Discover seven powerful maxims that can redefine your approach to life and unlock a more fulfilling existence. As I, Craig Van Slyke, reflect on the journey of Live Well and Flourish, I'm proud to share the wisdom that has not only shaped this podcast but also my personal path to flourishing. This centennial celebration is more than a milestone—it's a testament to the transformative power of combining philosophy and psychology to navigate life's ups and downs. Whether you're a long-time listener...
Feb 26, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 100
Reflecting on the profound legacy left by my late wife, Debbie, I was reminded of the incredible impact one individual's goodness can have. In our latest heart-to-heart podcast episode, I delve into the essence of what it means to be good, exploring the internal characteristics and external behaviors that embody a life led by virtue and reason. From personal anecdotes to the wisdom of ancient philosophers, we navigate the pursuit of personal betterment and its significance in our lives and the c...
Feb 12, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 99
Have you ever faced a setback and wondered how it could possibly lead to success? Let me, Craig Van Slyke, reveal to you the transformative power of the 3A's method: Acceptance, Analysis, and Adjustment, in the latest episode of Live Well and Flourish. We'll unravel the intricate relationship between failure and success, and I'll share my own experiences to show you that failure isn't the end road—it's a critical part of the journey towards achieving your dreams. This conversation will reframe y...
Jan 29, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 98
Are you steering your life with conviction, or are you waiting for someone else to hand you the reins? Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as we unpack the concept of personal agency and its transformative impact on life. Life's complexities often leave us second-guessing our abilities, yearning for permission, and fearing risks. But here, we challenge these barriers head-on. Craig discuses the critical role of personal agency in leading a life of flourishing, not just existing. Grasp the virtue of practi...
Jan 15, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 97
Ever pondered on the potency of tiny pledges of bravery? The promise is simple - small, consistent acts of courage can transform your life, leading to personal growth and ethical evolution. Dare to diverge from the traditional concept of courage being linked only to physical bravery, and unearth a new perspective of courage - the audacity to live a life of virtue and reason. Discover how these minor, but pivotal acts of bravery can nourish the development of moral fiber, lead to societal benefit...
Jan 01, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 96
Embrace a unique lens to view the power of special days. Tune in and find out how celebrating holidays and special days can enhance our lives, not just religiously, but also through fostering community, self-reflection, and personal renewal. While the joy of gathering and sharing brings us closer, these occasions also remind us of the importance of relationships in our everyday lives, not just on special days. Dive deeper into the significance of self-reflection during these times, a key tool to...
Dec 25, 2023•6 min•Season 2Ep. 95
In this deeply thought-provoking episode of Live Well and Flourish, I, Craig Van Slyke, present a compelling narrative that explores the profound connection between perspective and our subjective reality. Want to learn how to harness the power of perspective and shape your experiences? This discussion unravels the intricate tapestry of how perspective colors your reality, highlighting the control you possess over your outlook and how mastering it can lead to a more satisfying life. Drawing from ...
Dec 18, 2023•15 min•Season 2Ep. 94
Drawing wisdom from the resiliency of the Appalachian people, this episode is a deep exploration of the old saying, "what cannot be cured, must be endured." As your host, Craig Van Slyke, I bridge the gap between this profound outlook and the core belief of Stoicism - the acceptance that some things are within our control and others aren't. I take you on a journey, not only across the rough Appalachian terrain, but also to the storm-ridden Gulf Coast, where people's resilience shines through the...
Dec 11, 2023•6 min•Season 2Ep. 93
Imagine there's a vast well of wisdom around you, just waiting to be tapped into. That's the premise we explore in today's episode of Live Well and Flourish. Guided by the mantra 'See your Possibilities, not your Limitations,' your host Craig Van Slyke takes you through his journey of discovering wisdom in the most unexpected places. From the lyrics of a song to the shifting patterns of nature, he unravels how everyday experiences serve as a rich source of wisdom. We also delve into the concept ...
Dec 04, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 92
What if being polite to a chatbot could improve your own habits? Imagine if even your smallest interactions with AI could lead to personal growth! Welcome to an unconventional exploration of AI and habits in Live Well and Flourish. I, your host Craig Van Slyke, unearth the surprising connection between my fascination with AI chatbot, chat GPT, and my ingrained manners. Join me as I unravel how my interactions with this non-sentient software, shaped by my lifelong politeness, reflect the deep-roo...
Nov 27, 2023•6 min•Season 2Ep. 91
What if there was a tool so powerful it could transform your life, providing clarity around your virtues, values, beliefs, and purpose? Welcome to this episode of 'Live Well and Flourish', where Craig guides you through the creation of that very tool - a personal manifesto. This invaluable document helps align your life's purpose, goals, and intentions with the essence of who you are and aspire to be. We'll take an in-depth look at the internal and external components of a manifesto, helping you...
Nov 20, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 90
Striving for perfection might seem like an exercise in futility, but what if the pursuit itself holds the key to a fulfilling life? This thought-provoking discussion peels back the layers on our relentless quest for perfection. We dive deep into the Stoic principle of the 'Procopton', the ideal embodiment of the one who aspires for perfect wisdom and virtue while simultaneously accepting their inherent flaws. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, we illuminate the path toward th...
Nov 13, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 89
Promising to shed light on an aspect of virtue often overlooked, I, Craig Van Slyke, invite you to join me on a journey to uncover the power of grace. This episode serves as a compass to guide you through the intersection of grace and virtue, an exploration revealing grace as an embodiment of virtue. Let's challenge the belief that only a divine entity can extend grace, realizing the potential of every individual to bestow this invaluable gift. By understanding grace as unmerited favor, we'll se...
Nov 06, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 88
Ever wondered how you could shift your perspective to navigate life's challenges? This episode might just have the answers. Craig dives into the wisdom behind the saying, "You can't control the cards you're dealt, only how you play them." Explore the power of reframing your life story with us, using narrative therapy techniques, as we share the inspiring journey of Sally, a woman who rose from adversity to success. Embrace uncertainty with Craig, as he recounts an unplanned adventure in Ireland ...
Oct 30, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 87
Ready to debunk the misconceptions about Stoicism? Often associated with the aggressive, competitive 'bro culture', Stoicism is in fact a philosophy that champions tranquility, virtue, and reason. Craig demystifies Stoicism and navigating its richness and applicability to everyone. You'll learn how Stoicism is not about material success, but about understanding the dichotomy of control, the power of mindfulness, and the ability to practice virtues such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom...
Oct 23, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 86
Ever found yourself tangled in the stress of life, fretting over things beyond your control? Then you'll want to hear about my life-altering trip to Aruba and the unexpected wisdom it bestowed upon me. I learned to embrace the concept of 'the Aruba moment', a lesson in accepting the journey as its own reward. My story will lead you to rethink your perspective and comprehend the substantial difference it can make in your overall enjoyment of life. This conversation turns to the ancient practice o...
Oct 16, 2023•6 min•Season 2Ep. 85
Discover ancient wisdom wrapped in modern relevance as we explore Hieroclese's concentric circles of community. I promise, by the end of this episode, you'll understand how this philosophy, steeped in a duty to others, can enhance your connections, expand your community, and foster personal growth in today's ever-evolving world. Got a heart for empathy and a desire for action? This episode is purpose-built for you. We'll walk you through a galvanizing journey - from immediate family bonds to the...
Oct 09, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 84
What if your quirks and unique traits are not indicators of weirdness but symbols of your distinct beauty and significance? Welcome to our exciting podcast session where we celebrate the splendor of individuality, drawing parallels from the unique characteristics of Craig's dog, Maggie, a rare amalgamation of multiple breeds. Craig encourages you to embrace your distinct traits and let them shine through, reminding you that your so-called 'weirdness' might just be misunderstood manifestations of...
Oct 02, 2023•6 min•Ep. 83
Do algorithms control your attention? Wander no further, as Craig peel back the curtain on the unseen battle for your most precious resource - your attention. Discover why attention, not time, is your true currency, and learn how to guard and maximize its value in a world that's increasingly vying for your focus. He also delves into the art of mindful attention and how this simple practice can steer you towards more intentional decisions and experiences. In the second half, he switches gears to ...
Sep 25, 2023•15 min•Season 2Ep. 82
What if the world could be transformed by a simple act of kindness? Imagine a chain reaction of generosity and empathy sparked by one considerate gesture. In today’s enlightening episode, we examine the profound power and ripple effects of kindness. Delving into teachings from as far back as Proverbs and Aristotle, we dissect the essence of kindness and why it’s not just rewarding to the giver and receiver but society at large. We take a fascinating journey into the psychology of kindness, explo...
Sep 18, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 81
Have you ever contemplated the fleeting nature of life, and the unsettling yet profound truth of impermanence? There's a saying in Stoicism: 'Memento Mori', remember that you will die. It's not meant to dishearten us, but rather to inspire us to live fully, cherishing each moment and the relationships we have. We dive deep into the philosophies of Stoicism and Buddhism, exploring how these ancient wisdoms guide us to accept and embrace impermanence. Listen to how personal stories and concepts li...
Sep 11, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Imagine you're standing at a crossroads, with infinite paths before you. Do you know which route aligns best with your core values, purpose, and leads to enduring fulfillment? Craig dives into the concept of Practical Wisdom, an ancient cardinal virtue, also known as 'phronesis', that serves as your guiding compass. In his discussion, he discusses how practical wisdom binds reason and virtues together, helping you make decisions that not only align with your virtues but also put them into action...
Sep 04, 2023•6 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Do you harbor an illusion of control? Or perhaps you feel like an imposter, despite your proven competence? Are you aware of the stories you tell yourself that might not be entirely true, and yet, they shape your reality? These are the self-delusions we unravel in this episode of Live Well and Flourish. Craig explores the power and danger of these deceptions, and how they can either boost your confidence or lead you down a path of counterproductive behaviors. He discusses common self-delusions s...
Aug 28, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 78
There's a pernicious trend in society, punishing the free expression of contrary ideas. Using a recent incident from academia, Craig discusses the dangers silencing free expression poses for a free society. Drawing insights from John Stuart Mill's essay on liberty of thought and discussion, he explores the grave implications of the chilling effect on societal progress How can we progress as a society if we are afraid to challenge orthodox thinking and engage in open debate? This is the pressing ...
Aug 21, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Ever thought about whether you're going too far with your self-discipline ? Today's today grapples with the issue of finding the delicate balance between self-restraint and indulgence, between being too strict or too lenient with oneself. Craig shares personal anecdotes, thoughts, and lessons learned from years of experience in trying to find the perfect 'golden mean' of self-discipline. With insights from the famous marshmallow study by Stanford professor, Walter Mischel, Craig reflects on how ...
Aug 14, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 76
What if guilt, an emotion that often makes us squirm, could instead be a tool for personal growth and happiness? This episode of Live Well and Flourish is dedicated to transforming our perceptions of guilt, and employing it as a signal for reflection, self-improvement and ultimately, leading a life that aligns with our values. I lay out the distinction between destructive and constructive guilt, and how to differentiate between them. We take a deep look into common guilt triggers like perfection...
Aug 07, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Ever wondered what the secret to living a flourishing life is? The answer lies within you, in the form of self-awareness. Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as we untangle the web of self-awareness and how it irrevocably links to personal excellence and overall well-being. We'll explore how an honest assessment of our current state, juxtaposed against our desired state, can either spur us towards growth or send us into retreat. Through the lens of fostering a growth mindset, we'll see why it's important ...
Jul 31, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Ever wondered how limitations could actually set you free? Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as I reveal the surprising connection between constraints and creativity. I'll take you on an engaging journey, from the witty realm of improv comedy to the inventive 'Cajun engineering', proving how limitations can ignite innovation and bring forth possibilities you'd never imagined. You'll hear amusing personal stories and examples, such as a garden gate made with nothing but PVC, zip ties and hose clamps, tha...
Jul 24, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 73
Ever felt overwhelmed juggling your various identities in different settings? You're not alone. Join me as I share my personal experience navigating this challenging aspect of life, exploring the differences between personal and social identities, and how mastering the art of switching between them can lead to a more flourishing life. We'll dive into the emotional labor involved in managing these multiple identities, especially in customer-facing roles. Together, we'll discuss the hierarchy of i...
Jul 17, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 72
Are you unknowingly making it harder to live an excellent life? In this thought-provoking episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig discusses the unfortunate trend of students using AI tools like ChatGPT to cheat on their papers and then lying about it when caught. He urges you to consider the long-term consequences of applying marginal cost logic to ethical decisions and how each dishonest choice you make can lead you down a path of unvirtuous behavior. Drawing inspiration from Clayton Christens...
Jul 10, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 71
