What is a Good Life?

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compassion and importance of acknowledging and accepting the changes in each other over time, instead of clinging to outdated models of ourselves and others.Teresa also shares a personal example of applying these insights to bring about a profound shift in her relationship with her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/

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