The Greg McKeown Podcast

In this engaging discussion, William J. Doherty, a prominent educator and community organizer, shares insights from his journey in family therapy and his mission to bridge divides through dialogue. He critiques hyper-individualism and emphasizes the importance of interdependence in fostering relationships. Doherty reveals his efforts in founding Braver Angels after the 2016 election, focusing on courageous conversations to combat political polarization. He provides practical skills for improving communication, highlighting the desire for connection in a divided society.

Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and author of *The War for Kindness*, delves into the significance of real empathy and understanding in human connections. He discusses how our confidence can hinder genuine connection and contrasts traditional empathy with a more rigorous approach. The conversation highlights the dangers of overconfidence in understanding others and presents practical exercises to enhance listening skills. They also touch on the implications of AI in empathy training, ultimately emphasizing that empathy is a learnable skill crucial for effective leadership.

Join NFL legend Steve Young, a three-time Super Bowl champion and author of The Law of Love, as he shares how his pivotal meeting with Stephen Covey transformed his mindset. He discusses the importance of reducing transactional relationships for deeper connections, emphasizing that curiosity fosters love. Young highlights how childhood patterns influence these habits and suggests that vulnerability is key to overcoming fear. He argues that understanding and selfless love are essential for healing relationships and achieving fulfillment in all areas of life.

In this engaging discussion, Academy Award–winning actor and bestselling author Matthew McConaughey delves into his new work, *Poems & Prayers*. He shares how poetry can transform suffering into meaning, urging listeners to embrace belief over cynicism. The conversation touches on the differences between belief and hope, the power of poetry to expand perception, and the importance of admitting doubt while striving for growth. Matthew also highlights self-reflection and the actionable nature of belief, blending heartfelt readings with profound insights.

Ward Clapham, former Police Chief in Richmond, Canada, shares insights from his pioneering 'positive ticketing program,' which focuses on rewarding good behavior to build community trust and reduce crime. He emphasizes the transformative power of listening-led leadership, advocating for a shift from punitive policing to genuine engagement. Clapham discusses the vital role of trust in community policing, the impact of communication on familial relationships, and how these principles can foster collaborative environments across various sectors.

In this insightful conversation, Robert E. Siegel, a distinguished lecturer at Stanford and venture capitalist, explores vital shifts in leadership for navigating complex environments. He delves into the balance between innovation and execution, and the importance of empathy amidst chaos. Drawing on the experiences of leaders like Jeff Immelt, Siegel emphasizes systems thinking and strong relationships as essential tools for today’s leaders. He also discusses the challenges posed by rapid change and crises, highlighting the need for clarity, adaptability, and moral authority in leadership.

In this conversation, Jenny Wood, a former Google executive and author of "Wild Courage," shares her journey of leaving a corporate job to pursue her passion. She emphasizes the power of being shameless, curious, and a bit reckless in achieving one's dreams. Jenny discusses battling imposter syndrome and the importance of embracing discomfort for growth. With insights on goal-setting and the value of insatiable curiosity, her message encourages listeners to take bold actions toward a meaningful life.

Ben Greenfield, an expert in endurance training and Ironman triathlons, dives into the art of mastering race day with practical tips on pacing and nutrition. He shares candid reflections on the emotional ups and downs of completing an Ironman, advocating for a balance between personal goals and social connections. The conversation also highlights the importance of male friendships in fostering accountability and support, urging listeners to cultivate meaningful relationships even amidst rigorous training. Prepare to be inspired and informed!

In a riveting discussion, Ben Greenfield, a trailblazer in health and human optimization and NY Times bestselling author, shares his journey from a novice to completing Ironman races. He reveals innovative, time-efficient high-intensity training methods and a game-changing nutrition strategy that shifts away from traditional carbohydrate-heavy diets. Ben delves into how a ketogenic approach can enhance fat-burning efficiency for endurance athletes, empowering listeners to redefine their limits and sustain high performance while emphasizing the importance of recovery.

Derek Sivers, an entrepreneur and author known for founding CD Baby and his impactful TED Talk, dives deep into the power of perspective. He discusses how viewing beliefs as useful rather than absolute can unlock creativity. Journaling takes center stage as a transformative tool for self-reflection and decision-making. Sivers also highlights the importance of diverse perspectives, gained through travel and varied experiences, in fostering personal growth and evolving one's mindset. A thought-provoking exploration awaits!