The One You Feed - Learn Good Habits To Increase Mindfulness And Happiness And Decrease Anxiety And Depression

In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us closer to the heart of life. This is an inspiring look at how we can build resilience by embracing life’s uncertainties. Key Takeaways: Exploration of human emotions, particularly happiness and anxiety. The duality of human emotions and the internal struggle between positive and negative qualities. Insights from David's book"Constellations Two," focusing on the rehabilitation of common words and their deeper meanings. The significance of the parable of the two wolves in understanding personal struggles. The relationship between anxiety and unspoken truths about care and vulnerability. The role of poetry in expressing and understanding complex emotions. The

This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and later in life. This was an open-hearted talk about what it means to fight not just with force, but with love. We talked about instinct as a spiritual guide, about staying true to yourself when the world tries to pull you off course.  Mike’s life and his music were reminders that strength can come from stillness, from surrender, and from the simple act of standing up for light when everything around you feels dark. Key Takeaways: Mike’s experiences with cancer and resilience. The founding and mission of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. The significance of positivity and community support in overcoming adversity. The impact of music as a source of strength and

In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We make plans, set goals, and these are good things, but we only have so much control. And Brian teaches that accepting this can be a relief, because the point isn’t to control everything, but to influence what we can. Key Takeaways: The concept of happiness derived from intrinsic values rather than material possessions and social status. The importance of thoughts and actions in shaping our lives and experiences. Exploration of chaos theory and the unpredictability of life. The idea that we control nothing but influence everything, emphasizing the ripple effects of our actions. Personal stories illustrating how random events can profoundly impact lives. The empo

In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek beauty in life’s bittersweet moments, offering profound insights into the human experience. Key Takeaways: Exploration of the relationship between sorrow and beauty. Discussion of the transformative power of music and its emotional connections. Insights into the concept of bittersweetness and its significance in human experience. The importance of acknowledging grief and its role in personal growth. Differentiation between “moving on” and “moving forward” in the context of loss. The concept of poignancy as a blend of joy and sorrow. The role of creativity and art in navigating difficult emotions. Emphasis on seeking beauty in everyday life, especially during

In this episode, Claire Hoffman explores the idea behind how our flaws, doubt, cynicism, and even ambition aren’t signs of failure, but can be used as fuel. She tells the story of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who built a religious empire and faked her own kidnapping. But this episode isn’t about scandal. It’s about the tension that we all carry between our light and dark sides. Claire says sometimes the bad wolf does good work. This conversation is about embracing contradiction and finding grace in the mess. Key Takeaways: Claire’s book: “Sister Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson. Aimee Semple McPherson’s duality of character, embodying both “good” and “bad” traits. The impact of McPherson on American religion and her role in establishing one of the first megachurches. The complexities of fame and its effects on personal identity and mental health. The concept of “audience capture” and its implications for public figures. Societal pressures and judgme

In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity and how letting go of traditional success can open the door for something more meaningful. If you’re in a season of life where things feel uncertain, or if you’re wondering what this phase of life is really for, this episode will help you feel a little more hopeful. Key Takeaways: Personal experiences and challenges faced during midlife, including burnout and loss. The importance of perspective on aging and reframing societal perceptions of midlife. The concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset in personal development. The relationship between time management and personal autonomy in midlife. The physical and emotional changes associated with aging, particularly for men. The role of purpose in maintaining energy an

In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overwhelmed, unsure, and not feeling particularly inspired. And we tackle a bigger question: How do we keep creating when the world is so loud and we’re so tired? Key Takeaways: Insights on creativity and the challenges of staying inspired in a chaotic world. The role of intuition in the creative process and the significance of listening to one’s inner voice. Balancing the need to stay informed with personal well-being and mental health. The concept of hope in creativity and the idea of being a “possibilist.” Practical advice for overcoming creative blocks and finding inspiration. The value of feedback and community in the creative process. The relationship betw

In this episode, Jillian Richardson discusses the journey from loneliness to belonging and shares the small steps that can change everything. She delves into why friendship takes more effort than we expect and how we can actually get better at it. Jillian also explores what gets in the way of connection, why it’s not just about putting yourself out there, and how real community is less about finding perfect people, and more about staying when things feel a little uncomfortable. Key Takeaways: Challenges of forming friendships as adults The impact of loneliness on social interactions Importance of intention in building connections Strategies for fostering deeper relationships Role of vulnerability in authentic friendships The significance of consistency in maintaining friendships Practical advice for initiating and nurturing friendships The influence of societal factors on feelings of isolation Encouragement to engage in uncomfortable conversations If you enjoyed this conversation with Jillian Ric

In this episode, William Egginton invites you to ask the question, “What if you’re wrong?” as he explains how being uncertain makes us more human. William explores the surprising overlap between a physicist, a philosopher, and a poet—each of whom came to the same unsettling truth: that we mistake our model of reality for reality itself. But this isn’t just about subatomic particles or dusty old philosophy books. It’s about how certainty—especially in our relationships—can blind us. What if embracing uncertainty is actually the doorway to wisdom, compassion, and a more connected life? Key Takeaways: Exploration of the intersections between philosophy, literature, and quantum physics. Discussion of the nature of reality and the limitations of human knowledge. Examination of biases and their impact on perception and understanding. Importance of interpretation in both science and philosophy. Relational understanding of identity and its formation through interactions. Analysis of free will versus determini

In this episode, Ian Leslie discusses the history of the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the truth we all share in their story. Ian explores how two young men from Liverpool created something together than neither could have made alone, not just music, but a shared consciousness that changed culture forever. John and Paul’s story isn’t just about music. It’s about how we all navigate loss, love, and connection. Key Takeaways: [00:01:44] John and Paul’s connection [00:06:12] Lennon and McCartney dynamics. [00:08:17] Paul McCartney’s complex persona. [00:12:16] Vocal parts and shared consciousness. [00:16:10] John and Paul’s musical chemistry. [00:20:26] Intense male friendships in music. [00:22:27] Relationship dynamics between John and Paul. [00:28:11] Communication and miscommunication in relationships. [00:39:23] Lennon and McCartney’s complex relationship. [00:45:37] McCartney’s reaction to Lennon’s death. [00:51:19] McCartney’s emotional process after loss. If you enjoyed this

In this episode, Adam Mastroianni explains why you can’t think your way out of overthinking. He unpacks why the thoughts that feel the most important are often the ones that keep us stuck. We also explore what it means to have a “skull full of poison,” how anxiety disguises itself as insight, and why real change isn’t about breakthroughs—it’s about repetition, action, and feeding the right wolf. Key Takeaways: [00:06:07] Anxiety and its misconceptions [00:08:21] Overcoming obsessive thinking patterns [00:16:25] State of psychology as science [00:25:04] Building blocks of psychology [00:27:06] Emotions as control system signals [00:30:43] Basic vs. constructed emotions [00:40:44] Context matters in psychology [00:44:31] Mental heater and air conditioner. [00:47:01] Happiness set points and variance [00:50:42] Control systems and mental states [00:54:11] Changing set points in life If you enjoyed this conversation with Adam Mastroianni, check out these other episodes: The Purpose of Emotions and

In this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha explores how to stop losing your mind (literally) and the surprising science of attention. She shares how mastering your mind isn’t about more effort, it’s about understanding how attention really works. You’ll learn how to train the three systems of attention (the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler), why mindfulness isn’t just a trend but a mental upgrade, and how to reclaim your focus—12 minutes at a time. Key Takeaways: How your attention isn’t broken; it’s just overwhelmed. Understand the three key attention modes Embrace how mindfulness strengthens attention Learn the concept of reframing and deframing and why this is so important Discover the relationship between stress, mood, and attention Uncover the micro-moments in your life and why they matter If you enjoyed this conversation with Amishi Jha, check out these other episodes: Stolen Focus and Attention with Johann Hari How to Focus and Accomplish Goals with Emily Balcetis For full show notes, clic

In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works. Key Takeaways: [00:06:40] Neuromyths and neuroscience understanding. [00:09:31] Lizard brain myth debunked. [00:12:37] Constructed emotions vs. hardwired reactions. [00:16:24] Language and emotional understanding. [00:18:55] Change and brain plasticity. [00:24:41] Willpower and self-control dynamics. [00:30:36] Addiction vs. Habit Distinction [00:33:21] Aging versus dementia distinction. [00:38:24] Cognitive testing for memory concerns. [00:40:43] Alzheimer’s disease research trends. [00:44:47] Hearing loss as a risk factor. [00:49:24] Sleep’s impact on brain health. [00:51:20] Social connections and mental health. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed t

In this episode, Mark Rowland attempts to unlock the wisdom of dogs and discusses what they know about living a good life. He takes on some of life’s biggest, weightiest questions, like, what is meaning, how should we live, and explores them through the lens of our four-legged companions. It’s about philosophy. It’s about dogs, and it’s about the age old question of how to live a good life. Key Takeaways: Dogs live without the burden of reflection, which allows them to be fully present and undivided. Meaning in life is more important than the meaning of life—it’s found through alignment with who we are. Dogs are natural philosophers, offering insights through their simplicity and joy in daily life. Humans live two lives—lived and examined—while dogs live one, leading to greater contentment. Dogs embrace small pleasures with full-hearted joy, something humans often overlook. Love is central to a meaningful life, whether expressed through connection, passion, or presence. For full show notes, click he

In this episode, Sahil Bloom explores the idea of redefining wealth and the truth about money and happiness. He also shares a different definition of wealth – one that goes beyond financial success and taps into time, purpose, and relationships. Learn how to start finding the balance between striving for more while appreciating what’s right in front of us. Key Takeaways: The trap of “more” and the power of “enough” Why time is your most valuable currency How to create a “Life Razor” that guides your biggest decisions The hidden cost of success and how to redefine it on your own terms How to balance ambition with presence and joy For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Sahil Bloom, check out these other episodes: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money with Elizabeth Husserl How Relationships Shape Our Happiness and Well-Being with Robert Waldinger How to Discover What Matters Most in Life with Tami Simon Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube:

In this episode, Spring Washam discusses how to overcome struggle and find freedom. She explores the extraordinary life and spiritual wisdom of Harriet Tubman—not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for breaking free from our own inner prisons. Spring dives deep into the intersection of spirituality, justice, and personal transformation. Key Takeaways: How Harriet Tubman’s unshakable belief in freedom shaped her legacy Why struggles and hardships are often the gateway to growth and resilience The connection between historical abolitionism and inner liberation The role of ancestral wisdom and spirit guidance in healing How to cultivate hope and courage in times of division and uncertainty Why storytelling is a powerful tool for remembrance and resistance For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram If you enjoyed this episode with Spring Washam, check ou

In this episode, Yung Pueblo discusses relationship mistakes and how to love better. He explores how attachments can masquerade as love and how true connection requires flexibility, and shares this powerful insight: attachment is just a deep form of inflexibility—it can look like love, but it’s often about control. Diego also delves into why growth, kindness, and compassion are green flags in a partner, and how to advocate for personal needs without clinging too tightly to rigid expectations. This insightful discussion offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Key Takeaways: Attachment vs. Love – Attachment can often masquerade as love, but it’s really a deep form of inflexibility and control. True love allows for freedom and growth. The Power of Emotional Flexibility – Our ability to adapt, shift perspectives, and embrace change is essential for healthy relationships. The Role of Personal Growth in Love – Your relationship is only as strong as your

In this episode, Liz Fosslien discusses how to be okay when life feels overwhelming. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by emotions like anger, envy, or uncertainty—and then feel guilty for feeling that way? Liz challenges some of the biggest myths about emotions. She also dives into why negative emotions aren’t actually bad, how perfectionism holds us back, and why uncertainty feels so unbearable. She shares research-backed insights and actionable strategies to help us navigate difficult feelings in a more constructive and self-compassionate way. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Introduction to Big Feelings and Emotional Myths 05:55 – The Illusion of Certainty and Why We Overestimate Risk 14:37 – The Cycle of Anxiety, Thought Filtering, and Anxious Fixing 22:53 – Perfectionism as Fear of Failure and How to Break the Pattern 32:35 – The Power of Language: How “Always” and “Never” Reinforce Negative Thinking 38:39 – Comparison Isn’t the Problem—How to Use It for Growth 48:54 – Time Chunking: A Survival Strategy for E

In this episode, Janice Kaplan explores the happiness formula and how to use your body to transform your mind. She discusses the powerful connection between our bodies and our minds. Drawing from her latest book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness, Janice shares groundbreaking research on how our physical state directly influences our emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being. You'll discover how simple bodily changes—like posture, movement, and even temperature—can dramatically impact our happiness. Key Takeaways: How your body sends signals to your brain that shape your emotions Why small physical changes (like sitting up straight or smiling) can boost your mood The surprising ways environment and sensory input influence perception and behavior How chronic pain can be “rewired” in the brain and why movement is key to relief The underestimated power of touch and human connection in emotional well-being Why new experiences—no matter how small—can dramatically improve happiness For full show notes

In this episode, Nikki Eisenhauer shares the #1 mindset shift to stop overthinking and start living. She explores the profound role of insight, emotional maturity, and personal responsibility in personal growth. With her extensive wisdom gleaned from her 17+ years of experience working with highly sensitive individuals, she dives into why some people change while others remain stuck, how overthinking can become a trap, and the importance of balancing self-compassion with accountability. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Insight is the Key to Change 04:37 Maturity Matters More Than We Think 08:37 Your Feelings Don’t Have to Drive the Bus 14:09 Overthinking is a Coping Mechanism 33:40 Stillness is a Superpower in a Distracted World 45:41 Personal Responsibility is Empowering, Not Harsh If you enjoyed this episode with Nikki Eisenhauer, check out these other episodes: How to Harness the Chatter in Your Head with Ethan Kross Overthinking and Internal Soundtracks with Jon Acuff For full show notes, click here! Co