There's a pernicious trend in society, punishing the free expression of contrary ideas. Using a recent incident from academia, Craig discusses the dangers silencing free expression poses for a free society.  Drawing insights from John Stuart Mill's essay on liberty of thought and discussion, he explores the grave implications of the chilling effect on societal progress

How can we progress as a society if we are afraid to challenge orthodox thinking and engage in open debate? This is the pressing question we wrestle with in today's discussion. Open and honest debate is more than just a fundamental right - it is the bedrock of intellectual and societal advancement. Craig emphasizes the critical role of debate in testing our beliefs and values, and the importance of diverse perspectives in our collective growth. Engaging in a spirited evaluation of the risks, repercussions, and rewards of dissent, he underscores the need to foster an academic environment that values diverse opinions and encourages intellectual challenges. After all, it's through the clash of contrasting ideas that the light of truth is often kindled.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever thought about whether you're going too far with your self-discipline ? Today's  today grapples with the issue of finding the delicate balance between self-restraint and indulgence, between being too strict or too lenient with oneself. Craig shares personal anecdotes, thoughts, and lessons learned from years of experience in trying to find the perfect 'golden mean' of self-discipline. With insights from the famous marshmallow study by Stanford professor, Walter Mischel, Craig reflects on how self-discipline is an instrumental virtue for a successful life, yet, like all good things, it can be detrimental when taken to the extreme. 

Tune in for a deep dive into the realm of self-discipline and explore the process of finding the perfect balance between self-denial and impulsiveness. Guided by the wisdom of Aristotle, we attempt to find this 'golden mean' of self-discipline – the key to living a flourishing life. The episode concludes with practical tips and actionable advice on how you can find your unique golden mean, bringing you one step closer to a well-balanced life. So, are you ready to redefine self-discipline and unlock the secret to a fulfilling life? Let's embark on this journey of exploration and discovery together.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

What if guilt, an emotion that often makes us squirm, could instead be a tool for personal growth and happiness? This episode of Live Well and Flourish is dedicated to transforming our perceptions of guilt, and employing it as a signal for reflection, self-improvement and ultimately, leading a life that aligns with our values. I lay out the distinction between destructive and constructive guilt, and how to differentiate between them. We take a deep look into common guilt triggers like perfectionism, lingering regrets, and transient thoughts, learning how to navigate them effectively.

Prepare to be empowered as I reveal how guilt, an emotion typically frowned upon, can actually act as a beacon guiding us towards living an excellent life. We delve into practical examples to illustrate the dichotomy of guilt, helping you recognize when guilt is counterproductive and when it serves as a call for change. By the end of this enlightening episode, you'll know how to convert guilt into a catalyst for growth, ensuring that every emotion you experience becomes a stepping stone towards a flourishing life. Stay tuned to unravel the mystery of guilt and turn it into your ally.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever wondered what the secret to living a flourishing life is? The answer lies within you, in the form of self-awareness. Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as we untangle the web of self-awareness and how it irrevocably links to personal excellence and overall well-being. We'll explore how an honest assessment of our current state, juxtaposed against our desired state, can either spur us towards growth or send us into retreat. Through the lens of fostering a growth mindset, we'll see why it's important to consistently revisit and revise our values and purpose.

In the quest for self-discovery and well-being, understanding the difference between where we are and where we want to be is crucial. Drawing from the profound wisdom encapsulated in Lao Tzu's quote, "To know others is wisdom, to know yourself is enlightenment", we'll delve into the significance of self-awareness in our journey towards a fulfilling life. Remember, my aim is to help you live an excellent life; no strings attached, no sponsorships accepted. This insightful journey towards self-awareness might be just the thing you or someone you know needs. So buckle up and let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever wondered how limitations could actually set you free? Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as I reveal the surprising connection between constraints and creativity. I'll take you on an engaging journey, from the witty realm of improv comedy to the inventive 'Cajun engineering', proving how limitations can ignite innovation and bring forth possibilities you'd never imagined. You'll hear amusing personal stories and examples, such as a garden gate made with nothing but PVC, zip ties and hose clamps, that beautifully demonstrate this concept.

Tune in as I guide you on how to transform your constraints into stepping stones. We'll tackle the intriguing concept of 'tyranny of choice', discuss the significance of distinguishing key constraints from actual requirements, and share tips on how to generate out-of-the-box ideas and solutions. Drawing from my own experiences and the ingenious tactics of teachers, this episode will challenge you to embrace your limitations and set your creativity ablaze in every corner of your life. So, whether you're grappling with budgetary, time, or space constraints, or simply lacking certain skills, tune in and learn how to see potential, not pitfalls.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever felt overwhelmed juggling your various identities in different settings? You're not alone. Join me as I share my personal experience navigating this challenging aspect of life, exploring the differences between personal and social identities, and how mastering the art of switching between them can lead to a more flourishing life.

We'll dive into the emotional labor involved in managing these multiple identities, especially in customer-facing roles. Together, we'll discuss the hierarchy of identities from macro to micro levels, the challenges of managing customer expectations and company norms, and the damaging effects of excessive emotional labor. Tune in to uncover how finding the right balance can help you better navigate the complexities of your life and maintain a healthy emotional well-being.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Are you unknowingly making it harder to live an excellent life? In this thought-provoking episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig discusses the unfortunate trend of students using AI tools like ChatGPT to cheat on their papers and then lying about it when caught. He urges you to consider the long-term consequences of applying marginal cost logic to ethical decisions and how each dishonest choice you make can lead you down a path of unvirtuous behavior.

Drawing inspiration from Clayton Christensen's insightful Harvard Business Review article, "How Will You Measure Your Life," Craig encourages you to choose to be a person of good character, learn from your mistakes, and avoid intentionally damaging your personal growth and flourishing. Listen in as he explores the importance of embracing honesty, integrity, and wisdom in order to live a truly excellent life.


Link: How Will You Measure Your Life
https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life 

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Do you find yourself constantly agreeing to tasks and requests, even when you're already swamped? It's time to break this habit and master the art of saying no gracefully and effectively. We're here to explore the reasons behind this common challenge – from the fear of damaging relationships and reputations, to unclear personal boundaries and the genuine care for the task at hand. Discover how your perceptions, rather than objective reality, often drive your reluctance to say no and learn how to reframe your thinking to prioritize your own mental and physical health.

In this insightful discussion, Craig reveals conflict management strategies that can help you decide when and how to say no with discernment and grace. He delves into the importance of knowing your priorities when it comes to tasks, goals, and relationships, and how to apply the four basic conflict management strategies - avoiding, contending, yielding, and problem-solving - to the art of saying no. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools and mindset to decline with respect, tactfulness, and kindness, ultimately leading to a more flourishing life.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Diving into the turbulent waters of stress and control,  Craig shares transformative insights in this episode of "Live Well and Flourish". Through personal stories, he illustrates how the daunting feeling of being out of control can amplify stress. Craig suggests a manageable solution: distinguishing what's within your control and what is not, then taking action on what IS in your control. Taking control, even over something as simple as filling a dog treat jar, can help relieve some of your stress. This approach illustrates how even seemingly insignificant actions can help to relieve stress and boost our sense of well-being. Craig cautions that it's crucial to reach out to professionals when stress becomes overwhelming, reinforcing the importance of mental health.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Stress and anger mutually reinforce each other in a vicious cycle of negative emotion. Being stressed makes you more prone to anger and the emotional labor of dealing with anger makes you more stressed.

In this episode, Craig discusses this vicious cycle and what you can do to prevent it. He also explains the concept of emotional labor and how it affects the relationship between stress and anger.


Links:
Stress Trifecta: Uncertainty, Isolation, and Overload
https://www.livewellandflourish.com/stress-trifecta-uncertainty-isolation-and-overload/

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert