Explore every episode of the podcast The Observing I Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stop Trying so Hard: Lao Tzu and the art of Wu Wei | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:56:35 | |
In this episode, we explore the ancient wisdom of wu wei—the art of non-striving, as taught by Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching. Discover how this philosophy invites us to let go of the need to control and force outcomes, and instead, flow with life’s natural rhythms. We’ll dive into how wu wei applies to modern challenges like burnout, creativity, and mindfulness, and discuss the powerful psychological benefits of surrender and trust. If you’re looking for more ease, clarity, and peace in your life, this episode offers insights and practical tools to help you stop pushing so hard and start living with more flow. And, of course, this episode is sponsored by my book "The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life", which you can buy on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Observing-Guide-Living-More-Authentic/dp/B0D67CFVVK/ Much love, David | |||
| The Ultimate Balance: Dualism vs. Non-Dualism | 13 Sep 2024 | 01:05:15 | |
In this episode, we explore the paradoxical relationship between dualism and non-dualism in spiritual thought, examining how these seemingly opposing perspectives coexist and shape our understanding of reality. We’ll dive into their philosophical roots, psychological impact, and modern relevance in areas like politics, technology, and mental health. I’ll also share personal reflections on how these concepts play out in daily life and discuss spiritual practices that help bridge the gap between them. Join me as we explore how embracing both duality and unity can lead to deeper peace, connection, and compassion. This episode is, once again, sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, which is available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, | |||
| DEEP DIVE: The Journey to Authentic Self Expression | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:44:34 | |
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the nature of authenticity, delving into what it means to live a true and genuine life. Join us as we unravel the concept of authenticity through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and theology, and discover what each of these disciplines has to teach us about aligning our actions with our values. In our final segment, we integrate the insights from philosophy, psychology, and theology to create a holistic understanding of authenticity. Discover how these perspectives converge on key themes such as self-awareness, alignment with true values, and embracing our vulnerabilities. There’s some good lessons to be learned here. This episode is sponsored by my new book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, | |||
| DEEP DIVE: The Influence of Storytelling on Human Perception | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:43:08 | |
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the ways in which narratives shape our minds, influence our beliefs, and connect us to our cultural heritage. We’ll examine the psychological impact and ideas around storytelling and the human experience, what philosophy has to say on the matter, and the importance of mythology in conveying our cultural history. We’ll look at how media and technology has changed the landscape of storytelling, including the emergence of transmedia narratives, and we’ll dive into some case studies that show the multifaceted impact that storytelling has had on our society at large. Stay curious, stay connected, and remember - the stories we tell shape the world we live in. This episode is sponsored by my new book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, | |||
| Embrace Your Mess: The Power of Accepting Imperfection | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:32:40 | |
In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the world of embracing our imperfections. We’ll look at what it means to be imperfect and what philosophy has to say on the matter, from Aristotle’s idea of Eudaimonia to Buddhism’s teachings on impermanence. We’ll explore what psychology has to teach us about the damaging effects of perfectionism, drawing on the wisdom of Carl Rogers, and the popular CBT framework, to come up with practical strategies for moving away from “getting it right” and having a healthier relationship with ourselves. Throughout the episode, we emphasise that imperfection is not a barrier but a stepping stone to personal growth, resilience, and genuine happiness. By accepting and celebrating our unique qualities, we can lead a life that is more authentic and in line with our own values. This episode is sponsored by my new book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon Much love, | |||
| Find your talent, not your passion | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:33:23 | |
In today’s episode, we’re challenging that common advice of “follow your passion” and looking at why focusing on your talents instead can lead to greater fulfilment and success. Is there a point where, if we focus on our talents enough, they can become our passions? And what happens to our passions if, after years of effort, they never come to fruition? These are questions that I am hoping to answer. By the end of this episode, my hope is that you’ll see the value in finding and nurturing your talents, along with understanding some ways to identify and align with your natural aptitudes As always, I’d love you to join the conversation. Did you follow your talent or your passion? What was the outcome of that choice? Did it help or hinder you? Share your experiences with us via our social media, or drop us a comment below. This episode is sponsored by my new book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon Much love, | |||
| DEEP DIVE: The paradox of Parasocial Relationships | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:43:03 | |
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of parasocial relationships - those emotional connections we form with celebrities, influencers, streamers, and YouTubers. We’ll explore what a parasocial relationship is, and some of the psychological motivators behind them. We’ll weigh up whether they’re beneficial to us or harmful, and take a look at two real life examples from each side of the coin. This one’s a bit meatier than usual, so I decided to start doing a few episodes every now and then called Deep Dives that go into much more detail on the chosen topic. If they prove popular, then I’ll do some more. They’re more work, but hopefully more rewarding for you, and they’re definitely a lot of fun to put together. As always, I’d love you to join the conversation. Have you ever felt a strong connection to a character in a TV series, or your favourite YouTuber? If so, what emotions did you experience and what was the impact? Share your experiences with us via our social media, or drop us a comment below. This episode is sponsored by my new book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon Much love, | |||
| SPECIAL: "The Observing I" book has launched | 31 May 2024 | 00:23:31 | |
In this episode, we’re going to be taking a deviation from our usual transmission. This Monday, which was a bank holiday for all of you in the UK, a book that I’ve been working on for about 2 years finally hit the shelves. It’s imaginatively called “The Observing I: A guide to living a more authentic life”, and it’s full of philosophical ideas and psychological methodologies to help you get to the bottom of the nature of you. It’s available to purchase on Amazon as an eBook, and we’re currently working on getting a paperback copy ready. In this episode, I’m going to talk a little about my motivations behind writing the book, and I’m going to read Chapter One in what will essentially be an extract from the coming audiobook. Seems a bit silly that I do a podcast and then release a book and don’t actually make an audiobook from it. So that will be coming in the future as well. As soon as it’s available, I’ll let you know. If you’d like to get your hands on a copy of the eBook, then you can purchase it directly from Amazon here if you’re in the US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D54FV5D5 Or here if you’re in the UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D54FV5D5 I’m not quite sure what to do with myself now. I feel like I’ve clambered up Mount Doom and fought off a shrivelled, spiteful avatar of my own self doubt. This is the first time that I’ve ever finished a book that I’ve started. It’s an odd experience. I’m left with the same sort of sensation as when you finish a long, emotional engaging movie. What happens next? One thing I do know is that I’ve got the bug for writing again, so expect to see more articles on here. And, who knows, there may be another book grumbling in the works. The process is kind of addictive. Why I wrote the bookI actually started the book before I started the Substack, which has been going since July of 2022, so about a month shy of 2 years. I never intended to start a podcast. This was all supposed to be a newsletter that went out a few times a week, but it turned into something much larger than that. The book wasn’t supposed to accompany the podcast either. Back in the beginning, they were two very distinct and separate entities, and the title of the book wasn’t even set in stone until a few months ago. It was an amorphous, shifting blob of ideas and aspirations. A few ideas from philosophy sprinkled with the practical application of said philosophy, which invariably tended to bring in some sort of supporting psychological framework. The whole thing didn’t start to come together until I’d gone from the sketching ideas section and decided what the point of the book was going to be. Surprisingly, on reflection, it turns out that I was initially motivated by a deep seated aggravation. I’ll explain. So I started the book not long after the whole Covid lockdowns and, being stuck in your house with little contact with the outside world, offered a lot of time to pace and think and pace again. That thinking took place against a backdrop of having only the internet and a television as the windows into what was going on beyond the safety of my four walls. It was then that I began to realise that the world is very noisy. I knew this already, but I hadn’t acknowledged it. I was, like everything else, going with the flow of life because that’s how the world was. But when I noticed it, it was deafening, a drowning cacophony of clamouring hands all fighting for my attention, devouring little pieces of it in sodden blood stained bowls then coming back for more. This got me questioning how we are supposed to maintain a grip on any sense of ourselves amidst all of that chaos? How are we able to make good choices that align with our values and intentions, when we’re faced with so many external influences? So that became the purpose of the book. To get that moment down onto paper, as much for me as it was for any audience, and to curate a set of philosophies and ideas that could become a toolkit for maintaining our own integrity. I’m hoping that it will work nicely alongside the podcast, and that it will illuminate some of the hidden corners of yourselves. Think of it as a toolkit to better understand your motivations. If you do buy a copy, I’d love to know what you got out of it. If it helps you move towards understanding yourself and the world around you that bit better, or simply changes your perspective of the human experience, then that would be the biggest success that I could ask for. Much love, | |||
| Beyond the Brain: Understanding Consciousness | 24 May 2024 | 00:44:53 | |
In today’s episode, we’re getting into the esoteric realm of thought and consciousness. What is thought, and how does it shape our experience? What part does our consciousness play on the human narrative, and where is the line between thought and awareness? We’ll look at the fundamental definitions of thought, explore what philosophy and theology has to say on the matter, and look at the way in which thought and consciousness dance together. And, of course, we try to distil this down into some practical applications that you can take into your lives going forwards. Much love, | |||
| The Power of Empathy and Sympathy | 17 May 2024 | 00:28:39 | |
In today’s episode, we are getting into the world of empathy and sympathy. These two emotions play crucial roles in our social interactions, relationships, and personal well-being. I’ll be looking at what they actually are, taking a look at what philosophy has to say on the matter, and exploring their place in psychology. We’ll also be looking at the pros and cons of each and trying to work out which one is better. As an aside, you’ll be pleased to hear that the book is in it’s final stages and will be hitting the shelves in the next few weeks. I’m doing the last bit of typesetting and getting it looking like a sparkly tome of philosophical wisdom. When it’s ready, you’ll be able to purchase it on Amazon I’ll drop the link to it in a future update. Much love, | |||
| The modern wisdom of Alain de Botton | 10 May 2024 | 00:33:00 | |
In today's episode, we're exploring the world of Alain de Botton, the philosopher who makes old ideas feel fresh. We'll explore how he takes complex concepts and brings them down to earth, showing us how they can be applied to our everyday lives. Whether you're struggling with love, work, or just the general feeling of being overwhelmed by the modern world, de Botton offers a unique perspective that can help us understand ourselves and the world around us a little bit better. We'll also delve into his ideas on emotional intelligence, and how his work can help us navigate the complexities of our own feelings and relationships. So, if you're ready to find some wisdom in the ordinary, and maybe even a little bit of comfort in knowing that we're all facing similar challenges, then this episode is for you. Much love, | |||
| The Way of Zen: Alan Watts' Legacy | 03 May 2024 | 00:24:10 | |
In today’s episode, we delve into the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of one my favourite modern philosophers - Alan Watts. He was an incredible figure who spoke with eloquence and clarity, integrating Eastern and Western thought in a way that had never been done before. Trained as an Episcopal priest, he left the church and went on to become a spiritual luminary in California in the height of the 60s counter culture movement. If you’re interested in Eastern philosophy, this man is the most accessible entry point to the principles of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. I’ve also, for some reason, delivered this in a far huskier tone than usual. It was late when I recorded and I was a bit tired. I’m hoping this doesn’t come across too badly in the episode. Much love, | |||
| Why Our Pain Defines Us: A Philosophical Look at Suffering | 06 Sep 2024 | 01:02:10 | |
In today's episode, we explore the ways that suffering shapes our lives, identities, and connections with others. From philosophical perspectives like existentialism and Stoicism to modern challenges such as social injustice, mental health, and the impact of technology, we examine why pain is an inevitable part of the human experience. We also discuss how suffering can inspire creativity, foster empathy, and even lead to personal growth. Join us on this journey to discover how we can find meaning, resilience, and purpose in our darkest moments. This episode is sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, | |||
| The philosophy of Diogenes of Sinope, the man who lived in a jar | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:20:29 | |
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the life and philosophy of the famous cynic Diogenes of Sinope, possibly one of the most eccentric philosophers in history. Known for his extreme cynicism and audacious public antics, Diogenes challenged the social and moral norms of his time with a philosophy that is as radical today as it was over two thousand years ago. From living in a ceramic jar to asking Alexander the Great to move because he was blocking the sun, Diogenes' story is a beautiful exploration of what it means to live in accordance with nature. Much love, | |||
| David Hume: The Philosopher who shook the world | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:20:46 | |
In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the sceptical world of the 18th Century philosopher David Hume. Hume shook the foundations of science, morality, and our sense of self and identity. From his early philosophical crisis, to his critique of the traditional notion of causality, we’ll be exploring how his sceptical mind questioned the limits of human knowledge. We’ll look at how his ideas can be applied to our lives today, through tools such as emotional awareness, critical thinking, and the embracing of uncertainty. And, to give you a healthy balance, we’ll be exploring the critiques of his work and how it was challenged by thinkers of the time. Share your thoughts on Humean thinking on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes! Much love, | |||
| Hermes Trismegistus: Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:36:59 | |
In today’s episode, we explore the curious case of Hermes Trismegistus, a philosopher who lived at the convergence of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman culture. We'll explore who this mysterious figure might have been (*clue: it wasn’t Thoth), the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, and how they've shaped thinkers from the Renaissance to the present day. We’ll talk about how Hermeticism can be useful in our lives today, and some of the potential pitfalls and critiques of the philosophy. Such as quiche manifestation. That’s right. Quiche. Share your thoughts on Hermeticism on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes! Much love, | |||
| The Pursuit of Authenticity: Exploring Nietzsche's Philosophy | 05 Apr 2024 | 00:18:59 | |
In today’s episode, we explore the life and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century thinker who challenged traditional morality and championed individual self-creation. We dive into his core ideas surrounding “the death of God”, the Rise of the Ubermensch, the Will to Power, and his Revaluation of Values. We talk about how to live authentically, according to Nietzsche, and then see how his ideology can be applied to our lives today. There is, however, no advice offered on how to grow an equivalently powerful moustache. Sorry. Share your thoughts on Nietzsche's philosophy on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes! Much love, | |||
| Albert Camus, The Stranger, and absurd existentialism | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:23:17 | |
Ever feel lost in a universe that seems indifferent to your existence? This week on The Observing I, we delve into the world of existentialism and the notion of the absurd, explored through the life and work of Albert Camus. We'll unpack the core themes of existentialism – freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. Then, we'll meet Meursault, the enigmatic protagonist of Camus' groundbreaking novel The Stranger, and see how his story embodies the themes of absurdity. Join us as we explore how to navigate life's complexities in an existential void. Learn how to embrace your freedom, define your own meaning, and find purpose and passion even in a seemingly meaningless universe. Much love, | |||
| A crash course in Stoicism | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:39:05 | |
It’s time for a change in direction. Today marks the first episode in our Philosophical Deep Dives, where I pick a certain school of thought and explore what it’s about, where it came from, and how it’s relevant today. This week, as I mention it in almost every episode, you’re getting Stoicism. I talk about the core tenets of the philosophy (wisdom, courage, virtue, and temperance), take a look at the lives of those who influenced it back in Greece and Rome, and then see what Modern Stoicism has to offer us. As always there are some practical tools that you can take away and apply to your day to day existence. So slap on your togas and get comfortable, because this episode is a long one. Much love, | |||
| Mastering self control | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:21:10 | |
In this episode, I’m doing my damnedest to help you take control over what can be our biggest adversary - our “self”. I'll be exploring the benefits and the challenges we may face, throw a bit of neuroscience in there to make me sound like I know what I’m talking about, and examine various philosophical outlooks on the idea of self control throughout the ages. This is the final episode in our Beyond Resolutions series. I hope you’ve found the topics that we’ve covered over the past few months insightful, and that you’ve been able to take away some of the strategies and tools to use yourself. Also, apologies, the mic was a bit hot on this one. I’ve got some new monitoring headphones and I’m still getting used to using them during the recording process. Much love, | |||
| Developing a growth mindset | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:27:36 | |
In this episode, we’re getting into the belly of the growth mindset. It’s all about the power of “if I’m consistent and put the effort in, I can do this”, versus the trap of “Nah, I’m good, I don’t like being uncomfortable”. We talk about what a growth mindset is, explore some philosophical ideas that support it (quelle surprise, Stoicism turns up), and look at some strategies for how you can action it in your own life. Hopefully, we’ll leave you with a roadmap for getting on the path to being curious, open minded, and willing to learn new things. Much love, | |||
| A deep dive into procrastination | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:29:27 | |
In this episode, we explore the topic of procrastination, examining its psychological underpinnings and the effects it has on our mental health, personal success, and interpersonal relationships. We look at some strategies you can employ in your own fight against procrastinatory behaviour. And, of course, it wouldn’t be an episode of the Observing I if we didn’t get into some philosophical outlooks and perspectives around the topic at hand. Much love, | |||
| Exploring emotional intelligence | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:23:07 | |
In this episode, we’re diving into the depths of emotional intelligence. We’ll explore what it means, give it some philosophical and cultural context, look at how it can support our personal growth, and offer some practical tips and strategies to help improve your own emotional intelligence. Much love, | |||
| The War for Your Mind: Unravelling Psychological Warfare | 30 Aug 2024 | 01:02:05 | |
Psychological warfare isn’t about guns, tanks, or bombs. It’s about winning the war for the mind. It’s the art of influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours using tactics like propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation. In this episode, we'll explore what psychological warfare is, why it's so effective, the ethical implications of using it, and some tools and techniques that you can try at home to keep you safe from the agents of MK Ultra. This episode is sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, David | |||
| Overcoming the fear of failure | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:22:31 | |
In this episode, we’re going to unravel the fear of failure. We’ll explore its evolutionary and societal roots, its psychological impact, and how it affects our behaviour. We’ll discuss cognitive patterns and social comparison theory that contribute to this fear. And we’ll cover some strategies to overcome it and how we can apply those strategies to our daily lives. All in the theme of this year’s mantra “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. Much love, | |||
| Blueprints for Better Habits | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:23:42 | |
In this episode, I’m unpacking the intricacies of habit formation, examining the habit loop's cue-routine-reward structure, and the neuroscience that solidifies our habits. Then, we look at strategies for cultivating positive habits and tools for integrating these practices into everyday life, addressing common obstacles and emphasizing the importance of incremental change and support systems. Much love, PS - Here are the links to the habit apps that I recommended in this week’s episode:
Make sure you download the correct Streaks app. It’s the one for habit forming, not for running naked down the streets. | |||
| The philosophy of happiness | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:22:02 | |
Firstly, it’s episode 50. That feels like a milestone. It also feels like the time since episode one has gone incredibly quickly. I should celebrate, but I’m unsure of what an appropriate celebration should be. Possibly some wine. Getting onto this episode, I delve into the philosophy of happiness, discussing perspectives from Stoicism to Positive Psychology. I look at the challenges of seeking happiness, such as the hedonic treadmill and the impact of our cultural perspective. And I do my best to distil this all down into some practical ideas that you can apply in your own journey towards happiness. Much love, | |||
| Holding yourself accountable | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:21:37 | |
In this episode, I'm talking all about accountability. I look at both the philosophical and psychological perspectives of what it means to be accountable, dive in to some historical thoughts and ideas around it, and give you some actionable tips on how to make yourself more accountable to yourself, your goals, and your ambitions. Let’s move towards the person that we’ve always aspired to be. Much love, | |||
| Creating your personal manifesto | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:20:16 | |
In this episode, we’re continuing with the theme of supporting your resolutions this year. As part of that, I’m delving into the transformative power of having your own personal manifesto. A manifesto is designed to articulate our fundamental values, beliefs, and ambitions. I’ll give you some guidance on how to create one yourself, what you could include in it, and I go through my own manifesto to give you some ideas and inspiration. Much love, | |||
| The power of Critical Thinking | 12 Jan 2024 | 00:27:01 | |
In this episode, I’m exploring the world of critical thinking. What it is, how it enables us to approach a problem or idea pragmatically, and what all of us can do to try and improve our critical thinking skills. Plus, we'll talk about why knowing yourself and really listening to others is key to being a great critical thinker. Enjoy the podcast, and if you have any thoughts or ideas on any of the content in this episode, drop a comment below. Much love, | |||
| Get comfortable being uncomfortable | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:19:20 | |
Happy new year you beautiful lot! In this episode, I’m talking about how to get out of our comfort zone. It’s a challenging space, pushing ourselves beyond the boundaries of what we’re used to. It can be unsettling, leave us uneasy. But it’s in this space that we truly grow as a person, and in this space that we can really learn about ourselves. Join me this year as I take on the mantra “get comfortable being uncomfortable”, and let’s see where it leads us. Much love, | |||
| An interview with Ralph Sutton | 29 Dec 2023 | 00:37:51 | |
In this episode, I'm talking with Ralph Sutton. Ralph is a TV and radio veteran, the host of the goodsugar podcast alongside Marcus Antebi (founder of the health and wellness platform "Juice Press"), and the SDR Show. He's also the founder of the Gas Digital Network, and you can find him online at www.iamralphsutton.com and on Instagram at @iamralphsutton. Ralph shares his wellbeing journey with us, offers some sound advice on living a healthy life, and opinions on the current state of the wellbeing industry. Do what's right for you, and watch out for guru bullshit. This is from a podcast I created a few years back called “The State of Mind", so it’s not the usual format that you’ve come to expect from The Observing I. As it’s the Christmas break, I wanted to give you some content whilst still getting some rest time in for myself. Hoping that you’ve all had a restful break yourselves, and usual transmissions will resume next week. Much love, | |||
| The personality archetypes of Santa Claus | 22 Dec 2023 | 00:21:31 | |
In this episode, we’re getting into the Christmas spirit and exploring the different personality archetypes of Santa Claus. What do the archetypes tell us about ourselves, what are their potential downfalls, and how do they impact the wider cultural unconscious? I want to wish you all a fabulous holiday, and to thank you for all of your support. It’s now been one year of running this podcast and both the experience and the feedback have been amazing. There’s much more to come next year, with new things on the horizon and something very special in the works (which I am hugely excited about, so watch this space). Much love, | |||
| Exploring liminal spaces | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:20:22 | |
In this episode, I’m diving into the fascinating world of liminal spaces. Existing in the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimension, liminal spaces are these in-between zones that exist in our lives. They're not quite here, not quite there, and in those spaces, neither are we. They can be physical, like that weird hallway between two buildings, or emotional, like the feeling you get when you're on the cusp of a big life change. We'll explore different examples of liminal spaces, and I’ll give you some thoughts on how best to navigate them. Don’t forget to give this a share if you think it’ll be interesting for someone else! Much love, | |||
| Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis, and why you want to have sex with your mother | 23 Aug 2024 | 01:02:57 | |
Freud is a name that almost everyone recognizes, even if they don’t know much about psychology. He’s been called the father of psychoanalysis, the man who brought the unconscious mind to the forefront of our understanding of human behaviour. His ideas about dreams, childhood development, and the structure of the mind have left an indelible mark not just on psychology, but on our culture as a whole. In this episode, we’re going to take a comprehensive look at Freud’s life and work, but we’re not just going to rehash the textbook basics. Instead, we’re going to explore what made Freud such a towering figure in his time, how his theories were shaped by his personal experiences take a deep dive into those theories, and look at the modern criticisms of his work. This episode is sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, | |||
| A guide to Self-Discipline | 08 Dec 2023 | 00:20:28 | |
In this episode, I’m drawing on a lot of philosophies and religions to find what it is that constitutes self-discipline. From Confucius, to the Stoics, to Kant and the Existentialists, what has philosophy got to teach us about the importance of discipline and how to maintain it? Turns out, quite a lot, as you’ll discover. Much love, | |||
| Finding what works | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:21:41 | |
In this episode, I’m talking about personal wellbeing, its commoditization in the wellness industry, and the concept of toxic wellbeing. It's like everyone and their grandma is trying to sell you the secret to eternal happiness. But here's the thing, wellbeing isn't something you can buy off a shelf. It's a journey, a process, and sometimes, a downright rollercoaster ride. Much love, | |||
| Gratitude, Stoicism, and the Art of Living Well | 24 Nov 2023 | 00:22:51 | |
In this episode, I’m diving into the Greek philosophy of Stoicism and how it can help us to exercise gratitude in our daily lives. There’s talk of the Dichotomy of Control (stop worrying about the external and start focusing on your responses to the external), a dig at “individualism”, and how actively being engaged in the bigger construct than ourselves is good for our perspective. Much love, | |||
| Prioritising our wellbeing | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:17:52 | |
In this episode, I’m talking all about how we can take charge of our own wellbeing. I’ll be covering how self-care isn’t selfish, the importance of boundaries, engaging some self compassion, and how the physical is just as important as the mental when it comes to managing how we’re feeling. Thank you for being a part of this journey. I'm grateful for each and every one of you. Much love, | |||
| Meaning vs Revenue | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:20:10 | |
In this episode, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the whole meaning vs. revenue dilemma in our work lives. I want to stress that money is important, no doubt. But it shouldn't be the only thing that drives us. We need to find that sense of purpose in our work, something that truly gives us meaning. That's what makes it all worthwhile. I just want say a big thank you to all you awesome listeners out there. Seriously, your support means the world to me. And if you want to connect with me, feel free to reach out on any of the platforms I'm on. Let's keep the conversation going! Much love, | |||
| Hedonism - the enemy of happiness | 03 Nov 2023 | 00:17:19 | |
In this episode, I discuss the concept of hedonism and its impact on happiness. We explore how consumer culture and capitalism fuel a cycle of desire and dissatisfaction, with the pursuit of material wealth and status often seen as the key to happiness. Practicing gratitude can counteract this, allowing us to appreciate the present and find contentment in simple joys. So step off the hedonic treadmill, get grateful, and experience a deeper, more sustained sense of happiness. Much love, | |||
| Some thoughts on identity | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:17:09 | |
In this episode, I’m exploring identity. What is it that shapes who we are, and how does that impact our reality? Is it fixed, or does it constantly change? And how much agency do we have to change it? Much love, | |||
| The Art of Listening | 20 Oct 2023 | 00:21:51 | |
In this episode, we're going to be discussing the art of listening, a very important and very powerful skill that all of us can learn. I'm going to be explaining what makes a good listener, and I'm going to give you some techniques and tools to improve your listening skills. Be that at home, at work, with friends, family, colleagues, whomever, we're going to make you an effective listener. Much love, | |||
| The power of vulnerability | 13 Oct 2023 | 00:16:35 | |
In this episode I’m exploring vulnerability. Why we hide certain facets of ourself, the benefits of accepting our vulnerabilities, and what happens when we expose our vulnerabilities to the world at large. Much love, | |||
| Free will | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:16:17 | |
In this episode, I’m talking about free will. The red pill or the blue pill. What are the different takes on whether we have free will or not, what;s been done to prove that we both do and don’t have it, and why is it such a challenging thing to discern in the first place. Much love, | |||
| Decoding Carl Jung: Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:58:19 | |
In today's episode, we're getting down into it with Carl Jung. We go on a deep exploration into his psychology, from dream interpretation, the power of the collective unconscious, and how we can relate to the symbolism of Jungian archetypes. We'll also take a look at how Jung's influence persists today, and some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding his ideas. Please also excuse the background crows. This episode is sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon. Much love, | |||
| Curating your tribe | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:20:25 | |
In this episode, I dive into how a sense of belonging is vitally important to our human experience, the different between traditional and modern societies, and what we can consider when it comes to curating our own tribe - the people that we surround ourselves with. Much love, | |||
| A Cure for Wellness, Part 2 | 22 Sep 2023 | 00:21:10 | |
Here we go, part 2 of my dive into the cult mindset. In this episode, I’m talking about cult thinking in society. Most notably, the cult of celebrity, and the cult of self. Oh, and there’s that time I visited the Church of Scientology and had to make a quick exit. Much love, | |||
| A Cure for Wellness, Part 1 | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:18:41 | |
We’re embarking on a two-part series exploring a topic that may seem fringe but has broader implications than you might think: The Cult Mindset. In Part 1, I’ll be talking about the origin of the cult mindset, and the psychological tools that are used by cults to suck people in. Much love, | |||
| Imposter Syndrome | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:29:05 | |
Are you constantly doubting your abilities, attributing your success to luck, or fearing you'll be exposed as a "fraud" at work? You're not alone; Imposter Syndrome affects approximately 70% of people at some point in their lives. Including me. In this episode, I explain what it is, the psychological indicators that inform it, and explore some strategies on how to beat it. Much love, | |||