
Flourishing Leaders Podcast
The Flourishing Leaders Podcast Character. Leadership. Human Flourishing.Join Dr. Scott Parsons—retired Army officer, character development leader, and founder of The Flourishing Leaders Academy—for inspiring weekly conversations with influential thinkers, leaders, and changemakers psychology, philosophy, sports, business, and the arts—united by one goal: exploring how we can all lead with character and live flourishing lives.Each episode explores how to lead with character, make ethical decisions, build antifragile teams, and live a flourishing life. Guests share actionable insights on leadership development, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, moral courage, and practical wisdom—essential traits for today’s purpose-driven professionals.Join us as we dive into timeless wisdom and cutting-edge science to uncover strategies for ethical leadership, virtue cultivation, and living with purpose.Guests include Brian Johnson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Sean Casey, Caroline Adams Miller, Kristján Kristjánsson, and many more.Perfect for coaches, educators, executives, healthcare leaders, and lifelong learners, The Flourishing Leaders Podcast is your go-to resource for cultivating strong values, navigating complexity, and unlocking human potential.Listen every week to grow as a leader—and help others flourish too. #Leadership #LeaderDevelopment #CharacterDevelopment #CharacterEducation #PositivePsychology #Flourishing #VirtueEthics #Virtue #Areté #Arete #Phronesis #PracticalWisdom #Wisdom #Coaching #EthicalLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Heroic #Antifragile #Antifragility #Purpose #GrowthMindset #WellBeing #Well-Being
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 39min
Episode 4: Caroline Adams Miller — Grit, Goals, and the Power of Ampliship
What does it really take to pursue our biggest, boldest goals—and thrive while doing it? In this powerful episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with Caroline Adams Miller, one of the world’s leading experts on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. A bestselling author, speaker, and trailblazer in the field, Caroline brings decades of research and lived experience to this uplifting and eye-opening conversation. Together, they explore:· Why grit is essential for flourishing—and how to grow it· How goal-setting theory and her “BRIDGE” framework can change your life· The power of ampliship: boldly lifting up other women rather than tearing them down· The deeper truth that happiness boils down to three profound words: Other people matterCaroline’s wisdom, authenticity, and energy will leave you inspired to reflect, reset, and recommit to becoming your best self—while helping others do the same.🎧 Listen in and discover why who you surround yourself with might just be the most important decision you’ll ever make. About Caroline Adams Miller:Caroline is a pioneer in positive psychology, one of the first graduates of Penn’s MAPP program, a black-belt martial artist, a Masters swimmer, and a 9-time bestselling author. Her TEDx talk “The Moments That Make Champions” has inspired audiences around the globe. Mentioned in this episode:· Caroline’s “BRIDGE” goal-setting framework· VIA Character Strengths (and a possible 25th!)· Stoic wisdom on boundaries and flourishing· Her TEDx talk: The Moments That Make Champions Next week: Don’t miss Episode 5 with the hilarious and insightful Jodi Wellman (You Only Die Once)—plus a special guest co-host, Jason Viyar, as we explore what it means to live a life with no regrets.Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

May 27, 2025 • 56min
Episode 3 – "Mindset, Grit, and Character in Sports and Life with Sean Casey"
In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, I sit down with 3x MLB All-Star and beloved broadcaster Sean Casey, affectionately known as “The Mayor.” We explore Sean’s remarkable journey—from the dugout to the broadcast booth to the inner life of a flourishing leader.Sean shares timeless lessons on humility, perseverance, character, and purpose, all grounded in his love for the game and his deep commitment to people. We talk about the power of relationships, the role of reflection in growth, and what it means to lead with heart — both on and off the field.Whether you’re a sports fan, a student of leadership, or simply looking for real, grounded inspiration, this conversation will leave you encouraged and uplifted.🧠 “The guys who made the biggest impact weren’t just great players — they were great people.” — Sean Casey Learn more about Sean’s philanthropic work with Casey’s Clubhouse, at: https://www.caseysclubhouse.org. Learn more about Sean’s work and podcast, The Mayor’s Office, at:Amazon Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mayors-office-with-sean-casey/id1569894230.Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2J2JfbfqD7Kd43c8iWZsL1. Learn more about Sean’s mental performance program, Breakthrough Pro, at: https://www.seancaseylive.com/breakthroughpro.🔔 New episodes every Tuesday! Subscribe and share if this conversation resonates.Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

May 20, 2025 • 40min
Episode 2: “The Science of Flourishing, Happiness, and Leadership” with Tal Ben-Shahar
World-renowned author and happiness expert Tal Ben-Shahar unpacks how leaders can foster meaning, joy, and atifragility — personally and organizationally.Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

28 snips
May 13, 2025 • 46min
Episode 1: “Heroic Leadership and Daily Flourishing” with Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson, founder of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and author, discusses activating your heroic potential and building virtuous habits for a flourishing life. He explores the integration of ancient wisdom with modern psychology, emphasizing the need for practical application of philosophy. Johnson introduces concepts like anti-fragility, where challenges become strengths, and highlights the importance of eulogy virtues over resume virtues. Listeners are inspired to take actionable steps towards personal growth and resilience.

May 5, 2025 • 3min
Season 1 Trailer: Welcome to The Flourishing Leaders Podcast
Welcome to The Flourishing Leaders Podcast with Dr. Scott Parsons.This is your invitation to explore what it truly means to lead—and live—with character, virtue, courage, and purpose.In this trailer, you’ll hear a preview of Season 1’s inspiring guest lineup, including global thought leaders in psychology, philosophy, sports, business, health, and the arts. Together, we explore how flourishing is not just a personal goal—but a leadership imperative.Whether you’re a teacher, coach, CEO, parent, or simply someone who wants to become the best version of yourself—this podcast is for you.🎧 Subscribe now and join us for weekly conversations that will challenge, uplift, and equip you to lead with character and flourish in every domain of life.💡 New episodes drop every Tuesday starting May 13, 2025.🔗 Learn more or get in touch at www.FlourishingLeaders.usThank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.