Untangle

Stephen Batchelor, Scottish Buddhist teacher and author known for a secular, skeptical take on Buddhism. He talks about questioning doctrines and testing meditation through personal practice. He explains choosing styles and teachers, turning retreat insights into daily habits, and how mindfulness supports creativity, empathy, and deliberate responses in a complex world.

Anese Cavanaugh, award-winning speaker, author, and CEO of Active Choices, shares her IEP method (Intentional Energetic Presence). She talks about how intentions shape impact, protecting and rebooting your energy, spotting blind spots, and using choice points to build new habits. Short practices for presence, boundaries, and leading with curiosity also come up.

Discover the power of meditation as a tool for finding calm amidst life's chaos. Chrissy Carter guides a short meditation that centers on recognizing daily moments of joy. Learn techniques to soften physically and cultivate joy for others, broadening your perspective. This special session wraps up with encouragement to keep noticing and sharing joy throughout your day.

Ben Katt, a meditation teacher and author of *The Way Home*, shares his transformative journey from minister to spiritual coach. He explores the hero's journey as a framework for navigating midlife changes, emphasizing the importance of inner work and authenticity. Ben discusses the impact of burnout and the need to reclaim one's heart and purpose. He offers practical tools like meditation and journaling to support personal growth, while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths and cultivate meaningful relationships during transitions.

Adreanna Limbach, a mindfulness and meditation teacher known for her expert-guided sessions, offers insights on cultivating joy through relaxation. She emphasizes that joy comes from appreciation rather than being forced. During the discussion, Adreanna guides listeners in using breath as an anchor, softening tension, and recognizing pleasant sensations in breathing. She reassures participants of the safety in relaxation and encourages gratitude for taking time for oneself, making it a nurturing experience toward inner peace and joy.

Today’s encore episode is with guest Katy Milkman, Wharton University Professor and author of the national bestseller, How to Change, The Science of Getting from Where you are to Where you Want to Be. The book was named one of the top 8 books for healthy living in 2021 by the NY Times. Katy has devoted her career to the study of behavior change, inspired by the fact that 40% of premature deaths are due to behaviors and habits we can actually change. She discusses the importance of understanding the barriers that stand between you and the change you’re trying to make so that you can find the right solution to each particular roadblock. Turning an uphill battle into a downhill one is one of the keys to success. She goes through the most common barriers which tend to be short-term rewards or instant gratification, procrastination, and forgetfulness. She provides some great research and tools to support habit change. Encore.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ashley Turner, a meditation expert featured in the Meditation Studio app, guides listeners through the transformative practice of radical acceptance. She shares techniques to help release control and reduce anxiety, emphasizing the importance of observing thoughts and feelings. The discussion highlights the art of letting things be, encouraging emotional connection and self-compassion. Listeners are invited to embrace the present moment, fostering inner peace and gratitude as they navigate life's challenges.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor at MIT and author of *Life Is Hard*, explores how philosophy aids in facing life’s challenges. He shares personal struggles with chronic pain and rejects the myth of the ideal life, advocating for a 'good enough' existence. Kieran emphasizes the importance of hope, adapting to hardship, and valuing daily processes over achievements. His insights encourage listeners to confront their own notions of meaning, regret, and the nature of happiness in the face of suffering.

Join meditation expert Chrissy Carter, known for her work with the Meditation Studio app, as she shares powerful techniques for enhancing focus. She emphasizes the importance of clear intentions as a compass for action. Discover how to identify your priorities and align your efforts to avoid wasting energy. Learn to set boundaries and assertively say no to distractions. Chrissy also offers practical tips, like using reminders, to help you maintain focus. This enlightening conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to regain clarity and calm.

Gretchen Rubin, a bestselling author and podcaster known for her deep exploration of happiness and habits, shares her insights on cultivating joy in everyday life. She reveals how embracing novelty can boost happiness, alongside the importance of strong relationships and personal energy. Rubin explains her Four Tendencies framework, helping listeners understand their behavior patterns. She also emphasizes practical habit changes and actionable goals, showcasing her strategy for finding happiness through both mindfulness and tailored approaches.