Most people don’t actually know what they want. We chase goals—career success, financial security, personal milestones—only to feel underwhelmed once we get there. Why? Because we rarely stop to ask, “What’s the goal of the goal?” In the final episode of Season 3, we unpack this powerful concept (popularised by Dan Heath) and explore how the thing we think we need to get unstuck might not be the thing we truly want. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 4. It’s a fitting f...
Jul 06, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Who are you becoming—and who is shaping you along the way? In this episode of The Spacemakers , Matt and Daniel explore why personal change is rarely a solo journey. From habits to health to mindset, we’re deeply shaped by the people we spend time with. Behaviour is contagious—we mimic what we see, not just what we hear. Which means the fastest way to change yourself is to travel alongside others who are heading where you want to go. Whether it’s forming accountable relationships, finding your ‘...
Jun 29, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 9
How do you spend your time? Does your calendar reflect the person you aspire to be? Do you design your days around what you truly value? In this episode of The Spacemakers , Matt and Daniel delve into the surprising benefits of time-blocking. This simple yet powerful practice isn’t just about managing your schedule—it's about crafting the life you want. Whether it’s rekindling relationships through regular date nights, setting aside time for financial planning, or ensuring consistent exercise, t...
Jun 22, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Action unlocks change. When we choose to act, we build momentum, gain confidence, and receive invaluable real-world feedback. But what happens when you feel overwhelmed, defeated, or uncertain about your next steps? Can action lead to new forms of thinking and help you get unstuck? In this episode, Matt and Daniel explore the transformative power of tiny habits and the crucial importance of turning talk into action. We feature a segment with Osher Günsberg, who overcame obesity by simply walking...
Jun 15, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 7
We all know the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' But is that always true? While grit and determination are important, willpower alone isn't sufficient to achieve your goals and get unstuck. Enter Snyder's Hope Theory and his concept of Pathways Thinking, or Way Power. This innovative approach will help you discover new paths and develop novel solutions to persistent problems. Instead of merely relying on motivation or working harder with the same old strategies, Way Power invites u...
Jun 08, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Did you know that people who focus on their strengths tend to be happier, feel more alive, and achieve greater success? Many of us obsess over fixing our blind spots and overcoming weaknesses. But what if the key to overcoming adversity is, counterintuitively, focusing on what is right about ourselves and others, rather than what is wrong? In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel and Matt continue their exploration of the science of strengths. They explore how to find your "fun lane" and shar...
Jun 01, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Bad is stronger than good. Research shows that bad parents, bad feedback, and bad events impact us more than good ones. We're often driven to avoid pain and fix our weaknesses—rather than harness our strengths. Yet, dwelling on problems can worsen them, while celebrating our strengths can lead to a breakthrough. In this episode, Daniel and Matt explore the science of strengths and argue for focusing on what works, not what’s wrong. We challenge the traditional focus on fixing weaknesses and offe...
May 25, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 4
As humans, we often try to solve our problems by adding rather than subtracting. This unconscious bias leads us to pile on excessive projects, clutter our homes, and push our limits—consistently adding more instead of opting for less. We need a different way of thinking to make space and get unstuck. In this episode, Matt and Daniel of The Spacemakers delve into the science of subtraction, explaining why 'less' is often the secret to moving forward. Sharing personal experiences of their own chal...
May 18, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Life is a trade-off. You cannot be highly successful in one area of life without negatively impacting others. Similarly, feeling stuck in one domain often affects the rest because life is holistic and interconnected. By accepting the reality—that we cannot have it all—we can make creative shifts in how we use our time and prioritise our responsibilities. Join Matt and Daniel in this episode of Spacemakers as they explore the Four Burners Theory of work-life balance and introduce The Five Capital...
May 11, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 2
We all get stuck at some point in life—whether it's a broken relationship, money issues, ill health, a stale career, or a lack of purpose. Getting stuck isn't fun, but it’s often the catalyst we need to find a new direction. In fact, when we feel like we're losing, we might actually be just where we need to be, preparing the way for a better second half. Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain as they explore the concept of chiasma—a beginning, middle, and new beginning—and unveil the SHIFT framework to h...
May 04, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 1
We all get stuck at some point in life—whether it's a broken relationship, money issues, ill health, a stale career, or a lack of purpose. Getting stuck isn't fun, but it’s often the catalyst we need to find a new direction. In fact, when we feel like we're losing, we might actually be just where we need to be, preparing the way for a better second half. Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain in the latest season of The Spacemakers as they explore the concept of chiasma—a beginning, middle, and new begin...
Apr 27, 2025•3 min
Almost everyone, at some point, will encounter suffering—be it through a relational breakdown, illness, an unexpected event, or other hardships. But how do we make space to grow through grief and find purpose in our suffering? In this insightful interview, Dr. Julia Verdouw shares her personal journey through profound loss following the sudden death of her husband, which she explores in her new book, "Valley of the Shadow." We discuss her experiences of confronting finality, and the critical imp...
Apr 13, 2025•48 min
Almost every woman will face the experience of menopause and the impacts of declining oestrogen levels in midlife. This 'reset' brings profound biological consequences affecting muscle strength, brain function, mental health, sleep, sex drive, heart health, body composition, and more. In this episode with menopause expert Dr. Amy Edler, we delve into the lived experiences of women navigating this transition, discuss options like hormone replacement therapy, and highlight the importance of suppor...
Mar 09, 2025•35 min
It's easy to blame technology for our distractions, but the story is more nuanced. Join us for a special interview with Nir Eyal, best-selling author and tech-habits expert, as we delve into the psychology of habit-forming technologies. Discover insights from his best-selling books, Hooked and Indistractable , which have sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Nir challenges the idea that technology is the villain and offers strategies to reclaim focus. He also addresses Johann Hari’s controversia...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr
In this final episode of Season 2, we explore the role of spirituality in the mid-life squeeze. While the first half of life often focuses on the outward journey, the second turns inward, shifting from certainty to a more generous unknowing. Join us as we delve into the three stages of faith and uncover how questioning our beliefs can pave the way for a richer inner life. Matt Bain and Daniel Sih wrap up the season with reflections on key lessons learned and a preview of what's to come. Resource...
Nov 10, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Money shapes more than just our finances—it impacts our decisions in each stage of life. In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore the “mid-life money reset,” inspired by The Ant and the Grasshopper .” When is delayed gratification wise, and when does it hold us back? When should we shift from saving to ‘dissaving’? And how do we balance preparing for tomorrow with living fully today? Join us for insights into money, meaning, and mindset in mid-life. The financial inf...
Nov 03, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 9
One common piece of career advice is to “follow your heart”—that is, pursue what you love and chase your passions. While this may be great advice at 40, it can be downright misleading at 20, as what works in one season of life may not apply in the next. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain continue their exploration of career resets as the years go by. We’ll discuss the importance of building career capital through deliberate practice and the value of “actively doing nothing” to uncover you...
Oct 27, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 8
You are never too old to change your career. The average Australian changes jobs 13 times in their lifetime, with many taking up study or starting businesses in their 40s. While career resets are challenging at any age, they are particularly so in mid-life. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore why we need habits of “set and reset” to navigate a career transition. We also hear from Gustav Lammerding from Banjo’s Bakery Cafe’s about his experiences in helping migrants start their own ...
Oct 20, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Our culture is obsessed with staying young and living for as long as possible, doing everything we can to slow down ageing and cheat death. Yet, despite our best efforts, we all face physical decline with age. So, what does it mean to let go of old health and fitness habits and establish new, age-appropriate ones? How can we exercise smarter, not harder? In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain will guide us in rethinking our health and fitness strategies for mid-life. They’ll provide practical...
Oct 13, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 6
If you could make one life-changing choice to lead a better life, what would it be? The answer doesn't lie in personal achievements or material success, but in the quality of our relationships—including our friendships. Research shows that our health, happiness, and longevity are profoundly influenced by our connections. However, maintaining and sustaining healthy friendships is often a challenge as we navigate the mid-life squeeze. Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain as they discuss ways to overcome ...
Oct 06, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 5
What does it truly mean to be productive and accomplish the right things? The answer evolves with age. In our 20s, embracing new experiences and saying "yes" often helps build skills and confidence. However, by our 40s, the focus shifts towards saying "no" more frequently, prioritising our limited time and energy on what truly matters. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain dive into the science of productivity, drawing from over a decade of global coaching and consulting experience. They’ll ...
Sep 29, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Research clearly demonstrates that age plays a significant role in determining our happiness. Generally, we start and end our lives feeling happier, with a noticeable dip during our mid-40s and 50s. It's common in mid-life to feel dissatisfied and to grapple with regret, questioning if there's more to life. In this episode, Daniel and Matt unpack the science of the happiness curve, offering practical strategies to help you prepare for, and navigate this inevitable life reset. Resources: GET A FR...
Sep 22, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 3
There are well-documented stages in a well-lived human life. While everyone's journey is unique, the ups and downs experienced at different ages are common to many. In this episode, Matt and Daniel delve into the science behind life's stages. We'll help you identify the key landmarks associated with each stage, highlighting the types of habits to consider both now and into the future. Resources: GET A FREE SUMMARY OF SEASON 2 with print-ready activities THE SECOND MOUNTAIN Discover more: SPACEMA...
Sep 15, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 2
We all know the adage, 'Live every day as if it’s your last.' But is this truly wise advice? If we live for today, what happens tomorrow? Conversely, if we delay gratification for the future, might we overlook the joys of the present? This episode delves into compelling research that reveals how our life decisions are shaped by our perceptions of time. We'll introduce the overarching theme for this season and invite you to journey with us to navigate life’s inevitable resets. Resources: GET A FR...
Sep 08, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Thank you for joining us for the second season of The Spacemakers – “ How to Make Space for Life's Inevitable Resets .” Hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain will explore a simple yet profound idea: the habits and practices that fuel success in our 20s and 30s can become barriers to maturity in our 40s and 50s. To navigate this, we need the humility and wisdom to unlearn old habits and embrace new ones. Join Daniel and Matt for this 10 part series of the The Spacemakers - because along the journey of l...
Sep 01, 2024•3 min
While we value our individuality, our habits often mirror our surroundings. Echoing Dan and Chip Heath's insight that "behaviour is contagious", this episode explores the power of shared space-making. We'll explore environments that enhance focus and consider strategies to influence the attention within our families, workplaces, and communities. Our Spacemakers Daniel and Matt take a moment to chat with Kate Denman from St Lukes about the importance of community, and how they aim to make Tasmani...
Jun 09, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Like a muscle, focus is strengthened with routine practice - it's all about Doing The Reps. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain delve into the power of habits to boost focus and attention; looking at How To Broaden Focus Muscles With Deliberate Practice. Our Spacemakers have a chat with Jess Crowley from Bulk Nutrients about deep work, focus and attention. They also have more practical ways to cut through digital clutter, intentionally enriching our lives with worthwhile goals, connections...
Jun 02, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Our Spacemakers, Daniel and Matt look at the topic of Digital Declutter, and how to dumb down your smartphone. Willpower alone isn’t enough to overcome the distractions vying for our attention. This episode of The Spacemakers is about reclaiming mental space by tackling digital environments head-on. We share practical steps to help you alter your digital environment, dial back notifications, and weed out attention-sapping apps. TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR EMAIL INBOX with free Email Ninja Inbox-Ze...
May 26, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Staying focused at work can be tough. Microsoft's 2023 data reveals that workers spend so much time chatting on tools like MS Teams and Slack that they're struggling to find time to actually 'do' their work. In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih is joined by Tim Hynes to share observations about email and Teams in the workplace. As usual they also offer practical strategies to help you reclaim your collective focus and overcome distraction. GET YOUR FREE COMMUNICATIONS PLAYBOOK www.spa...
May 19, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode of The Spacemakers , hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain look at the topic of Making Space For Quiet In A Loud World. Blaise Pascal once wrote: “All human evil comes from man's inability to sit still in a room”. While perhaps an overstatement, it speaks to the importance of silence, deep thought, and self-reflection. Without space, we become frantic, caught up in meaningless busywork, living according to someone else's script. Join our Spacemakers at they discuss the importance of mak...
May 12, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 6
