On the 113th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Minna Salami. Minna is an author and social critic, and currently senior fellow and research chair at The New Institute. She is the author of Sensuous Knowledge and Can Feminism Be African?, and her work appears in the Guardian, Project Syndicate, Al Jazeera, and other outlets.

In this incredibly captivating conversation, Minna shares her sense of living an extraordinary life, emphasising the importance of attentiveness and curiosity. We explore childhood and mystical experiences and their impact on her understanding of life. 

This conversation is an invitation to notice, to really pay attention to life, and to live your own full expression of life.

For more of Minna's work, check out the following:
Newsletter: https://msafropolitan.com/
The New Institute: https://thenew.institute/en/people/minna-salami
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minnasalami_/?hl=en

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- Exploring this question for yourself: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/your-personal-interview
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Living An Extraordinary Life

04:21 Attentiveness and Curiosity

07:32 Childhood Reflections and Early Experiences

10:22 The Nature of Mystical Experiences

13:21 Appreciating Life's Continuity

19:15 Reflections on near-death experiences

26:00 A Groundedness of Being

29:10 The Range of Human Experience

32:10 The Intersection of Spiritual and Political Journeys

37:43 Navigating Obstacles: The Tension of Growth

41:10 Embracing Paradox: Grace and Anger

48:55 Spirituality and Feminism: A Symbiotic Relationship

58:10 What is a Good Life for Minna?

On the 112th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, PhD. Anne-Laure is an award-winning neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ness Labs, where her weekly newsletter is read by more than 100,000 curious minds. Her research at King’s College London focuses on the psychology and neuroscience of lifelong learning, curiosity, and adaptability. Her book, Tiny Experiments, is a transformative guide for living a more experimental life, turning uncertainty into curiosity, and carving a path of self-discovery. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Financial Times, WIRED, and more.

In this wonderful conversation, we explore the themes of curiosity, connection, and the journey from a linear to an experimental approach to life. Anne-Laure shares her personal experiences of feeling lost yet free and of embracing uncertainty and designing playful experiments in various aspects of life. 

This conversation is an invitation to experiment more with our lives.

For more of Anne-Laure's work, check out the following:
Tiny Experiments: https://nesslabs.com/book
Anne-Laure’s Newsletter: https://nesslabs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuranne/

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

00:00 Introduction

01:17 Embracing Curiosity and Connection

03:11 The Journey from Linear to Experimental Living

06:06 Finding Joy in Uncertainty

10:20 Designing Playgrounds for Experimentation

12:30 The Structure of Freedom in Experimentation

15:09 Redefining Success: Cycles of Learning

18:31 The Intimacy of Curiosity and Growth

21:08 Quality of Life Through Adventure and Experimentation

29:19 The Importance of Play and Time

30:28 Understanding Time: Chronos vs. Kairos

36:56 Curiosity and Age: The Impact of Time Perception

40:17 The Industrial Society's Effect on Curiosity

42:53 Finding Joy in the Process

46:18 The Emotional Journey of Completing a Book

48:27 Reconnecting with Curiosity

51:34 The Surprising Connection Between Curiosity and Emotions

52:52 What is a good life for Anne-Laure?

On the 111th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Dr. Senem Donatan Mohan. Senem is a storyteller, story practitioner, and author based in Dublin, who is originally from Turkey. She holds a PhD degree in natural sciences and blends creative arts with science. Through her concepts Stories Cure and Aliveness Within she focuses on cultural and individual vitality. Over the past two decades, Senem has touched the lives of thousands of children and adults through her performances and books. 

In this wonderful conversation, we explore the undercurrents and rhythms of life, balancing masculine and feminine energies, the visible and invisible, the guiding capacities of our inner child, moments of being lost in time, and the transformative powers of storytelling.

The whole conversation embodies this rhythm and noticing.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Senem's website: senemdonatanmohan.com
- Senem's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senem-donatan-mohan/

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

00:00 Introduction
01:11 Exploring the Undercurrents of Life
04:02 The Story Behind Valentine's Day

07:24 Sensing Rituals and Traditions

10:10 The Magic of Daily Life

13:09 Creativity and Personal Journey

16:09 Finding Vitality in Everyday Moments

27:10 Embracing Timelessness and Creativity

29:23 The Dance of Science and Art

32:49 Navigating the Duality of Speed and Depth

37:31 Connecting with the Inner Child

39:48 The Transformative Power of Storytelling

46:01 Communicating with Ancestral Spirits

53:29 What is a Good Life for Senem?

On the 110th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Paul Davis. Paul is an award-winning business growth consultant and speaker, a three-time best-selling author, an intuitive business mentor, and a recognised thought leader. He combines his innate intuitive gifts and years of business growth experience to help guide clients to greater results.

In this conversation, Paul shares his lifelong quest to understand what keeps him wanting to live life and how he has navigated through various philosophies and methodologies to find his purpose. We explore his realisation of his intuitive abilities, the significance of our intentions, discovering our soul contracts, and the importance of being your genius you.

Paul has a fascinating story and this whole episode is a wonderful invitation to rekindle the power of our intuition.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Paul's website: https://davisbusinessconsultants.com/
- Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldavisdublin/

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

00:00 Introduction
01:37 Exploring the Question of Life's Purpose

10:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Intuition

19:47 Understanding Intuition and Its Impact

31:39 Connecting with the Super Conscious

32:08 The Concept of Super-Consciousness

33:04 Personal Journey to God

37:07 Experiencing Unconditional Love

39:03 Partnership with the Divine

42:13 Understanding Time and Destiny

45:48 Exploring Soul Contracts

52:59 Transitioning from Accountant to Intuitive Consultant

57:20 What is a Good Life for Paul?

On the 109th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Fabrice Desmarescaux. Fabrice is a seasoned partner at McKinsey & Company, on a transformative journey of leadership evolution. With a rich background in integrating Eastern spiritual traditions into Western management, Fabrice works closely with CEOs and teams to elevate performance and consciousness. In a world grappling with complexity, his approach focuses on fundamental human elements—happiness, connection, and purpose. He is the author of The Art of Retreats, a guide for expanding consciousness through short personal retreats, which introduces a groundbreaking approach for business leaders facing the challenges of a fragmented, high-pressure, and complex world. 

In this insightful conversation, Fabrice shares his journey of self-discovery and reinvention, exploring the evolving questions of meaning, purpose, and fulfilment as we move through life. He reflects on the shift from success to significance, the contrast between commitment and drifting, and the challenges of control and acceptance in our careers. He discusses integrating spirituality into his professional life, emphasising that finding purpose is an experiential journey rather than an intellectual one.

This conversation invites you to reflect on what truly matters, experiment with life, and tune into your embodied experience in the search for meaning.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Fabrice's website & book: https://www.desmarescaux.com/
- Fabrice's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabrice-desmarescaux/

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

00:00 Navigating the Second Half of Life

06:06 The Shift from Success to Significance

09:13 Wisdom and Perspective in Aging

12:01 Control and Acceptance in Professional Life

15:01 Awakening to Meaning and Fulfilment

17:58 The Process of Reinvention

20:50 Navigating Change and Loss

23:53 The Importance of Reflection and Processing

26:54 Spiritual Exploration and Personal Growth

34:39 The Journey of Self-Discovery

37:27 Integrating Spirituality into Professional Life

39:58 The Importance of Purpose and Meaning

42:11 Commitment vs. Drifting in Life

48:20 Finding Purpose Through Experience

01:02:31 What is a good life for Fabrice?

On the 108th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Ruth McCarthy. Reading Nancy Kline’s book Time to Think, meeting her in 2008, and experiencing for the first time the power of uninterrupted attention set Ruth on a completely new path in life in her early 50s. Challenging our limiting assumptions takes practice, and listening with the promise of no interruption can transform our relationships and results. Inspired by this, Ruth founded her consultancy, Think It Through, and as Global Faculty at Time to Think, she works with individuals and organisations across corporate, public, and non-profit sectors. Her mission? To listen to inspire deep trust, communication, and the courage to think for yourself in an increasingly polarised and volatile world. 

In this wonderful conversation, Ruth shares her journey of self-discovery and the liberation that comes from embracing one's true self and observing what we are becoming. She emphasises the importance of attention and self-awareness in navigating life's complexities. We delve into the significance of ease in conversations, the impact of suppressed feelings on our well-being, and the transformative powers of thinking for oneself, curiosity, and listening.

This episode invites you to slow down, challenge your assumptions, and truly pay attention—to yourself and those around you. By doing so, you might just open the door to a life of possibility that continually surprises you.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Ruth's website: www.thinkitthrough.co.uk
- Ruth's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthmccarthy100/

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Who am I becoming?

08:10 Increasing self-awareness and big changes

12:40 The quality of our thinking and attention 

15:25 Ease and letting go of the rush

23:49 Draining our energy by suppressing emotions

29:12 The experience of major shifts in perspective

37:14 The freedom in paying attention to now

47:10 A way of being not just a practice

55:25 Becoming a good ancestor

58:45 What is a good life for Ruth?

On the 107th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Ben Bushill. Ben is a writer, spoken word artist and ceremony holder. His passion is the remembrance and sanctification of our human lives as we try to understand our place and our belonging in the vast unfolding web of existence. In his work as a poet he aims to bring us to the place where we can be grateful and humble before the truth of our undeniable vulnerability and humanity. His ceremonial work with marriages, memorials, ritual and circles of wise love is a way for us to feel and honour the key moments of our lives beyond ideas of religion or alignment. He has been a student of a Sufi mystery school for the last twenty years and is currently setting the foundations for the establishment of a new school. 

In this enlightening conversation, Ben shares his journey of balancing the divine and the ordinary, alongside his ongoing inquiry into how he will meet each day. We explore the paradox of being deeply connected to life yet alone, the softening of the heart, and the link between vulnerability, the unknown, and aliveness. We also discuss the expression of our essence in shaping our purpose and the challenges of being human, all the while holding onto the hand of love.

This conversation feels like a love letter to the human experience, embracing its struggles while celebrating its wonder. I suspect it will leave you feeling more at home in your own life.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Ben's website: https://www.benbushill.com/

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

00:00 Introduction

03:00 How do I meet this day?

07:30 Balancing the divine and ordinary sense of life

11:58 The paradox of being alone and connected

17:40 The tenderising of the human heart

24:40 The vulnerability of the unknown

28:20 The love of your own essence

36:00 The longing of your soul 

40:30 Vulnerability and aliveness

43:00 Your purpose is your essence

51:40 Navigating the paradox

58:30 Embracing the symphony of life

1:00:40 What is a good life for Ben?

On the 106th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Mona Sobhani, Ph.D. Mona is a cognitive neuroscientist, author, and entrepreneur. A former research scientist at the University of Southern California (USC), she holds a doctorate in neuroscience from USC and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University. She is the author of the Ommie 2022 Best Spiritual Book Proof of Spiritual Phenomena: A Neuroscientist’s Discovery of the Ineffable Mysteries of the Universe, which is also a recipient of the 2023 Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize. In her newsletter, Cosmos, Coffee, & Consciousness, she writes about science & spirituality, altered states of consciousness, emergent phenomena, and self-transformation. She is co-founder of The Phoenix Era, a multidisciplinary coaching practice for those seeking deeper meaning and connection. She is also co-founder of Exploring Consciousness, a community of curious scientists seeking to understand consciousness. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, VOX, and other media outlets.

In this enlightening conversation, Mona shares her experience of reconnecting with a sense of a meaningful universe and the impact it has had on her life. We discuss how to find inner peace amidst chaos, the role of synchronicity in shaping meaning, the influence of family and tradition, and the exploration of past lives and emotional release.

This whole conversation invites you to explore meaning and reconnect with nature and the universe in a way that brings more flow, curiosity, and flexibility to your life experience.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Mona's website: https://www.monasobhaniphd.com/
- Mona's newsletter: https://monasobhaniphd.substack.com/

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

00:00 Introduction

03:00 How to find peace & serve others

07:00 Finding your centre amidst chaos & life

16:00 Unravelling sense of control & understanding 

21:40 Realising the Universe is a meaningful place

28:00 Noting fortune telling moments in the family

31:40 Connecting with yourself and the universe

41:00 The significance of synchronicity 

45:53 Past life regressions

01:02:54 What is a good life for Mona? 

On the 105th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Colin Smith. Colin is a specialist in deep listening, presence, and profound attention, dedicated to creating spaces where individuals unlock their clarity and creativity. Known as The Listener, he brings over two decades of experience in guiding, facilitating, and coaching, helping people connect more deeply with themselves and others.

Through his work, Colin empowers individuals and groups to feel truly seen and heard, unlocking insights and cultivating listening skills that lead to meaningful transformation. Colin’s approach is informed by extensive personal learning from works on listening, mindfulness, and human development. This depth allows him to craft environments where genuine insights emerge, helping people access new perspectives and deeper understanding.

In this engaging conversation, Colin shares his journey towards embodying the art of listening, emphasising the power of being present, agenda-free, and genuinely curious about others. We delve into how quality listening can strengthen relationships, alleviate loneliness, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we explore the subtle dynamics of human interaction and the importance of authenticity in conversations, offering practical insights for cultivating a more compassionate and attentive approach to communication.

This episode invites you to embrace the profound potential of truly listening—to honour our shared humanity and recognise how it can deepen our connections and enrich our relationships.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Colin's website: www.dexteritysolutions.co.uk
- Colin's LinkedIn: www.uk.linkedin.com/in/colindsmith1

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

00:00 Introduction 

03:15 Becoming then being the listener

10:55 Understanding the importance of presence

18:43 Lack of listening and loss of connection

24:58 Moments that make a big difference

29:03 Conversations with authenticity and transparency 

34:49 The subtlety of listening and self-awareness

42:42 Asking each other what we need

45:33 The impact of attention in communication

53:46 The intention to listen

58:15 Sharing our humanity

1:00:13 What is a good life for Colin?

On the 104th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Karen (Kaz) Maurice-O’Leary. Kaz is a highly awarded brand storyteller and wellbeing leadership speaker, recognised for promoting human-first environments and their impact on innovation. A New Zealander living in California, she has had an international career in advertising and creative technology with major brands and Fortune 500 companies.

Her roles have included Creative Product Lead at Meta LA, Creative Director at TBWA and a co-founder of a successful agency that was acquired. A pivotal moment was inspired by almost, unknowingly missing the last meal of her husband's homemade Bolognese, leading her to create The Bolognese Philosophy, a workplace wellbeing initiative.

In this incredibly life-affirming conversation, Kaz shares her journey of processing the grief following her husband's death. She reflects on her realisations from almost missing their last meal together, to the significance of recognising the small moments, being present, and appreciating the privilege of intimately knowing those in our lives. Kaz underscores the importance of embracing life's fragility, not taking anything for granted, and how whole life can feel when we can hold both its beauty and grief simultaneously.

This conversation felt like a profound gift, and I believe it will leave you with a deeper awareness of life's uncertainties, along with an invitation to focus on what is here, right now.

For further content and information check out the following:
- Kaz's company: https://bolognesephilosophy.com/
- Kaz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmauriceoleary/

- For the What is a Good Life? 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/
- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversations

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.

00:00 Introduction

03:00 What do we attach our self worth to?

06:20 The sense burnout is coming

09:15 How has poor well-being become normal?

14:19 Identifying too much with our jobs

18:00 Engaging with grief

21:36 Almost missing the last meal

25:40 Recognising the small moments

31:00 The privilege of intimately knowing

33:40 The feeling of connection from beyond 

40:30 Sharing stories, grief, and connection

45:30 The processing of grief

51:30 Holding beauty, grief, and the whole

56:00 Assuming things last forever

1:00:40 What is a good life for Kaz?