Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

Join Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and acclaimed author, as he discusses the transformative power of mindfulness for those living with chronic pain. He shares insights on reframing our relationship with discomfort, emphasizing the importance of befriending sensations rather than seeking immediate relief. Explore how alternating attention between pain and pleasure can ease suffering, and discover meditation as a path to compassion and unity. Jon invites listeners to embrace their authentic selves through mindful practices.

In this engaging discussion, Tama Kieves, a former Harvard Law graduate turned author and coach, shares her journey of leaving a successful legal career to embrace her true calling. She delves into the tension between self-doubt and faith, emphasizing how kindness can unlock creativity. Tama recounts personal stories about her parents, reveals the transformative power of choosing love over practicality, and offers practical tools for connecting with one's inner guidance. Join her as she inspires listeners to follow their unique breadcrumbs of desire.

In a heartfelt conversation, Anne Lamott, best-selling author known for her humorous insights on faith and self-care, shares her thoughts on radical self-care as essential for well-being. She emphasizes that accepting oneself is crucial before being able to support others. Anne explores the feminist roots of self-care, discusses overcoming childhood struggles with self-acceptance, and highlights the power of humor and honesty in healing body image issues. With actionable advice, she encourages a nurturing approach to self-kindness.

Shai Tubali, a trained yogi and wisdom teacher with a doctorate in the philosophy of religion, joins to share insights on 'heart intelligence.' They discuss how emotional flexibility is key for trauma healing. Tubali emphasizes the difference between heart knowing and linear thinking, suggesting that the heart should guide our decisions. In a world increasingly influenced by AI, he argues for the unique, noncomputable nature of heart intelligence. Overall, the conversation explores how keeping the heart open enhances resilience and compassion.

Tara Brach, a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher, discusses the fusion of spirituality and therapy with Tami Simon. They explore how therapists can meet individuals in pain and the importance of openness to suffering. Tara introduces the RAIN method for processing pain and emphasizes the significance of loving awareness. The duo examines how emotional integration promotes spiritual growth, and share insights on grief, radical acceptance, and the power of connection. Their conversation highlights the collective nature of suffering and the need for compassionate presence in healing.

Diana Hill, PhD, a clinical psychologist and international ACT trainer, shares insights from her book, Wise Effort. She discusses the distinction between surface-level goals and deep motivations, emphasizing the importance of aligning with one's true values. Diana offers practical exercises, like flipping pain into valuable insights and identifying personal genius qualities. Learn about daily 'choice points' that shape our lives and how to develop psychological flexibility to navigate challenges and foster meaningful change.

James Hollis, a Jungian analyst and author, dives deep into personal fulfillment and responsibility. He discusses how childhood experiences shape adult behavior and emphasizes reconnecting with one’s inner authority. Fear and lethargy are explored as barriers to living fully, urging listeners to embrace boldness. Hollis also reflects on the significance of embracing life's mysteries and the journey of ongoing self-discovery. His insights encourage a reimagining of personal destinies and the importance of listening to the soul's true calling.

In this engaging chat, Vanessa Bennett, a depth psychotherapist and author of The Motherhood Myth, tackles the societal myths that perpetuate discontent in relationships and motherhood. She explores how resentment can reveal unhealthy patterns and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming personal agency. Vanessa shares her own experiences of chaos and healing through community rituals and practical tools like the Consent Tool. With sharp insights on codependency and authentic parenting, she encourages listeners to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves.

Explore how matrimony acts as a “mothering” force of culture in this conversation with Stephen Jenkinson that shines a light on the wedding ritual, marriage, and their deeper layers. Has our modern culture lost the original empowering nature of the wedding day and of marriage itself? In this episode of Insights at the Edge, host Tami Simon welcomes Stephen Jenkinson—culture activist, founder of the Orphan Wisdom School, and author of the forthcoming book Matrimony. Here, Jenkinson explores the difference between weddings, marriage, and matrimony, revealing how authentic ritual can heal cultural wounds and foster community. Drawing from his new book and years of experience, he shares why matrimony is not just a private act but a vital, communal force that shapes the heart of culture itself. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Listeners of Insights At The Edge get 10% off their first month at www.betterhelp.com/soundstrue. Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.  

Discover the wisdom and practical lessons Clea Shearer gained on her cancer journey. This episode offers hope, humor, and supportive insights for anyone facing a serious physical illness or any of life’s other monumental challenges. Clea Shearer discusses her new book, Cancer Is Complicated. With host Tami Simon, the author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Home Edit shares her journey through a stage two breast cancer diagnosis, the emotional and physical complexities of treatment, and the surprising gifts that emerged along the way. Learn how Clea’s experience reshaped her perspectives on life purpose and helping others, and how to support yourself or someone you love in navigating physical illness or other serious challenges. Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.