Good Life Project

So as we all step into this year together, there's a big question that I think is on everybody's mind. And that question is, "What does it actually take to live a good Life?" Is it about health or wealth, friendship love, passion, purpose? Or are there things that really matter that are fairly simple to cultivate, no matter your circumstance, but that most of us completely miss? And maybe most importantly, what can we do? How much is actually in our control? And does that vary from person to person or even within one person's life from moment to moment, month to month, season to season?

No matter who you are, what you do or what life brings your way, the question of what it means to live a good life, it resonates at the core of every single one of us. No matter our circumstances to feel more alive and connected to feel like whatever version of our best life is possible, we have found a way to access it on some level. And we have a sense of agency and co-creation in it.

And for over a decade now, I have been granted rare access to a global collective of luminaries in every industry and circumstance imaginable. From renowned scientists and leading voices in everything from spirituality, and philosophy, to art, to innovators, change makers in industries, psychology, health, mental health, relationships, education activism, CEOs and founders, painters, writers, Oscar-winning actors, iconic musicians have populated the quest and the list of teachers for me and people that have turned around and shared with you. And what I have added to that is many decades of my own countless personal experiments and experience ranging from studying and teaching, yoga and meditation to my own meditation and breathwork deep dives to having the incredible blessing of teaching tens of thousands of students and human beings from around the world. Building many intentional businesses and communities and experiences focused around collective elevation.

And over time, this deceptively simple, yet powerful model for a life well live emerged and I call it the Good Life Buckets. And this simple Good Life Bucket model remains as valid as robust as powerful as ever. So get ready to dive into the Good Life Buckets with the new 2023 lens on how to tap this model to build your best life possible.

You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.

Links Mentioned:

• 5 Life-Changing Relationship Habits
• Arthur Aron's 36 Questions
• Good Life Project Bucket Quiz
• Sparketype™ Quiz

Find All Of The Episodes In This Series:

• How to Succeed at Anything Worth Doing | 2023 Kickstart

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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What does it mean to be time-poor? 

We've all heard the old phrase, "time is money," usually in the context of work and productivity. But, time isn’t just about money, it’s about happiness, health, and life. How we use it and feel like we have enough of it, is everything. Time is precious and, it is also our one nonrenewable resource. When a dollar is spent, you can earn another. When a day is gone, it’s gone for life.

So, how can we move forward, making sure that we live more intentionally and spend our time wisely so we won't have regrets in the end? My guest today, Cassie Holmes, has done incredible research on making the most of the world's most precious resource, time, and I'm excited to tackle these big questions and ideas in this important and timely conversation with her today. 

Her new book, Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most, gives readers the blueprint to reframing their time and overcoming time poverty. And in our chat today, you'll hear us dive deeper into this notion of having too much to do and too little time, how to distinguish between what matters and what doesn't when it comes to our time, and what to consider and do if you want to lead a more intentional, happier life — which I'm sure that's all of us.

You can find Cassie at: Website | LinkedIn

If you LOVED this episode: you’ll also love the conversations we had with Tim Ferriss about being present and intentional in 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.

What if this was the year you actually did the thing that you have dreamed of doing, the thing that's been in the back of your mind for months or years, maybe even decades? The thing that when you think about it, your whole body responds - exhilarated in part, energized. You can feel it in your heart. And if you're being honest, maybe along with that tingling of excitement, there's even a touch of fear and doubt.

If it's even remotely inspiring or appealing and motivating, this very special episode is for you. If you're ready, but if you're not even sure where to begin, this episode is for you. It's the first in our January Kickstart Your Life Series, and the focus is on a very powerful framework that I have been developing and testing, using and refining for years that I call Success Scaffolding.

I am going to walk you through the 8 critical elements that are immensely powerful, unlock keys and guideposts that'll let you - maybe for the first time ever feel so much more confident and have a real actionable roadmap to finally do that thing that you have yearned to do. This framework will help you get there and keep you inspired and supported along the way.

I have shared success scaffolding before, but over the years, I keep kind of refining it and tweaking it and tuning and optimizing, making necessary updates. And even if you've heard me talk about it before you've changed, the world has changed, and no doubt your personal circumstances have evolved. So listen in with fresh ears. My greatest hope is that it serves as a template for you to do and be and make real whatever it is that inspires you. Not someday, but starting today.

You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• My New Book Sparked
• My New Podcast SPARKED: We’re looking for special guest “wisdom-seekers” to share the moment you’re in, then pose questions to Jonathan and the Sparked Braintrust to be answered, “on air.” 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
• Talkspace: Online Counseling Via Text, Audio, Or Video Messaging. At Any Time, From Anywhere. Get $100 off of your first month with Talkspace when you use the code GOOD. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com. 
• Peloton: Try Peloton risk-free with a 30-day home trial. New members only. Not available in remote locations. See additional terms at onepeloton.com/home-trial.

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As we bring this year to a close, we wanted to reflect on human beings. Stories. Kindness. Love. And connection. And, more than anything, you. Our community.

Stories that allow us to see more of the goodness in each other, how we’re all human, doing the best we can. Stories that remind us all that people are good, they can be kind even to total strangers in ways we never imagined. And, today, to close out this long-strange trip of a year, we wanted to share some of these curating stories, specifically from a collection of community stories we love to call The Hug.

Each story shares a moment or experience where a little bit of kindness, a little bit of sweetness, and just maybe a little bit of lightness and laughter touched into the storyteller’s life, and reminded them how good people can be. I feel like we all need a little bit of that right now. So sit back and enjoy these stories. And, maybe, find a little space to rediscover your own tender heart along the way. End of the day, that’s really what it’s all about. See you in 2023.

You can find our storytellers at:

Marsha Shandur: Instagram | Website

Yvonne Ator: Website

IN-Q: Instagram | Website

Dan Stones: Wildfire note on Twitter

Jana Langford: Instagram | Website

Gabra Zackman: Instagram

Rick Charlie: Facebook

Susan Piver: Instagram

Erin Moon: Instagram | Website

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the Wheel
• Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

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

We’re in a moment where more people are awakening to the reality that there is no such thing as a universal experience. Especially in the world of work. And often, some blend of our identities, history, biases, gender, race, age, ability, and more play into whether any given experience feels welcoming and filled with dignity and possibility, or exclusionary and layered with inequity and intolerance.

And, the thing is, it’s not up to the person being harmed or excluded to dim their light and make everyone else feel comfortable, it’s up to all of us to enter into the conversation in an open, respectful, generous and generative way, and explore how to create cultures where everyone feels at peace, at home, and able to flourish. 

That's where we're headed today with my guest and friend, Deborah Owens, whose own story has shaped her mission to ensure that every Person of Color is fully supported and equipped for both the opportunities and challenges in the corporate arena through her consulting company Corporate Alley Cat. 

We explore her family's legacy of social justice before diving into the unique—yet, familiar—experiences and challenges she faced as a young Black woman finding her voice in corporate America and the lessons she's learned since on reclaiming her power, and how you can contribute to the conversation and solution.

You can find Deborah at: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ruth King about equality, advocacy, and mindfulness.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• My New Book Sparked
• My New Podcast SPARKED: We’re looking for special guest “wisdom-seekers” to share the moment you’re in, then pose questions to Jonathan and the Sparked Braintrust to be answered, “on air.” 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
• You Need a Budget: Your money doesn’t have to be messy. Get a handle on your personal finances by budgeting with YNAB—a proven method and budgeting app that gives you real results. Try You Need a Budget free for 34-days (no credit card required) at YNAB.com/GOODLIFE

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So, what might happen if you let go of what you thought your life would or should be, and created the space to let it show you what it truly yearns to be? Then, followed that thread. That’s been the experience of today’s guest, Parker Palmer. 

Graduating Berkley with a Ph.D. in ‘69, he thought he’d head into the world of academia but instead found himself heading to DC to become an activist and community organizer for 5 years. But, something else began to call him, and he took what he thought would be a short sojourn to a Quaker learning community that turned into 11 years. Over time, a new sense of calling emerged as a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. 

In this deeply-moving conversation, Parker shares this journey and many of insights, as well as how three seasons of profound depression have shaped his experience of life, and lens on people, compassion, belonging and beyond.

You can find Parker at: Website | Facebook

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Mark Nepo about following your own path.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the Wheel
• Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

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

When you’re in your darkest hour, dealing with tough circumstances that don’t seem to have an end in sight, it can be easy to lose hope. And, have those around you give up on you, even abandon you. But, in today’s powerful conversation, you’ll discover how two people, from profoundly different walks of life, found each other and not only transformed their own lives, but also the lives of so many around them.

Father Greg Boyle has become known to millions as the Jesuit priest who asked to be placed in a neighborhood in LA deeply affected by poverty, surrounded by gangs and unbearable violence, where he’d eventually found Homeboy Industries, which has since become the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program in the world.

Along the way, Fabian Debora found his way to Homeboy. A gang member, addicted, and formerly incarcerated, he lived a brutal life, at one point, becoming so despondent, he came close to taking his own life. All the while, Fabian had the soul, impulse, and wisdom of an artist that he kept trying to express. Fabian started creating stunning, large-scale paintings that reflected everything he’d experienced, and would eventually partner with Father Greg to become Executive Director of the Homebody Art Academy.

They’ve partnered on a new book, Forgive Everyone, Everything. It is a powerful collection of Fr. Greg’s most poignant writings and Fabian’s stunning art, making this book a modern-day devotional that will provoke and inspire readers.

You can find Father Greg at: Website | Instagram

You can find Fabian at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Mike Han about the power of artistic expression as a source of impact and connection.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• My New Book Sparked
• My New Podcast SPARKED: We’re looking for special guest “wisdom-seekers” to share the moment you’re in, then pose questions to Jonathan and the Sparked Braintrust to be answered, “on air.” 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
• Planta: Individual care schedule and reminders for your plants, recommendations, step-by-step guides, identification, light meter and more. Keep your plants alive with Planta! Download the Planta App today, use code goodlife20 and get 20% OFF.

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If a magic pill existed that could transform the health of your brain and keep it from aging as you got older, would you take it? 

We all know that as we age, so does our brain. And with it comes some less-than-favorable effects on cognitive functions like memory, focus, and productivity that might leave you wishing for your more youthful days. But what if there was a way to make our brains more age-proof and less prone to signs of aging like memory loss or even dementia? 

My guest today, Dr. Milstein has conducted research on topics including cancer biology and neuroscience, and his work has been published in multiple scientific journals. His new book, The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia, reveals the secrets to improving brain function, and in today's episode, he joins me to share some of those brain-boosting strategies discussed in his book, debunks common misinformation about the aging brain, and even lay out the red flags to look out for as you grow older. 

You can find Marc at: Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode: you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aviva Romm about how to work with your hormones to optimize health and longevity.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the Wheel
• Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

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

Chip Conley shares how the early seed of an idea around the deep wisdom and value and sharing, learning and potential for profound, intergenerational contribution led to the creation of what’s now become a global institution call the Modern Elder Academy with campuses in Baja Mexico and New Mexico, and programming that is building community and changing lives in amazing ways. 

By the way if you’re wondering why Chip's name might sound familiar, beyond earlier appearances on Good Life Project, he’s also a New York Times bestselling author, the hospitality maverick who first built and sold a boutique hotel chain, flatlined on stage while keynoting, then reclaimed and reimagined his life, stepping into help Airbnb's founders turn their fast-growing tech start-up into a global hospitality brand, all before founding the Modern Elder Academy.

If you’re in a moment where you’re really thinking about what you want the next season of work and life and contribution to look and feel like, this is a don’t-miss episode.

You can find Chip at: Modern Elder Academy | Website | Instagram

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Robert Thurman about life, spirituality and contribution.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• My New Book Sparked
• My New Podcast SPARKED
• Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
• Solo Stove: Make more backyard memories with solo stove's award-winning fire pits, stoves, & grills. Use promo code GLP  at SoloStove.com for an extra $10 off their already great prices.
• BetterHelp: Good Life Project is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/GoodLifeProject
• The Lazy Genius Podcast: Part systems expert, part permission giver, Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius, is here to help you be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't. Check out The Lazy Genius Podcast now wherever you get your podcasts.
• Air Doctor: The AirDoctor air purifier features patented UltraHEPAR technology that is proven and tested to remove airborne particles as small as 0.003 in size. AirDoctor comes with a no questions asked, 30-day money-back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping. So head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GOODLIFE and, depending on the model, you’ll receive up to 35% off. 

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So today is a little bit of a different episode for you. As I sit here recording this, I have just returned from a month-long creative sabbatical. I never believed something like this could be possible for someone like me until something happened earlier in this year that inspired me to really test that assumption and eventually prove me wildly wrong. I'm coming back with some experiences, some awakenings, some reality checks, and learnings that I wanted to share with you today.

Today we're going to dive into just what happened, what I learned, and how you might consider creating your own version of an extended, deeply generative, regenerating, renewing and awakening leave. So excited to share these experiences and insights with you.

If you LOVED this episode: you’ll also love the conversations we had with Jenny Blake where the possibility of a creative sabbatical for me was planted and the conversation with DJ DiDonna about the research around how to take a life-changing break.

Check out our offerings & partners: 

• My New Book Sparked
• My New Podcast SPARKED
• Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
• eharmony: eharmony is the first platform to use a proprietary matching system we developed to match you with highly compatible singles. So if you're ready to move past the swipe grind, join the dating app that helps people find the most authentic relationships and see for yourself. Start a conversation on eharmony today! Download the eharmony app now.
• The Unmistakable Creative Podcast: The Unmistakable creative podcast provides timeless wisdom, practical insights and candid conversations with insanely interesting people from every field. Listen to The Unmistakable Creative Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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