What if there's more to happiness and fulfillment than what you've been taught? Speaking about her book The Art of the Interesting, Lorraine Besser questions accepted notions of what constitutes a fulfilling life. She doesn’t just explore happiness and meaning; she challenges their dominance, exposing how chasing these ideals can sometimes leave us feeling empty and disillusioned.

Lorraine invites us to consider a different path: pursuing a psychologically rich life. This isn’t about endless joy or a sense of fulfillment that’s always just out of reach. It’s about diving into experiences that are novel, complex, and challenging—experiences that make us think deeply and feel intensely. Drawing from her own life and philosophical reflections, Lorraine shows us how to find interest and meaning in the every day, and she offers practical advice on how to weave psychological richness into the fabric of our lives.

This is more than just a conversation; it’s an important call to rethink what it means to live fully.

Lorraine Besser, PhD, is a professor of philosophy at Middlebury College, who specializes in the philosophy and psychology of the good life and teaches popular courses for undergraduates on happiness, well-being, and ethics. An internationally recognized scholar, she was a founding investigator on the research team studying psychological richness. She is the author of two academic books (The Philosophy of Happiness: An Interdisciplinary Introduction and Eudaimonic Ethics: The Philosophy and Psychology of Living Well) and dozens of professional journal articles on moral psychology.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to healing our fractured society lies not in silencing our differences, but in harnessing them?

In this conversation with Diana M. Smith, a renowned thought leader in conflict resolution and organizational change, we're not just talking about the pressing issue of political divisiveness—we're talking about the power to reshape our society by rethinking how we engage with one another and transform conflicts into constructive forces for societal progress. 

Drawing from her extensive career, including her newest book, 'Remaking the Space Between Us,' Diana touches on compelling insights on how collaboration across groups can solve today's complex problems. 

Tune in to explore practical steps individuals and communities can take to foster understanding and unity in a polarized world and learn about the importance of shifting from an outrage mindset to an engaged mindset.

Diane’s books: 

Find Diana online: 

Diana McLain Smith is a renowned thought leader who has led change efforts for thirty-five years in some of America’s most iconic businesses and cutting-edge non-profits. A former partner at the Monitor Group and a former chief executive partner at New Profit, Smith developed an approach to conflict and change called Leading Through Relationships (LTR)TM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you truly living the life you desire, or are hidden patterns holding you back? 

Challenging us to rethink our understanding of freedom and personal fulfillment, we bring you a fascinating conversation with Dr. Emma Seppälä, a renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and Yale lecturer who introduces her latest book, Sovereign, which delves into the profound concept of sovereignty—not just as a political term but as a personal journey toward breaking free from the self-imposed barriers that keep us from reaching our fullest potential. 

Combining cutting-edge research with practical wisdom, she guides us in uncovering the often unseen obstacles that prevent us from living our best lives. You’ll hear how to overcome mental and emotional traps and about the transformative power of stepping into your greatest self. Join us for an enlightening discussion that is jam-packed with insights that could change the way you approach your daily life.

EMMA SEPPÄLÄ, Ph.D., is a best-selling author, Yale lecturer, and international keynote speaker. She teaches executives at the Yale School of Management and is faculty director of the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program. A psychologist and research scientist by training, her expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. Her best-selling book The Happiness Track (HarperOne, 2016) has been translated into dozens of languages. Her new book is Sovereign (Hay House, 2024). Seppälä is also the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine seeing teenagers not as a bundle of challenges but as a wellspring of untapped potential. That's exactly what our guest Ellen Galinsky, President of Families and Work Institute, invites you to do in this episode, through her book 'The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens ' which challenges the negative cultural narratives about teenagers by presenting a new scientific framework that underscores teens' strengths and capabilities. 

Guiding us in understanding adolescent brain development, Ellen talks about the advantages of positive risk-taking, the role of executive function skills and offers a fresh perspective on adopting an approach to problem-solving that promotes autonomy. You’ll also hear how to navigate the turbulent waters of social media. Curious about how you can make the most of your teen’s toughest years? Tune in to learn some game-changing wisdom that could totally shift your perspective—and theirs!

Ellen Galinsky is President of Families and Work Institute. She’s conducted research on child-care, parent-professional relationship, parental development, work-family issues and youth voice. She also serves as senior science advisor to AASA, the School Superintendent Organization and as senior advisor to the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary of Youth Mental Health at the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ellen is the author of the best-selling Mind in the Making, more than 100 books/reports and 300 articles. 

Other highlights include serving as a parent expert in the Mister Rogers Talks to Parents TV series; as child care expert on Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s TV series What Every Baby Knows; being the elected President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); and being elected to the National Academy of Human Resources. In 2018, the Work and Family Researchers Network established the ongoing Ellen Galinsky Generative Researcher Award. She holds a Master of Science degree in child development and education from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in child study from Vassar College. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the keys to mastering any skill with Scott Young. Bringing us his latest book, Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery, Scott retells his fascinating journey of self-studying MIT's computer science curriculum and breaks down the essential process of learning: seeing, doing, and receiving feedback. You'll find out how learning from others, effective practice, and receiving feedback can accelerate personal and professional growth. If you want to enhance your own learning journey, we invite you to hear Scott’s inspiring story and unique perspective and gain actionable insights from his book. 

Scott H. Young is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, a podcast host, computer programmer, and an avid reader. Since 2006, he has published weekly essays to help people learn and think better. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Pocket, and Business Insider, on the BBC, and at TEDx among other outlets. He doesn’t promise to have all the answers, just a place to start. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you feel overwhelmed by chronic disorganization, struggle to maintain focus, or wonder if your adult challenges might be linked to ADHD, we’re sitting down with Michaela Thomas, a brilliant clinical psychologist and the mastermind behind The Thomas Connection, the author of "The Lasting Connection," host of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, and a leading expert in ADHD support. 

Through Michael’s extensive and personal understanding of ADHD in adulthood, you’ll discover why seeking a diagnosis can be transformative, how ADHD manifests differently across genders, and the benefits of understanding your neurodivergent brain for your relationships. Trust us, she's a powerhouse of knowledge and empowerment! Want to find out how to navigate your own ADHD journey with clarity and confidence? Tune in with Debbie and Michaela!

Michaela is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and managing director and lead psychologist of The Thomas Connection. As well as her role as managing director and lead psychologist of The Thomas Connection, she is also the author of couples and compassion book called The Lasting Connection and the host of the podcast Pause Purpose Play. She posts on Instagram under The_Thomas_Connection. Michaela specialises in perfectionism, helping high-striving women let go of the pressure of perfection, to find the balance to burn bright, not burn out. She offers online courses, and ADHD evaluations and support. She lives in London. She 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re unsure about life's big decisions and tired of making endless pros and cons lists, we’ve got a bonus co-host episode just for you! We’re helping you break down complex decisions into easy-to-follow exercises that you can do right along with us or on your own time. From understanding your comfort zone to making tough choices based on values rather than fear or external pressures, we've got it all covered. It's like having your very own therapist in your earbuds. So join us, grab a pen and paper, and let us guide you in living a more purposeful life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money talk can be a real minefield in relationships, especially if you and your partner or spouse have totally different spending habits. If this sounds familiar then you’ve got to check out our latest episode with Dr. Scott Rick, a behavioral scientist and the author of Tightwads and Spendthrifts. We tackle questions like whether tightwads and spendthrifts can actually find harmony together and uncover insights from his original research on the psychology of money management in relationships. Tune in to discover how your financial mindset could be impacting your love life and get actionable tips to transform your money management anxieties!

Scott Rick is a marketing professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He holds a PhD in Behavioral Decision Research from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow. He has published research in premier journals spanning marketing, psychology, economics, and neuroscience. At the University of Michigan, he has won awards for both research and teaching. Rick's research has been covered extensively in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and NPR. His first book, Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships, was published in January 2024 by St. Martin’s Press.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you want the best guidance for your GI issues without exclusive access to a top-tier medical team, join us in this episode with Megan Riehl, co-author of Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based Whole-body Guide to Living Well. You’ll discover how this book brings science-based strategies, and exercises straight to your home, offering tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy to manage GI symptoms effectively. Learn about accessible resources and the profound impact of a multidisciplinary team on your health. Tune in to unlock these valuable insights and improve your well-being!

Dr. Megan Riehl is a clinical health psychologist, an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of GI Behavioral Health at the University of Michigan. Her research and passion for education have resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles, and lectures. This year, together with digestive health expert Kate Scarlata, they co-authored Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS and launched The Gut Health Podcast. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If worry is your constant companion, take heart—you're in good company. Let's clear something up: worrying is as human as breathing. Everyone does it, and sometimes it even helps. But when worry transforms into a monster that steals your sleep, scrambles your thoughts, and holds your decisions hostage, that's when we’ve got a problem. If this sounds familiar, you’ll want to hear this conversation with Ben Eckstein where we unpack his book, Worrying Is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck. Tune in to learn how to navigate the cycle of worry and find a balanced approach to life's uncertainties.

Ben Eckstein, LCSW is a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, Anxiety, and OC-Related Disorders. Ben honed his specialty in OCD while working at McLean Hospital's OCD Institute in Boston. He's now the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center in Durham, North Carolina. Ben is the vice president of OCD North Carolina, the NC state affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. In addition to his clinical work, Ben is a speaker, trainer, and author. His first book, Worrying is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck, was published in 2023.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.