“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”-Abraham MaslowWhat is it that empowers people to make this choice?To be bold enough to step forward into fear as they move toward purpose, and transcendence?These questions are at the heart of today’s conversation with Dr. Jordyn Feingold. Jordyn is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, a researcher, and a positive psychology practitioner who focuses on bringing the work of self-actualization to patients and clinicians around the world.Jordyn's work is in part inspired by Abraham Maslow and other prominent psychologists who were at the forefront of the human potential movement in the 1950’s, 60's, and beyond.Today Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, (Jordyn's mentor, co-author, and collaborator), is in many ways carrying this work forward. Following in Maslow's footsteps Scott is pushing the science of self-actualization into new frontiers as author of the bestselling book Transcend and founder of the Center for Human Potential where he and Jordyn have worked closely together. Jordyn is part of the Center's Senior Leadership team, and is also a member of the founding faculty.In this episode Jordyn and I will dive deep into the topic of growth and themes related to human potential which she and Scott explore throughout their beautiful book: Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt.I hope you enjoy the time with Jordyn as much as I did!Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:The New Science of Self-Actualization | Dr. Scott Barry KaufmanFinding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark Nepo  About Jordyn:Jordyn H. Feingold graduated from adult psychiatry residency in 2024, and is now a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow. She's also well-being researcher, and positive psychology practitioner. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with her BA and Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) and received her MD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is also a founder of the emerging field of Positive Medicine. Learn more about Jordyn at centerforhumanpotential.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thanks for listening!Support the show

One of the highlights of this season on the Courageous Life has been expanding the show with a new series that features inspiring stories of everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. One of these helpers conversations featured Amy Dong.Amy is a talented therapist and a breathwork facilitator. During our conversation she offered a window into her work and how she walks beside people on their journey in therapy,where one of her core areas of focus is helping people learn fundamental practices that can help regulate their nervous system in ways that lead to:Greater wellbeingAn increased sense of agencyAnd the possibility of experiencing inner peace amidst the everyday hustle. For today's Practicing Courage episode I asked Amy if she would be willing to record a brief practice along these lines that we could share here. She agreed. And here we are. I hope you enjoy this brief time with Amy and find that what she offers creates a restful pause in the midst of your day. More from Amy:Heroes and Helpers #4 - Embracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy DongThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

“If we don’t work on our stuff, our stuff will work on us. It will run our lives - and show up in our offices and relationships - until we take the reins of responsibility for our own well-being.” These words were written by today’s guest, Allison Schultz (who goes by Ali). Along with Jerry Colonna and Dan Putt, Ali co-founded Reboot, the widely acclaimed leadership development and CEO coaching firm.At Reboot they believe:That in work is the possibility of the full realization of human potential. Work does not have to destroy us. Work can be the way we achieve our fullest self.Today we are going to take a deep dive into Ali’s work: From her early experiences co-facilitating the first ever CEO bootcamp at RebootTo her deep appreciation for horses and how they can help people seeking personal growth, To the qualities she has witnessed in her coaching work which can lead to the realization of our unique potential as human beings.We’ll also spend some time highlighting and discussing themes and practices from her beautiful new book:The Art of Being Human at Work: Meditations for the Work of Your LifeWhich is a profound collection of essays that explores the core philosophy of Reboot’s unique approach, and teaches us that if we are to work and lead well—with authenticity, courage, integrity, and compassion—we must first do the necessary inner work of becoming a better human.Throughout our time together Ali will share more about what it takes to do that inner work, What becomes possible when we find the courage to do so, and how life-changing this journey toward wholeness can be. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The Future of Work: Love, Safety, and Belonging | Dr. Leah Weiss and Jerry ColonnaLeadership and the Art of Growing Up | Jerry ColonnaEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!More about Ali:In 2014, after years of work in a variety of startups and a lifetime of soul-based explorations, Allison Schultz co-founded Reboot with Jerry Colonna and Dan Putt. As a coach, Ali weaves her business acumen with the innate wisdom of the body, the philosophies of the world's wisdom traditions, and "the way of the horse" to help clients seeking personal growth and committed to deep inner work find their voice in service of finding themselves. For more, visit: reboot.ioThanks for listening!Support the show

In today’s practice you’ll hear a clip from a past conversation with kindness researcher Dr. Kelli Harding.She’ll offer a beautiful reminder about just how easy it can be to make someone else’s day. How little it takes to lift others up.And that when we do, when we offer these little acts of kindness, they generate positive ripples outward.One small act of kindness creating a win-win-win proposition:For the giver,The receiverAnd for anyone who witnesses the kind act. Curious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversation with Dr. Kelli Harding:In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind | Dr. Kelli HardingThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How might we learn to better negotiate and navigate seemingly intractable issues? And what if it was possible to not only navigate these issues, but to meet all people’s needs in the process?What if it was possible to truly find win-win solutions?In today’s conversation with Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison, two leaders in the field of bridge building and conflict resolution we’ll address these complex, challenging, and timely questions head on. Questions that have been at the heart of their work for many years, and are explored in depth in their profound new book: From Conflict to Convergence Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems.Today, they will offer up their hard-earned wisdom about how we can all get better at navigating difficult conversations, resolving challenging conflicts, and building meaningful connection in the process. Much of what they will share comes from their work at Convergence a leading non profit organization of which Rob is the Founder and Mariah is the CEO. For more than a dozen years, convergence has pioneered a distinctive approach to collaborative problem-solving across divides. Bringing people together across ideological, political, and identity lines to help solve seemingly intractable challenges at the intersection of national politics and policy. Convergence’s success offers a beacon of hope for the majority of Americans frustrated by divisiveness and toxic polarization. Their work demonstrates that change is possible under the right conditions, and that we can affect lasting, consistent changes that improve people’s lives when we come together to recognize our common humanity.For more about Convergence, Rob, Mariah, and their book please visit convergencepolicy.orgThis episode is the final conversation in our mini series that brought together leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and writing about how we can:Engage in more constructive dialogueFind collaborative solutions to seemingly intractable problemsAnd build bridges across differenceFor more, check out these other conversations in the series: Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongBuilding Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana TafurMore about Rob Fersh and Mariah LevisonRob founded Convergence in 2009 and served as its first CEO until 2020. He has spent over 45 years bridging policy differences and moving important public policy solutions forward in Washington DC, working for Congress, in the Executive Branch, and in leading non-profit organizations. Head here to learn more about Rob.Mariah serves as CEO and President of Convergence. With decades of experience, Mariah is a seasoned consensus-builder who excels in bringing diverse groups together to address critical state and national issues. Her expertise extends to speaking and training on a national and international level, engaging with a wide range of audiences including local communities, law schools, foreign governments, and TED. Head here to learn more about Mariah.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

Yesterday we re-released a moving Courageous Life conversation with Juliana Tafur.  Juliana is a journalist, award winning documentary filmmaker, and bridge builder.  She serves as the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences Program.   During our time together she shared shared some of her story, and insights from her incredible work as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to: Meaningful connectionDeeper relationshipsAnd ultimately that build bridges across difference.  Today I’d like build on that conversation by re-releasing a practice that can support finding ways to connect.  Particularly when it’s difficult. Given that we’re human, imperfect, and not always at our best (at least speaking for myself) this idea of finding ways to connect when it’s difficult, when we are in conversations that are charged, or there’s reactivity etc…  Can be quite a useful inquiry to explore.   Today's practice will infuse a blend of storytelling, research-backed insights from leading organizational scholars, and simple ways to deepen self-awareness and tap into more empathy, understanding, and compassion.  For more ways to have constructive conversations, including insights and practices for connecting across difference, check out these conversations (if you haven't already):Building Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana TafurRediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongPracticing Courage #40: Let go of assumptions and embrace curiosity  Thank you for your practice.  I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!  -Joshua    Looking for more practice opportunities?   Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and Unlocking Creativity a brand NEW 5-day challenge for realizing your unique creative potential.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How can we more effectively navigate conversations with people who have different values, and beliefs than we do?Neighbors, community members, co-workers, and family members who care deeply about the same issues, but who have widely different views about them. What are the conditions that would be needed in order to have productive conversations? What are the intentions, skills and mindsets we need to cultivate? In this new 3-episode mini series we will  explore these complex yet practical questions with Courageous Life guests new and old. You'll be exposed to leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and sharing their hard earned wisdom, about how to have constructive dialogues, find win-win solutions to our hardest problems, and build bridges across difference. As we move into election season here in the US, these conversations are particularly timely,But the skills and insights contained within each conversation are also timeless.Today we’ll continue this series with our second conversation - a past episode with Juliana Tafur who is the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center's Bridging Differences Program. Together we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to meaningful connection, deeper relationships, empathy, and can build bridges across difference.  Highlights include:A framework for compassionate listeningThe importance of giving ourselves and others grace while engaging in constructive dialogueWhy opening the heart across difference begins with tuning into selfDiscerning when to engage in constructive dialogue and when it’s safer, and wiser, not to. The power of asking questions from a place of genuine curiosityLetting go of winning as a fundamental practice of effective listeningWhy listening is an act of courageThe importance of appreciating complexity in other people’s stories, and lived experiences Ways to quiet the ego in tough conversations Interested in diving deeper into this topic? Check out the Bridging Differences Program for free resources including the Bridging Differences Playbook. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Rediscovering the art of constructive dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongIs curiosity a superpower? | Dr. Jud Brewer More about Juliana:Juliana Tafur is the Program Director for GGSC’s Bridging Differences Program, applying her experience as social entrepreneur and founder of Listen Courageously, and as Emmy-nominated senior television producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Juliana creates resources rooted in science to bridge political and cultural divides. She also forges strategic partnerships across sectors—government, education, philanthropy, and public service—and oversees communities of practice, to ensure bridge-building skills and resources reach people and strengthen social cohesion across the US. As a Colombian-American devoted to listening to bridge what divides us (as seen on her TEDx talk), fostering a broader culture of belonging—through dialogue, connections, and understanding—is her life’s mission.Support the show

When I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity. In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.To ask questions,And to listen deeply. In a recent episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette we took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a beautiful reminder of the power of curiosity. And that reminder is the inspiration for today’s practice which centers around finding ways to let go of your assumptionsAnd to choose learning over knowing.This practice is being re-released as a powerful complement to our new mini-series which highlights Courageous Life guests new and old. Each episode in the series featuring leaders who are at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and sharing their hard-earned wisdom related to how to have constructive dialogues, how to find win-win solutions to some of our hardest problems, and ultimately how to build bridges across difference. Want to dive deeper into these topics? Check out these past Courageous Life episodes:Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongAwe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Dr. Jonah PaquetteIs Curiosity a Superpower? | Dr. Jud BrewerThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-Joshua Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How can we more effectively navigate conversations with people who have different values, and beliefs than we do?Neighbors, community members, co-workers, and family members who care deeply about the same issues, but who have widely different views about them. What are the conditions that would be needed in order to have productive conversations? What are the intentions, skills and mindsets we need to cultivate? Over the next few weeks these are the complex yet practical questions we will explore with Courageous Life guests new and old. You'll be exposed to leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and sharing their hard earned wisdom, About how to have constructive dialogues, find win-win solutions to our hardest problems, and ultimately build bridges across difference. As we move into election season here in the US, these conversations are particularly timely, But the skills and insights contained within each conversation are also timeless. Today we’ll begin this powerful mini-series by re-releasing a past episode with Dr. Mylien Duong. Mylien is Senior Director of Research at The Constructive Dialogue Institute, where they define Constructive dialogue as a form of conversation in which people who have different values, beliefs, and perspectives seek to build new ways to understand and interact with each other, even as they sustain commitments to their own principles and perspectives. Mylien helps to build out evidence-based content for having constructive dialogues, and oversees measuring the efficacy and effectiveness of the programming.  So far programming offered by the Institute: Has impacted over 50K learners Is being leveraged by 900+ Institutions Shows that 86% of learners improved communication across differenceAnd, 95% of educators recommend their programmingTheir work has been featured in Time Magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Oprah Magazine, Psychology Today and moreIn today's conversation: Mylien’s story about how she came to this workThe 5 principles of Constructive Dialogue that the Institute has establishedThe power of curiosity and storytelling in constructive dialogueThe importance of humility, self-worth, and feeling that you matterThe power of emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation in navigating hard conversations more effectivelyMore about Mylien:Dr. Mylien Duong has deep expertise in developing scalable behavioral interventions. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she was previously a senior research scientist at the Committee for Children, where she led the research to develop a social-emotional learning program for teachers in K-12 schools. Prior to that, she was faculty at the University of Washington, where they conducted federally funded research studies to develop and test behavioral interventions for youth in school and juvenile justice settings. She has received over $17 million in grant funding and published over 40 scientific articles and book chapters. For more: https://constructivedialogue.org/Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are more conversations we think you'll love:Dr. Marc Brackett - Permission to Feel: The Power of Emotional IntelligenceParker Palmer - Reflections on Living with an Open HeartEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen!Support the show

Always do your best.When I was growing up I heard that a lot. "Just do your best.""Leave it all on the field."Or some similar version of that message.It seemed like a generally positive and empowering message. An invitation to show up fully and give it my all. I was on board. But what I didn’t realize was that this message was incomplete. It was missing an important piece. Today we'll explore what was missing.The piece, that when leveraged, makes this a much more potent practice. Thank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show