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Microjoys: Finding Joy When Life’s Not Okay | Cyndie Spiegel
In the face of unimaginable grief and loss, author Cyndie Spiegel discovered the transformative power of "microjoys" - fleeting moments of lightness, delight, and hope that helped sustain her during life's darkest times.
In her book Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay, Spiegel shares poignant stories and profound insights on holding space for both joy and sorrow simultaneously. This compelling conversation is an invitation to stay present, embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, and find glimmers of unexpected grace even when happiness feels most elusive.
You can find Cyndie at: Website | Dear Grown Ass Women | Instagram
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ocean Vuong about navigating struggle and making peace with his story.
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The Cutting-edge Science of Self-control (and What to Do About It) | Michael Inzlicht, PhD
01:03:10|What if everything you thought you knew about willpower and self-control was wrong? In this groundbreaking conversation, psychologist Michael Inzlicht challenges the famous "ego depletion" theory and reveals surprising new research on the true nature of self-regulation. Discover why conscientious people may be wired differently, how to leverage motivation for lasting change, and science-backed strategies to amplify your ability to stick to goals - without burning out your willpower. If you want to master self-discipline in a sustainable way, don't miss these fresh insights.You can find Michael at: Website | Speak Now Regret Later Substack | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with James Clear about atomic habits.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesWhen Success Becomes Empty: Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Ambition | Jenn Romolini
53:27|Jenn Romolini was a high-powered editor who appeared to have it all - until a health crisis forced her to reevaluate her all-consuming ambition. In this candid conversation, Romolini shares her journey from corporate overachiever to redefining success on her own terms, as detailed in her memoir Ambition Monster. Discover how shifting her mindset allowed her to embrace what truly matters beyond professional accolades.You can find Jenn at: extended scenes Substack | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Jen Sincero about transforming your life.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow to Sync Up Your Biological Clock for Better Health, Sleep, Mood & Performance | Lynne Peeples
56:18|Are you constantly feeling tired, unfocused, and out of sync? Discover the hidden power of your body's inner clock in this fascinating discussion with Lynne Peeples, author of The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms. Explore how modern lifestyles disrupt our innate circadian rhythms that govern sleep, metabolism, cognitive performance and more. Learn practical strategies to realign your circadian clock through light exposure, meal timing, and consistency. Unlock better health, productivity and overall well-being by living in harmony with your body's natural rhythms.You can find Lynne at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Charlie Gilkey about syncing up with natural rhythms to get more of the right things done.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesLegendary Writers on Life | Spotlight Convo
01:22:08|Feeling creatively stifled or torn between passion and practicality? Dive into this powerful conversation with legendary writers Sue Monk Kidd, James McBride, Kate DiCamillo, and Ann Patchett as they share their journeys honoring their deepest callings.Discover how they overcame societal conventions and inner doubts to give voice to essential truths through their transformative stories. Get inspired to embrace your own yearnings and unlock the empathy-sparking power of radical self-expression. If you've ever longed to live a life of truth and beauty, don't miss these catalyzing insights.Episode TranscriptYou can find Sue Monk Kidd at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with RomieYou can find James McBride at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with AvivaYou can find Kate DiCamillo at: Website | Facebook | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with SashaYou can find Ann Patchett at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with SashaCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow to Bring More Grace Into Your Life | Julia Baird
57:30|Can grace truly change everything? In this thought-provoking conversation, Julia Baird, author of Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything, shares how cultivating awe, wonder, and the capacity for grace has sustained her through battles with cancer and life's darkest moments. From profound acts of forgiveness to the untold generosity of blood donors, Baird explores how opening your heart to grace can light an "invincible summer" within - even when the world feels brutally dark. An uplifting listen for anyone seeking light amidst suffering.You can find Julia at: Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode yo’ll also love the conversations we had with with Dacher Keltner about awe.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesThe Self-Care Delusion: Why It Can't Fix Everything
49:26|Stuck using self-care as a quick fix for deeper dissatisfaction? Jonathan Fields' provocative spoken essay from his "Awake at the Wheel" Substack unmasks the dangerous self-care delusion trapping so many. Discover why fleeting "treat yourself" moments merely numb the real crisis - your life is fundamentally out of alignment with core values. This is an essential reality check about self-care's limits and the courageous self-inquiry required to realign your increasingly frantic modern life.You can find Jonathan's new writing project: Awake at the Wheel | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the written essays from this episode. You can find them at Awake at the Wheel.Check out our offerings & partners: Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow to Navigate Conflict & Build Amazing Friendships | Danielle Bayard Jackson
01:01:47|Discover surprising insights into the science of women's friendships from Danielle Bayard Jackson, author of Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships. This illuminating conversation dives into why healthy conflict is vital for platonic intimacy, how to navigate issues like lack of reciprocity and controlling friends, and the key to renegotiating friendship "terms" as lives evolve. You'll learn practical ways to fight for your most precious bonds and be the kind of friend who uplifts others. Don't miss these research-backed strategies for deeper, more fulfilling connections.You can find Danielle at: Better Female Friendships | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford about the power of women’s circles and friendships.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesBessel van der Kolk , MD| The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
01:01:08|Bessel van der Kolk, legendary trauma expert and author of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma reveals a revolutionary approach to healing trauma. Discover how trauma profoundly impacts the brain and body, making growth difficult by trapping us in past experiences. Explore potent mind-body practices like yoga, dance, and psychedelics that can unlock trauma's grip by igniting collective joy, self-compassion, and an expansive perspective on our vast human potential. Gain life-changing insights to feel truly alive again.You can find Bessel at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ellen Hendrikson about social anxiety.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow to Create Change That Actually Sticks | Tamsen Webster
56:14|Are you struggling to make lasting positive changes in your life? In this thought-provoking conversation, change philosopher Tamsen Webster unlocks the secrets to transformational change from her new book Say What They Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change. Discover how aligning your core beliefs with your desired identity is crucial for sustainable growth. Learn to recognize and leverage "disorienting dilemmas" that shatter limiting assumptions about what's possible. Webster shares candid stories from her own journey overcoming panic disorder and embracing a healthier lifestyle. Listen now for a fresh perspective to finally make changes that stick.You can find Tamsen at: Website | Instagram | The Compact Case™ | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Maya Shankar about how we change.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes