Walk and Talk

How do we translate what our genes mean in everyday life? Sue chats with Doctor James Raaff - a healthcare pioneer with over 23 years of clinical experience exploring health strategies using DNA and genomic analysis. James shares some state-of-the-art ideas about what we know and what we don’t know about genetics. They explore the dynamic questions that open new and exciting doors for a personalised approach to health and wellbeing and how genetic testing plays a part in the future.

Tune in for a thought-provoking exchange between Sue and her colleague Tania as they consider changes to wellbeing habits and how they affect us. What happens when our daily rituals are altered? When we practice awareness, we notice the ripple effects of self-care routines or lack of. They ponder how organisations' explicit and implicit rules have adapted to remote working arrangements and how increased flexibility requires us to take on more personal responsibility for our sleep, exercise, and wellbeing practices.

Sue loves Italy and is currently challenging herself to learn Italian. In this episode she shares how language is a key function of who we are as humans, and how learning a second or third language expands our mind in more ways than one. When we put in the effort to study a new language, fresh neural pathways are formed. Interestingly, science has revealed that bilingual people have increased activation in various areas of the brain - not just those specifically linked to linguistics.

At some point, we have all asked, “Does my life have meaning? What is our purpose? Why are we here?” Join Sue and Dr Michael Steger - the Founder and Director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose as they discuss the intangible notion of ‘meaning’ and the challenge of how to research, measure and provide quantifiable data on such a topic. They consider how our belief system underpins the three dimensions of meaning: coherence, significance, purpose.

Tune in for an uncensored chat between Sue and her colleague Tania as they contemplate mindset and language. They enthusiastically ponder how being aware and intentional with language plays out in our relationships as well as shaping our internal dialogue. They unpack the role of negativity bias, complaining, anxiety and more. Enjoy an authentic insight into their friendship and how they love to bring science to life.

Can subtle shifts in language and vocabulary influence our understanding of concepts and in turn change wellbeing outcomes? In this walk and talk, Sue muses about one of her favourite topics, language. Research shows that language shapes our neural pathways and can shift how we show up, and how we feel. She ponders how words can nudge our behaviour in certain ways and how our choice of words can challenge our very thinking.

Dr Ellen Langer is a pioneer, a maverick, a leader, and an all-round fabulous human being. Described as the “mother of mindfulness”, she has written extensively on the illusion of control, mindful ageing, stress, decision-making, and health. 

She has inspired many to follow in her research footsteps and as Professor of Psychology at Harvard. Ellen has several books, with a new one on the way.  On top of that, she is an artist! She is the founder of The Langer Mindfulness Institute and consults with organisations to foster mindful leadership, innovation, strategy, and work/life integration.

Join Sue Langley for a new series of podcasts where Sue talks about the science of emotions and emotional intelligence, positive psychology and wellbeing, and neuroscience all based on science, research, and evidence. The podcasts will include chats with friends and colleagues as well as expert "In Conversation" discussions with amazing individuals from around the world.