In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss the five love languages outlined by the work of Dr. Gary Chapman. Though these do not have significant scientific support, we felt they were still helpful to discuss as conversation starters for examining the many ways in which we love others and also receive love in return. Words of Affirmation Acts of Service Receiving Gifts Quality Time Physical Touch
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss the importance of travel. Travel helps us connect to our selves and others while also helping to reframe the ordinary.
In this episode, Jeremiah and E explore friendship. Friendship feels validating, honest, and kind and can look like sharing joys, experiences, and troubles. Healthy friendship does not always include shared values, it isn't without conflict, and it isn't always available. Please join us as we examine the importance of our relationships with our friends.
In this episode, Jeremiah and E explore what it means to share life and find joy in their passions. Though this episode is very conversational and freeform, there are three main anchor points discussed: Know what you love Practice what you love Sacrifice for what you love
In this episode, Jeremiah and E wrap up the fourth and final installment of their series on critical thinking. This episode also serves as part two of a discussion about wisdom, discernment. and the scientific method. Here they explore the intersections of philosophy and science to examine how we arrive at truth. Using stoic principles and some major themes from various schools of philosophy, Jeremiah breaks down the quest for truth and meaning into three categories. Taking personal responsibili...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E continue exploring critical thinking. Parts 1 and 2 were about logical fallacies and cognitive biases. Now, part 3 moves the conversation forward into philosophy and science. The main branches of Philosophy are: Axiology: Study of the nature of value and valuation Metaphysics: Study of the fundamental nature of reality Epistemology: Study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge Ethics Philosophy: Study of what is right and wrong in human behavior Aest...
In this episode of Good to Talk, Jeremiah and E explore further into thinking critically by way of cognitive biases. Cognitive biases are our systematic inclinations towards certain patterns of erroneous thinking or "irrationality." The most important difference between biases and the fallacies discussed in our previous episode is that biases affect how you interpret and process information, while fallacies relate to how you construct your arguments and communicate your ideas.
In this episode of the Good to Talk podcast, Jeremiah and E discuss eight logical fallacies to consider when thinking critically. Logical fallacies are flaws in an argument that weakens the argument or makes the conclusion invalid. These flaws, which may be committed deliberately or by accident, include drawing of false conclusions, distortion of an issue, an erroneous line of reasoning, misuse of evidence, or misuse of language. Burden of Proof Genetic Anecdotal Evidence Black or White Thinking...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E look back on some of the year behind and explore what it means to set sustainable resolutions or goals for the future. Setting goals with a sense of realism and intention can be incredibly helpful as we look ahead. Jeremiah points out that in setting sustainable resolutions we must accept responsibility, find inspiration within ourselves, celebrate progress, remain disciplined, and realize that contentment and happiness are here now throughout the journey. To ever...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss ending the year well. Though life tends to get extra busy for the last part of the year, it is important to be intentional with our time. Making space for relationships, rest, and reflection can help the holiday season feel less chaotic and allow us to set our next year up with a sense of closure and catharsis. Happy holidays from Jeremiah and E! We wish you a safe and meaningful season and we look forward to more good talks next year....
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss thankfulness and its benefits. Thankfulness helps us evaluate our lives more accurately and reframe away from our brains' hardwired pattern of constantly looking for what's missing, instead shifting its focus towards what's happening in the present. It centers us back to the now and empowers us to reconnect to the available options that bring pleasure and peace that are already readily accessible to us. Keeping a headspace of gratitude helps us genuinely f...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss anger again, this time from the perspective of how to control it. In approaching our own anger, it is important to consider it before it happens, be mindful of it while we're experiencing it, and to examine it after we've felt it as well. Anger can not only be a tool for pointing us towards deeper emotions, but it can also help us strengthen our significant relationships if we understand how to interact with it and harness it. The goal isn't to be perfect,...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss anger, understanding it and how to communicate through it. Healthy anger states, “I am angry because I am valuable and am not being treated as valuable.” It is connected to our sense of self. Anger can get a bit of a bad rap, but it isn't a bad emotion. It only becomes hurtful in the way that we use it and communicate with it. Consider the differences between observation and perception, take pause and ask yourself what is beneath this anger that I am feeli...
In this episode Jeremiah and E discuss how to more intentionally listen through the backronym E.M.P.A.T.H.Y. Empathy is the ability or practice of imagining or trying to deeply understand what someone else is feeling or what it’s like to be in their situation. Empathy is often described as the ability to feel what others are feeling as if you are feeling it yourself. Listening well requires: E: Emotional Engagement M: Mirror P: Pause, Paraphrase, Label, and Summarize A: Avoid Judgement T: Tone a...
In this, the third and last installment in our Vocation series, we approach finding a career from an existential perspective. Jeremiah and E advocate for knowing self, staying in balance and trusting the process, and remaining open handed to new experiences. This episode is structured around the Delphic Maxims inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Originally, they were said to have been given by the Greek god Apollo's Oracle at Delphi. The three maxims are: "Know Thyself" (Nosce te ipsum)...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E explore vocation through the lens of the Stoic philosophy of Summum Bonum. We consider asking ourselves a question Alan Watts posed often, "what do we desire?" or differently put, "what makes us happy?" We then add a secondary question of, "who does our desire serve, who does it help?" Considering what makes us happy and how we can positively impact others can be a simple way to figure out what we might want to do for our vocation or how we might like to spend our...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss the topic of vocation through the first of three lenses. This first part is focused on the normative, or big ideas, frame of reference. We ask ourselves about our gifts and abilities, what our desires and dreams might be, and finally who might be our chosen community. Or more simply phrased: "What are you good at?" "What do you like to do?" "Who do you like to be with?" We hope you find this discussion helpful and practical....
In this episode, Jeremiah and E talk about why the freedom to be different is so valuable. Innovators, dreamers, visionaries, and really everyone can be a little weird. It is good to find ourselves and live authentically. This enables us to express and create in beautiful new ways and ultimately benefits society by championing inclusivity, empathy, actualization, and freedom.
On this week's episode Jeremiah and E, discuss connecting with the self and finding intimacy with others. Most of us have preferences in the ways we give and receive intimacy. Knowing self and knowing others in your world gives you greater perspicacity in giving and receiving. It is important to remember that there are no formal areas of intimacy, and all ideas of intimacy overlap and sync up. You are a complex being capable of experiencing many levels of desire, connection, and emotion all at o...
Safe and secure (I am safe) Loved and Valuable (I am lovable) Strong and Capable (I am enough) The tricky part for our self worth or the ways we value ourselves, is this is often taught to us first by our parents and caregivers and ultimately becomes our core beliefs, which are usually formed before the age of seven. These beliefs impact all kinds of our behaviors, both conscious and unconscious, and can often be the hidden road map to where we direct our lives. “Who am I” then tends to be a que...
Jeremiah and E discuss finding meaning through art. One definition of art is the human activity of creating items and experiences that engage the thoughts, emotions, and senses and that communicates and connects with the beholder. Our hope is to offer some handholds for engaging art, and through art, a chance to better access meaning within ourselves and others. Tolstoy defined art as the following: "Art is a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain extern...
Jeremiah and E talk about how to stay motivated and not feel defeated before ever beginning. Jeremiah breaks down the steps leading up to taking action and posits that we often see the process of learning new things and accomplishing our goals backwards. Putting things back in order helps us to give ourselves grace throughout the learning process and better commit to following through.
Jeremiah and E discuss what it means to love well. Healthy love risks vulnerability and is connected to purpose (why), committed to service (who), and considerate of self (how). Though it manifests in many different ways, Jeremiah and E share a few personal examples of how they have experienced love. See also amor fati and sympatheia.
In this episode, Jeremiah and E finish discussing the Enneagram focusing on the Instinctive Center. Keys to remember when it comes to the Enneagram: Awareness is what leads to transformation. Remember, that as you learn more about yourself, your type, and your center, the key is to let that self awareness lead to letting go, not further striving. Let the learning lead to freedom from self, releasing yourself from the ego’s fixation that first protected and served you, but which now can be releas...
In this episode, Jeremiah and E discuss the Thinking Triad or Enneagram types 5, 6, and 7. Enneagram type 5 is the Thinker, type 6 the Loyalist, and type 7 the Enthusiast. The main themes of this triad are anxiety and security, always looking for inner guidance and support. The Head Center is future focused, subconsciously wondering, "What is going to happen to me?, How can I prepare?, Will I be okay?" Remember awareness leads to transformation. As you learn more about yourself, your type, and y...
This week Jeremiah and E focus on Enneagram types 2, 3, and 4, also known as the feelings or heart center. Awareness leads to transformation: Remember that as you learn more about yourself, your type, and your center, the key is to let that self awareness lead to letting go, not further striving. Let the learning lead to freedom from self, releasing yourself from the ego’s fixation that first protected and served you, but which now can be released. Look for helpful supplementary content related ...
As an introduction to the enneagram, Jeremiah and E discuss its history and general philosophy. They briefly cover each of the nine personality types and categorize them into triads, while encouraging the listener to visit https://goodtotalks.com for a visual aid to help clarify some of the more detailed aspects of the enneagram's structure. This is part one of four. In later episodes, each of the three triads will be explored in more detail.
Past: Depression vs Thankful | Present: Disconnected vs Grateful | Future: Anxious vs Hopeful ------ There are two mindsets that matter: active and passive. With a passive mind, things happen to you and you're not responsible for them. An active mind, on the other hand, means ownership. The difference between a passive and active mind is easy to spot. For example, if someone arrives late because of traffic, do they blame the traffic or take ownership and say they failed to account for traffic....
Self care is not selfishness. We must care for ourselves to have anything to then offer to others. Giving from emptiness leads to burnout (self) and resentment (others). Giving from fullness leads to harmony (self) and empathy (others). Filling our tanks enables us to fill the tanks of others. We must put our own oxygen masks on first before helping our companions.
When you are free of outside sources defining you, you are free. You are free to be absolutely present in this moment without rejecting anything about it, remembering what has always been there. Health is in some ways a measure of our capacity to be present. The healthier we are, the more we are able to be here, grounded in our bodies, with our hearts open and our minds quiet and focused. In this state, we are more likely to be functioning more effectively in the world, more in touch with our fe...
