Today we have Michael Steger on the podcast. Dr. Steger is a Professor of Psychology, and the Founding Director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. He studies the link between meaning in life and well-being, as well as the psychological predictors of physical health and health-risk behaviors, and the facilitators and benefits of engaging in meaningful work.
 
In this episode we discuss the following topics:
 
- The definition of meaning in life
 
- The measurement of meaning
 
- The dark triad and meaning
 
- “The Hitler Problem”
 
- Life satisfaction vs. meaning in life
 
- Different forms of pleasure
 
- The possibility for “meaning exhaustion”
 
- Meaningful work
 
- The difference between coherence, purpose, and significance
 
- Different meanings of purpose
 
- The strongest sources of meaning in life
 

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Michael Steger || Meaning, Purpose, and Significance

In each episode, we talk with inspiring scientists, thinkers, and other self-actualized individuals who will give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in. Scott Barry Kaufman explores the depths of human potential and tries to get a glimpse into human possibility in every episode.

Social Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science


This week Scott is joined by clinical psychologist Lisa Damour where they have a nuance and compassionate discussion about the emotional and social lives of teenagers. In this episode they dispel many myths, including the idea that emotional means fragile. Lisa also offers the best evidence-based ways to support teens through their emotional and social journeys and help them thrive.
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Helping Teens Thrive Emotionally and Socially w/ Lisa Damour

This week Scott is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and best selling author, Charles Duhigg. Scott and Charles discuss why some conversations succeed while others fail, the 3 main types of conversations, and how to be a supercommunicator. 

Timestamps

2:15- How’d Charles Think of The Cover of his book?
3:33- Are there super communicator prodigies
6:40- When did Charles get interested in this topic?
8:29- What are the three types of conversations?
10:50- How can we apply super communication to politics?
18:23- People who disagree historically come together
20:36- Common mistakes people make when talking with each other
23:12- Are great therapists great super communicators?
25:01- What’s going on in “The Big Bang Theory” writer’s room?
33:51- How can you improve connection if you’re shy?
37:25- How can people who have trouble with social cues improve connection?
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How To Be A Supercommunicator W/ Charles Duhigg

This week Scott is joined by one of the world's foremost sports psychologists, Michael Gervais. Scott and Michael discuss FOPO (Fear of People's Opinions), the importance of grounding your actions in authenticity, and the dangers of performance-based identities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop Worrying about What People Think of You w/ Michael Gervais

This week Scott is joined by Assistant Principal Cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yumi Kendall. They discuss classical music's role in human flourishing and human transcendence, how life changes once you're a mother, and the sublime coincidence of Yumi occupying the same chair as Scott's grandfather in the Philadelphia Orchestra. 
2:01-The Suzuki Method
7:53-What Is A Waldorf Education?
12:19-Yumi's Crystalizing Experience With The Cello
15:59-What Does Talent Mean?
25:33-What Are The Characteristics Of A Creative Musician?
32:28-What Are Tiers Of Transcendence?
40:32-The Importance of Self Compassion
42:12-How Can We Cultivate Healthy Organizations?
48:59-How Motherhood Has Enriched Yumi's LifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Play Is Learning w/ Yumi Kendall

This week Scott is joined Modern Elder Academy Founder and best selling author, Chip Conley. Scott and Chip discuss the joys of living in midlife, the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and why life gets better with age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Steger || Meaning, Purpose, and Significance

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