On the 36th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Susie Orbach.

Susie is an acclaimed psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, prolific writer, best-selling author, and social critic. She is also the co-founder of The Women’s Therapy Centre in London and The Women’s Therapy Center Institute in New York City. Additionally, she is the recipient of the first Lifetime Achievement Award for Psychoanalysis given by the British Psychoanalytical Society.

In this episode, Susie discusses engaging with and participating in society, emphasising the importance of contributing to common missions and the sense of connection and meaning it brings. We also discuss the factors contributing to the decline of these values, the shift towards competition rather than collaboration, the influence of the era she grew up in on her own social activism, as well as the importance of maintaining curiosity in relationships and life.

If you are experiencing a sense of disconnection in life, with society and the world around you, or if you are feeling a little isolated in your own world, this episode will provide you with plenty to contemplate regarding the potential outcomes of shifting your focus and perspectives in life to include the collective as well as the individual.

Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for shorter clips and reflections.

Contact me at [email protected] to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.

Running Order:

02:47 Grappling with the demise of civil society

05:44 Engaging with and participating in society

09:02 Loss of values and connection

11:45 A descent from decency - competition over community

14:37 A difference between excellence and perfection

18:10 Growing up in an era where society was more connected

20:13 Founding The Women’s Therapy Centre 

23:17 The power of curiosity in healthy relationships

26:29 What is a good life for Susie?

For further content and information check out the following: 

- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos

- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/

- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

- Susie Orbach's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-orbach-11142737/

- Susie Orbach's Twitter: @psychoanalysis