Good Life Project

Latest Episodes:

Bessel van der Kolk, MD | The Body Keeps the Score [Best of] Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

Recent years have impacted our mental and physical health significantly. We are constantly faced with unsettling moments that leave a lasting impact, often unnoticed but affecting us all. The question is, how do we address this?

My guest this week is renowned trauma researcher, psychiatrist, and author, Bessel van der Kolk, known for his New York Times bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score. In 1984, Bessel established one of the first centers in the US for traumatic stress research and treatment, pioneering the study of trauma's effects on the brain. His work gave rise to the Trauma Research Foundation, created new treatment models, studied neurofeedback and MDMA's effects, and facilitated numerous trainings across the nation.

You can find Bessel at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ellen Hendrickson about social anxiety.

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My New Book Sparked
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How to Stop Overthinking | Summer Series Pt.2 Jun 12, 2023

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We all have those moments, maybe even days, months, years, some of us, maybe even decades of our lives where our minds just won't stop racing. We get caught up in this whirlwind of thoughts and anxieties, wary stories, just rehashing the past, forecasting the future, and all too often imagining these worst-case stories or scenarios and we just can't let them go.

Yes, we are talking about overthinking, and today we are going to unravel this interesting, complicated, sometimes messy mental pattern and share with you a set of science-back strategies, a sort of an overthinking ultimate toolkit to help you stop overthinking and start taking action to become more present in your life. More focused on what matters, more engaged with those around you because you are not spinning those things in your head and just perpetuate, overthinking.

And you may be surprised at just how much control you do have over this process and how powerful and fairly quick to implement some of the tools we'll share are. So that is where we're headed today in this second installment of our Good Life summer series where every Monday we take on a single topic that is critical to a life well lived, to dive into ideas, the issues, the practical impact, science, art, and then explore strategies, tips, and tools to navigate these experiences with more grace and ease.

You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.

If you LOVED this episode:

Be sure to check out our entire Summer Series, which you can find easily organized as a Spotify playlist as they are released each week.
You’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aric Prather about transforming your sleep in just seven days.

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My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED
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How to Turn Insult into Inspiration | Martinus Evans Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

What turns an insult into inspiration? How can you transform struggle into meaning and purpose? Today we'll discover how one man did just that through what was, for him, and the many doubters around him, a very unlikely path.

Martinus Evans had a tough childhood on the east side of Detroit. Football gave him hope, but an injury steered him towards a sedentary lifestyle. A harsh doctor's comment inspired him to embark on a transformative journey, one that would shockingly turn him from an overweight patient to a passionate runner. Defying stereotypes, he finished his first marathon and started the "Slow AF" movement after being mocked during a race. This brand fostered a worldwide community - the Slow AF Run Club. Now an international marathoner, he has collaborated with leading fitness brands like Adidas, Nike, and Oakley, and appeared on the cover of Runner's World magazine. His journey is encapsulated in his new book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run. For Martinus, running has become intertwined with his purpose, identity, and sense of meaning - transforming struggle into something that helps feed his family, travel the world, and overcome hardship.

You can find Martinus at: Website | Instagram

TW: thoughts & mentions of suicide

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with artist Lisa Congdon about her thinking that she just wasn't made for a particular pursuit, but then stepping into it and realizing it was not only her passion but would end up being her purpose and profession.

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My New Book Sparked
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The Truth About Manifesting | Science, Myths & Practical Steps - Summer Series Pt.1 Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

We've all experienced that magical feeling of something we've longed for becoming real - a creative project finally coming together, a new relationship blossoming, achieving a health goal we never thought possible.

But have you ever wondered how those seemingly "impossible" things actually happen? What mix of vision, persistence, luck and effort makes dreams into realities?

In this illuminating exploration, we aim at one of today's most controversial and widely discussed phenomena: manifestation and the law of attraction. You'll learn surprising historical roots that stretch back centuries across cultures. You'll discover real psychological and physiological mechanisms that play a crucial role - and what actual research says about goal achievement and motivation.

New possibilities emerge when we understand ourselves and the world more deeply. And through this wide-ranging yet practical discussion, you just may find a new way of thinking about - and actually making - the impossible possible in your own life.

You'll walk away with a modern, science-backed approach to visualization, goal-setting and psychological strategies that can truly transform your ability to pursue and achieve big dreams. Whether you're skeptical of "mumbo jumbo" concepts like manifestation or a firm believer in its power, you'll gain insights and tools to push past what once seemed impossible into powerful and purposeful action.

So join me as we uncover the stories, secrets and science behind how "impossible" dreams actually become our realities - through mixing vision and grit, determination and grace, science and spirit. Let's embark on a journey into the fascinating yet practical stories of how humans make the impossible possible.

If you LOVED this episode be sure to check out our entire Summer Series, which you can find easily organized as a Spotify playlist as they are released each week.

Check out our offerings & partners:

My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED
Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Talk About Sex, Let Go of Shame & Get What You Need | Vanessa Marin Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

Sex and relationship expert Vanessa Marin discusses the taboo nature of discussing sex and how it can lead to unmet needs and dissatisfaction in relationships. Her new book, Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life, provides practical exercises and dialogue prompts to improve communication around intimacy, breaking down shame and stigma. Through open discussions on touchy subjects and setting rituals for intimacy, Marin believes couples can foster deeper connection, igniting intimacy and enhancing their love lives.

Many people struggle to openly discuss sex due to shame and stigma.
Open communication about sex and intimacy is important for a healthy relationship.
Vanessa recommends five core conversations: acknowledgment, connection, desire, pleasure, and exploration.
She provides practical methods to make these conversations easier.
Rituals like makeout routines can create intimacy
Understanding one's desires, boundaries, and pleasures enables satisfying communication.
Giving positive feedback during sex helps partners figure out each other's pleasures.
Scheduling sex demonstrates priorities but reframing as "planning" can help.

You can find Vanessa at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Eli Finkel about the self-actualized marriage.

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My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED
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How to Stop Fighting And Start Talking (and Healing) | Stan Tatkin May 29, 2023

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Conflicts are inevitable in long-term relationships. But often we argue in ways that push our partners away instead of resolving issues.

Dr. Stan Tatkin, a marriage and family therapist who has spent decades working with couples and training practitioners to improve communication in relationships believes there is a better way for partners to weather conflicts and emerge closer. His new book, In Each Other’s Care: A Guide to the Most Common Relationship Conflicts and How to Work Through Them offers strategies grounded in neurobiology and years of clinical experience.

When disagreements arise, primal instincts trigger 'fight or flight', making us defend ourselves instead of understanding each other. But with awareness and new strategies, partners can shift this dynamic. As Stan says, we can learn to "work problems, not each other", regulate emotions, consider interests equally, and prioritize the relationship.

We'll discuss Dr. Tatkin's approach for navigating conflicts productively. His insights may save your next argument and reveal how you can grow closer through challenges together.

You can find Stan at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Julie and John Gottman about deepening long-term relationships.

Check out our offerings & partners:

My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit.
Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embracing Change, Creativity & Play | Manoush Zomorodi May 25, 2023

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Ever wish you had the courage to try something entirely new? To create something that didn’t exist before? Even if you’re already successful at your career, and you enjoy much of it? Sometimes we just feel this call to try on something new. That’s one of the big ideas we dive into with award-winning journalist and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi.

• Manoush had success at NPR but later started her own company and podcast, showing it's never too late to try something new.

• Manoush recommends side passions or "garden plots" that let you experiment freely, fueling your main work with energy and excitement.

• We discuss the rapid impact of technology on identity, creativity and relationships, and how to harness change instead of just surviving it.

• Manoush believes in laughing at life's absurdity, being proud of getting older, and taking action instead of waiting on others to live a good life.

• The conversation covers big ideas, passions and perspectives on living well from Manoush's viewpoint as an award-winning journalist.

Join us as we dive into big ideas, passions and living well with award-winning journalist Manoush Zomorodi.

You can find Manoush at: Website | ZigZag Podcast

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kevin Kelly about excellent advice for living.

Check out our offerings & partners:

My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit.
Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Feel Significant (again?) | Seth Godin May 22, 2023

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Beyond money, what truly matters is meaning and purpose - feeling like your work and life make a difference. Studies show significance is key to satisfaction.

Yet workplaces often keep us from these feelings. Seth Godin explores how to transform work into a source of fulfillment and purpose.

Seth has inspired many through his insights on work culture, leadership and spreading ideas. His latest book, The Song of Significance serves as a manifesto for creating a more human-centric workplace.

We discuss:

Embracing change as the new normal
Reimagining the workplace to enroll, empower and trust everyone
How the past few years have trained us to embrace change
The importance of taking responsibility for meaningful work
Rediscovering the value of human connection at work

This is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more purpose-driven approach to work. Seth's book can help transform workplaces and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.

You can find Seth at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode:

You’ll also love my January episode, featuring the Sparketypes and how to better align your work with who you are, in order to experience more meaning, purpose, and possibility.

Check out our offerings & partners:

My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED
Visit Our Sponsor Page For a Complete List of Vanity URLs & Discount Codes.

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How to Get Unstuck (a scientific take) | Adam Alter May 18, 2023

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Have you ever felt stuck in any part of your life? Trapped in a soul-sucking job, an unfulfilling relationship, a health, fitness or performance plateau, or a creative rut? What if there was a way to tap scientifically-validated principles to get unstuck, break free from the invisible forces holding you back and unleash your full potential? What if you could literally engineer breakthroughs? Turns out, you can.

Adam Alter joins us to discuss his new book Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most, which explores the often unavoidable experience of feeling stuck - whether it's a relationship, career, or health issue - and what we can do to turn stuckness into breakthrough. Adam shares strategies and mindset shifts to get unstuck and how simplifying and experimenting can ultimately help us make progress.

Stuckness is an inevitable part of the human experience, especially for long-term goals that have a lull period in the middle. We become fixated on the end goal and overlook the journey.
When stuck, people feel anxious, confused, isolated, and like their struggles are unique even though stuckness is universal. It leads to a flailing response that doesn't help.
The first step is managing emotions by taking down the pressure and slowing down. Only then can you start to think strategically about how to move forward.
Hitting plateaus is natural due to the plateau effect - constant methods become less effective over time. Anticipating plateaus and chunking large goals into smaller ones helps navigate through them.
Failure is also inevitable but we have different cultural baggage around failure depending on the domain. The key is to reframe failure as learning rather than a stain on your character.
Conducting a "friction audit" - identifying and removing obstacles - can reduce stuckness, especially if done periodically.
Simplicity trumps complexity when stuck - focus on the 1-2 most important factors that will make the biggest difference now.
Experimentation, exploration, and luck also play a role in breakthroughs. Being more exploratory increases serendipity.
Surrounding yourself with different types of people, including those who challenge you, can enrich your life.

You can find Adam at: Website | Twitter

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love my January episode on the power of success scaffolding to achieve incredible visions.

Check out our offerings & partners:

My New Book Sparked
My New Podcast SPARKED
Visit Our Sponsor Page For a Complete List of Vanity URLs & Discount Codes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Be Unstoppable | Oksana Masters May 15, 2023

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Born in 1989 Ukraine with extensive physical challenges, missing bones and parts of limbs, muscle,s and organ tissue due to in-utero radiation poisoning from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Oksana Masters was left to fend for herself in an orphanage. The world was stacked against her, and the conditions in the three orphanages she endured were, as she described, truly brutal. But, she refused to give up.

Then, at age 7, she’d find herself adopted by a single, American mom, whose own years-long journey to bring Oksana home is its own astonishing story. The simple fact that she survived is remarkable. But, she didn’t just survive, once in her home, enduring multiple additional surgeries and amputations, her indomitable spirit refused to let anyone tell her what she could or could not do.

And, nearly a decade later, she’d end up stunning not just her mom, and the local community, but the entire world, becoming the United States' most decorated winter Paralympic or Olympic athlete, taking home seventeen medals in four different sports. She has since been featured everywhere from Sports Illustrated to The New York Times and has written a powerful memoir, The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph, that recounts her astonishing journey from the shadow of Chernobyl to the world's biggest stages.

In today’s deeply moving and inspiring conversation, you'll discover:

How an unwavering spirit can conquer the most daunting physical challenges.
The power of love, support, and perseverance in overcoming trauma and adversity.
The importance of embracing your unique differences and using them to your advantage.
What it takes to excel in not just one, but four different sports on the world stage.
The life-changing impact of a single decision to never give up.
And so much more.

Join us as we explore the extraordinary life of Oksana Masters, and learn how she turned her greatest challenges into her most exceptional victories. How she became unstoppable, and showed the world what was possible.

You can find Oksana at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kyle Bryant about how to transform challenges into action.

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