A New Way of Being

In this episode, we explore a thought-provoking question: Is self-improvement really the path to happiness, or is it a trap that keeps us chasing something we already have?My guest is Joan Tollifson, an author, teacher, and lifelong explorer of the nature of being. Together, we discuss why the idea of “improving yourself” is inherently flawed, how meditation helps us access peace and creativity, and the value of simply taking some moment to 'be' in our lives.We also touch on: What actually is the “self” we’re trying to improve? Recognising the aware presence that doesn't need improving Meditation and its many different forms - and how we both 'do it' The power of taking moments of stillness to just 'be' The opportunity that being triggered presents us with Finding peace and ease by dropping the stories we tell ourselves My free mini-course on Beating Burnout and Finding Flow: https://www.simonmundie.com/beat-burnout-mini-courseJoan's website: https://www.joantollifson.com/Joan's Substack: https://joantollifson.substack.com/My book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookWebsite: simonmundie.comYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieSubstack: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Joan's books include Bare-Bones Meditation: Waking Up from the Story of My Life (1996); Awake in the Heartland: The Ecstasy of What Is (2003); Painting the Sidewalk with Water: Talks and Dialogs about Nonduality (2010); Nothing to Grasp (2012); and Death: The End of Self-Improvement (2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Russ Harris, renowned author of "The Happiness Trap" and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, brings a fresh perspective on imposter syndrome. He explores how this common feeling is simply part of the human experience, rather than a flaw. Harris discusses accepting rather than suppressing these emotions and offers effective coping strategies. He dives into the evolutionary roots of self-doubt and anxiety, framing them as universal challenges we all face. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their feelings with self-compassion.

Rejection is something we all experience, and for many the experience can be brutal. But even when we go to a social event, part of the reason we tend to stick to the people we know is to avoid the pain of feeling rejected, however slightly. So this is a universal issue. In this episode, I sit down with author, therapist and non-dual teacher Nic Higham to unpack one of the most challenging human experiences. Whether it’s the sting of a passing comment or the deeper wounds that stick with us, rejection has a way of leaving its mark on our sense of belonging.Nic and I explore how these moments can shape the stories we tell ourselves – often ones of unworthiness – and why, instead of resisting rejection, we are better off embracing it. Nic introduces the concept of radical inclusivity, where rejection is welcomed as part of life’s natural ebb and flow. Using metaphors like the ocean, he shares how facing rejection with compassion can lead to a stronger sense of wholeness.We also dive into the role of the inner child and how unmet needs can leave us chasing external validation rather than recognising the acceptance we already have within us. Nic offers practical tools, including strategies from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and exposure therapy, to help navigate rejection without being overwhelmed.My book Champion Thinking: How To Find Success Without Losing Yourself draws on some of my favourite interviews over the last six years. In it, I seek to challenge our ideas about 'success', and where peace, joy and fulfilment are truly to be found.'This book captures the magic of being in flow . . . Highly recommend' RONNIE O'SULLIVAN'Entertaining and enlightening' MATTHEW SYED'This book will challenge your thinking on what success truly is and will give you tools to "succeed" in life in the truest sense of the world. This is definitely not just another book about sport and those who happen to be good at it' -- GOLDIE SAYERS'The intention behind this book is beautiful, and I highly recommend it' RUPERT SPIRA'The best guide we have to what it means to be human' AMOL RAJANOrder here: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookAmazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Champion-Thinking-Success-Without-Yourself/dp/1526626497/Website: simonmundie.comYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it truly means to be content in your own skin? It's tempting to put so-called "successful" people on a pedestal, but the reality is often much more complicated. Many high achievers are driven by inner turmoil. Adrian Chiles, broadcaster and former host of The One Show, shares insights from his conversations with high performers on BBC Radio 5 Live, many of whom have also appeared on this podcast - from Jonny Wilkinson to Ronnie O'Sullivan. We explore why chasing traditional success often falls short of delivering happiness and why the state of flow - the state of full immersion in the present - is a key to genuine satisfaction, as well as high performance. My book Champion Thinking: How To Find Success Without Losing Yourself draws on some of my favourite interviews over the last six years. In it, I seek to challenge our ideas about 'success', and where peace, joy and fulfilment are truly to be found.'This book captures the magic of being in flow . . . Highly recommend' RONNIE O'SULLIVAN'Entertaining and enlightening' MATTHEW SYED'This book will challenge your thinking on what success truly is and will give you tools to "succeed" in life in the truest sense of the world. This is definitely not just another book about sport and those who happen to be good at it' -- GOLDIE SAYERS'The intention behind this book is beautiful, and I highly recommend it' RUPERT SPIRA'The best guide we have to what it means to be human' AMOL RAJANOrder here: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookAmazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Champion-Thinking-Success-Without-Yourself/dp/1526626497/Website: simonmundie.comYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.