The Overexamined Life - podcast cover

The Overexamined Life

Jonah Primoshows.acast.com

Bite-Sized Wisdom to Enrich Everyday Life.


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The world is beautiful, full of fascinating people, and people I love, and I'm so lost in neurotic thought that I'm missing... most of it. I'm an overexaminer.


Why, when scubadiving in the Great Barrier Reef, instead of drinking in the marine wonders, am I just replaying that time I was picked last in P.E. basketball?


Why, at a close friend's wedding, did I miss half the groom's speech because I was thinking about my crap haircut.


If that sounds like you too, then join me on a quest to discover ways in which we can become more present, more fulfilled and more curious. Through stories, reflections and interviews with the wisest gurus, comedians, musicans, athletes and artists, maybe we can uncover a few secrets about what a life well-lived looks like.




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Episodes

Grass

If the grass is greener somewhere else, it doesn't matter... Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Jonah writes on Substack Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. ...

May 05, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 56

Arrows

I go on a spontaneous adventure... Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Jonah writes on Substack Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...

May 01, 20256 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Train

A short vignette of missing a train... Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Jonah writes on Substack Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

Apr 28, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 54

Childhood

Running through shadows of the past... Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Jonah writes on Substack Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

Apr 24, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 53

Living in Total Darkness with Nate Green

Nate Green is the Head of Content at the Waking Up App. Nate has sat some of the most intense, exclusive and arcane meditation retreats all across the world, Nate’s also studied with some of the most decorated spiritual leaders of our time. We talk Extreme Retreats, ADHD, Addiction, and Progress in Meditation. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how ...

Apr 21, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 52

How Buddha, Jesus, and Seneca Coped With Anxiety

The intersection of Western and Eastern philosophy is fascinating. All across the world, over 2000 years ago, great minds came up with similar ideas on how to enjoy the present. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Insta...

Apr 16, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 51

The Meaning of Life with M.I.T. Head of Philosophy Kieran Setiya

I sat down with Professor Kieran Setiya, Head Philosophy Professor at M.I.T., and asked him about some of the profound topics Keiran wrestles with in his most recent book "Life is Hard" . We explore the meaning of life, finding hope, navigating injustice, existential value, and most importantly for me at least, regret. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub Kieran's book: h...

Apr 14, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 50

The Key Idea That Allows Me To Survive Regret

I'm not the best at anything. I've spent a lot of time pursuing random things that excite me. Sometimes I don't mind that, but sometimes it almost kills me. Keiran Setiya helps us navigate regret. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow J...

Apr 10, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 49

Zen and Awakening with Henry Shukman

I just had the privilege of a fireside chat with the radient Henry Shukman, a zen teacher who I’ve always found does a phenomenal job of making a deeper practice accessible to the average schmuck like me. Here I am at 31, doing my best to be mindful enough hear the occasional bird chirping on my way to a local brewery (the same brewery where I read Henry’s latest book, “Original Love” ) - while Henry recounts a moment of spontaneous awakening on a beach in Argentina at age 19, where the boundari...

Apr 07, 202547 minSeason 1Ep. 48

The Poetry of the Colour Blue

We turn to Russian psychologists and drunken poets to try and figure out why blue is so beautiful. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Jonah writes on Substack Email Jonah Primo at overexa...

Apr 03, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 47

Love, Beer and Beanbags

Henry Shukman's new book "original love" with a icy pint may just be the cold hard secret to pure frothy happiness. Substack Link: https://substack.com/@jonahprimo Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit ...

Mar 31, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 46

Finding Nirvana the Hard Way - Lessons from The White Lotus

We compare scenes from The White Lotus series with real teachings from Shunryū Suzuki and Thich Nhat Hahn. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at overexamined@jonahprimo....

Mar 27, 202510 minSeason 1Ep. 45

Should We Seek Optimism at the Expense of Realism?

What if we stubbornly choose optimism— practicing gratitude— even if it doesn't make sense, just to see if it makes life feel better? George Carlin and Dostoevsky weigh in. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram ...

Mar 24, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 44

What You Don't Notice - With 9x Oscar Nominated Nancy Haigh

Two-time Oscar winner and nine-time nominee Nancy Haigh joins us to explore the art of noticing. As a production designer, art director, and set decorator, her work has shaped iconic films like The Truman Show , Forrest Gump , Once Upon a Time in Hollywood , No Country for Old Men , Moneyball , and Big Fish —not to mention one of my all-time favorites, Barton Fink . Beyond her incredible filmography, Nancy is kind, insightful, and a lot of fun. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patr...

Mar 20, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 43

The Joy of Little Details

When the big bad world feels out of control, it's the tiniest little things that ground us. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on A...

Mar 17, 20256 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Are 'Fresh Starts' a Trap?

We can't fix internal problems with external problem solving. An exploration on new beginnings and dissatisfaction, drawing on Hannah Arendt, Paulo Coelho, and Epictetus. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening, bonus episodes, and mindfulness exercises that are actually fun: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or...

Mar 13, 20258 minSeason 1Ep. 41

Does the Meaning of Life Matter?

Author Kurt Vonnegut is our guru today, a man who truly believed humanity was one big cosmic joke. We study both his fiction and his personal life to figure out how someone who has seen so much horror can still have faith in humanity and find meaning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Embracing Our Wrinkles

Every time we do anything, it leaves a mark, a wrinkle. Those wrinkles can become our most valuable assets. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Mar 06, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 39

Should We Have Intimate Relationships With A.I.?

The idea gives me the 'ick'. But why? Today we look into whether or not a relationship with A.I. is actually a bad thing, drawing on Spike Jonez, Peter Singer, and other great minds.  Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jon...

Mar 03, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 38

Finding Enlightenment in the Deadly Aussie Outback with David McMahon

My guest today is David McMahon - a naturalist and adventurer who has spent his life exploring the world's most remote ecosystems.  David has travelled the globe, coming face to face with some of the most dangerous species on the planet, learning from survival techniques from local and indigenous communities. In our conversation, David said he could be happy anywhere in the world. He knows the secret to fulfilment. I think we can all learn a lot from him.  Sick of being ruled by your e...

Feb 27, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Making Space for the Wild

Drawing on William Shakespeare, Gary Snyder, and a little tiny cricket to uncover the secrets to a fulfilling relationship with nature. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Aca...

Feb 24, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Love, Death and Depression with Jitindriyā

After a fairly miserable couple of weeks for me, I seek council from one of the wisest people I know, Jitindriyā, a Buddhist nun, to help me better understand my state of mind - Jitindriyā helps me out with understanding death, depression, love, karma, apologising, and much more. If you are navigating depression, anger, anxiety, grief, fear, you can check out more of Jitindriya's work below. https://vivekahermitage.com/embodying-awareness-metta/ https://vivekahermitage.com/working-with-challengi...

Feb 19, 202554 minSeason 1Ep. 35

The Lost Art of Grace

Rant time! It feels like we've lost a key quality in our leadership: Grace. It's time to think outside the box and build back a society that cares about the right things. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at overex...

Feb 17, 202511 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Today we're analysing forgiveness and acceptance through the wise words of Bob Dylan.   Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

Feb 13, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 33

5 Misconceptions About Mindfulness Meditation

One thing working for a big meditation app taught me, is that most people don't know what meditation is actually for. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Feb 10, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Is It OK to Be Mediocre?

It turns out we can't be the best at everything we care about. In fact it's hard to be really good at even HALF the things we care about. Oliver Burkeman's words are here to help us process this problem. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his We...

Feb 06, 20258 minSeason 1Ep. 31

What Spirituality Looks Like for an Atheist

Watch the movie of this episode on youtube : https://youtu.be/6s6EZlq7ScM?si=BeRf3-kd3vl736Qp Do you need God to have incredible spiritual experiences? I don't think so. Spirtuality appears to be made of something , but I don't think one needs religion for that something. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH T...

Feb 03, 202511 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Why Working Too Hard Can Be LAZY

Do we sometimes use work to avoid the uneasy feelings that come up when we're just... exisiting? Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...

Jan 30, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Things to Remember When Reading Depressing News

The news often highlights the worst of humanity, but when you take a moment to look around, you'll find that beauty and goodness are everywhere. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected] Host...

Jan 27, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Emotions Are Such a Brutal Rollercoaster It's Almost Unbearable

A rollercoaster that we can't get off, and that goes on forever. Trying to get off leads to more pain. So learning to love the ride is our only option. Sick of being ruled by your emotions? Join our Patreon for AD-FREE listening and bonus episodes: patreon.com/TOLclub   Want to learn how to meditate? Get 30 days of the Waking Up App FREE: wakingup.com/primo   WATCH THE PODCAST on Youtube Follow Jonah Primo on Instagram or visit his Website Email Jonah Primo at [email protected]...

Jan 23, 20257 minSeason 1Ep. 27
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