What if there was a game-changing relationship practice or tool or strategy that was capable of not only transforming your personal relationships, even the really tense one, but also your relationship with yourself, and even with the way to respond to others, even complete strangers, and embrace shaping the world to be a better place? 
Turns out, there just might be. And, this is where we’re headed today with my guest, Rick Hanson. As a psychologist, best-selling author, and expert on positive neuroplasticity, Rick has lectured at some of the world's top institutions and is here to share his insights on how to warm your heart, see the person behind the eyes, and ultimately shape the world to be a better place. 
TW: brief mention of suicidal thoughts
 You can find Rick at: Website | Instagram
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Tara Brach about the practice of compassion and acceptance.
Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy 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 Connect Deeper & Love Better | Rick Hanson, PhD

What does it mean to live a good life? Is it about happiness, health, friendship, love, or meaning? What about work, wealth, purpose, service, or something else? Can you live a good life even when things are hard? These are the questions and topics we explore every week in conversation with leading voices from health, science, art, industry, mindset, and culture, like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Mel Robbins, Alex, Elle, Adam Grant, Elizabeth Gilbert, Yung Pueblo, Maya Shankar, Mitch Albom, Glennon Doyle &amp; hundreds more. The New York Times says, "the show’s holistic approach to fulfillment is bound to resonate." Listen now! Hosted on Acast. See&nbsp;acast.com/privacy&nbsp;for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Self-Improvement

In our disconnected world, are you longing for deeper bonds and a true sense of belonging? Discover how to cultivate extraordinary friendships, nurture healing communities, and transform the way you show up in relationships. 
This powerful episode brings together three trailblazers - Mia Birdsong on reimagining family beyond the nuclear model, Dr. Marisa Franco sharing the science of making profound platonic connections, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford illuminating the restorative magic of women's circles and sisterhoods. Through candid stories and research-backed insights, you'll gain practical tools for initiating authentic friendships, resolving conflict with empathy, and creating safe spaces to be truly seen and supported. Whether you crave more intimacy, community, or platonic love, this conversation will inspire you to invest in the meaningful relationships that allow you to thrive.
Episode Transcript
You can find Mia at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Mia
You can find Marisa at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Marisa
You can find Joy at: Website | Instagram | Therapy for Black Girls podcast | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Joy
Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Make Life-Changing Friendships | Spotlight Convo

What if overcoming challenges and living an extraordinary life is simpler than you think? Jeff Karp shares his unlikely journey from a struggling student to pioneering Harvard professor and serial entrepreneur. 
Jeff developed a toolbox of “life ignition” practices to unlock creativity and possibility, despite learning differences. He reveals how embracing curiosity transformed his work and relationships. We explore tools to spark ideas, reframe failure, and lower the “activation energy” for change. Jeff explains how he turned to nature for inspiration to overcome setbacks in the lab, leading to breakthrough innovations. Discover how small mindset shifts can unlock your innate potential. Jeff Karp’s new book is LIT: Life Ignition Tools: Use Nature's Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action.
You can find Jeff at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode Transcript
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ozan Varol about drinking in life and making big things happen.
Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Unlock Potential You Never Knew You Had | Jeff Karp

What if writing simple letters of love to yourself could change everything? Liz Gilbert shares an unusual practice that became her lifeline during painful times. 
Discover how tapping into self-compassion through daily letter writing provides surprising wisdom and comfort. Liz explains the transformative power of listening to your heart's guidance - something she now shares with thousands on her popular Substack, Letters From Love. Learn to turn inward and receive the unconditional love and support you crave through this magical daily ritual. Liz provides inspiration and practical guidance to unlock your inner wisdom through writing.
You can find Liz at: Website | Letters From Love with Elizabeth Gilbert | Instagram | Episode Transcript
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about navigating love and loss and finding lightness again.
Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Gilbert | The Simple Practice That Changed Her Life (and might change yours)

What if facing mortality could unlock the secret to living fully? My guest Alua Arthur, a death doula and author of Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, knows firsthand how confronting death can transform how we live. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into taboo topics like grief, loss, and our cultural avoidance of mortality. 
Alua shares insights from her deeply personal journey of embracing end-of-life experiences, leading to more meaning, authenticity, and connection. Learn tangible practices to live more present and purpose-driven lives, reflect on death consciously, craft your own ideal experience, and discuss difficult topics with loved ones. This conversation may shift your entire outlook on how to live well by leaning into our universally shared mortality.
You can find Alua at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about embracing life.
Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Thinking About Death Can Change Your Life | Alua Arthur

Are you ready to break free from codependent patterns and create authentic connection? Mark Groves and Kylie McBeath share transformative insights from their new book, Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire on how to heal attachment wounds, set boundaries, and communicate openly to find freedom in your relationships. 
Learn why we conform to societal expectations, how to tap into your body's wisdom, and steps for becoming interdependent without losing yourself. Whether you struggle with anxious attachment, avoidance, or simply desire more fulfillment, Mark and Kylie provide practical tools to stop abandoning yourself, speak your truth, and manifest the healthy, conscious love you desire. Get ready to transform not just your relationships, but your whole life.
You can find Mark & Kylie at: Website | Mark's Instagram | Kylie's Instagram | The Mark Groves Podcast | Episode Transcript
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Julie & John Gottman about sustaining love in long-term relationships.
Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Connect Deeper & Love Better | Rick Hanson, PhD

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