
Wise Effort
Wise Effort 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!
Latest episodes

Jun 23, 2025 • 54min
Urges, Addictions, and Choice With Carl Erik Fisher
Feeling overwhelmed by your addiction or the addiction of a loved one? Discover a creative, non-shaming, and integrative way to understand and address addiction in this episode of the Wise Effort Show. Host Dr. Diana Hill and guest Dr. Carl Fisher delve into the complex nature of addiction, exploring it as a multifaceted issue that affects our energy and life direction. They share personal stories and professional insights, emphasizing compassion and humanity while offering a new perspective that frames addiction as a response to suffering and a call for deeper needs. Learn strategies for managing urges and the importance of a supportive environment in recovery.In This Episode, We Explore:How to view addiction with compassion and without stigmaDr. Carl Fisher's personal journey with substance abuse and professional successThe role of environmental factors in addiction and recoveryThe significance of social support and connection in overcoming addictionListen to this episode to learn strategies for managing urges and the importance of a supportive environment in recovery. Suggested Next Episode:Dopamine Nation: The Neuroscience Of Our Everyday Addictions With Dr. Anna LembkeRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

Jun 16, 2025 • 54min
The Medicine of Surrender, Poetry, and Metaphor With Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
Can poetry be a form of medicine? Dr. Diana Hill explores this profound question with poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer on the Wise Effort Show. They discuss the role of poetry in emotional processing, grief, love, and connection. Diana shares how Rosemerry’s poetry has personally influenced her life and work. Rosemerry reads some of her poems, discusses her daily practice of writing a poem everyday, and offers insights into how poetry can help us be present with our pain and transform it. Drawing from her own experiences, especially the tragic loss of her son, Rosemerry explains how metaphors and a daily writing habit can serve as healing practices.Join this insightful conversation to discover the therapeutic potential of poetry and how it can guide us through life's most challenging moments.In This Episode, We Explore:The Power of Poetry in TherapyRosemary's Personal Journey with PoetryDaily Writing Practice and Its BenefitsEmbracing Imperfection and TruthSharing Personal Grief PubliclySuggested Next Episode:Episode 138: Holding Space for Yourself and Others With Tom ParkesRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 7min
Music as a Spiritual Practice with Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips
What do you do when the thing you love—your art, your work, your creativity—starts feeling like a product? When the metrics of success get louder than the pulse of your own heart? In this episode, I sit down with Glen Phillips—lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket and a longtime Santa Barbara creative—for a conversation that meanders, deepens, and opens up space for something honest and healing. Glen shares how his music career took off at age 16, how he lost his way chasing the industry’s definition of “enough,” and how he found his way back—through community song, spiritual practice, Tuesday night yoga class, and a kind of effort that doesn’t grind, but flows.Suggested Next Episode:Episode 110: In This Moment You Are Enough with Ofosu Jones-QuarteyRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 3min
Using the Psychology of Creativity to Overcome "Boreout" (Live at Jane Restaurant)
Feeling boreout? That restless, understimulated, underinvolved sense that your work—or your life—needs a refresh? Creativity might be the key. In this episode, I’m doing something different: a live episode recorded at Communal Table at Jane Restaurant. We dive into the science of creativity and try out some playful creative tasks (including a collective poem!). In a real play, I work with an audience member to get unstuck using the creative power of psychodrama.It’s insightful, energizing, and honestly—just fun. Tune in!Listen and Learn About:Understanding Creativity and Its ImportanceExploring Boreout and Its ImpactThe Neuroscience of CreativityReal Play Session: Working with Creative BlocksSUGGESTED NEXT EPISODE:6 Ways to Boost Your CreativityRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

May 26, 2025 • 46min
Dating After Divorce with Whitney Cubbison
In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill delves into the complexities of dating after divorce with guest Whitney Cubbison, author of 'Will There Be Wine?' and 'Will There Be Love?' Whitney shares her personal journey through divorce and dating in Paris, touching on challenges like rekindling self-confidence, managing emotional baggage, and navigating the evolving landscape of online dating. The conversation also explores broader themes such as staying true to oneself, embracing life experiences, and the importance of having a supportive village in relationships. Whether you're newly divorced or contemplating jumping back into the dating pool, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for forging a fulfilling post-divorce life.Listen and Learn About:Worst Nightmare Dating StoriesDealing with Anger and Emotional BaggageCultural Differences in DatingNavigating Technology and Online DatingReal-Life Dating TipsEmbracing Your True Self in RelationshipsSuggested Next Episode:Wise Effort in the BedroomRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodeWhitney’s books, Will There Be Wine? & Will There Be Love?Whitney InstagramWhitney’s FacebookPre-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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

May 19, 2025 • 50min
Loving Someone With Cancer With ACT Expert Dr. Jennifer Gregg
In this touching episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill converses with Dr. Jennifer Gregg, a psycho-oncologist with vast experience in behavioral medicine and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Gregg, who has written notable books like ‘Stop Avoiding Stuff’ and ‘The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Workbook,’ shares her profoundly personal journey through her husband and son’s battles with cancer. She discusses how these experiences shaped her professionally and personally, highlighting the importance of showing up with love, staying grounded in the present moment, and maintaining psychological flexibility amidst life’s toughest trials. Listen and Learn About:Children's Reactions to a Parent’s DiagnosisSon's Cancer Diagnosis and Family ImpactLiving in the Present MomentUnwise Efforts and Coping MechanismsThe Importance of Community SupportPsychological Flexibility and Values3 Big TakeawaysFacing New UncertaintiesTune in to hear an inspiring story about love, pain, vulnerability, and wise effort in relationships, and gain insights from Dr. Gregg's expert strategies for supporting those dealing with cancer.Suggested Next Episode:Getting Past You and Me to Build a Better Relationship with Terry RealRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

May 12, 2025 • 41min
How to Create Big Love and Stop Selling Yourself Short
Discover the transformative power of 'big love' in relationships, where authenticity meets connection. Explore how meaningful connections can boost emotional well-being and relieve stress. Learn to boldly express love and appreciation while recognizing your relationship strengths. Delve into identifying your unique values and talents, paving the way for healthier partnerships. Finally, uncover the role of positive energy in nurturing relationships, complete with actionable insights and a dash of personal storytelling.

Apr 28, 2025 • 55min
Generosity, Greed, and Sustainable Practice with Insight Timer CEO Christopher Plowman
Diana Hill shares her morning routine, which includes her personal meditation practices using Insight Timer as a tool. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Insight Timer CEO Christopher Plowman about democratizing mental health, the intersection of generosity, greed, and capitalism, the future of AI in meditation, and the challenges and principles of sustaining practice. They also touch on recent research affirming the benefits of consistent and varied meditation practices.Listen and Learn About:Generosity and Free ResourcesAI and MeditationConsistency and Variety in MeditationChallenges in Maintaining MeditationRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child with Ned Johnson & Dr. William Stixrud
Join Dr. Diana Hill on The Wise Effort Show as she interviews Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, authors of 'The Self-Driven Child' and their new book 'The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child.' They discuss foundational strategies for parenting that include establishing a strong connection, acting as a consultant rather than a manager, communicating healthy expectations, teaching an accurate model of reality, motivating children without trying to change them, being a non-anxious presence, and encouraging radical downtime. The episode offers insights, examples, and personal stories, underscoring the importance of balancing support with autonomy to foster responsible, self-driven children.Listen and Learn About:The Self-Driven Child PrinciplesThe Importance of Connection in ParentingDebunking the Myth of a Linear Path to SuccessThe Importance of Psychological RichnessThe Hero's Journey and Personal SetbacksRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist

Apr 7, 2025 • 47min
The Secret To Growing Wiser as You Age
In this live episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill discusses how to grow wiser as we age, challenging common myths and fears about aging. Recorded at the Communal Table, the episode covers the psychology of wisdom, three major blocks to wise aging, and five actionable steps to age wisely and give back using your unique genius. Dr. Hill shares personal stories and research insights, encouraging listeners to embrace a positive narrative about aging.Listen and Learn About:Exploring Myths About AgingTypes of WisdomBlocks to Aging Wisely3 Questions to Ask Yourself5 Wise Effort Tips for Wise AgingRelated 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:Get on my Wise Effort workshop waitlist! If you are intrigued about Wise Effort or maybe a retreat wise effort in yoga, how we integrate wise effort into the therapy space, go check out drdianahill.com/workshop and get on my wait list.
I have a number of events that are gonna be coming up in this coming year, including wise effort and yoga with Elyse, you get to see where all the magic happens, and I would love, love, love for you to be there.
So check out my programming and workshops and collaborations at drdianahill.com/workshopWise Effort Workshop Waitlist