Good Life Project - podcast cover

Good Life Project

Jonathan Fields / Acastwww.goodlifeproject.com
What does it mean to live a good life? Is it about happiness, health, friendship, love, or meaning? What about work, wealth, purpose, service, or something else? Can you live a good life even when things are hard? These are the questions and topics we explore every week in conversation with leading voices from health, science, art, industry, mindset, and culture, like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Mel Robbins, Alex, Elle, Adam Grant, Elizabeth Gilbert, Yung Pueblo, Maya Shankar, Mitch Albom, Glennon Doyle & hundreds more. The New York Times says, "the show’s holistic approach to fulfillment is bound to resonate." Listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

How To Be You | Jeffrey Marsh

Non-binary author Jeffrey Marsh shares their journey from childhood rejection to joyfully embracing identity. They explore finding life-changing language/community, the path out of self-hatred, and why pronouns matter for human dignity. Marsh dives into myths of control, self-acceptance beyond gender/sexuality, and actively cultivating happiness. Their hard-won wisdom offers an inspiring roadmap for living authentically from their groundbreaking book, How To Be You . An uplifting must-listen on ...

Jun 10, 20241 hr 3 min

How to Break Bad Habits & Create Lasting Change | Nicole Vignola

What if you could rewire your brain to dismantle limiting beliefs and negativity? Neuroscientist Nicole Vignola reveals the power of neuroplasticity in this fascinating listen. Drawing from her book, Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change (Your Neurotoolkit for Everyday Life) , Nicole provides a roadmap to upgrade your neural circuitry through visualization, meditation, and science-backed practices. You'll learn to overcome subconscious programming and negativity ...

Jun 06, 202458 min

Maggie Smith | Good Bones, Good Life

Poet Maggie Smith candidly unpacks the lightning strike success of her viral 2016 poem "Good Bones" and how it strained her marriage, ultimately unraveling - an upheaval she unflinchingly explores in her vulnerable memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful . Smith discusses metabolizing life's "unanswerable mysteries" through writing, going viral as an introvert, modeling authenticity for her kids, and our struggle to embrace life's "andness." With radiant honesty, she pursues the uncomplicated...

Jun 03, 202455 min

Rethinking Happiness, What We’re Getting Wrong | Stephanie Harrison

What if everything society told you about how to find happiness was misleading? My guest Stephanie Harrison, author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong , challenges the cultural conditioning around chasing achievements, wealth, and status as the path to joy. She provides insights from positive psychology research and her own experience with depression to unravel the myths behind our collective pursuit of happiness. Stephanie offers a practical philosophy centered...

May 30, 202455 min

How Rituals and Habits Make Life Better | Michael Norton

What's the difference between habits and rituals, and how can everyday routines shape our lives? Author Michael Norton reveals the hidden power of rituals in his new book, The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions . Discover how rituals create meaning, bind groups, help us grieve, and provoke a diversity of emotions. Learn to appreciate current rituals and add new ones to enhance your relationships, mental health, personal growth and more. Michael’...

May 27, 202459 min

How To Heal Injury, Illness & Disease with Regenerative Medicine | Dr. Adeel Khan

Could regenerative medicine transform how we treat disease and even reverse aging? Dr. Adeel Khan shares groundbreaking insights on leveraging stem cells, gene editing, and tissue engineering to unlock healthcare's full potential. Learn how induced pluripotent stem cells are being used to regrow neurons in Parkinson's patients' brains. Hear about revolutionary gene therapies that could permanently alter genetics to cure chronic illnesses. Discover the incredible possibilities emerging at the int...

May 23, 20241 hr 2 min

Rethinking Sex, Desire and Intimacy | Spotlight Convo

Unlock the secrets to a mind-blowing sex life and deeper intimacy. This boundary-pushing episode brings together three trailblazing experts to shatter myths and reignite your desire. Vanessa Marin provides communication exercises and a "sex menu" to explore new realms of pleasure. Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are , shares neuroscience insights to rewire your brain for extraordinary orgasms. And Nicole Prause reveals cutting-edge research on using brain stimulation to boost libido or redu...

May 20, 20242 hr 30 min

How to Get Unstuck, A Scientific Approach | Britt Frank

Feeling stuck and can't break free? Neuropsychotherapist and author Britt Frank shares science-based insights on getting unstuck. Learn what underlies stuckness, how to reframe procrastination, collaborate with your inner parts, and move forward with self-compassion. Britt offers eye-opening new perspectives on relationships, play, possibility and more. Discover her powerful tools from The Getting Unstuck Workbook: Practical Tools for Overcoming Fear and Doubt - and Moving Forward with Your Life...

May 17, 202459 min

How to Make the Mundane Feel Magical (Including Relationships) | Cass Sunstein

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions without fully appreciating life's gifts? My guest Cass Sunstein, co-author of Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There , explores how we unintentionally become desensitized to the amazing parts of our lives through "habituation." Learn how shaking up routines can reawaken childlike awe and help you see your relationships, work, and world with fresh eyes again. Cass shares fascinating research on habituation and practical ...

May 13, 202458 min

How to Keep the Spark Alive: Secrets from 40 Years of Love Research with Drs. Julie and John Gottman

What makes love last decades instead of years? After studying thousands of couples, Drs. Julie and John Gottman discovered what separates the masters from the disasters. Learn their research-backed secrets, like the 5:1 magic ratio, bids for connection, and the 4 horsemen to avoid. It's all here - including insights from their book, Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love . You can find The Gottman's at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’l...

May 09, 20241 hr 5 min

Free Will is a Lie | Robert Sapolsky

What if everything you think about free will is an illusion? Behavioral scientist Robert Sapolsky makes a provocative case that free will is largely fiction. Drawing from his book, Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will , he deconstructs the idea through neurobiology, genetics, and anthropology. Sapolsky explores startling implications for criminal justice, achievement, and being human. From reframing punishment to questioning meritocracy, he doesn't flinch from disruptive conclusions. ...

May 06, 20241 hr 5 min

How to Stop Overthinking & Dial Down Chatter | Emiliya Zhivotovskaya

Feeling weighed down by incessant overthinking and anxiety? Unlock shockingly simple mindset shifts to disarm unhelpful mental chatter and regain control. Positive psychology expert Emiliya Zhivotovskaya reveals the core forms of draining thought patterns like worry spirals, harsh self-judgment and obsessive rumination. More importantly, you'll learn potent "talk-back" tricks to befriend (not fight) your inner voice. Subdue the overthinking monster keeping you stuck. Tap into newfound mental cal...

May 02, 20241 hr 11 min

How to Make Life-Changing Friendships | Spotlight Convo

In our disconnected world, are you longing for deeper bonds and a true sense of belonging? Discover how to cultivate extraordinary friendships, nurture healing communities, and transform the way you show up in relationships. This powerful episode brings together three trailblazers - Mia Birdsong on reimagining family beyond the nuclear model, Dr. Marisa Franco sharing the science of making profound platonic connections, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford illuminating the restorative magic of women's ci...

Apr 29, 20241 hr 4 min

How to Unlock Potential You Never Knew You Had | Jeff Karp

What if overcoming challenges and living an extraordinary life is simpler than you think? Jeff Karp shares his unlikely journey from a struggling student to pioneering Harvard professor and serial entrepreneur. Jeff developed a toolbox of “life ignition” practices to unlock creativity and possibility, despite learning differences. He reveals how embracing curiosity transformed his work and relationships. We explore tools to spark ideas, reframe failure, and lower the “activation energy” for chan...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 17 min

Elizabeth Gilbert | The Simple Practice That Changed Her Life (and might change yours)

What if writing simple letters of love to yourself could change everything? Liz Gilbert shares an unusual practice that became her lifeline during painful times. Discover how tapping into self-compassion through daily letter writing provides surprising wisdom and comfort. Liz explains the transformative power of listening to your heart's guidance - something she now shares with thousands on her popular Substack, Letters From Love . Learn to turn inward and receive the unconditional love and supp...

Apr 21, 20241 hr 4 min

How Thinking About Death Can Change Your Life | Alua Arthur

What if facing mortality could unlock the secret to living fully? My guest Alua Arthur, a death doula and author of Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End , knows firsthand how confronting death can transform how we live. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into taboo topics like grief, loss, and our cultural avoidance of mortality. Alua shares insights from her deeply personal journey of embracing end-of-life experiences, leading to more meaning, ...

Apr 18, 202454 min

How to Be Fully You in a Relationship | Mark Groves & Kylie McBeath

Are you ready to break free from codependent patterns and create authentic connection? Mark Groves and Kylie McBeath share transformative insights from their new book, Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire on how to heal attachment wounds, set boundaries, and communicate openly to find freedom in your relationships. Learn why we conform to societal expectations, how to tap into your body's wisdom, and steps for becoming interdependent without losing yourself...

Apr 15, 20241 hr 5 min

How to Get Unstuck & Finish What Matters | Charlie Gilkey

Struggling to focus and finish what matters most? Learn how to build momentum and transform your identity from idea generator to accomplished doer on this episode with Charlie Gilkey, author of Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done . Discover why we fail to be productive, then rewire your brain, schedule, and actions to see beyond distractions. Implement "focus blocks" during peak energy times. Make conscious choices to displace low-value activities. Finish a small number of important pro...

Apr 11, 20241 hr 20 min

How to Build a Creative Career (and make great money) | Joy Sullivan

What does it take to leave behind the safety of a corporate career to wholeheartedly pursue your creative passions? In this inspiring conversation, poet Joy Sullivan pulls back the curtain on her journey from accomplished marketing professional to full-time artist and author of the new poetry collection Instructions for Traveling West . She busts myths that you have to starve, suffer, or lose it all to follow your dreams, revealing how she built her portfolio career through courage, commitment a...

Apr 08, 20241 hr 3 min

Anne Lamott | Seeing Love in Everything

Beloved author Anne Lamott joins us to share profound wisdom and insights from her seven decades of living, loving, and learning. In her latest book Somehow: Thoughts on Love , she compiles a lifetime of lessons on compassion, community, and the inner life to help us endure life's turbulence. Anne reflects on the power of vulnerability, finding your true self, and becoming an unlikely elder. She explores unforgettable metaphors like doors, hinges, and minus tides. With her trademark wit and cand...

Apr 04, 20241 hr

How to Breathe Through Grief | Claire Bidwell Smith

What if leaning into grief could lead to profound personal growth? My guest Claire Bidwell Smith, therapist and author of Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss , shares how engaging with your pain fully can uncover meaning and purpose. We discuss the gift hidden within life’s losses, how to healthily process complicated grief, the importance of rituals and community, continuing bonds with the deceased, and more. Claire explains how grief transformed her life after lo...

Apr 01, 202458 min

How to Achieve Financial Freedom: Jen Sincero & Vivian Tu | Spotlight Convo

Jen Sincero went from being broke and depressed to a #1 New York Times bestselling author with You Are a Badass and You Are a Badass at Making Money . Vivian Tu escaped Wall Street to build a viral online finance empire and now author of the new book, Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life. These two powerhouse women share their incredible journeys and hard-won wisdom on how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success. Jen and Vivian get vulnerable about overcoming f...

Mar 28, 202454 min

The Power of Contagious Generosity | Chris Anderson

Can generosity go viral? TED curator Chris Anderson believes it can in our hyperconnected world. In his new book Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading , Chris explores how small acts of kindness can ripple out in surprising ways. Learn how to tap into the asymmetric power of generosity, fight online negativity with delight, and share stories that light up human emotions. Chris and host Jonathan Fields discuss how practicing courage, creativity and authenticity can help spread ...

Mar 25, 202457 min

The Surprising Secret to Finding Calm in a Stormy Life | Morgan Housel

Are you struggling to keep up in a world of dizzying change? My guest Morgan Housel offers a surprising solution: focus on timeless truths. In his book Same As Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes , Morgan reveals how embracing enduring aspects of human nature can be our guide. We discuss how masterful storytelling moves hearts more than facts, how to balance uncertainty with possibility, and why there’s no formula for “the good life” except the one you design yourself. Join us for a fascinating ...

Mar 21, 20241 hr 11 min

Science-backed Tools to Dial-down Stress | Dr. Jenny Taitz

Feeling overwhelmed and defeated by stress? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, UCLA psychologist and author of Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes , Dr. Jenny Taitz shares how reframing your mindset transforms your relationship with stress and anxiety. Discover science-backed techniques to shift thought patterns, regulate emotions, and tap into inner resilience—allowing you to thrive while pursuing a meaningful life, not just survive. Whether it’s parent burn...

Mar 18, 20241 hr 2 min

How to Unwind Anxiety | Dr. Jud Brewer

Neuroscientist and addiction expert Dr. Judson Brewer unveils a practical, evidence-based approach to transforming your relationship with anxiety. Learn how to "unwind" worry and fear by understanding the habit loop of anxiety, applying mindfulness tools, and accessing your brain's innate wisdom. Discover why anxiety persists and how retraining your brain can create more ease and joy, drawing from Jud's research and bestselling book, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles o...

Mar 14, 20241 hr 2 min

How to Set Goals You Actually Achieve (and love along the way) | Jon Acuff

What fuels your biggest dreams? How do you set goals that light you up instead of burn you out? New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff reveals how to ditch external pressures and re-center your goals around joy. Jon explains why starting with a "fun goal" builds confidence for bigger dreams, and how to stay motivated by tapping into creative flow states. Learn how to define success on your own terms through Jon's unique 3-step methodology from his new book All It Takes Is A Goal: The 3-Step...

Mar 11, 20241 hr 11 min

How to Rewrite the Narrative on Aging | Ashton Applewhite

Ageism distorts how we view aging and harms us at every stage of life. My guest today, Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism , reveals where these stereotypes come from and how they seep into our minds. She explains powerful ways we can identify and challenge ageism in ourselves, our communities, and society. Ashton shares eye-opening facts that counteract myths about decline, along with steps to build a more age-inclusive world. If getting older fills you wit...

Mar 07, 202459 min

Dismantling Anxiety & Generational Trauma Through Mindfulness | Dan Harris

After an on-air panic attack, ABC anchor Dan Harris, author of the 10-year anniversary edition of "10% Happier,"  embarked on a quest to understand his lifelong anxiety. If you've ever experienced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or a fear of coming undone, don't miss this uplifting conversation with Dan Harris on living more fully and freely. Harris traces generational roots back to a suicidal great-grandfather, realizing he could either be crushed by these demons or befriend them. This cris...

Mar 04, 20241 hr 2 min

The Stunning Science of Mind-Body Unity | Ellen Langer

What if being more mindful could lead to better health, happiness and fulfillment? Pioneering psychologist Ellen Langer reveals how on this week's episode. Known as the "mother of mindfulness," Ellen shares insights from over 45 years of research showing how our thoughts directly impact our physical and mental well-being. Learn simple yet profound tips to become more present, question assumptions and unlock healthier living. Ellen explains how mindfulness is about engaging actively with the pres...

Feb 29, 20241 hr 5 min