What if leaning into grief could lead to profound personal growth? My guest Claire Bidwell Smith, therapist and author of Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss, shares how engaging with your pain fully can uncover meaning and purpose. We discuss the gift hidden within life’s losses, how to healthily process complicated grief, the importance of rituals and community, continuing bonds with the deceased, and more. Claire explains how grief transformed her life after losing both parents young, leading her to her calling as a grief counselor. Discover why avoiding heartache only prolongs it, while courageously facing grief may just help you become your best self. You can find Claire at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Megan Devine about feeling not okay after loss. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Sincero went from being broke and depressed to a #1 New York Times bestselling author with You Are a Badass and You Are a Badass at Making Money. Vivian Tu escaped Wall Street to build a viral online finance empire and now author of the new book, Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life. These two powerhouse women share their incredible journeys and hard-won wisdom on how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success. Jen and Vivian get vulnerable about overcoming financial and emotional hurdles, bust myths about wealth being unattainable, and offer practical, motivational advice to help you make more money, follow your purpose, and design your dream life. Whether you seek financial confidence or personal growth, this empowering episode will give you the mindset shifts and money moves to silence your inner critic and unlock your inner money badass. Start believing in yourself and get ready to create lasting change. Episode Transcript You can find Vivian at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Vivian You can find Jen Sincero at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Jen Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can generosity go viral? TED curator Chris Anderson believes it can in our hyperconnected world. In his new book Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading, Chris explores how small acts of kindness can ripple out in surprising ways. Learn how to tap into the asymmetric power of generosity, fight online negativity with delight, and share stories that light up human emotions. Chris and host Jonathan Fields discuss how practicing courage, creativity and authenticity can help spread compassion across our infinite global village. Get inspired to unleash more goodness and be the start of a contagious generosity movement. You can find Chris at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dacher Keltner about the power of awe. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you struggling to keep up in a world of dizzying change? My guest Morgan Housel offers a surprising solution: focus on timeless truths. In his book Same As Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes, Morgan reveals how embracing enduring aspects of human nature can be our guide. We discuss how masterful storytelling moves hearts more than facts, how to balance uncertainty with possibility, and why there’s no formula for “the good life” except the one you design yourself. Join us for a fascinating conversation on connecting with wisdom as relevant today as ever before. You’ll learn to build lives not on shifting trends but on the bedrock of eternal human truths. You can find Morgan at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Scott Galloway about finding center in a changing world. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling overwhelmed and defeated by stress? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, UCLA psychologist and author of Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, Dr. Jenny Taitz shares how reframing your mindset transforms your relationship with stress and anxiety. Discover science-backed techniques to shift thought patterns, regulate emotions, and tap into inner resilience—allowing you to thrive while pursuing a meaningful life, not just survive. Whether it’s parent burnout, work pressures, or life’s daily frustrations, Jenny equips you with practical tools to gain agency over internal and external demands. Get ready to rewrite your stress story. You can find Jenny at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Stephen Porges, Ph.D. about the polyvagal theory and the importance of psychological safety. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neuroscientist and addiction expert Dr. Judson Brewer unveils a practical, evidence-based approach to transforming your relationship with anxiety. Learn how to "unwind" worry and fear by understanding the habit loop of anxiety, applying mindfulness tools, and accessing your brain's innate wisdom. Discover why anxiety persists and how retraining your brain can create more ease and joy, drawing from Jud's research and bestselling book, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind. You can find Dr. Jud at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode: you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ellen Hendriksen, PhD about social anxiety and how to handle it. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What fuels your biggest dreams? How do you set goals that light you up instead of burn you out? New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff reveals how to ditch external pressures and re-center your goals around joy. Jon explains why starting with a "fun goal" builds confidence for bigger dreams, and how to stay motivated by tapping into creative flow states. Learn how to define success on your own terms through Jon's unique 3-step methodology from his new book All It Takes Is A Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential. Discover practical strategies to unlock your potential, eliminate regrets, and live a life filled with gratitude and purpose. You can find Jon at: Website | Instagram | All It Takes Is A Goal podcast | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations where I share what I call my success scaffolding. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ageism distorts how we view aging and harms us at every stage of life. My guest today, Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, reveals where these stereotypes come from and how they seep into our minds. She explains powerful ways we can identify and challenge ageism in ourselves, our communities, and society. Ashton shares eye-opening facts that counteract myths about decline, along with steps to build a more age-inclusive world. If getting older fills you with dread, this conversation will give you a radically hopeful perspective on aging as a time of continued growth and joy—if we can erase the cultural biases clouding our vision. You can find Ashton at: Website | Instagram | TED Talk | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Karen Waldrond about the amazing parts of getting older. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an on-air panic attack, ABC anchor Dan Harris, author of the 10-year anniversary edition of "10% Happier,"  embarked on a quest to understand his lifelong anxiety. If you've ever experienced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or a fear of coming undone, don't miss this uplifting conversation with Dan Harris on living more fully and freely. Harris traces generational roots back to a suicidal great-grandfather, realizing he could either be crushed by these demons or befriend them. This crisis set Harris on a quest that led to Buddhism, reshaping his mind through ancient tools and "mental rewiring." Now tattooed with his personal mantra, he shares the conversations that helped him tap into compassion. Harris reflects on transforming anxiety into awakening, befriending darkness to reveal inner light, and his journey to bestselling author and founder of the meditation company 10% Happier. You can find Dan at: Website | Instagram | Ten Percent Happier podcast | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Susan Piver about mindfulness and life. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if being more mindful could lead to better health, happiness and fulfillment? Pioneering psychologist Ellen Langer reveals how on this week's episode. Known as the "mother of mindfulness," Ellen shares insights from over 45 years of research showing how our thoughts directly impact our physical and mental well-being. Learn simple yet profound tips to become more present, question assumptions and unlock healthier living. Ellen explains how mindfulness is about engaging actively with the present moment rather than formal meditation. Discover how we can break free from mindless routines and limiting beliefs to shape empowering new realities. Find out why Ellen believes mindfulness could revolutionize healthcare. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with the author of the new book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health. You can find Ellen at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Robert Thurman about the power of mindfulness, meditation and presence. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can memory improvement unlock a better life? Neuroscientist Charan Ranganath reveals how memory intertwines with happiness, relationships, creativity, and meaning. In his new book Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters, Charan shares research on how memories form, the role of sleep, aging's effects, and practical ways to remember what matters. Learn how to harness your brain’s memory systems for personal growth and fulfillment. Discover techniques to preserve precious moments, let go of trauma, and pursue your passions. If you want to experience deeper connections and find more purpose, don’t miss this fascinating tour of memory’s power from a leading expert. You can find Charan at: X | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Bessel van der Kolk, MD about how memory, trauma and movement work together. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could communicate effortlessly with anyone, instantly establishing trust and connection? According to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg, author of the new book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, the most compelling communicators don't possess any magical talents. They've simply mastered the hidden rules that govern how we connect through conversation. Learn techniques to identify the 3 types of exchanges occurring simultaneously in every interaction. Discover how vulnerability and "deep listening" forge bonds of trust. Gain insight into dissolving conflict through empathy. Whether one-on-one or on stage, communication can change lives. This research-backed episode reveals the science of forging genuine understanding. You can find Charles at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had on our partner podcast, SPARKED with Ben Guttmann about how to communicate simply and clearly. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to cut cravings, boost energy, and take control of your health? Biochemist and bestselling author Jessie Inchauspé shares surprising hacks to steady your blood sugar in this fascinating conversation. Learn how timing sweets, pairing carbs with fat/protein, and starting your day without sugar can work wonders. Jessie busts myths around whole grains and fruit while translating complex science into simple, sustainable habits. Discover how to eat the foods you love in a healthier way from her groundbreaking book The Glucose Goddess Method: The 4-Week Guide to Cutting Cravings, Getting Your Energy Back, and Feeling Amazing. If you struggle with rollercoaster energy, cravings, or poor sleep - this episode is for you. Jessie empowers listeners with innovative ways to minimize glucose spikes and gain control of your health. Her passion for optimizing blood sugar shines as she reveals how tiny tweaks can help you feel your absolute best. You can find Jessie at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aviva Romm about how our hormones influence our health. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if mattering could be the key to living your best life? Psychologist Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky joins us to unpack the profound human need for mattering. Isaac explains the two components of mattering—feeling valued and adding value. Discover how cultivating mattering through fairness, purpose, and small generous acts can transform health, happiness, work, and relationships. Learn why extremism rises when mattering is lacking, and how finding meaning by contributing to something bigger than yourself is the antidote. Get Isaac’s practical tips for taking responsibility to add value, listen generously, and promote wellness in yourself and society. You can find Isaac at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Robert Waldinger about meaning and life. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your closest friendships were just as significant as your marriage? My fascinating guest Rhaina Cohen, author of The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center, reveals compelling research on how profound platonic bonds can provide the same fulfillment and devotion as romantic ones. Tune in to hear Rhaina's eye-opening stories that reimagine social connection. We explore how to nurture deeper intimacy in friendships and move beyond limiting cultural biases. Discover practical tools to cultivate lifelong platonic partnerships that are just as central to living a good life as romantic love. This surprising conversation will transform your understanding of relationships. You can find Rhaina at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kat Vellos about how to plant the seeds of grown-up friendship. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After following in her activist parents' footsteps, Blair Imani reached her breaking point organizing protests in college. She shares how rediscovering spirituality helped her let go of toxic expectations and heal. Blair realized education was a more sustainable way for her to impact change as a historian and creator of the popular Smarter In Seconds educational video series. She discusses learning self-care, listening to your values when making decisions, and embracing practices like yoga and meditation. While still devoted to intersectional advocacy, Blair now approaches it with intention, only taking on projects aligning with her ethics. She offers insights on finding calm within chaos and being mindful of how your actions affect others. Blair is the author of the bestselling book Read This to Get Smarter. You can find Blair at: Instagram | Website | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Austin Channing Brown, about how we create the world around us and how we bring ourselves to it from a place of equity, dignity, and justice. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like you barely slept even after a full night in bed? You're not alone. Sleep expert Dr. Christopher Winter reveals the truth about the perception gap between how we think we're sleeping and reality. Discover science-backed techniques to get better rest, change your mindset around sleep, and stop obsessing over routines. Dr. Winter shares insights from his book The Sleep Solution and busts myths around optimal sleep needs. Learn how to ditch the anxiety around sleep and become the well-rested person you aspire to be. This candid conversation provides practical steps anyone can take to transform their relationship with sleep. You can find Chris at: Website | Instagram | Sleep Unplugged podcast | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Aric Prather about the fundamentals of sleep hygiene. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My 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 on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sex educator Emily Nagoski reveals how to sustain passionate intimacy over the long haul with research from her groundbreaking new book, Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections. She explains why pleasure trumps desire, how stress impacts connection, and the importance of open communication about desires. Emily offers practical steps to invite more pleasure into relationships as bodies change, and rejects cultural grind in favor of ease. Her insights on nourishing intimacy through pleasure can enrich partnerships when we center what truly matters. You can find Emily at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Vanessa Marin about how to talk about sex. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This January Jumpstart episode explores how we can rediscover our deepest sense of belonging within. Zen priest Rev. angel Kyodo williams and spiritual leader Melissa Carter share how embracing all of ourselves allows us to fully inhabit our humanity. By returning to our inner wholeness through mindfulness, we can move through the world from a place of truth, connect authentically with others, and transform society. Episode Transcript You can find Rev. angel Kyodo williams at: Instagram | Website | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Rev. angel You can find Melissa at: Find Melissa Online Here | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Melissa We want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to support@goodlifeproject.com. We may include your reflections in an episode. If you LOVED this episode Find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The Five Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience, shares how to reframe our relationship with stress. She explains why feeling overwhelmed is a common human experience, not a personal failing. Simple, science-backed techniques like breathing, social connection, journaling, and eliminating multitasking can help our minds and bodies reset. Dr. Nerurkar offers realistic ways to introduce ease into our days through small, sustainable steps. Learn how to "do better" so you can start to "feel better" and thrive. You can find Aditi at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Stephen and Seth Porges about safety, stress, and your nervous system. Check out our offerings & partners:  My New Book Sparked My New Podcast SPARKED.  Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.