We are in the middle of a 'creativity crisis' - with so many people are distracted, unable to focus and lacking in connection. So what to do about it? Here to help me unpick how we can find more flow, creativity, connection, peace and ease - is Chris Smith, an award-winning author, broadcaster and stand-up comedian. For many years we sat alongside each other in the Newsbeat studio on BBC Radio 1. We discuss: How to get into flow and tap into the 'intelligent unconscious' The relationship between unplugging and creativity Why we love losing ourself in what we are doing, and how modern life is killing that Recognising that the future is never as bad as we fear it will be when it arrives as 'the present' How to develop a different relationship with our thoughts How to cultivate the space for true creativity to arrive The value of having a sauna I am creating a course about Banishing Burnout and Finding Flow - which I will be sharing more about that over coming weeks and months. Together we can create a new way of being - one that is less distracted and combative, and has more flow and peace.Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/**For many years Chris was the voice of Newsbeat on BBC Radio 1. In 2017 he published Kid Normal which he co-wrote with his friend Greg James. It became the first in a series of children’s books. In early 2025 Chris is bringing back Enid Blyton‘s classic characters the Famous Five in a brand-new adventure.https://chrissmithauthor.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cal Newport, author of "Deep Work" and "Digital Minimalism," sheds light on the pervasive issue of burnout in our hyper-connected world. He discusses how distractions hinder creativity and flow, urging a shift towards deep work that enhances focus and productivity. Newport delves into the alarming effects of technology on younger generations, revealing rising anxiety and self-harm linked to social media. This conversation emphasizes the urgency of reclaiming our attention for a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Living with Purpose and Contentment, the Danish Way. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Meik Wiking, the Danish happiness researcher and best-selling author who introduced the world to "hygge"—the Danish art of creating cozy, contented spaces. We dive into Meik’s insights on the true keys to happiness, from fostering deep social connections to redefining success beyond wealth and status.Meik shares thought-provoking ideas, like Denmark’s culture of collective well-being, and "job crafting"—the practice of making even ordinary tasks more enjoyable. We also discuss the value of autonomy and flexibility at work, the rise of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, and the potential impact of universal basic income on our sense of happiness.Don't forget - Denmark is consistently voted the happiest country in the world.My links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Headspace founder Andy Puddicombe on How to Make Meditation a Habit. There’s no doubt that meditation has profound benefits for both body and mind. Yet many people struggle to make it a habit—they worry they’re not doing it “right,” or they can’t quiet their thoughts long enough to feel the impact. But meditation is a powerful practice worth mastering, with research highlighting its potential to transform our well-being.To make mindfulness meditation accessible to everyone, I’m joined today by Andy Puddicombe, founder of Headspace and former Buddhist monk. Andy breaks down the essentials of meditation, sharing simple, practical techniques to help anyone incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.My links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nobody ever has their sh*t together, it's a myth. Even so, life is a miracle. It can be so easy to overlook this fact - and miss the incredible fact of existence. But life is also full of pain and suffering. If we can make peace with how life really is - rather than how we think it should be - then perhaps we can start to relax and let go of the incessant striving and quest to 'become' sometime in the future. We can find peace in this moment, even in the midst of life's myriad of challenges.My guest is Dr. Robert Saltzman, author of the excellent books The Ten Thousand Things and Depending on No Thing.My links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Professor Paul Dolan, author of "Happiness by Design" and a leading expert in well-being, flips the script on conventional views of happiness. He argues that true joy comes from meaningful connections, kindness, and simple pleasures rather than societal milestones like wealth or social media fame. Dolan also highlights the importance of designing our environments to foster better choices and emphasizes how intentional living can lead to deeper fulfillment through everyday moments.

Tim Spector is a Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London and a co-founder of Zoe, specializing in gut microbiome research. He discusses the powerful link between diet and gut health, highlighting the need for a diverse, plant-rich diet with at least 30 different plants weekly. Tim critiques ultra-processed foods and explains how fermented foods like kefir boost gut health. He also delves into lifestyle factors affecting digestion, including the benefits of time-restricted eating and the importance of mindful meal consumption.

Join Jonny Wilkinson, the iconic former rugby star known for his World Cup heroics, as he reveals the pitfalls of constantly chasing future goals. He discusses how the pursuit of an ideal self can cloud our appreciation of the present. Jonny shares insights about the disillusionment that often follows achievements and emphasizes finding true fulfillment within. He also opens up about navigating the challenges of identity shaped by injury, highlighting the power of reflection and self-discovery in the quest for inner peace.

The podcast dives deep into the concept of inherent self-worth, challenging the societal norms that dictate our value through productivity. It reflects on personal journeys toward accepting that we are innately 'enough.' The host shares insights on how external achievements often cloud our authenticity and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our true selves. Additionally, there are hints at future explorations involving psychedelics and psychotherapy to document this transformative process.

In this discussion, Emma Seppälä, a psychologist and author of 'Sovereign,' delves into the journey towards our natural state of well-being amidst chaos. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and the detrimental effects of information overload on mental health. Emma shares insights on how meditation and stillness can boost creativity and emotional health. The conversation also touches on redefining success and the significance of authenticity in our lives. Her transformative experiences with Sky Breath Meditation highlight the power of embodied practices for nurturing well-being.