Good Life Project || Inspiration | Motivation | Happiness | Meaning | Success

What if ancient indigenous wisdom could guide us to live a good life today? My guest James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a descendant of the Ojibwe tribe, reveals hidden insights encoded in their language after dedicating over 20 years to studying and translating their stories. His fascinating new book, The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings,, unpacks unconventional yet powerful Ojibwe concepts of truth, humility, respect, love, courage, honesty and wisdom. James' journey to reconnect with his heritage and its uncommon notions of how to live a moral life delivered the soulful antidote our modern lives need. His insights and passion bring this everyday wisdom for living a good life into focus.You can find James at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Violet Duncan about the power of Indigenous wisdom. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment &am

Does anxiety feel like it's spiraling out of control? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience behind anxiety and gain research-backed techniques to find calm, from embracing acceptance to short-circuiting unhelpful rumination. Hear perspectives on shifting your relationship with anxiety from:Dr. Jud BrewerDr. Wendy SuzukiEllen Hendriksen, Ph.D.Ethan Kross Discover the surprising upsides of this complex emotion. If you've struggled with overwhelming anxiety or want to transform your mindset, this research-packed episode will give you new tools to unlock relief and resilience.Episode TranscriptYou can find Dr. Jud at: Website | Instagram | Unwinding Anxiety App | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with JudYou can find Dr. Wendy at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with WendyYou can find Ellen at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with EllenYou can find Ethan at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with EthanCheck out our offerings

Have you struggled to speak up when it matters most? My guest Sam Horn has devoted her career to helping people transform awkward moments into open communication. In this episode, Sam shares her expertise on how to find your voice, even on eggshells. We explore essential skills like awareness, listening, and empathy to shift from reactive to proactive in challenging interactions. Sam dives into strategies from her newest book, Talking on Eggshells: Soft Skills for Hard Conversations, so you can turn conflicts into clarifying, satisfying conversations. If you’ve felt too intimidated to speak your truth, this episode will give you hope.You can find Sam at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Zoe Chance about the language of influence. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit.&nb

Why do we sometimes feel unsafe or anxious for no reason? Neuroscientist Stephen Porges, Ph.D. shares how his groundbreaking polyvagal theory reveals the hidden workings of our nervous system. He and his son Seth Porges, explore in their new book Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us, how subjective feelings of safety versus danger shape our health, happiness and ability to connect. Learn how becoming "neuroception architects" adept at transmitting cues of safety through our voice, face and presence can override default survival circuits - helping us consciously create environments that nurture true security.You can find Stephen & Seth at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Jud Brewer about anxiety, safety, and habits. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/

Modern life is silently destroying our health. But what if the real culprit isn't too much fat, but too little muscle? Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a physician researching the overlooked importance of muscle for metabolism, immunity, and disease prevention, reveals how the loss of muscle mass as we age secretly undermines health. In her groundbreaking book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well, Dr. Lyon shares how you can slow, stop and even reverse muscle loss through science-based nutrition and exercise. Imagine if simply building muscle could lower disease risk and make you feel better. Dr. Lyon is on a mission to revolutionize aging. If you want to thrive in midlife and beyond, this conversation could change your life.You can find Dr. Lyon at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with David A. Sinclair, Ph.D. about increasing lifespan. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SP

We've been sold a story that aging means decline. But what if that was a lie? My guest Karen Walrond flips the script on aging with her new book Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell. She argues we can embrace getting older as a time of growth, joy, and possibility. Karen shares how we can rewrite narratives around aging illuminated by purpose, wisdom, levity, and curiosity. Imagine aging not as something to endure, but to embrace. Karen shows us how through exercises, perspective shifts, and reimagining living itself. Get ready to reclaim aging and live your most vibrant years ahead.You can find Karen at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Tara Brach about making peace with the truth about our lives. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit.

Dive into the captivating tale of Yunha Kim. An immigrant who exceeded expectations, yet felt unfulfilled despite having every hallmark of success. From thriving in Wall Street's corridors to becoming a passionate entrepreneur, living with 5 workmate-roommates as they built from scratch. Yet, fulfillment evaded her until she combined tech and a personal challenge - her own battle with chronic insomnia.Today, we unpack Yunha's incredible journey, from the pressures of Shark Tank to becoming a beacon of change in the tech industry. Discover how she's not just building apps but impacting lives. You can find Yunha at: Website | Sleep Reset Instagram | Yunha's Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Brad Feld about the journey from finding your purpose to guiding people through founding companies to find their own purpose. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & ques

Life will knock us down. But how we get back up defines us. Where do we find the resilience to face hardship? How do we transform struggle into meaning?Mark Nepo, spiritual teacher and bestselling author of The Book of Awakening, returns with his new book Falling Down and Getting Up: Discovering Your Inner Resilience and Strength, to share the winding path to inner strength. Having battled cancer and profound loss, Mark knows the value of falling with grace, mining obstacles for their hidden gifts, and holding nothing back. His gentle wisdom guides us to live courageously through life’s storms, embrace imperfection, and keep getting back up. Mark shows how every fall can lift us higher.You can find Mark at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Anne Lamott about embracing all parts of life.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideratio

Colorado's new poet laureate Andrea Gibson takes the stage to illuminate and heal through raw, vulnerable spoken word poetry. A pioneering LGBTQ voice, Andrea discusses poetry's power, the courage growth requires, and their guiding ethos that authenticity matters more than suffering. Despite fear, their immersive performances resonate deeply, changing hearts and making listeners feel less alone. In recent years, they have been very public about their cancer journey, not to draw attention to their mortality, but to help others appreciate life's brevity and feel the urgent call to truly live. This stirring conversation reaffirms poetry's power to reveal our common humanity.You can find Andrea Gibson at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Morgan Harper Nichols about the power of language to connect people. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment &

How do you make the right call when faced with high-stakes decisions? Shane Parrish devoted his career to decoding the art and science of decision-making after being overwhelmed with life-and-death choices in his 20s. Now, the founder of Farnam Street and acclaimed author of the new book Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results reveals his insights on how anyone can short-circuit defaults, see past blindspots, and set themselves up for success before big decisions arise. Shane’s techniques helped me understand my own thinking and how to refine it in a much more nuanced way. Learn how small tweaks to your approach can lead to extraordinary results.You can find Shane at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dan Pink about how time and timing affect our choices. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for considerat

What if chasing outer success still leaves us feeling empty inside? My guest Suneel Gupta can relate. After selling his startup, he realized achievements weren’t enough. Rediscovering the Hindu concept of dharma—expressing your essence through work—he found new purpose.In our conversation, Suneel shares insights from his book Everyday Dharma to reveal practical ways we can honor our inner fire through our daily work. How can we live with more meaning and purpose? Suneel shares abundant tools to help you discover and express your calling.You can find Suneel at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the solo episode I recorded about discovering what makes you come alive, what we call your Sparketype.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted

When was the last time you felt truly seen, flaws and all, without pretending or minimizing yourself? For many, those moments of radical self-acceptance are rare.Today we're sharing stories from three inspiring women - author Alex Elle, teacher Rosie Acosta, and poet Arielle Estoria - who have uncovered their truest selves after shedding layers of conditioning. Their profoundly personal journeys offer wisdom for us all. We explored what it takes to embrace who you are, not who you "should" be, and how sharing your unique light can help you find belonging. Their stories and words are infused with empathy, compassion, and generosity of spirit.My hope is this episode will spark self-reflection and help you reconnect with your authentic voice. Because when we can be radically seen and loved fully - that's when we glimpse our highest potential.Episode TranscriptYou can find Alex at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with AlexYou can find Rosie at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our F

Ever wonder what living a truly grounded, meaningful life looks like in our fast-paced world? My guest Jill Winger did too. Her journey into modern homesteading not only changed her life, it sparked a movement guiding thousands back to their roots. Jill shares why old-fashioned traditions like growing your own food and working with your hands reconnect us to what humans need. In her new book, Old-Fashioned on Purpose: Cultivating a Slower, More Joyful Life she offers honest wisdom on seeking balance between rural living and reality, pushing through struggles to find beauty, and taking small steps to cultivate a slower, more joyful life - no matter where you live.You can find Jill at: Website | Instagram | Old Fashioned On Purpose podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Natalie Baszile on the history and contribution of Black farmers in America. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submi

Navigating the treacherous waters of conflict can feel overwhelming, but what if we could transform it into an opportunity? In today's episode, we explore:The Emotional Impact: Understand why conflict typically brings feelings of anxiety, fear, and rejection.The Variance of Conflict: Learn how disagreements may arise from small, personal matters to significant issues that impact our daily lives.Workplace Dynamics: Discover how conflict manifests in professional relationships between colleagues, teammates, leaders, and subordinates.A Fresh Perspective: Join us as we delve into alternative approaches to conflict, viewing it not as a challenge to avoid, but an opportunity for empathy, engagement, and satisfying resolution.Whether it's in business, personal relationships, or within a family, this episode provides new insights and tools to help you handle conflict with grace and confidence. Dive into this exciting and unique approach, and turn what could be a stressful experience into something truly positive.Epis

Have you felt paralyzed facing unwanted change? My guest April Rinne provides hope. An acclaimed global leader and author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change, she shares research on reframing change as a tool for growth, not fear. April offers techniques to find belonging amidst uncertainty. She explains how environments of trust allow us to risk towards possibility and purpose. Rinne provides practical strategies to transform uncertainty into “intelligent change” - illuminating the path forward. If you’ve felt lost facing change, this conversation will empower you to turn life’s twists into gateways of resilience.You can find April at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Bessel van der Kolk, MD about paying attention to what your body is telling you during times of stress. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for con

Ever pondered what could transpire if your creative spark truly ignited? Or what might emerge if you overcame inner fears and let your genuine talents gleam?Dive deep into these and more with the globally acclaimed author of Eat Pray Love, The Signature of All Things, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, and City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert. Delve into the fascinating realms of curiosity vs. passion, creativity's origin, and the barriers stopping you from realizing your life's purpose.Learn about the significance of self-care, resilience during life's tumults, and Liz's perspective on a fulfilling life.Be ready for unexpected turns, amusing moments, and a 40-year-old secret of Liz's unveiled!Tune in for this riveting "Best Of" chat. Maybe, just maybe, you'll muster the bravery to present your unique gifts to the world. Ready to awaken your creative spirit?You can find Elizabeth Gilbert at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversatio

Ever felt isolated when your beliefs were challenged?Faced the sting of judgment in a world of polarized views?Questioned if there’s room for contrasting opinions without alienation?Dive into an enlightening conversation with Melissa Carter, Senior Director for Global Spiritual Life at NYU, as she:Challenges the fear of differing views.Shares techniques to bridge the gaps of misunderstanding.Explores "intelligent differences" and how they can unite us.Distinguishes between genuine harm and simple disagreement.Join us in this episode, as we unveil the transformative power of conflict and discover the potential for shared belonging. Let's learn to view opposition not as a threat but as a beacon towards mutual growth and understanding. Press play to chart your path from isolation to inclusivity.You can find Melissa at: Find Melissa Online Here | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Jonathan Haidt on happiness, morality, and hard conversation

Ever been paralyzed by the fear of failing or judged by your mistakes? You're not alone. From school tests to career flops, we've all faced moments that shook our confidence. But what if failure is not an enemy but a stepping stone to success? My guest today, Amy Edmondson, is the Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard and author of the new book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well.

What if the secret to living longer wasn't just kale and spin class, but transforming your whole environment and community? After decoding longevity hotspots he introduced as the Blue Zones, Dan Buettner discovered their vitality ensues from ecosystems promoting natural movement, plant-based eating, purpose, community, and stress reduction. These universal experiences shape our ability to build deeply healthy lives, yet we rarely learn from those who've mastered the art - the world's most vigorous centenarians.I'm thrilled to share this myth-busting conversation to glean simple, enjoyable lessons on adding life to our years from the wisdom of history's most remarkable super-agers. Join me and Dan, author of The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer, as we sidestep pitfalls by infusing our lives and communities with insights from the globe's greatest teachers on living well past 100.You can find Dan at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had w

Join us in unraveling the pressure cooker of modern achievement culture and discovering a healthier, happier definition of success with Jennifer Breheny Wallace. Her new book, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It, offers research-driven solutions drawn from interviews with families struggling to find balance amid our achievement-crazed culture.The Hidden Costs of Success: Dive deep into the toxic effects of the achievement-focused definition of success on our well-being and happiness.Raw Truth: The alarming rise of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse in today's youth across the spectrum: from the affluent to the underserved.Redefining Success: How can we balance our aspirations with well-being? Learn how to nurture resilience and deep connection in our families and communities.You can find Jennifer at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Jessica Lahey around the gift of failure.