Drawing on years of prescribing ‘books as medicine’ to people around the world, bibliotherapist Ella Berthoud reveals how bibliotherapy can offer comfort, insight, and a way forward through life’s many challenges. 

Central to her work is an unwavering belief in fiction’s transformative power. When reading a book deeply, whether alone in a quiet room, nestled in a dedicated reading nook, or even when on the move, reading allows us to step into another world and emerge changed.

Unlike nonfiction, which typically appeals to the conscious mind, fiction engages us at a deeper, subconscious level and invites us to become the characters we read about, experiencing both their joys and sorrows. In doing so, we change how we see ourselves and the world around us.

For a book to be therapeutic it needs to offer more than just a great story, Ella argues; it should also resonate with the reader’s personal circumstances and challenges. As a bibliotherapist, her recommendations span modern literature, enduring classics, poetry, and even graphic novels, each chosen with the unique needs of the reader in mind. 

She also highlights how children's and young adult books can hold real value for adult readers, noting that they contain profound stories worth engaging with even in later years.

While arguing that some books should be approached with caution – differentiating between content that is heavy yet ultimately meaningful versus unnecessarily hideous imagery that’s emotionally scarring – she notes the comfort fiction can provide in times of uncertainty.

In an age of near-constant digital distraction, she champions reading as a grounding practice that builds character, increases emotional intelligence, and even contributes to physical health. She suggests keeping a notebook to nurture a richer reading life amid the noise of modern life.

Whether someone is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic reader, she invites them to embrace reading as a profoundly personal, sensory, and meaningful act.

Ella is the co-author, along with Susan Elderkin, of The Novel Cure: An A to Z of Literary Remedies and The Story Cure: An A-Z of Books to Keep Kids Happy, Healthy and Wise. She also wrote The Art of Mindful Reading and 30 Second Literature: The 50 most important forms, genres and styles, each explained in half a minute.

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Award-winning Australian travel writer and author Louise Southerden has spent over two decades venturing to some of the most awe-inspiring corners of the planet, from canoeing in Madagascar and kayaking in the Arctic and Antarctica, to hiking in Nepal, and expedition-cruising in the Galapagos and the Russian Far East.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, she speaks about her fear of becoming trapped in a life that didn’t suit her and how freedom was a non-negotiable necessity.

She opens up about the profound impact her mother’s death had on her in her late twenties, describing the experience as one that stripped life down to its essentials. She recalls the clarity that followed and how everything unimportant suddenly fell away, becoming the catalyst to reimagine her life.

In a culture that encourages us to incessantly accumulate and consume, she found liberation in paring back. From traveling light with only a backpack to stripping her life down to the essentials, she embraced the power that often comes through simplicity.

She shares her thoughts on how freedom is about letting go of the expectations and assumptions that no longer serve us, and deliberately choosing to live differently in order to create a life rooted in curiosity and authenticity.

The most transformative journey she undertook was building and living in her own tiny house, which she recounted in the new book TINY: A memoir about love, letting go and a very small house. Constructed during the emotional turbulence of a relationship ending, her home became a literal and symbolic structure for embracing inner peace. 

Louise has been Australia's Travel Writer of the Year a record five times and won the Australian Society of Travel Writers’ Responsible Tourism Award six times. Her past travel stories and posts can be found on her blog No Impact Girl and her Facebook page. In addition to TINY, Louise is also the author of Surf's Up: The Girl's Guide to Surfing, Adventures on Earth, Japan: A working holiday guide, and A month of simple Sundays. Her tiny house has been featured on the international YouTube channel Living Big In A Tiny House. 

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In this Ready Living Podcast episode, Daniel J. Solove, one of the world’s foremost experts in privacy law and the #1 most cited law professor in the law and technology field, talks about technology’s impact on privacy, how the law often fails to adequately protect privacy, and what needs to be done to safeguard our personal privacy freedoms.

Dan challenges the traditional, narrow definitions of privacy and argues against what he calls “privacy essentialism”—the idea that privacy has clear, fixed boundaries. Instead, he proposes an approach that acknowledges the nuanced and evolving nature of privacy violations.

The way privacy is conceptualized, he explains, has profound implications for how laws are crafted, interpreted, and enforced. And unfortunately, he argues, the law too often falls short, particularly when it comes to addressing the impact of technology.

He describes how legislators and judges often get “brain freeze” when faced with cases involving technology, leading to a failure to recognize harms that should be apparent. Whether it’s the lack of a comprehensive federal privacy law in the U.S. or the messy patchwork of existing regulations, he paints a picture of a legal system struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change.

Dan explains how the design of technology—from social media algorithms to data collection tools—affects the choices people make about sharing their personal information. He notes that “control the design, control the decision,” highlighting how tech companies intentionally create platforms that encourage data sharing and polarizing content to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal well-being. Regulators, he argues, have been hesitant to address these design issues. 

He also raises alarm bells about the darker side of surveillance and the unprecedented power governments and corporations now wield through big data and artificial intelligence. With algorithms capable of analyzing vast amounts of personal data to draw highly detailed—and often biased—inferences, the potential for abuse is enormous. He warns that this level of surveillance could pave the way for authoritarian regimes to target dissenters and control populations, drawing chilling parallels to historical examples like Nazi Germany.

This episode is a must-listen for everyone who cares about privacy and the future of our society.

Dan is the Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor of Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the George Washington University Law School, and the founder of TeachPrivacy, a privacy and cybersecurity training company. He is the author of over 10 books and more than 100 articles; the #1 most cited law professor born after 1970, and the #1 most cited law professor in the law and technology field, having been cited in thousands of publications, excerpted in numerous casebooks, and discussed in many judicial opinions, including those by the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeal, district courts, and state supreme courts.

His newest book, On Privacy and Technology, comes out March 2025.

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What drives someone to pursue a Ph.D. in public health? For Kevin Cevasco, it all began with a story about a high schooler nearly dropping out to help pay his family’s rent during his mother’s medical treatment.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, Kevin recounts fascinating parallels from past outbreaks—like the Black Death in fourteenth century Europe and smallpox in the 1800s—to help us understand the various ways humans react to public health crises.

He looks at why people cling to misinformation in the face of evidence, why prevention efforts sometimes struggle to gain political support despite saving countless lives, and the important role cultural and religious leaders can play in advancing community health.

He also explains how public health efforts, from vaccination campaigns to better infrastructure, rely on proactive policies, adequate funding, and the trust of the communities they serve.

Kevin shares why studying patterns of disease isn’t just about medical data— it’s about people and their capacity to work together for the common good. He highlights the ways we can all contribute to a healthier and stronger society.

This episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of why public health matters and help see it as a shared responsibility.

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In a world often fractured by division, renowned architect Eddie Jones, founder of award-winning firm Jones Studio, offers a bold, transformative perspective of the border and challenges us to view it as a bridge between cultures, economies, and human experiences. Through architecture and a profound belief in the power of design, he illustrates how thoughtful infrastructure can reshape not just landscapes, but perceptions and lives.

Eddie’s vision for border architecture is rooted in the belief that design can transcend politics and foster shared humanity. His firm’s work on the Mariposa Land Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, exemplifies this philosophy. Inspired by "Border Lines," a poem by poet laureate Alberto Ríos, he began the design process by embracing the cultural duality of "Ambos Nogales," the name given to the twin cities of Nogales in Arizona and Nogales in Sorona, Mexico. Rather than defaulting to traditional symbols of division like barbed wire, the firm envisioned a port of entry where human dignity was central. They integrated open space and a garden to create a sense of welcome rather than distrust.

Beyond the symbolism, these innovations have real-world implications. Efficient and humane border design between the U.S. and Mexico plays a critical role in sustaining economic stability. Mariposa Land Port of Entry ceased being an economic choke point and became more of a passage that reflects the shared lives of those on both sides. Land Ports of Entry like Mariposa are a lifeline for the agriculture industry, particularly in Arizona, where produce shipments and labor depend on streamlined crossings. By reducing wait times and improving working conditions for thousands of migrant laborers, Jones Studio’s design enhances commerce and improves lives on both sides of the border. 

Eddie firmly believes that architects are uniquely positioned to solve complex societal problems. Trained at the intersection of art and engineering, they possess a rare blend of creative and analytical thinking that enables them to tackle multifaceted challenges. He points to their built-in capacity to think across disciplines, anticipate future needs, and balance human-centered solutions with practical constraints. He argues that the profession’s objective problem-solving abilities can bring fresh, innovative solutions to policy-making, and suggests that architects run for public office.

Eddie also shares his deep love and reverence for the creative process, particularly in a time when digital tools dominate the field. He remains committed to hand-drawing his designs, a practice he finds profoundly meditative. This tactile connection allows his designs to evolve organically, with each line carrying intention and emotion.

Eddie’s work demonstrates that architecture is far more than constructing buildings—it’s about designing spaces that reflect human passion, embody shared values, and  solve real-world problems. 

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Have you ever wondered what would happen to your beloved companion animal if something happened to you? It’s a question many of us would rather avoid, but one we can’t afford to ignore. In today’s episode, we explore this often-overlooked topic with Professor Ashley R. Dobbs from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Under American law, pets are treated as property, much like a chair or a laptop. This reality means that simply naming a friend or family member to take care of an animal companion in a will won’t be enough to ensure the pet’s well-being. What if that person’s circumstances change? What if they’re unable or suddenly unwilling to fulfill the promise when the time comes? Without the right legal structures in place, your beloved pet’s future could be left to chance.

Ashley explains why setting up an animal trust is the most secure way to provide for your companion after you’re gone. Unlike a mention in a will, an animal trust can legally enforce your wishes and provide funds directly for your pet’s care, without the delays of probate court.

She describes the basics of how to set up an animal trust, from choosing the right caretaker to determining the financial support needed. Her practical advice helps people plan ahead, protect their pets, and avoid the heartbreak of seeing a beloved companion end up in a shelter or on the street simply because no one was prepared.

Ashley understands the importance of protecting your companion animal and having peace of mind. She is an expert on animal-related matters whose past work includes drafting proposed federal legislation related to tax incentives and pet trusts; providing legal counsel to organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, and other local and national animal welfare organizations; serving as curriculum advisor to the American Prosecutors Association’s animal cruelty prosecution program; and chairing the educational subcommittee for the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee.

What if we could create a world where compassion, resilience, health and justice form the foundation of society?

Physician Hope Ferdowsian, author of Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives, and co-founder and president of Phoenix Zones Initiative, shares insights from over two decades of work caring for individuals experiencing violence, displacement, and other hardships, while also working on policy approaches to addressing structural inequities and exploitation.

Through the powerful stories of individuals she’s met – Ayanna, a young girl rescued from child marriage; Doc, a physician who sought asylum after suffering imprisonment and abuse; Grace, a woman who fled her home after experiencing severe violence; and Love, an injured dog found laying on the side of the road – she shows how resilience and compassion can rise, even when faced with great challenges.

Reflecting on her roots, Hope explains, “I grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma, and I learned pretty early about human rights violations around the world, in part through my parents and my Dad's history as an immigrant to the United States. And like a lot of kids who grow up around animals, I also was concerned about animal suffering in addition to human suffering.”

In this episode, she introduces listeners to "Phoenix Zones" – safe havens that uphold the principles of liberty, compassion, justice, and dignity. She argues that just as structural violence can permeate societies, so can structural resilience. “We need to be morally consistent in our application of compassion,” she says, suggesting that just as the big global challenges we face are intertwined, so are the solutions. “One of the only ways we’ll solve these great challenges is to expand our circles of compassion without bias, without prejudice. Truth is, compassion is contagious.”

Hope is a double board-certified internal medicine, preventive medicine physician with a master’s degree in public health. She was named a Humanitarian of the Year in the American College of Physicians in 2017. Currently a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, she previously held faculty positions at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Georgetown University School of Medicine.

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How do we truly prepare for disasters, and what does recovery look like when catastrophe strikes?

In this episode, renowned disasterologist Samantha Montano, Ph.D., takes us into the world of emergency management, offering practical advice on what communities and individuals can do. She also outlines the steps someone impacted by events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton can take to receive state and federal support and help them navigate the recovery process. 

As the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis, named one of the best books of 2021 by USA Today, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she shares what needs to be done to better prepare for and recover from crises. 

She sheds light on the deeper, often hidden, factors that make certain communities more vulnerable during crises. From the unequal distribution of resources to the lingering effects of discriminatory practices like redlining, she points to the long-standing systemic issues that exacerbate disaster impacts.

With a growing array of challenges, including cyber threats and rapidly intensifying natural disasters, she emphasizes the need for more specialized staff, improved local government coordination, and increased funding to ensure effective disaster response. She also argues for stronger local leadership and better preparation strategies to protect the most vulnerable communities and individuals. 

Drawing on her early work in post-Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and her academic research, Samantha discusses why it's crucial to professionalize and grow the field of emergency management.

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In her moving and deeply insightful new book Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs, Katherine Carver followed nearly 60 dogs and their journeys from shelters to loving homes.

She shares the emotional experience of photographing these dogs twice, first at the shelter or animal rescue and again a year later in their new homes. The initial sadness she witnessed in some dogs’ eyes contrasts sharply with the later joy felt by all those who found a second chance at life. Her beautiful portraits capture the dogs’ powerful transformations.

She shares how her own life changed after adopting Biscuit, a once fearful dog who became the heart of her family. That experience sparked a deep desire to raise awareness about rescue dogs and the many challenges they face. Later, after losing him, adopting Victory helped bring happiness back into her family’s life. 

She explains the complex reality of shelter life and the importance of adoption. She highlights that in 2023 alone, three million dogs entered shelters and rescues, with two million of those finding permanent homes and one million sadly not. To help address this crisis, she advocates for adopting from shelters and rescues over breeders.

Katherine reflects not only about the dogs but also the life-changing lessons they teach us – how to be present, grateful, and compassionate. She says that through patience and love, we can help abandoned dogs find hope and healing while at the same time transforming our own lives in ways we never expected.

A portion of the royalties earned from the sales of the book will be donated to SPCA International, helping dogs in need around the globe. 

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Over the summers of 2022 and 2023, Alexander Verbeek embarked on the legendary Camino de Santiago, an ancient 500-mile pilgrimage traversing several European countries. 

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, he shares the allure of the Camino and the diverse people he met along the way, each walking for reasons uniquely personal to them. He also talks about one poignant tradition of stopping at Cruz de Ferro and leaving behind a stone symbolizing each pilgrim’s burdens. He reflects on how this ritual transforms a simple act into a powerful moment of release and contemplation. 

A former diplomat, Alexander is a speaker and advisor on planetary change, consulting for academia, global NGOs, private firms, and international organizations. Over the past 30 years, he has worked on international security, humanitarian and geopolitical risk issues, and the linkage to the Earth's accelerating environmental crisis. He writes The Planet newsletter and also serves as Policy Director at the Brussels Environment & Development Resource Centre. 

Alexander launched the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Planetary Security Initiative at the Peace Palace in The Hague in 2015, which dove into the critical relationship between climate change and global security. He shares how this groundbreaking initiative placed climate change and its security implications at the forefront of the international agenda, including discussions within the UN and major global institutions.

He sheds light on how environmental conditions contribute to the rise of extremist groups, resource conflicts, and increased migration. In response to the pressing question of what governments should do, he advocates for visionary leadership and emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, rather than the short-term focus driven by political and corporate structures. As the climate crisis transcends borders, he argues that global cooperation is essential to addressing these challenges. He emphasizes the critical role that diplomacy plays.

He also reflects on the global wave of nationalism and draws parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and today’s political climate, advocating for a return to more balanced politics where political disagreements are handled in a more constructive way. 

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After a near-fatal battle with mental illness, Barbara Louise Brennan is grateful to be alive. Now 16 years well, she is a renowned change maker, stigma disruptor, and workplace mental health solutions expert.

In this episode, she opens up about her early struggles, how she rebuilt her life, and the importance of breaking down the stigma around mental illness. “If I can come back…anybody can do it,” she says.

She argues that we need to expand the discussion around mental health to include the broader context of people’s lives, not just the symptoms illness present. She emphasizes that individuals are more than their problems and wants people to see that mental illness is something they can move through or manage, rather than something that defines them.

She stresses that while we have made significant strides, the work of reducing stigma is far from over. Language, understanding, and compassion are key in creating a world where seeking help for mental health is as accepted as seeking help for physical health, and where stigma no longer stands in the way of recovery.

She has advised influential bodies like the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Health Service Executive, and the Irish National Office for Suicide Prevention, and lectured at institutions like Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University. Today she focuses on helping create supportive and inclusive work environments, working with organizations to develop strong, employee-friendly mental health policies that go beyond compliance.

Barbara’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and recovery, offering hope to anyone navigating their own mental health journey. It’s filled with expert advice on how to grow, heal, and thrive.

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After decades in law enforcement combating serious crime like narcotics, human trafficking and murder, retired senior detective Mark Randell continues fighting for justice, this time focusing on the link between animal abuse and human violence within relationships, families, and communities.

This episode explores the deep connection between animal cruelty and other unlawful acts like domestic abuse and organized crime. It also delves into the profound bond between people and their companion animals, a bond that abusers often exploit as a means of coercive control, much like isolating victims from their family and friends and exerting financial dependence.

Mark offers practical advice for recognizing signs of coercive control in relationships where pets are involved. He explains how the welfare of animals can be a key indicator of broader issues of abuse and coercion, urging listeners to be vigilant within their communities.

He sheds light on how safeguarding animals from cruelty isn’t just an act of compassion, but a crucial component in tackling abuse and violence because those who harm animals tend to harm people as well. He shows how incorporating this knowledge into safeguarding strategies ultimately makes communities safer for everyone.

He shares his journey from childhood experiences that sparked his passion for justice to his undercover operations in law enforcement, revealing how his skills in understanding criminal motivations have translated into combating animal abuse worldwide.

Mark also shares his thoughts on creating a more compassionate society, where animals are included in the circle of care. He remains hopeful and motivated by the passion and commitment of young people in the field of animal protection. He sees a global movement of young lawyers and advocates fighting for animal well being in a thoughtful and effective manner, making him optimistic that meaningful change is underway.

This episode challenges how we view justice and protection, both for humans and animals.

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What if our gardens could be more than simply beautiful? What if they could also serve as shared spaces and vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife?

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, nature writer and habitat consultant Nancy Lawson, author of the books “The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife” and “Wildscape: Trilling Chipmunks, Beckoning Blooms, Salty Butterflies, and other Sensory Wonders of Nature,” invites us reconsider what it means to care for nature.

Rather than imposing human design over natural processes, she suggests letting native plants lead the way. This doesn’t just restore habitat, it also strengthens a sense of connection to the world beyond ourselves. She says we need to create a deeper understanding of why planting native species matters, especially for insects like butterflies, moths, and native bees that have evolved in tandem with local flora. It’s a respectful kind of gardening that prioritizes ecological relationships.  

She explains why removing fallen leaves destroys the habitat of insects like butterflies, moths, beetles, and ground-nesting queen bumblebee; why chemical sprays marketed as "natural" aren’t truly pollinator-safe; and how people can navigate the sometimes tricky dynamics between environmentally conscious homeowners and their HOAs.

For everyone who wants to coexist more harmoniously with the natural world around us, Nancy explains how our everyday choices can support the delicate ecosystems right outside our doors and offers us a practical path forward. She reminds us that we don’t need to choose between beauty and biodiversity, or between aesthetics and ethics.

Whether you have acres of land, a suburban yard, or a modest balcony garden, she offers simple ideas for creating wildlife-friendly landscape habitats. She makes clear that regardless of where we live, through humane gardening, everyone can help minimize habitat fragmentation and species decline.

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What if the key to a happier and more connected life lies in reclaiming the wild parts of ourselves that we've lost along the way? The answer may lie in rewilding the human psyche, which helps people bridge the gap between rational thought and sensory experience and rediscover aspects of their humanity that have been sidelined by modern life.

This episode’s guest is award-winning psychologist Dr. Dana Klisanin, founder of ReWilding: Lab, whose passion for integrating ancient wisdom with modern science led her to create a holistic approach to wellness that reconnects individuals with nature and their creative potential. In addition to recognition by the American Psychological Association for her pioneering contributions to media psychology and celebrated in Forbes as a top female futurist, she is also a sought-after consultant for global organizations looking to develop resilient and adaptable leadership.

She explores the pivotal role of hope and courage in confronting life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of cultivating both as essential tools for navigating the uncertainties and crises that define our times.

She also talks about the crucial difference between resilience and antifragility, two concepts that represent how we respond to life's challenges. While resilience is about bouncing back, antifragility goes a step further by embracing the idea of growing stronger through adversity, representing an optimal outcome for life's toughest moments.

Dr. Klisanin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can face life's greatest challenges with renewed strength and creativity.

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On a scale of one to ten, Paull Young’s positivity is a self-described full-on ten. It’s been his greatest asset in driving meaningful change in sustainability and climate action, and in inspiring others to believe in the possibility of a better future.   

Paull is the Head of Sustainability at GitHub. Before this, he spent nine years at Meta, where he was the GTM & partnerships lead for the since-disbanded climate product team, including working as acting Product Manager for the Regeneration vertical. He also led the nonprofit partnership team as they raised the first $1B on Facebook, and built the Product Partnerships function at Instagram. Earlier in his career, he was the Director of Digital at the nonprofit charity: water, which helps bring clean and safe water to people around the world. 

Paull’s passion for social good was shaped by his early experiences watching his veterinarian father care for animals. This upbringing instilled in him a lifelong focus on trying to have a real impact for the greatest number possible.

He is a strong believer in the potential of technology, particularly AI, to accelerate climate progress. Paull envisions GitHub Copilot becoming a leader in empowering environmental and climate developers to create projects that can save the planet. He also emphasizes the power of storytelling, citing Netflix as a company that excels at providing a platform for and elevating climate voices.

On a personal level, becoming a parent deepened Paull’s commitment to creating a better world for future generations. This drive has led him to create custom ChatGPTs like “Kids Meal Mate” and the “ICPP Climate Science Helper” to make vital information readily accessible. His podcast, “Climate Dads,” is another passion project that reflects his dedication.

Through all his efforts, Paull aims to empower individuals to help shape a more sustainable future for their families, their communities, and the world at large.

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When we strip away the facade of perfection and embrace a willingness to fail, we can discover our true strength. That’s what happened to Kate Strong when she set her sights on becoming a world champion, reclaiming her life in the process.  

Kate is a 3-time world record-holding static cyclist, an age-group World Champion in triathlon, an international keynote and TEDx speaker, and author of the new book Climate Cycle: Why a bike ride around Britain became a movement for change which recounts her epic 3,000-mile journey on a handmade bamboo bike.

In this episode, she opens up about the reality behind her world records – the sweat, tears, and unglamorous moments that most people never show in public. She talks about challenging the status quo and pushing beyond limits, not just in athletic feats, but in all areas of life.

She shares the invaluable lessons she has learned about integrity and keeping our promises, how to push through the fear of being judged, and how to become comfortable with uncertainty.

She talks about gratitude as a driving force in her life, the beauty in supporting and showing up for each other, and how her nomadic lifestyle has given her deeper understanding and empathy.

It’s an unfiltered and honest conversation about what it takes to break barriers while confronting setbacks and moments of doubt in pursuit of a life worth living. Her story helps us all learn how to persist and evolve through twists and turns thrown our way. 

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Anger is often seen as a destructive force, something to be feared and avoided. Yet, beneath its fiery exterior lies a powerful tool capable of driving change and even fostering creativity. Understanding and harnessing anger can unlock a new realm of possibilities, turning this misunderstood emotion into a source of strength and inspiration.

This episode’s guest is Dr. Ryan Martin, also known as the 'Anger Professor.' He is a distinguished researcher and author who has dedicated his career to studying anger and other emotions. Regularly featured in the media, he is also a TEDx speaker and the author of the books Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change and How to Deal with Angry People: 10 Strategies for Facing Anger at Home, at Work and in the Street.

He explains that anger is fundamentally an emotional response comprising thoughts, physiological arousal, and action tendencies. He delves into the cognitive aspects of anger, highlighting how thoughts of fairness, injustice, and even revenge can accompany this emotion.

He also highlights the societal biases that affect how different groups are perceived when expressing anger, noting that marginalized individuals often face unfair consequences for their anger.

He discusses how the intensity and frequency of anger, along with its impact on the individual and others, determine whether it is problematic. He encourages people to be aware of how their anger affects their loved ones and to seek professional help if necessary. But he suggests avoiding therapists who recommend outward physical expressions of anger as a way to feel better, arguing that things like rage rooms don’t work.  

While sometimes anger is misplaced, Dr. Martin points out that it can arise from genuine experiences of poor treatment or injustice, making it a legitimate and appropriate response. He calls on people to recognize the power of anger and harness it for constructive purposes. 

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Trust is the foundation on which relationships are built, communities are formed, and businesses thrive. It’s the invisible thread that weaves the fabric of society together and allows us to feel safe.

However, trust isn’t something that happens by default; it’s earned through integrity and consistent actions, says this episode’s guest Scott Baradell.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Idea Grove, a PR and marketing boutique for B-to-B companies. He began his career as an award-winning journalist, then served as the chief communications officer for two billion-dollar companies and co-founded a venture-backed startup. In 2022, he published his first book, Trust Signals: Brand Building in a Post-Truth World.

He believes that the erosion of a once-strong common American narrative led to widespread uncertainty, and that the political landscape as well as the media's selective use of facts to support particular viewpoints have impacted trust. Still, he says that our world isn’t suffering from a lack of trust, but rather a fragmentation of trust that’s shifted where and how trust is placed.

In this episode, he shares his experiences and strategies for how to build and maintain trust in a complex world, offering specific recommendations that can help people navigate the challenges of trust in both their professional and personal lives.

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In a world where pushing to the brink of burnout and beyond is often the norm in pursuit of success, what led a former policy and political advisor to shift course and embrace a life of health and well-being?

It’s a question that challenges us to identify what truly brings meaning to our lives and invites us to consider how we might redirect our talents from a purely achievement-oriented focus towards a life that combines service of others with personal well-being.

This episode’s guest is Laurie A. Watkins, a former policy and political advisor in the Obama administration, author of the health and wellness book Go From Stressed to Strong, Founder & President of Sunshine L.A.W. Consulting, and Founder of The Cook’s Collective. 

After suffering a burnout in 2008 while working in national politics, she learned the importance of prioritizing one’s physical and mental health. She traded in a stress-filled and unhealthy lifestyle for one that enabled her to flourish, strengthening her ability to serve others. As a social impact leader and catalyst for change, she now helps other people do the same.

It was during her own health journey that she recognized the important role food plays in nourishing both body and mind. After getting to know celebrity Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals to people at the front lines of humanitarian, climate, and community conflict, she was inspired to co-found The Cook’s Collective which champions systemic changes that prioritize the mental health and well-being of people who work in the food and beverage industry. 

In this episode, Laurie shares how from a young age she learned to speak up when something was wrong, why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, and why we don’t need to sacrifice well-being in pursuit of an impactful and meaningful life. She also talks about the very special role her companion animal plays in her life.   

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Welcome to the Ready Living Podcast, where host Andrea Weckerle leads you on a journey of personal and professional development through interviews with some of the leading minds of today. Each episode is designed to educate, inspire, and empower you, offering practical advice and information to help you create the life you want. From thought-provoking insights to actionable strategies, Andrea and her guests dive deep into topics that matter the most. Subscribe to the Ready Living Podcast and embark on a transformative experience that helps you live a life of intention.

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Information and digital literacy are essential human rights crucial for building resilient societies, says internationally recognized digital transformation expert Dr. Danica Radovanović, author and editor of the book “Digital Literacy and Inclusion: Stories, Platforms, Communities” in this recent Ready Living Podcast episode.

While nearly a third of the world still lives without internet connectivity and far more remain digitally excluded due to a lack of skills, resources, or support, she dismantles the myth that internet access alone equals inclusion.

She argues that critical thinking, privacy awareness, and ethical participation are needed to effectively navigate a world increasingly shaped by misinformation and disinformation, AI-generated falsehoods, and algorithmic manipulation.

She offers grounded, practical strategies for positive action, sharing how each of us can help build a more inclusive and safer internet. Whether through community-led workshops, media literacy programs for youth, equitable tech policies, or simply practicing kindness and accountability online, she says that the online realm is impacted by the daily actions and choices we all make.

She speaks to the growing human need for real connection and reflects on a growing hunger for authentic, in-person experiences, especially in a post-pandemic world marked by digital fatigue. She argues that authentic human creations, versus artificial AI ones, may soon become sought-after luxuries.

She encourages people to embrace lifelong learning, practice self-knowledge, and recognize that every online action is a chance to shape a digital world worth living in.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when she shares how she recently learned about her grandfather’s imprisonment in a Nazi camp during World War II. For Danica, the act of writing about her family’s history is a way of transforming trauma and reclaiming the narrative, and underscores her deep commitment to human dignity and inclusivity.

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Narcissists lack empathy, pathologically lie, and thrive on manipulating and controlling others. Their playbook includes gaslighting, withholding emotionally, triangulating, exerting financial control, and sowing chaos and confusion.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, narcissistic abuse recovery coach Lynn Catalano shares the red flags of narcissistic abuse, unpacks the stages of the narcissistic abuse cycle, and explains how victims can begin to reclaim their lives. 

She reveals the truth behind narcissists’ arrested development and how they quickly move from seemingly idolizing their victims to mistreating them. She offers concrete examples to help listeners identify toxic behaviors and understand how these play out across relationships, especially within families and romantic partnerships.

This episode isn’t just about recognizing narcissistic abuse, it's also about empowering victims. For anyone struggling with feelings of confusion, shame, or isolation that often accompany narcissistic abuse, Lynn provides guidance and hope. She explains that victims have the right to set boundaries, say no, and walk away. Her insights empower survivors to rebuild their lives.

Lynn is the author of the book Wrecking Ball Relationships: How to Identify, Live With, or Leave the Narcissist in Your Life, creator of Rebuilding After the Wrecking Ball: 30-Day Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Journal, and a narcissistic abuse recovery course creator. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University and a law degree from University of Buffalo Law School.

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We’re biologically wired to seek predictability and control, so when life throws us curve balls like a career identity crisis, work burnout, or job loss, our confidence can waver.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, career transitions coach Emily Rothberg talks about navigating change, shifting mindsets, and finding clarity amid chaos, especially during uncertain and rapidly shifting times.

She invites us to question the outdated labels we may be clinging to that no longer serve who we are or want to become. She explains that true alignment starts by asking “What do I want? What do I need? What do I value?” Using frameworks drawn from psychology and client-tested coaching practices, she shares how dissatisfaction with the present, creating a compelling vision for the future, and taking small achievable steps can form the foundation for lasting change.

She delivers practical, no-nonsense advice for those navigating today’s complex marketplace, explaining the difference between reactive and proactive job searches, how to develop a strong value proposition – what she calls the answer to “If you hire me, here’s what will be different or better for your organization” – and how to effectively use resumes and AI to distinguish ourselves.

She also talks about the concept of moving from selflessness to self-fullness, encouraging us to explore what we value, love, and excel at, and then align that with the people and communities who energize us so we can become the architects of a life and career that truly reflect our evolving selves.

Emily’s approach blends empathy and strategy, empowering listeners to reclaim their agency, own their story, and design a future rooted in authenticity and purpose.

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How do we humanize work in an era where technology, control, and efficiency often take precedence over purpose, people, and genuine connection? Rachel Happe challenges the very foundation of how we think about work, arguing that organizations need to move beyond viewing employees and customers as mere inputs into a financial machine and instead see them as the very source of meaning, energy, and long-term success.

A leading voice in community-centric work cultures, she criticizes traditional organizational governance, calling them a mechanistic system built for control and not human flourishing. Our institutions, she argues, are designed like machines, optimized for efficiency at the expense of engagement. As a result, many workplaces have become soulless, sacrificing excellence in favor of reliability and average performance.

But there’s a better way. Good governance invites feedback and fosters agency. And giving people greater control creates the conditions necessary for high performance. By designing governance systems that act more like trellises – structures that support growth rather than constrain it – leaders can create the conditions for creativity, trust, and shared success. 

Beyond the workplace, she also explores how our shifting relationship with work has reshaped civic life. She calls for a rebalancing that allows us to reclaim time for community, relationships, and reflection.

Rachel is the founder of Engaged Organizations and co-founded The Community Roundtable in 2009, where she published groundbreaking research that documented the discipline and importance of fostering community-centric cultures. Her clients included BASF, AMEX, Microsoft, and the World Bank Group, among others. Her writing has been published in Harvard Business Review, CMSWire, and Information Week. She is the author of Becoming Hybrid – A Team Collaboration Handbook (2022).

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Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) possess a unique neurological trait that enables them to move through life with extraordinary perception, recognizing subtle details, emotions, and connections that others might overlook. They’re exceptionally intuitive, creative, and empathetic. Yet high sensitivity isn’t a condition one acquires, it’s an innate trait affecting roughly 20% of the overall population.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, educator and international keynote speaker Esther Bergsma unpacks the science and psychology of high sensitivity and shares insights into what it truly means to be an HSP. She is the best-selling Dutch author of The Brain of the Highly Sensitive Person: Why you shouldn’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, the Director of Hoogensitief.NL, a platform dedicated to understanding and embracing this trait (English content available), and a member of the Supervisory Board of Highly Sensitive Men.

Esther breaks down the science behind the HSP brain, explaining why high sensitivity isn’t merely about emotional depth, it’s also a powerhouse of strengths – HSPs excel in roles that require diplomacy, leadership, and creative problem-solving. She explains how HSPs can harness their abilities in a variety of personal and professional settings, and argues that highly sensitive leaders bring unparalleled value to organizations by fostering supportive, people-centered workplaces that drive success.

She also dispels the common myths that few men are HSPs and that all HSPs are introverts. In reality, there is a 50/50 gender HSP split, and around 30% of HSPs are actually extroverted.

For parents raising highly sensitive children, Esther provides important advice on creating an environment where youngsters can thrive. She stresses understanding their unique needs and recognizing the profound impact their surroundings have on their well-being.

Whether you’re looking to embrace this unique trait or simply want to understand the HSPs in your life better, Esther’s insights offer practical tools to help HSPs thrive in today’s world.

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Divorce isn’t just emotionally difficult, it’s also one of the biggest financial changes people experience in their lives. Unfortunately it often has a devastating financial impact, especially on women and children. The repercussions of divorce extend far beyond the immediate separation, affecting overall economic well-being, retirement security, and long-term financial stability.

In this Ready Living Podcast episode, Michelle Petrowski, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), breaks down the financial realities of divorce and how women can protect themselves before, during, and after.

She shares practical insights into the preparatory steps women need to take if they’re considering or facing divorce. From gathering financial documents and understanding debt obligations to safeguarding credit scores and setting up independent bank accounts, she outlines a comprehensive approach to financial self-protection. She also discusses key aspects of asset division, social security benefits, and the crucial differences in divorce laws depending on whether spouses live in a community property or equitable distribution state.

Beyond divorce, she offers advice on how women can protect their financial future, even if they remain married. She emphasizes the importance of premarital discussions and agreements, proactive financial planning for stay-at-home parents, and ensuring that both partners recognize and account for the contributions made within a marriage, both financial and non-financial. By addressing these considerations early on, women can avoid potential vulnerabilities later in life.

As the founder of Being in Abundance, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and founder of Being Mindful in Divorce, Michelle is passionate about helping single, divorced, and widowed women create financial stability and wealth. She believes that when women have more financial security, they have more choices, and that these choices afford them the opportunity to be leaders in their families and communities.

Whether thinking about getting married, already married, or facing divorce, this episode will help listeners make informed decisions about their future. Michelle’s insights offer a roadmap for women to take control of their financial well-being and navigate major life transitions with greater confidence.

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Have you ever ignored your gut instinct because you didn’t want to “overreact”? Or risked your safety because you felt pressured to be agreeable… even though the situation made you uncomfortable? In this Ready Living Podcast episode, self-defense expert Nicole Snell teaches people how to prepare so they can move through the world with confidence and a fearless mindset.

Nicole is an award-winning international speaker, TEDx Speaker, trainer, survivor, and self-defense expert specializing in gender-based violence prevention and empowerment. She is a Credentialed Victim Advocate and multidisciplinary educator who has trained every branch of the U.S. military at hundreds of installations around the world, and trained millions of people globally in academia, corporate industries, and outdoor recreation.

Her own journey to empowerment began in childhood when she found solace and strength in the great outdoors. Now, she’s dedicated to changing outdated narratives around safety and helping people learn the skills they need to live limitlessly. As founder of Girls Fight Back and Outdoor Defense, and creator of the course Yes I'm Hiking Solo© :Self-Defense for the Outdoors, Nicole teaches self-defense strategies that include but go beyond just physical techniques.

Self-defense, she argues, also includes awareness, intuition, and knowing how to set firm boundaries. Setting boundaries is something many people – especially girls and women who are conditioned to prioritize politeness over personal safety – need to learn. She argues it’s time to reject the pressure to be “nice,” especially when well-being and safety are on the line.

This episode dives into the power of situational awareness, the importance of recognizing what’s normal in your environment, and how to spot when something feels off. It also breaks down essential self-defense strategies, including the “3 Rs of Self-Defense” and the “Physical Self-Defense Formula,” giving listeners practical tools to protect themselves in a variety of situations.

Additionally, Nicole shares expert insights on self-defense tools like pepper spray and the critical step people must take if they choose to carry them.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a solo traveler, or just someone who wants to feel more confident in your daily life, this episode is full of practical advice to feel safe, set boundaries, and live boldly.