Pablo?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/- Pablo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-escorcia-b782728a/- Purpose+Motion website: https://purposeandmotion.com/

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/