What does it really mean to live a life worth living? And in a world that rewards achievement, speed, and measurable success, how do we make space for deeper questions about purpose, values, and what truly matters?

In this episode, host Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Matthew Croasmun, theologian, professor at Yale University, and coauthor of the New York Times bestselling book Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. Together, they explore the big questions that shape our lives — from how we define meaning and success to why so many of us rarely pause to reflect on what we’re actually living for.

Dr. Croasmun shares insights from Yale’s popular “Life Worth Living” course, where students wrestle with questions like: Who or what are we responsible to? What is worth hoping for? How do we respond to failure and suffering? And how can we articulate our core values in a world that often prioritizes productivity over character?

They discuss the tension between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues,” why modern life makes these questions feel more urgent than ever, and how cultural shifts — from increasing diversity of perspectives to the impact of COVID — have changed how we think about stability, ambition, and the future.

The conversation also explores the role of love, belonging, and community in shaping our sense of worth, and why knowing that we are loved can be more grounding than any achievement. Dr. Croasmun offers practical ways to begin reflecting on your own life, including conducting a “life inventory” of how you spend your time, attention, and resources.

Whether you’re navigating a transition, questioning your priorities, or simply curious about how to live more intentionally, this episode is an invitation to slow down, ask better questions, and consider what kind of life you truly want to build.

Book: Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most

Web: https://www.matthewcroasmun.com/ 

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What makes communication land—on the page, on screen, or in conversation? And why do some voices cut through the noise while others get ignored?

In this episode, Alita Guillen sits down with writer, storyteller, and cultural commentator Shea Serrano for a candid conversation about voice, clarity, and connecting with an audience. Shea reflects on how he developed his unmistakable style, why honesty matters more than polish, and how trusting your instincts can shape both creative work and career decisions.

Together, they talk about writing for real people, breaking complex ideas into something accessible, and the importance of staying grounded—even as success grows. Shea shares insights on confidence, self-doubt, and learning when to speak up, when to listen, and when to trust that your voice already belongs in the room.

From creative discipline to cultural storytelling, this conversation is a reminder that strong communication isn’t about being loud—it’s about being clear, human, and intentional.

Book : Expensive Basketball

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Why do smart people fall for bad information? Why does bullshit spread faster than truth? And what can we really do to protect ourselves from misinformation in a chaotic media landscape?

Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Gordon Pennycook, Associate Professor of Psychology at Cornell University and a leading researcher on human reasoning, intuition, misinformation, and what he famously calls “The Science of Human Stupidity.” His work reveals why our brains default to shortcuts, how social media exploits those habits, and—most importantly—how simple moments of reflection can dramatically improve our judgment.

Together, they explore why people believe things that aren’t true, how overconfidence fuels polarization, why bullshit thrives when accuracy isn’t top of mind, and the surprisingly hopeful research showing that people can change their minds when given the right tools.

This conversation is an antidote to noisy information, a guide to clearer thinking, and a refreshing reminder that better reasoning is a skill anyone can learn.

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Persuasion shapes every part of our daily lives, from convincing a boss to give us a raise to deciding which products we buy or which beliefs we hold true. But how do we recognize when we are being persuaded or deceived?

In this episode, host Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Timothy R. Levine, Professor and Chair of Communication at the University of Oklahoma and author of Duped: Truth-Default Theory and the Social Science of Lying and Deception. Together, they explore the subtle art and science of persuasion, how it overlaps with manipulation, why emotion can be so powerful, and what it really means to communicate honestly.

Dr. Levine explains how persuasion differs from coercion and conformity, why politeness combined with reason is often the key to influence, and how fear is used in health communication to shape public behavior. He also shares practical tools to protect yourself from influence that does not serve you and why trust remains essential if we want healthy, connected relationships.

From decoding everyday influence to understanding how misinformation spreads, this conversation offers a clearer look at the forces shaping how we think and act. It will help anyone become a more thoughtful communicator, a more intentional consumer, and a more ethical persuader.

Book: Duped: Truth-Default Theory and the Social Science of Lying and Deception

Website: https://www.ou.edu/cas/comm/about/people/faculty/timothy-levine

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What does it take to create lasting change in leadership and culture? In this episode, Alita Guillen sits down with Katie McCormick Lelyveld, CEO of MELD and associate at the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard University. A longtime advisor to transformative leaders, Katie is redefining what it means to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose.

Together, they explore how MELD empowers women across industries—helping them build influence, confidence, and authentic connections in spaces that often resist change. Katie shares insights from her work at the intersection of academia, business, and athletics, and discusses how to turn leadership into a living practice rooted in humanity rather than hierarchy.

From navigating moments of uncertainty to building systems that foster equity and growth, this conversation offers inspiration for anyone ready to lead with intention and impact.

Web: https://www.meldmore.com/about

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What happens to our minds and bodies when we can’t stop scrolling? In this episode, Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Alison Holman, Professor of Nursing and Psychological Science at UC Irvine, to explore the hidden costs of doomscrolling and constant exposure to distressing media.

Dr. Holman’s groundbreaking research reveals how the images we see online, especially violent or graphic ones, can trigger the same stress responses as living through trauma. From 9/11 to the pandemic to the wars and political divisions of today, she’s studied how repeated exposure to collective crises can lead to anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular problems.

Together, they talk about what’s really happening in our brains when we scroll, why it’s so hard to stop, and how to protect our mental and physical health in a world of endless headlines. Dr. Holman shares practical ways to reset your nervous system, including mindful body scans, breathing techniques, limiting alerts, and setting intentional “media doses.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the constant news cycle. It’s a reminder that staying informed doesn’t have to mean staying anxious, and that compassion, connection, and awareness are key to taking back control of your attention.

Website: https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=5441

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What if equality at home could change everything from our health to our happiness? In this episode, Alita Guillen sits down with Eve Rodsky, Harvard-trained lawyer, New York Times bestselling author, and creator of Fair Play, the system reimagining how couples divide domestic labor.

Eve shares how one “blueberries breakdown” became a turning point that inspired her to treat the home like our most important organization. Together, they unpack the hidden biases and invisible work that leads to burnout, resentment, health issues and a breakdown of a good relationship. Eve lays out a plan so that couples can become proactive by restoring balance, having boundaries, implementing systems, and establishing good communication.

They also talk about Find Your Unicorn Space, Eve’s follow-up to Fair Play, which explores how reclaiming creativity is essential to combating burnout and rediscovering joy. 

With humor, heart, and hard data, Eve helps us see that rebalancing our time isn’t just about chores—it’s about equality, identity, and the freedom to thrive.

Book:

Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World

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What if the secret to better health isn’t just in medicine, but in connection and kindness? In this episode, Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Kelli Harding: psychiatrist, Columbia University professor, and author of The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness.

Together, they explore how compassion, connection, and everyday relationships directly shape our health and longevity. Dr. Harding shares why she left the traditional view of medicine behind to embrace the mind-body connection. She shares research on how compassion and kindness can have a direct effect on improving your cholesterol. She gives examples of how simple acts of kindness can reduce stress and build resilience. They also talk about what purpose and success look like in today’s fast-paced world.

This conversation is a roadmap for anyone who wants to live better, be healthier, and help others do the same. From rethinking what health really means to small, practical steps we can all take, Dr. Harding makes science accessible, inspiring, and deeply human.Book: The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness

Website: kellihardingmd.com

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At 15 years old, Marcus Bullock was sentenced to eight years in a maximum-security prison. What could have been the end of his story became the beginning of something transformative. Thanks to his mother’s relentless love—sending him daily letters and photos—Marcus not only survived but found purpose. Today, he’s the founder and CEO of Flickshop, a tech company connecting incarcerated people with their families, and the leader of the Flickshop School of Business, empowering others returning from prison to build their own futures.

In this conversation with Alita Guillen, Marcus opens up about the moment he realized his sentence was real, the despair that nearly broke him, and the promise from his mother that saved his life. He shares his path from rejection after rejection during reentry to building a successful business, and the lessons of resilience and innovation that drive him today.

This is a story about second chances, the power of connection, and how one person’s transformation can ripple out to change entire communities.

Web: https://www.flikshop.com/about-us

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