A New Way of Being

Philosopher and consciousness researcher Bernardo Kastrup argues that reality isn’t made of matter — it’s made of mind. And that insight, if true, changes everything: how we relate to each other, how we handle grief, how we understand mental illness, and even how we live day to day.In this conversation, Simon and Bernardo explore what it means to live from a worldview that sees all of life as interconnected. They go deep into fear, death, empathy, identity, and the consequences of seeing through the illusion of separation — not as a spiritual ideal, but as an existential truth.They discuss: Why Bernardo fears death — and what it might mean to merge with all suffering The lived consequences of seeing others as yourself How this view affects grief, kindness, and the way we consume Where materialism breaks down — and what might replace it Why moments of flow, play, and stillness matter more than we realise The role of madness and suffering in our evolution as a species Bernardo's book Analytic Idealism in a nutshell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Analytic-Idealism-Nutshell-straightforward-metaphysics/dp/1803416696You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8yTY3Fw1Ns&t=233sIf you would like to explore more you can sign up for our free mini-course on beating burnout and finding flow: https://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-mini-courseOr get in touch about 1:1 explorations: https://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-coachingOther links:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieBook: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“How you do anything is how you do everything.” That’s the core of Ryan Holiday’s message in this bitesize episode.The bestselling author of The Obstacle is the Way shares why Stoicism — which he calls “the most practical of all philosophies” — is ultimately about action. Every moment is a chance to show up fully, to do our best, and to live in alignment with our values. We won’t always succeed — but we can always try. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jasmin Paris, an elite ultrarunner and veterinarian, shares her incredible experiences as a record-breaking athlete and a devoted mother. She discusses achieving a 'flow state' in both running and life, emphasizing the importance of being present and managing priorities effectively. Jasmin highlights techniques for breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller parts and the therapeutic benefits of nature. Her inspiring approach shows how to savor life's simple joys while balancing passion and family responsibilities.

Why do so many of us feel anxious, disconnected, or low — even when, on the surface, life looks fine?Psychologist and author Dr Margaret Paul believes the answer lies in self-abandonment — the subtle but powerful ways we disconnect from our feelings, judge ourselves, and hand responsibility for our emotional lives to others.In this episode, Simon is joined by the creator of the Inner Bonding process, a six-step pathway to healing that’s helped tens of thousands of people reconnect to themselves. This conversation is particularly personal — as Margaret’s work had a big impact on Simon’s life over a decade ago, and continues to inform his own work around burnout, flow and self-leadership today.What we explore: The four core ways people abandon themselves How digital distraction keeps us emotionally disconnected What it means to develop a “loving adult” inner voice Practices for tuning into your feelings with compassion How this work can transform relationships, leadership and wellbeing https://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-mini-coursehttps://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-coachingMy links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Info@simonmundie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Emma Seppälä — psychologist, author of Sovereign, and faculty at Yale and Stanford — explains why you can’t think your way out of anxiety, and how the breath, body and nervous system hold the key to deep emotional healing.https://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-mini-coursehttps://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-coachingMy links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Info@simonmundie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wim Hof, known as The Iceman, is famous for his extraordinary ability to withstand extreme cold and his unique breathing techniques. In this conversation, he challenges the obsession with comfort and advocates for intentionally facing stress to build resilience. Hof shares how embracing cold environments can activate stress responses, enhancing mental and physical strength. He emphasizes that by consciously encountering challenges, we can improve our overall well-being and become masters of our own stress mechanisms.

Dr. Clare Ashley, author of 'The Burnout Doctor' and former NHS medic, shares her insights on the hidden epidemic of burnout. She discusses how denial often masks the condition and highlights subtle signs everyone should notice. Clare emphasizes the protective power of purpose, community, and autonomy in preventing burnout. She reveals how even 20% of meaningful work can transform well-being and connects burnout recovery with self-awareness and intention. This enlightening chat is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

Tim Spector, a renowned expert in gut health, dives into the fascinating connection between our gut microbiome and anxiety. He explains how our gut produces vital brain chemicals like serotonin and GABA, which play crucial roles in regulating mood. The discussion also highlights the powerful benefits of incorporating fermented foods, such as homemade kefir, into our diets to enhance gut health and mental wellness. Personal stories and scientific evidence together reveal practical steps anyone can take to improve their emotional well-being through gut health.

Danny Donachie, a coach and former athlete, shares his journey from sports to spiritual awakening, emphasizing how to overcome habitual thought patterns. He discusses the importance of quick recovery and soft focus over perfection and the need for deep attention in a world full of distractions. Danny highlights the role of breath and body awareness in meditation, the transformative power of intention, and how ordinary moments become extraordinary when we truly embrace the present. Their conversation blends mindfulness with personal anecdotes about mortality and the deeper connections in life.

In this discussion, Peter Crone, a thought leader in the realm of identity and personal growth, dives deep into the contrast between pain and suffering. He reveals that pain is a natural part of life, while suffering is a psychological construct rooted in our identities. Crone emphasizes the power of dismantling limiting beliefs to unlock true freedom and flow. He also explores the cultural influences on self-consciousness, particularly examining how societal expectations can distort our self-perception.