Embark on a mind-expanding journey with author AJ Jacobs as he unravels the paradox of personal growth through puzzles! While challenging assumptions and finding joy in the process, A.J. explores the fascinating conflict between perseverance and giving up too easily and how this applies to solving actual puzzles and the puzzles of life. In this episode, you'll be able to: Unearth the potential of puzzles to develop your cognitive skills and problem-handling capabilities Find the balance between ...
Aug 01, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 626
Learn to tame your relentless inner critic and unleash your self-confidence as clinical psychologist Aziz Gazipura guides you through an empowering journey of defying doubt, stepping into discomfort, and taking bold action to silence the negative voice within. In this episode, you’ll be able to: Adopt strategies for silencing self-doubt and boosting self-belief Delve into the significance of fostering emotional awareness and acceptance Learn how stepping out of your comfort zone can be a transfo...
Jul 28, 2023•51 min•Ep. 625
Lyanda Haupt shares what it means to explore life at the crossroads of science, nature, and spirit. With a rich academic background in biology, Haupt’s work seeks to break the barrier between science and the average understanding of environmental realities. Through her compelling narratives and insightful perspectives, listeners are offered a gateway into a realm of spirituality deeply intertwined with the natural world. In this episode, you’ll be able to: Discover the intricate connection betwe...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 624
Join licensed therapist and author Minaa B as she navigates the complexities of owning our struggles to find healing. In this conversation, she explains the power of self-care practices and community support in overcoming trauma and achieving wholeness. In this episode, you’ll be able to: Uncover the vital role emotional maturity plays in personal healing journeys Grasp how building a strong community can fast-track your healing process Dive into the profound impact of racism on personal growth ...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 623
Andy J. Pizza is a creative genius who learned to not only accept the challenges of living with ADHD but to embrace the many wonderful qualities that come with it. With compassion and curiosity, Andy discovered how to navigate a path for his neurodivergent thinking to uncover and share his wonderful gifts with the world. In this conversation, Andy and Eric discuss how he learned to manage the ADHD brain to unleash his creativity as well as... Ways to use explore art and its inherent ability for ...
Jul 18, 2023•58 min•Ep. 622
In this episode, Tami Simon shares what it means to be true to yourself and how to discover what matters most in work, life, and love. We also discuss… How we all have inherent goodness inside us Realizing there’s no destination in life but an unending journey Learning to find balance in our internal and outer experiences Understanding that our body’s feedback will indicate when things are out of balance The five keys to living in integrity and being true to ourselves How being supported helps u...
Jul 14, 2023•35 min•Ep. 621
Eric is joined by special guests Gillian Tietz, Laura Cathcart Robbins, and Paul Churchill where they share their experiences in early sobriety. While each of their journeys is unique, there is also a shared understanding of what it’s like in those first days of recovery. This episode will provide helpful insights, inspiration, and hope from those who have lived through such painful experiences and have come out on the other side to share what they've learned, including... Their similar and uniq...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 620
In this episode, Eric and Jenny explore the concept of heart-based decision-making in business and in life. They also delve into ideas about redefining success, learning to trust and follow your intuition, as well as getting comfortable with awkwardness and discomfort.We also discuss How to Find More Free Time and… Defining heart-based business and heart-based living Understanding that stress is a systems problem How we can create systems to combat decision fatigue The importance of learning to ...
Jul 07, 2023•58 min•Ep. 619
In this episode, Michael Bungay Stanier explains keystone conversations and why this is vitally important in building the best possible relationships, both at work and in your personal life. Discover how these seemingly small conversations can lead to stronger, more collaborative, and more fulfilling connections. You’ll also learn: How any working or personal relationship can be made better Why it takes courage to initiate the invitation to work on a relationship that is important to you The 3 c...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 618
In this episode, Florence Williams shares the profound benefits of being outdoors and in nature, offering you a fresh perspective on self-care and a path toward increased well-being. Discover the scientific evidence that proves how spending time in nature makes us happier, healthier, and even more creative. In this episode, you'll be able to... Recognize the many benefits of spending time in nature and how they're backed by scientific evidence That 15 minutes in a forest environment can reduce o...
Jun 30, 2023•35 min•Ep. 617
When Suleika Jaouad received a devastating leukemia diagnosis at the age of 22, her life took a very unexpected turn into adulthood. Viewing her long hospital stay from the lens of a journalist, Suleika began a daily diary, ultimately fashioning her own reflective world. Through her writing, she found not just a lifeline, but a sense of purpose and agency, living out the essence of post-traumatic growth. Suleika's commitment to actively seeking meaning amidst her significant health challenges is...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 616
Rohan Gunatillake shares how his love of stories allowed him to discover the power of inhabiting different characters and exploring themes of his own life through their tales. This discovery led him to create a wonderful podcast that blends storytelling and meditation for a more meaningful experience for his listeners. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life without disrupting your schedule Learn to notice and use your reactions to anything ...
Jun 23, 2023•51 min•Ep. 615
John Kaag is a renowned philosopher and author who brings fresh insights into the timeless wisdom of Henry David Thoreau. With impressive academic achievements under his belt, including teaching writing at Harvard and serving as a professor at UMass Lowell, John possesses a unique perspective on Thoreau’s philosophy regarding work and intentional living. Drawing inspiration from his own life’s journey and the challenges of balancing personal fulfillment with professional obligations, John invite...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 614
If you have ever been in a situation where another was willing to harm you for their own benefit, then abuse has happened and that person has become an abuser. In this episode, we talk about the process leading up to this abuse, helping listeners to identify warning signs. We also offer practical advice that empowers survivors to take back control and find healing after abuse has occurred. In this second of a two-part conversation on abuse of power, join us to learn how to establish healthy boun...
Jun 16, 2023•52 min•Ep. 613
In this episode, Mark Coleman shares the many benefits of spending time in nature and explores several mindfulness practices that cultivate joy, wisdom, and wonder in your life! You'll discover: How we need to practice paying attention to what’s right in our lives rather than what’s wrong How mindfulness is always in service of wisdom, understanding, and freedom Why we need to widen our lens to be able to see what else is “here” How nature invites us to be in the present moment in a joyful and e...
Jun 13, 2023•58 min•Ep. 612
Abusers seek to isolate their victims and implement tactics to keep them silent and thinking that it’s “all in their head” or somehow their fault. However, when we talk about our experiences as victims of abuse, any false sense of shame is lifted and the experience is normalized; abuse becomes easily recognizable— and something we know how to stop. In this first of a two-part conversation, Ginny and Brandi share their personal stories of living through abuse, and how they survived. They share ho...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 611
With a wealth of experience in collecting life stories, Bruce Feiler has become an expert in identifying personal values in the search for fulfilling and purpose-driven work. As a best-selling author and engaging speaker, he inspires his audiences to dig deep, unearth their own personal stories, and chase their dreams rather than follow someone else’s path. In this episode, Eric and Bruce Discuss the Search for Meaningful Work and… Defining “workquakes” and developing strategies for navigating c...
Jun 06, 2023•59 min•Ep. 610
After the loss of someone we love, we’re inevitably faced with the question, “How do I live with this grief?” In this episode of “Something to Normalize,” Ginny and Brandi offer some answers to this question. Through research and personal experiences with grief, they share strategies, powerful bits of wisdom, and practical tools they’ve discovered. They also discuss how they’ve applied these tools in their own lives, and what was most helpful in their process. This is the second in a two-part se...
Jun 02, 2023•57 min•Ep. 609
Dr. Ken Duckworth is not only an expert in the mental health field but he has experienced firsthand the challenges of having a loved one suffering from mental illness. This experience inspired his work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), advocating for awareness, research, and better access to mental health care. Ken continues to work to fight the shame and isolation surrounding mental health conditions and to promote openness and compassion in the journey toward wellness. In th...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 608
In this special two-part episode of Something to Normalize, Ginny and Brandi each share their stories of losing someone central to their lives and the grief that followed. Grief can be a complex, unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating experience. And there are so many misconceptions about what it “should” be like. What’s worse than grieving the loss of someone you love and then feeling isolated or wondering if the way you’re grieving is somehow wrong? In this episode, Ginny and Brandi explai...
May 26, 2023•52 min•Ep. 607
Dr. Thomas Insel, a highly respected mental health expert, found inspiration in an honest comment from a frustrated family member. He was speaking to a group of mental health advocates about the advances in research and treatment when a man stood up to tell him that their family’s house was on fire, and Insel was only discussing the chemistry of the paint. This striking remark compelled Insel to reevaluate his priorities and look for ways to make a real impact on mental health care. He went on t...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 606
Have you ever felt like this? That showing vulnerability is weakness, that asking for help is a sign of incompetence, or that everyone else has the very thing you’re struggling with all figured out? These misconceptions can lead us to isolate ourselves and feel shame about our own struggles. Ginny and Brandi are here to share the power of normalizing our human experiences and how it can dissolve shame and create meaningful connections between us. This is the first episode of a special 5-episode ...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 605
Eric and Quan Barry discuss the power of intentionality in life and art and some of the important themes that show up in her writing. Quan shares her insights on the importance of consciously feeding our thoughts and actions in positive ways. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity, the role of gratitude in personal growth, and the challenges of staying open to new experiences, as well as... How attention is a form of deep listening The importance of living a deliberate life Ho...
May 16, 2023•53 min•Ep. 604
Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist with a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise in the field of mental health. Having faced mental health challenges himself, Dr. Palmer has a unique understanding and empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. His determination to make a difference in the lives of others is fueled by witnessing his own mother’s battle with mental health and the impact it had on their family. Grounded in both personal and professional experience, Dr. Pa...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 603
Ralph De La Rosa explains how there is an important connection between nature and mindfulness. He encourages listeners to engage with nature in mindful presence and open their hearts to the natural healing force of the environment. In this episode, you’ll learn how connecting with nature can be a simple yet impactful way to improve mental and emotional health, and also… How connecting to nature fosters healing and resilience Why spending time in nature more readily draws our attention to mindful...
May 09, 2023•59 min•Ep. 602
Nikki Eisenhauer suggests that practicing mindfulness, being present in the moment, and consciously minimizing distractions such as excessive scrolling can help reduce inner chatter. She mentions the need for repetition and consistency in making these lifestyle changes, as well as replacing old, unhelpful habits with new ones that encourage a serene, focused state of mind. You'll Also Discover: How to take control of your personal journey by embracing responsibility and fostering growth Masterin...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 601
Meet Laura Cathcart Robbins, an inspiring writer and speaker who advocates for representation and inclusivity in addiction recovery for people of color. Laura has transformed her personal journey into a message of hope and resilience that has touched the lives of countless individuals. Her powerful storytelling, vulnerability, and candid approach to her writing have made her a sought-after personal essayist and author of a captivating memoir. Laura's passion for promoting empathy and understandi...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 600
April is National Poetry Month and we put together this special episode to pay tribute to the late poet, Mary Oliver. Special guests James Crews, Danusha Lameris, Ross Gay, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, and Ginny Gay will read one of their favorite Mary Oliver poems and share why the poem is meaningful to them. Whether you are a fan of Mary Oliver's work or are just learning about her for the first time, we hope you'll be inspired by some of the beautiful poetry in this episode! For more on this ep...
Apr 28, 2023•31 min•Ep. 599
Get ready to dive into a conversation with Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan, two inspiring individuals known for their incredible ability to guide others towards living an unscripted life. Together, they make a dynamic duo that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace your own unscripted life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to distinguish between intuitive and habitual responses that lead to making more informed decisions in your life. Understanding what it means to be living in a le...
Apr 25, 2023•59 min•Ep. 598
In This Episode, You'll Learn: Learning to not resist the pain and grief of a terrible loss to find healing What it means to trust in life, even when the worst thing comes true How poetry embraces life’s greatest paradoxes Asking the question “is this the path of love?” Using the word “Hello” as a way to greet what’s going on within her How to embrace the unknown and cultivate trust during life's unpredictable moments Learning to boost personal growth and mindfulness with the help of powerful ma...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 597
