What if the secret to living longer wasn't just kale and spin class, but transforming your whole environment and community?

After decoding longevity hotspots he introduced as the Blue Zones, Dan Buettner discovered their vitality ensues from ecosystems promoting natural movement, plant-based eating, purpose, community, and stress reduction. These universal experiences shape our ability to build deeply healthy lives, yet we rarely learn from those who've mastered the art - the world's most vigorous centenarians.

I'm thrilled to share this myth-busting conversation to glean simple, enjoyable lessons on adding life to our years from the wisdom of history's most remarkable super-agers. Join me and Dan, author of The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer, as we sidestep pitfalls by infusing our lives and communities with insights from the globe's greatest teachers on living well past 100.

You can find Dan at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with David A. Sinclair, Ph.D. offering a different and complimentary lab-based take on longevity.

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• 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

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Join us in unraveling the pressure cooker of modern achievement culture and discovering a healthier, happier definition of success with Jennifer Breheny Wallace. Her new book, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It, offers research-driven solutions drawn from interviews with families struggling to find balance amid our achievement-crazed culture.

• The Hidden Costs of Success: Dive deep into the toxic effects of the achievement-focused definition of success on our well-being and happiness.
• Raw Truth: The alarming rise of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse in today's youth across the spectrum: from the affluent to the underserved.
• Redefining Success: How can we balance our aspirations with well-being? Learn how to nurture resilience and deep connection in our families and communities.

You can find Jennifer at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Jessica Lahey around the gift of failure.

 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.

Are you constantly losing focus and wonder why you can't reel it back in? In today's special compilation episode, explore the enigmatic world of attention and focus, an issue we all grapple with in our fast-paced lives. Uncover insights that could transform the way you approach your daily tasks and long-term goals.

• Johann Hari's Odyssey: A revealing journey across America, unearthing the secret forces manipulating our attention.
• Gloria Mark's Studies: A neuroscientist's in-depth look at attention spans and habits, offering unprecedented insights.
• Gretchen Rubin's Tendencies: Explore the four tendencies that shape our response to expectations, aiding in harnessing attention and action.

This episode will make you rethink how you engage with your surroundings and shed light on unseen patterns that determine how we focus. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by distractions, join us in exploring the groundbreaking perspectives shared in this episode. Dive in, take control, and spark new possibilities for your unique attention. Unlock the mysteries of your mind with insights that could change your life. Don't miss this enlightening exploration!

Episode Transcript

You can find Johann at: Instagram | Website | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Johann

You can find Gloria at: Website | LinkedIn | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Gloria

You can find Gretchen at: Website | Instagram | Happier with Gretchen Rubin - Podcast | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Gretchen

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.

Explore the universal struggle of life and discover the path to healing in this riveting episode with Minaa B., author of Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World. In our candid conversation, we delve into:

• The Dangers of Hiding Struggle: How pretending it doesn't exist only amplifies our pain.
• Healing through Inner Child Work: Learn how Minaa B. found resilience by tending to her wounded inner child, and why you should reconsider dismissing this concept.
• Community Care and Connection: The essential role of community in revealing, healing, and finding peace.
• Practical Strategies for Inner Wisdom: Tune into your inner compass and recalibrate your nervous system for a more balanced life.

Don't miss this insightful episode that offers guidance on personal struggles and promotes a simpler, more connected way of living. If you ever felt overwhelmed and yearned for purpose, this episode is for you!

You can find Minaa B. at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Alex Elle about healing & self-care.

 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.

Discover the profound insights of belonging in our latest episode, where we unravel the enigma of connection with Sebene Selassie, author of You Belong: A Call for Connection. Dive into a conversation filled with self-discovery, love, and a universal sense of belonging:

• A Personal Journey: From feeling like a "big weirdo" in Washington, D.C. to a celebrated teacher and speaker, Selassie's unique story is an invitation to explore our own sense of belonging.
• An Inspiring Revelation: Learn how belonging starts within, and why knowing and connecting with ourselves is the first step to embracing the world.
• Ancient Wisdom & Modern Practices: Unlock the secrets of ancient traditions and contemporary contemplative practices that reconnect us to truths of belonging.
• Healing from Trauma: Explore the methods to unlock trauma from the body, creating space for grace and growth.

This episode isn't just about fitting in; it's about cultivating a deeper sense of connection within ourselves and the world.

You can find Sebene at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Rev. angel Kyodo williams about what we leave outside the room when we seek to fit in.

 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.

Discover the transformative power of vulnerability and courage in this eye-opening episode with Dr. Brené Brown, renowned researcher, storyteller, and author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers. Our riveting conversation explores profound questions that can redefine your life and relationships:

• 🌟 Daring to be Open: How does embracing our flaws and humanity unlock the life we desire?
• 💪 Courage over Comfort: What doors can courage open that you never imagined?
• 🧠 Understanding Vulnerability: With 60 million views, Brené's TED Talk on vulnerability has inspired many. Why is it so powerful?
• 😢 Emotionally Stirring Dialogue: A conversation that moved both of us to tears and will likely inspire you as well.
• 🌎 Relevance in Current Climate: The wisdom in this Best Of episode resonates even more today.

Brené's relatable storytelling and insights on empathy, resilience, and living a "wholehearted life" will leave you profoundly changed. This isn't just an episode; it's an invitation to a life where owning our stories means owning our lives. Listen in and dare to be real, open, and seen.

You can find Brené at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about bringing your whole self to your life.

 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.

Have you ever felt torn between two paths, pulled by what others expect and what your heart truly desires? In this episode, I'm sharing the extraordinary journey of violinist Vijay Gupta, a man caught between the artistic fire of music and a passion for medicine.

Imagine a world where a single chance meeting can redefine your destiny. It happened to Vijay, and it could happen to you.

• From Prodigy to Passion Project: Discover how Vijay's encounter with a mentor rekindled his love for music, and how LA's Skid Row inspired a new purpose.
• Finding Yourself in Unexpected Places: It's not easy to abandon a successful career, but sometimes the path to self-discovery leads us to unfamiliar territories.
• Embracing Destiny: Growing into your best self means embracing uncertainty and pursuing your passion, even when it defies expectations.

For me, personally, Vijay's story is a profound reminder that we have the power to shape our destiny. Listen to this episode, and imagine if you could find your path by defying expectations and following your heart. Here's a tale of transformation that just might inspire your next big move.

You can find Vijay at: Website | Street Symphony | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Seth Godin about reclaiming significance, especially in the context of the work we do in the world.

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.

Looking to unravel the mysteries of sexual desire and its impact on living a fulfilled life? In this eye-opening episode, renowned neuroscientist Nicole Prause dives deep into the science of sexual motivation and how it influences our relationships and overall well-being.

• Understanding Sexual Desire: What is it? Why is it essential to our lives, and how is it changeable?
• Myth-busting and Research Insights: Nicole shares why differences in sexual desire are normal and introduces groundbreaking work on brain stimulation to change individual desire.
• Impact on Health: Discover how the neuroscience of orgasm can enhance pleasure, relationships, and physical and mental health, affecting everything from inflammation to sleep.

Don't miss this engaging conversation that's not just about sex but about embracing an essential and healthy part of life.

You can find Nicole at: Website | Twitter | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Vanessa Marin about how to have open and honest about sex.

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.

Uncover a transformative conversation with Mesmin Destin, an award-winning researcher and professor. Of Haitian descent, Destin's journey from his modest beginnings in Nebraska to being honored by the American Psychological Association is a testament to resilience and exploration.

🔹 Delve into the intriguing concept of "future identity" - the dynamic mental blueprints of our potential selves that can shape our motivations, behaviors, and success trajectories.

🔹 Destin's research reveals how interactions, environments, and pivotal moments in our lives can either nourish or hinder the formation of our future identity.

🔹 Revisit the dreams of your youth and learn how to awaken your latent talents, as we discuss how to cultivate the right circumstances and relationships to rediscover your hidden genius.

Let Mesmin Destin guide you on a journey to rediscover your true potential, today on our podcast. Let's unlock the power of future identity together.

You can find Mesmin at: Website | TEDxChicago Talk | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Anders Ericsson about excellence and expertise.

 Check out our offerings & partners: 

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

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Discover the power of your unique voice with our special compilation episode featuring exclusive insights from best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert, artist Lisa Congdon, and poet Morgan Harper Nichols. In this richly engaging dialogue:

• We explore the life-changing journey of self-discovery, creativity, and expressing authenticity.

• Hear how each of these iconic creatives navigated their paths, found their unique voices, and the impact they made in their respective fields.

• Learn about common themes that arose from these conversations - invaluable for anyone on their own journey of self-expression.

• Listen to a unique blend of wisdom, vulnerability, and inspiring personal stories that reveal universal truths about curiosity, openness, and owning one's own experience.

Whether you're overcoming creative hurdles or just beginning to explore your potential, this episode promises to ignite new questions and possibilities. So join us as we delve into the depths of unique expression and identity. Find your voice, amplify your impact.

Episode Transcript

You can find Elizabeth Gilbert at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Elizabeth

You can find Morgan Harper Nichols at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Morgan

You can find Lisa at: Website | Instagram | The Lisa Congdon Sessions | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Lisa

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.