

The Wise Effort Show
Dr. Diana Hill
The Wise Effort Show with Dr. Diana Hill is a show about how to live wisely.
You’ll learn how to put your energy into places that matter most to you while making a difference in the world.
This show is for you if:
...you’re a high achiever feeling burned out from tasks that don’t matter.
...you want to invest your energy in fulfilling and sustainable ways.
...you seek holistic living without the pressure of a rigid wellness checklist.
...you care about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
...you appreciate science but are open to exploring spirituality and contemplative practices.
...you have an open, beginner’s mind.
...you believe there’s a better way to live and are ready to apply your wisdom.
We don’t have to burn ourselves out or engage in things that are not worth it. We can put our energy where it matters most and savor the good along the way.
Join us at the Wise Effort Show!
You’ll learn how to put your energy into places that matter most to you while making a difference in the world.
This show is for you if:
...you’re a high achiever feeling burned out from tasks that don’t matter.
...you want to invest your energy in fulfilling and sustainable ways.
...you seek holistic living without the pressure of a rigid wellness checklist.
...you care about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
...you appreciate science but are open to exploring spirituality and contemplative practices.
...you have an open, beginner’s mind.
...you believe there’s a better way to live and are ready to apply your wisdom.
We don’t have to burn ourselves out or engage in things that are not worth it. We can put our energy where it matters most and savor the good along the way.
Join us at the Wise Effort Show!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 22min
How to Defuse From Unhelpful Thoughts
Are your thoughts holding you back from doing wise effort? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill shares how our thoughts can both facilitate and hinder our efforts. Drawing from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), contemplative science, and her insights from going on a surf trip with her 16-year-old son and three of his buddies, Dr. Hill provides practical strategies for working with your mind so you can run your life, not let your thoughts control it. Learn about the three Cs of cognitive inflexibility—confirmation, coherence, and compliance effects—and discover how shifting perspectives and breaking mental rules can lead to greater cognitive flexibility. This episode is full of insights to help you step back from your busy thoughts and focus on what truly matters.In This Episode, We Explore:Her Insights from a Surfing TripCognitive Flexibility: The Three CsBreaking the RulesPractical Tips for Cognitive FlexibilitySuggested Next Episode:Episode 171: Openness Is The New Mindfulness With Jonathan SchoolerRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Oct 13, 2025 • 19min
The Power of Non-attachment
Do you find yourself trapped in the cycle of chasing things that ultimately make you unhappy? Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist, explores how non-attachment can help you redirect your energy towards more fulfilling pursuits rather than harmful ones. Through personal anecdotes and insights from Buddhism and clinical psychology, Dr. Hill discusses the nature of experiential attachment and offers practical steps to break free from this cycle. Learn how to become disenchanted with harmful cravings, identify your true yearnings, and align your actions with your core values for a more satisfying life. In This Episode, We Explore:Experiential AttachmentThe Cycle of Craving and NeurosciencePainful Truths About AttachmentThree Levers to Overcome AttachmentSuggested Next Episode:Episode 106: What Do We Really Yearn For With PBT And ACT Founders Steven Hayes And Joseph CiarrochiRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Sep 29, 2025 • 50min
Openness Is the New Mindfulness With Jonathan Schooler
How can we cultivate more openness in our lives? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill explores this question with cognitive psychologist Dr. Jonathan Schooler on The Wise Effort Show. They delve into the essential role of openness, mind wandering, and curiosity in enhancing creativity, well-being, and empathy. Dr. Schooler shares his insights on the distinctions between openness and mindfulness, the science behind mind wandering, and his theory of consciousness. Learn practical strategies for fostering an open mindset and its profound impact on personal growth and societal change. Don’t miss Dr. Schooler's innovative approaches to nurturing curiosity and his thoughts on the potential of AI in expanding human understanding.In This Episode, We Explore:Openness vs. MindfulnessCultivating Curiosity and OpennessThe Creative Power of Mind WanderingThe Role of Resonance in CommunicationThe Impact of AI on Human CuriositySuggested Next Episode:Episode 134: Unconditional Love, Clinging, And The Science Of Letting Go With Dr. Joe CiarrochiRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Sep 22, 2025 • 58min
Wise Effort, Wanting More, and Letting Go with Diana Hill and Carl Erik Fisher
What is Wise Effort? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill is interviewed by Dr. Carl Erik Fisher about her new book Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most. They explore how wise effort can help navigate life’s demands. Discover the balance between striving and letting go, and learn actionable methods to apply wise effort in your daily life across various domains, including health, relationships, and work. In This Episode, We Explore:Diana’s personal journey with addictionWhat is Wise EffortUnderstanding Genius and Energy FlowIdentifying and Channeling Your GeniusSuggested Next Episode:Episode 158: Urges, Addictions, And Choice With Carl Erik FisherRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 18min
Sleep and Eat Smarter with Shawn Stevenson
Struggling with the connection between your sleep, nutrition, and stress levels? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill sits down with Shawn Stevenson, the dynamic host of The Model Health Show. Shawn dives into his personal journey from a debilitating health crisis to becoming a leading voice in holistic health. They discuss the importance of a solid sleep routine, the impact of essential nutrients on sleep quality, and the life-changing benefits of family meals. Discover actionable steps to create your own sleep sanctuary, the power of nutrient-dense foods, and why community is crucial for holistic health. Don’t miss this deep dive into living a more vibrant and healthier life.In This Episode, We Explore:How a consistent sleep schedule can transform your healthWhy key nutrients like Vitamin C, Omega-3s, and Magnesium are vital for better sleepThe surprising benefits of family meals on physical and emotional well-beingInsights into the future of personalized and circadian medicineSuggested Next Episode:Episode 69: What To Eat To Build A Healthier Brain And What You Can Do To Help Improve Nutrition In Your Community With Kimberley WilsonRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Sep 8, 2025 • 54min
Get Into Your Body and Feel Less Stress With Yoga Tune Up Founder Jill Miller
How can you regulate your nervous system? Feel less stressed and get back into your body. In this episode, the founder of the Yoga Tune Up Method and author of Body by Breath. She's a renowned fascia expert, a movement educator, and she's the co-founder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide. And in this episode, we are gonna walk through some key things that you need to know about your body. You need to know about your diaphragm. You need to know about your fascia and you need to know how to regulate your nervous system, how to decrease your stress response from the bottom up. In This Episode, We Explore:The Importance of Body AwarenessPractical Exercises for Nervous System RegulationBreathing Techniques for RelaxationThe Role of the Vagus NerveThe Importance of FasciaSelf-Massage and Interoceptive AwarenessSuggested Next Episode:Episode 121: Designing Your Perfect Movement Plan With Katy BowmanRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Sep 1, 2025 • 58min
Choosing Wholeness in Relationships with Courtney Smith
According to Courtney Smith, fear can send us “below the line” in relationships. When you act from fear, you end up scrambling for security, control, and safety–often at the expense of wholeness. In this conversation, Dr. Diana Hill and Courtney Smith, author of Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness, explore ways to shift into more authentic relating. They explore how to stay grounded while connecting, how to notice when we are caught in a story, and how to become growth-oriented co-creators. Along the way, Diana and Courtney demo some of these skills in their relationship, in real time. This is a fun one, especially if you are craving deeper relationships–ones that meet you at the soul level. In This Episode, We Explore:How to know yourself and another with one-eye-in and one-eye-outGrowth mindset in relationshipsShift moves to approach life from a place of safetyHow to claim what you want, out loudWhat’s really behind envy and what to do about itFalse Refuges finding true securityThe Power of Soul FriendshipsSuggested Next Episode:Episode 114: How To Build Secure Relationships In An Insecure World With Dr. Ann KelleyRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Aug 25, 2025 • 47min
Staying Authentic While Growing Big with CorePower Yoga Co-founder Brandon Cox
To be honest, I used to be a bit of a purist when it came to yoga—and I’ll admit, I was judgmental about CorePower. But then I tried it. Now I love it—for the heat, the community, the challenge. And I love it even more after getting to know Brandon Cox, its co-founder.Brandon started CorePower Yoga back in 2002, and he’s very rarely interviewed. You’re going to love this episode of The Wise Effort Show, where you’ll not only hear the story behind CorePower, but also get to know the good people behind it—and what you can expect if you’ve never tried itYou’ll also hear about why Brandon has branched out to Orange Theory and Restore Hyper Wellness, the values behind why he does what he does, and how the size of our grief is the size of our love.In This Episode, We Explore:Balancing authenticity and mass appealThe evolution of corepower yogaDetaching from the brand by letting go of egoThe importance of community and relationshipsSuggested Next Episode:Episode 122: The Future Of Wise Leadership With Dr. Emma SappäläRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Aug 11, 2025 • 58min
Breadwinners, Working Women, and Power in the Household with Melissa Hogenboom
Are your relationships and household dynamics feeling out of balance due to money and work stressors? This episode explores insights and strategies for creating equitable and harmonious relationships across financial and domestic spheres. I, along with guest Melissa Hogenboom, dive into the impact of gender dynamics on household responsibilities, power imbalances, and the mental load frequently shouldered by women. We discuss the importance of communication, valuing care work, and sharing responsibilities effectively. Learn practical steps to rebalance efforts in your life and foster a more equitable future for the next generation.In This Episode, We Explore:How societal and childhood gender norms affect our work and money dynamics today.The concept of unwise effort versus wise effort in household and workplace settings.Tips for effective communication and sharing the mental load in relationships.Balancing career, domestic, and finances equitably in relationships.Suggested Next Episode:Episode 126: Wise Parenting With ACTRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
Find Your Voice and Write Your Genius With Diana Hill and Jennie Nash
Are you an aspiring writer struggling to find your voice? This week’s episode explores how to tap into your unique creative genius and align it with your values to become the writer you were meant to be. Dr. Diana Hill, along with book coach Jennie Nash, delves into the Wise Effort Method. Hear about Diana's personal journey of overcoming her challenges and how Jennie guided her through unleashing her true writing genius. They also discuss how to clear mental blocks, focus creative energy, and integrate daily rituals to enhance your writing process. If you’re ready to dig deep and transform not just your writing, but your life, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired to bring your book idea to life. In This Episode, We Explore:How to identify and overcome your mental stories and obstacles in writingStrategies to open up creatively and align your work with your values Practical ways to harness and focus your unique genius energy The importance of ritual and community in the writing processSuggested Next Episode:Episode 113: Trapped By Your Own Success? Embrace Values And Commitment With Jennie Nash (Real Play)Related ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Join me in Costa Rica in April for a Wise Effort retreatDiana's Retreat in Costa Rica


