Oliver Burkeman, an insightful author known for his explorations of self-improvement and mindfulness, discusses the transformative 'imperfectionist mindset.' He highlights how this approach can combat perfectionism, indecisiveness, and procrastination. Burkeman emphasizes the importance of embracing constraints, advocating for a 'daily-ish' mindset instead of rigid rules. He also introduces 'scruffy hospitality' to foster genuine connections, while addressing the emotional roots of perfectionism and the significance of vulnerability in overcoming imposter syndrome.

Jonny Miller, a former startup worker turned teacher, shares his journey from burnout to mastering nervous system regulation. He discusses the importance of breathwork in managing anxiety, providing practical exercises to enhance emotional resilience. The conversation also covers grounding techniques and the relationship between emotional acceptance and healing. Jonny emphasizes embracing emotional complexity and the necessity of self-awareness, drawing from personal experiences to illustrate the path to connection and emotional fluidity.

Therapist Emma McAdam and psychologist Nick Wignall discuss overcoming social anxiety by redefining it as a functional response that fosters care, validating and accepting anxiety, using metaphors to understand anxiety, shifting focus to building confidence, overcoming fear in lead climbing, starting small to prioritize connection, and using assertiveness to manage anxiety.

In this episode of Minds & Mics, I chat with trauma and resilience researcher Dr. George Bonanno.Show Notes:How to think clearly about trauma and PTSDCommon misconceptions about traumaThe resilience paradoxThe problem with the PTSD diagnosisTrauma concept creepHow to develop resilience (The flexibility sequence)The end of trauma?Lisa Feldman BarretMechanisms underlying beneficial effects of exercise on mood and emotional healthLearn more about Dr. Bonanno and his work here:George Bonanno (Personal Website) →The End of Trauma (Book) →Get New Episodes FirstLearn more about the Minds & Mics podcast here, including how to subscribe and get all my newest episodes as soon as they’re released.

Dr. Daniel Erichsen, a sleep expert and physician specializing in insomnia, shares invaluable insights for high-achievers grappling with sleep issues. He discusses the unique challenges posed by perfectionism and introduces the 'sleep runway' concept for a calming bedtime routine. The conversation explores the myth of sleep deprivation, encouraging a shift in mindset about wakefulness. He emphasizes self-compassion, the impact of emotional management, and invites listeners to develop a kinder relationship with their sleep struggles.

In this episode of Minds & Mics, I chat with Liz Fosslien about her new book, Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay. We cover topics like perfectionism vs healthy striving, the difference between envy and jealousy, burnout and the Amazon Zen Booth, revenge bedtime procrastination, and the role of personal responsibility in mental health.Show NotesThe dark side of “coping” with difficult feelingsNo Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at WorkJealousy vs envyBenign vs malicious envyThe role of personal responsibility in mental healthThe Amazon Zen BoothHow organizations can actually help foster well-being and resilienceThe relationships between burnout and self-awarenessWhy setting boundaries is so hard (and how to make it a little easier)Revenge bedtime procrastinationEmotional opportunity costPerfectionism and self-kindnessHealthy striving vs perfectionismThe benefits of playfulnessLearn more about Liz and her work here:Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay (book)LizandMollie.com (website)Get New Episodes FirstLearn more about the Minds & Mics podcast here, including how to subscribe and get all my newest episodes as soon as they’re released.

In this episode of Minds & Mics, I chat with Dr. Steve Hayes, the founder of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). We talk about everything from the importance of psychological flexibility and emotional tolerance to the future of psychotherapy and what to look for in a great therapist.Show NotesPsychological flexibilityPsychological rigiditySocial anxiety and panic attacksWhere does self-judgment and negative self-talk come from?The psychological function of religion and wisdom traditionsEmotional tolerance3rd wave behavior therapy, process-based therapy, and the future of psychotherapyWhat to look for in a good therapist 2nd wave humanistic therapyLearn more about Steve and his work here:The Liberated Mind (Book)Steven C Hayes (website)Get New Episodes FirstLearn more about the Minds & Mics podcast here, including how to subscribe and get all my newest episodes as soon as they’re released.

In the latest episode of Minds & Mics, I chatted with Michael Bungay Stanier about his new book How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters and a range of topics, including the obligation we all have to be "doubly ambitious," why SMART goals aren't usually very smart, the case for working in 6-week cycles, and the genius of cartoonist Gary Larson.Show NotesWhat makes a book useful?The Coaching HabitBeing “doubly ambitious” How to think about overwhelm: realistic, consistent, grace Working in 6-week cyclesWhy Michael hates SMART goalsShould we follow our passion? Relaxing into commitmentPrizes and punishments of maintaining the status quoThe Call of the Wild (Gary Larson)The value of the humble pros and cons listLearn more about Michael and his work here:How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters (Book)Michael's WebsiteGet New Episodes FirstLearn more about the Minds & Mics podcast here, including how to subscribe and get all my newest episodes as soon as they’re released.

Kai Koch is the co-founder of ahead, which is a software company and app for building emotional intelligence. We talk about the opportunities and challenges for technology in emotional health, self-awareness, emotional intelligence in organizations, and what the future of technology-assisted emotional health might look like.Show NotesThe unique benefits of mobile technology for emotional healthMaking self-awareness socialMaking personal growth socialEmotional granularityEmotional intelligence in organizationsThe future of technology for emotional healthLearn more about Kai and his work here:Ahead AppSelf-Awareness TestGet New Episodes FirstLearn more about the Minds & Mics podcast here, including how to subscribe and get all my newest episodes as soon as they’re released.

Sleep psychologist Dr. Jade Wu returns to the show to talk specifically about sleep issues for new moms, including what’s normal and what should be addressed professionally, how sleep and postpartum depression interact, intrusive thoughts and anxiety, and some practical tips for new moms to get their sleep back on track.Show NotesHow sleep changes in pregnancy and postpartumSleep deprivation vs circadian disruptionsTypes of sleep disturbances that predict postpartum depressionTips for minimizing sleep issues as a new parentHow much to nap as a new momWhat old-school pediatricians get wrong about sleep with new babiesParasomnias in pregnancy and postpartumExploding head syndromeSleep paralysisPostpartum anxietyREM rebound and nightmaresIntrusive thoughtsSleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathingPoor sleep and postpartum depression Learn more about Jade and her work here:Website: JadeWuPHD.comTwitter: @jadewuphdGet New Episodes FirstLearn more about the Minds & Mics podcast here, including how to subscribe and get all my newest episodes as soon as they’re released.