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What does it actually mean to matter?In this solo episode, I'm diving into a topic that has been occupying my mind for years and has become a central part of my research, workshops, and the book I'm writing: mattering.Mattering is more than belonging. It's more than self-esteem. It's the lived experience of both adding value and feeling valued — to yourself, in your relationships, at work, and in your broader community. And when one of those pieces is missing, achievement can start to feel hollow.This episode is an invitation to look at your own goals, your own striving, and your own relationships with more curiosity. Where do you genuinely feel like you matter? Where does your mattering feel conditional? And where might you be trying to earn recognition from people or places that may never be able to give it?I'm with you on this journey of personal growth, adventure, and our mission to be better every day.Learn more and follow my work:Substack: sonyalooney.substack.comNewsletter: sonyalooney.com/newsletter--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Established in 1852, The Granite YMCA is part of the worldwide non-profit Y organization. They focus on youth development, healthy living, family strengthening, and social responsibility. The Granite YMCA is part of the state's safety net in support of those less fortunate. This past year, they provided financial aid and/or free services valued at over $1.6 million dollars to 12,937 individuals across NH. The Granite YMCA does so much more than you may realize. In this episode, I speak to the Chief Executive Officer, Michele Sheppard, to learn more. I hope this episode educates and inspires you.For more information, please visit https://www.graniteymca.org/You can also find them on https://www.facebook.com/TheGraniteYMCAhttps://www.instagram.com/graniteymca/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-granite-ymca/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
What if the real value of achievement isn't what it proves about us, but how it contributes to others? In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author, researcher, and publisher Tom Rath. Tom is known for books like How Full Is Your Bucket?, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Strengths-Based Leadership, and Eat, Move, Sleep. His work has shaped how millions of people think about strengths, well-being, purpose, and the way we spend our days.We talk about the difference between purpose and passion, why strengths only matter when they are used in service of others, how to think about career fit, and why retirement may not be the goal we've been taught it is. We also explore the role of AI in the future of work, and how it might free us to spend more time on the creative, relational, and meaningful parts of our lives.This episode is for anyone who wants to keep striving, but in a way that feels more grounded, sustainable, and connected to what really matters.Top 5 TakeawaysAchievement feels different when it is connected to contributionPurpose is not the same as passionStrengths need directionWell-being and performance are connectedAI may change how we work, but it can also create opportunityLINKS- Learn more about Tom- Read Tom's new book Life's Great Question: Discover How You Contribute To The World- Finding Meaningful Work with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams- Meaning and Mattering at Work with Andrew Soren--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
In this special episode of Perfectly Good Podcast—where the hosts normally rank John Hiatt songs A to Z—Jesse and Sylvan welcome guest Lilly Hiatt to talk about her own career. Lilly recalls starting guitar at 12, overcoming shyness to perform, and beginning songwriting in middle school, describing how melodies and lyrics arrive together and how she captures ideas on voice memos. She explains how songs develop at different speeds, how albums reflect a specific time period, and how collaboration shapes unexpected recording outcomes, including working with her husband Colby on Forever and their project Domestic Bliss. Lilly shares early memories touring with her dad, favorite venues, thoughts on Napster's impact on making a living through touring, and influences like Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska. She discusses personal songs “Ray,” “Thoughts,” and “Impostor,” then plugs upcoming Texas-area shows and encourages fans to support by buying merch and records at gigs. 00:00 Cold Open Dialogue 00:53 Podcast Intro And Guest Reveal 02:12 First Meeting And Fan Story 03:11 Early Guitar And Stage Nerves 05:46 Writing Songs And Poetry Roots 06:56 Songwriting Process And Tools 11:33 Building Albums And Collaboration 14:51 Domestic Bliss With Husband 15:41 Growing Up On Tour 16:35 Backstage Hello From Linda 17:52 Tour Life And Favorite Venues 23:50 Napster Era And Music Business 25:27 Touring Economics And Team 27:15 Touring Help Needed 27:45 Pearl Jam Origins 29:27 Eddie Vedder Shoutout 30:15 Writing Ray for Sister 31:15 Family Bonds and Aunt Life 33:43 Thoughts Voicemail Choice 34:57 Producer Magic Explained 37:25 Nashville Identity and Genre 39:24 Creative Goals Abroad 40:32 Springsteen Nebraska Deep Dive 43:02 Impostor Verse Backstory 47:27 Shows Merch and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catholic Charities New Hampshire responds to those in need with programs that heal, comfort, and empower. The organization supports individuals and families of all backgrounds and beliefs across the state. Some of their focus areas include poverty and hunger, homelessness and veterans, mental health, seniors, and immigration. So many non-profits fall under Catholic Charities that you might not even be aware of. Today, I speak with Michael McDonough, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. This is a jam-packed episode full of lots of great information about the incredible work Catholic Charities is doing in the state. I hope you enjoy learning more about them.For more information, please visit https://www.cc-nh.org/You can also visit https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesnh/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
This Mindfulness in Action episode is a real-time practice in mental agility: the ability to notice what's happening in your thoughts, emotions, and body, and make small adjustments that help you stay aligned with what matters.In the previous solo episode, I talked about mental agility from a more practical and educational lens: emotional agility, attentional agility, mindfulness, and the internal and external shifters that help us regulate and adapt. In this episode, we take those ideas out of the theoretical space and into real life.I recorded this while moving outside, because movement often helps me feel more embodied and aware of what's happening in my inner world. I talk about resilience, adaptability, psychological flexibility, and the constant adjustments we make as athletes, parents, partners, professionals, and humans trying to do hard things.This episode includes a short mindfulness practice to help you notice where you might feel rigid mentally, emotionally, or behaviorally, and then gently practice shifting. Here's what you'll learn:- Mental agility is resilience in motion- Hard things happen on many scales- Flexibility takes practice- Emotions need space- Small actions build capacityLINKS- Recently solo episode on mental agility- MIA: What It Means to Get Better- MIA: How to Build Human Connection--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
What does it really mean to be mentally agile?In this solo episode, I'm talking about the emotional and attentional skills that help us notice what's happening inside of us, create space, and choose our next move with more intention. Mental agility is the ability to shift, adapt, and stay connected to what matters, especially when things don't go the way we planned.Today, I'lm talking about emotional agility, mindfulness, emotional granularity, and the internal and external “shifters” that can help us adjust in real time. I also walk you through two practical tools: my REAL framework for emotional agility and the 3R tool for attention: recognize, regroup, and refocus.This episode leads us to the next Mindfulness in Action practice, where we'll take these ideas out of the theoretical space and into real life. Next week, we'll practice mental agility on the move, using mindfulness as a way to notice shifting in real time.Top 5 TakeawaysMental agility is different from resilience: Resilience often shows up after hard things happen, but mental agility is something we can practice every day.Emotions are data, not directives: Your emotions can tell you what you care about, but they don't have to decide how you behave.Mindfulness creates space: When you can notice your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without immediately reacting, you have more choice.Attention is trainable: The 3R tool (recognize, regroup, refocus) can help you come back to the task, the moment, or the next right action.Small shifts matter: Sensation, attention, perspective, physical space, trusted people, and culture can all help us regulate and shift in real time.--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Bobbi sits down with Juicy J to talk about weed, matcha, slime, strip clubs, rap careers, and whether drinking water is the secret to looking 35 forever. Juicy J reflects on making "Slob on My Knob" in high school, raising kids, performing at colleges, and turning Bobbi into a rapper after their studio session together. They also debate vodka in matcha, chewing gum, being vegan, and why nobody should trust Bobbi to make a mixed drink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today we are rehashing Younger Season 5, Episode 2: "A Titanic Problem." Join us as we discuss Marriage Vacation being selected for Reese's Book Club, Lauren's new PR business, Charles dealing with the aftermath of learning THE secret, and so much more!
The Mayhew Program is a tuition-free, year-round youth development organization specifically designed for at-risk boys. It combines an intensive residential summer experience on Mayhew Island with consistent year-round mentoring in the boys' home communities. Founded over 50 years ago, it focuses on helping boys ages 10 to 18 develop respect, responsibility, community, and resilience through long-term support. Today I speak with Executive Director Peter Saliba and Engagement Manager Laura Brusseau. I hope you enjoy today's episode and learning about this special place.For more information, please visit https://www.mayhew.org/Just a few weeks away is the Golf Tournament https://www.mayhew.org/golfSign up today to be a Post Card Pal to the boys! - https://www.mayhew.org/volunteer/post-card-palsFor more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
What if so much of our suffering comes from trying to become who we think we're supposed to be? In this episode, I sit down with meditation teachers Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann for a wide-ranging, deeply practical conversation about mindfulness, creativity, neurodiversity, and how to let go of the societal “shoulds” that keep us disconnected from ourselves.This conversation felt especially personal to me because so much of it mirrors what I've been exploring in my own life as an athlete, a mom, a coach, and now as a writer. We talk about identity transitions, performance-based striving, how endurance sport became a doorway into self-inquiry for me, and why mindfulness has to move beyond the meditation cushion if it's actually going to change your life.Jeff and Tasha bring warmth, honesty, and a refreshing lack of dogma to this conversation. We explore the tension between external pressure and internal truth, the role of creativity and joy in a meaningful life, and the practical skills of mindfulness: concentration, clarity, and equanimity.If you've ever felt like you're doing all the “right” things but still feel disconnected, if meditation apps feel shallow, or if you're trying to find a more authentic way to strive, this conversation is for you.Top 5 TakeawaysA lot of suffering comes from “shoulds”: External expectations can disconnect us from our actual nature and values.Mindfulness has to move into real life: It's not just about sitting on a cushion, it's about how you return to the present in parenting, work, conflict, and creativity.Neurodiversity can be a doorway, not a deficit: Different ways of thinking can challenge conformity and open new paths to self-acceptance.Meditation builds trainable skills: Jeff and Tasha emphasize three core capacities: concentration, clarity, and equanimity.Thriving is not about becoming perfect: It's about becoming more authentic, more connected, and more able to stay with your experience as it is.LINKSSolo about the problem with shouldMindfulness in Action: Letting Go of ShouldCheck out Jeff and Tasha's podcast Mind Bod PodFollow Tasha's Substack Bodhi Savage--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Bobbi hosts Josh Peck in her kitchen to talk about anxiety, child stardom, raising kids, Hollywood parties, getting rejected in the DM's and whether great men are actually just too busy. They get into Drake & Josh, military movies, antidepressants, why clubs aren't made for everyone and Josh's surprisingly dainty tattoos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bobbi sits down with Sexyy Red to discuss motherhood, going viral overnight, stage anxiety, if Bobbi seasons her food and whether "popping it" is a lifestyle or a mindset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire is a nonprofit that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to serve as advocates for children throughout the state who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteer advocates get to know a child and the important people in that child's life to provide vital information to help a judge make decisions based on the best interests of the child.Today I speak with Margaret Byrnes, a Case Advocate and Peer Mentor at CASA NH. I hope you enjoy learning about this important organization.For more information about CASA NH, please visit https://casanh.org/https://www.facebook.com/CASAofNH/https://www.instagram.com/casaofnh/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
Join Matthew Heines on Encounters USA for a chilling deep dive into the world of the Dogman with special guest Vic Cundiff, host of the legendary Dogman Encounters Radio podcast.Vic shares his extensive knowledge of Dogman history, tracing possible ancient origins back to Egyptian lore—including striking similarities to the jackal-headed god Anubis and reports of dog-headed beings in antiquity. We explore terrifying modern eyewitness accounts, with a special focus on sightings in the Pacific Northwest, where dense forests and remote wilderness make it a hotspot for these upright, wolf-like cryptids.From classic North American encounters to global reports, this episode uncovers why the Dogman is considered one of the most frightening creatures in cryptozoology—far more aggressive and intelligent than traditional Bigfoot sightings. Vic discusses patterns in reports, the fear these beings inspire, and why encounters often leave witnesses changed forever. #dogman #Cryptozoology #Paranormal #VicCundiff
Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are joined by songwriter and touring musician Dave Keller to discuss John Hiatt's "Old Days." Dave shares stories of his own influences and mentors and life as a touring musician. After we break down the lyrics and rate this song from "Same Old Man" stay tuned for a bonus song from Dave Keller's newest album. Be sure to also check out his website for more music and information about his upcoming tour dates. www.davekeller.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm talking about one of the sneakiest forms of distorted thinking: shoulds.You know the ones: I should be doing more. I should have this figured out by now. I should be more disciplined, more patient, more productive. These thoughts can sound helpful on the surface, but often they leave us feeling ashamed, guilty, disconnected, and never quite enough.In this episode, I break down three common types of “shoulds”: the outward-facing shoulds tied to habits and expectations, the shoulds that come from a lack of self-acceptance, and the shoulds rooted in unrealistic standards for ourselves or other people. I also share practical mindfulness tools you can use in real time to work with these thoughts instead of getting hooked by them. We explore practices like labeling, cognitive diffusion, acceptance, self-compassion, psychological distancing, and grounding in the present moment.This is not about getting rid of every self-critical thought forever. It's about learning how to notice them, soften their grip, and come back to what's actually here.If you've been feeling pressured by your own inner voice lately, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. There are skillful, compassionate ways to meet yourself in those moments.Other meditations:- Slowing Down the Rush- How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance- How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
In this final episode of the miniseries, Tristan and Rashid step back to reflect on what seven episodes of storytelling from Cape Town have revealed. They revisit the arc of the series, from grounding ourselves in our bodies with Bongeka and Aphiwe, to the critical hope of Ashley and Helene, the courage of Ncedisa, the radical imagination of Leila, and the belonging found at Charlie and Barry's dinner table.They explore the power and danger of stories, drawing on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's “the danger of a single story” and James Cone's call for a global analysis of liberation. They ask what it means to tell stories from the Global South without claiming to speak for it, and challenge the ways resources and power are still gate-kept by those claiming to want change. The episode opens and closes with collectively written poems on the role of stories in making a new world.THEMESReflection. The danger of a single story. Global South and Global North. Collective liberation. Interrogating our own narratives. Stories as world-making. Power and resources. Invitation to the listener.FEATURED VOICESTristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and ethnomusicologist based in Cape Town.CREDITS| Produced by | Rashid Epstein Adams| Music by | Rashid Epstein Adams (AKA Arkenstone) and Pursuit| A collaboration between | The Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
Ever catch yourself thinking, “I should be better than this. I should be doing more. I should have started earlier” and then spiraling? In this solo episode, I'm diving into the world of "should" and how it quietly drives guilt, shame, and burnout, especially for high performers and ambitious, growth-oriented people.Recently, I injured my rib at my son's ninja gym birthday party and being forced to pull back on training actually gave me surprising mental relief. So today, I explore why having more ways to train, work, parent, or “optimize” yourself can actually make you feel worse about whatever you choose.Drawing from my background in applied positive psychology and the science of cognitive behavioral therapy, I break down:- The three main categories of “shoulds”- How thinking traps like catastrophizing, personalizing, and overgeneralizing feed the “should” spiral- The difference between neurotic obligations and values-based aspirations- Practical ways to notice your “shoulds,” question the beliefs underneath them- How to decide when to either turn them into concrete, values-aligned plans, or consciously let them go.If you've ever felt haunted by the feeling that you're not doing enough or not far enough along, this episode will help you build awareness, create kinder inner language, and reclaim your energy from unhelpful “shoulds” so you can focus on what truly matters to you.LINKSEpisode with Ethan Kross on ChatterJames Clear's Atomic HabitsEpisode with Katy Milkman on How to ChangeIs self care stressing you out? Solo reflection--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
What if the most radical thing you could do is invite someone to sit at a table with no queue, no power dynamic, and a really good meal? In this episode, Tristan and Rashid introduce two unlikely friends: Charlton Alexander, a tour guide and facilitator who invites people to connect with the city and its stories, and Barry Lewis, an architect from the UK who has spent decades building sandbag homes alongside communities in Cape Town's townships.Through a clip from the original Liminal Space episode, Charlie and Barry speak about a community dinner in Muizenberg where there is no queue, where people keep coming back not for the food but for the contact time, and where the questions being asked go far beyond “how do we feed hungry people?” Barry challenges us to throw out the lazy questions that aren't generating anything new, and Charlie reframes homelessness by pointing out that people living on the streets do have a home, they just don't have a house. Tristan and Rashid then reflect on what it means to create spaces of belonging and how that might change a neighborhood, a city, and eventually a world.THEMESCommunity dinners. No queue, no power dynamic. Belonging through a meal. Lazy questions. Houselessness vs homelessness. Contact time. Friendship across difference. Creating spaces of belonging.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODEThis episode features clips from The Liminal Space Season 1, Episode 5: Kinship, Assimilation and Making Home in the Colonial City with Charlton Alexander and Barry Lewis. The full conversation is available on all podcast platforms.Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyWatch on YouTubeFEATURED VOICESCharlton Alexander is a tour guide and facilitator based in Cape Town. He invites guests to the city to connect with the people and land in experiences that are life altering.Barry Lewis is the director of UBU (Ubuhle Bakha Ubuhle / Beauty Builds Beauty), a company focused on developing the technology of sandbag housing in low-income communities in South Africa.Tristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and ethnomusicologist based in Cape Town.CREDITS| Produced by | Rashid Epstein Adams| Music by | Rashid Epstein Adams (AKA Arkenstone) and Pursuit| A collaboration between | The Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
New Hampshire was one of the first Family Voices organizations in the U.S., starting in 1994 as a grassroots network of families of children and youth with special health care needs that shared information, resources, health programs, and policies.Today, there is a Family Voices Affiliate in almost every state, and New Hampshire Family Voices (NHFV) continues to help families and professionals navigate the systems designed to serve them and foster a strong network of support.NHFV connects families of children and youth with special healthcare needs and disabilities to the resources they require and provides vital information to help them access the services and support they need to thrive.My guest today is Sylvia Pelletier, the Director at New Hampshire Family Voices. I hope you enjoy learning about them. Share this episode with someone you think could benefit from their services.For more information, please visit - https://nhfv.org/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
Flow is one of those words that gets used all the time, but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do we create more of it in real life, not just in elite sport or peak performance moments?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sue Jackson, one of the world's leading experts on flow, to talk about what flow really is, how challenge-skill balance works, and why mindfulness, self-efficacy, and trust in your own abilities matter so much in creating these deeply absorbing and meaningful states. We also get into how risk perception shapes flow, why self-consciousness can pull us out of it, and whether neurodivergent hyperfocus is the same thing as flow, or something different.This conversation felt especially relevant to me because I've been exploring the overlap between flow, self-transcendent experiences, mindfulness in action, and those moments when you're fully immersed in something challenging and alive. We talk about sport, yes—but also parenting, presentations, reading research, fatigue, difficult days, and how to work with your attention when life is messy and real.Top 5 TakeawaysFlow is not just “being in the zone” Mindfulness supports flowSelf-efficacy mattersRisk is partly about perceptionHyperfocus and flow are not the same thing--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
What would it look like if any two people could sit at a table and have a conversation? In this episode, Tristan and Rashid begin with a wide-ranging exploration of shared consciousness, Ubuntu, and the Hebrew concept of tzedakah, before introducing Leila Kidson, a social systems researcher, facilitator, and designer who co-founded the social design studio OCTOPI.Through a clip from the original Liminal Space episode, Leila paints a picture of radical imagination that is refreshingly honest. Not a world where everyone is happy, but one where we have the capacity to sit across from someone we disagree with and recognise their humanity. She asks what happens when survival needs are met, when communities are modular rather than insular, when walls become picket fences. Tristan and Rashid then reflect on the impediments to even simple human connection, from visa hierarchies to the way wealth privatises our lives, and close with questions about neighbours, kindness, and bridging the distance from your front door to theirs.THEMESUbuntu. Radical imagination. Communal vs individual living. Any two people at a table. Shared consciousness. Picket fences, not walls. Future generations. Tzedakah and right standing.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODEThis episode features clips from The Liminal Space Season 2, Episode 13: Reorienting Ourselves Toward Community and Building Bridges with Leila Kidson. The full conversation is available on all podcast platforms.Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyWatch on YouTubeFEATURED VOICESLeila Kidson is a social systems researcher, facilitator, and designer focused on better integrating grassroots voices into systems design, advocacy and action. She is co-founder of OCTOPI, a South African social design studio.Tristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and ethnomusicologist based in Cape Town.CREDITS| Produced by | Rashid Epstein Adams| Music by | Rashid Epstein Adams (AKA Arkenstone) and Pursuit| A collaboration between | The Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
What does it take to stop colluding with systems that dehumanise us? In this episode, Tristan and Rashid explore the role music plays in grounding us, reminding us of our humanity, and giving us the courage to resist. They introduce us to Ncedisa Nkonyeni, an African-centred systems change and field learning partner who teaches organisations to apply systems change to their strategies and partners with collectives committed to organisational well-being.In a clip from the original Liminal Space episode, Ncedisa shares a story about a Tori Amos lyric that gave her the courage to walk away from a scholarship when she realised the research she was being asked to do was fundamentally afrophobic. From there, Tristan and Rashid reflect on what it means to negotiate our own complicity within unjust systems, and whether giving, in all its forms, could become an act of laying down power rather than exercising it.THEMESMusic as resistance. Non-collusion. Ethical courage. Complicity and the status quo. Giving as laying down power. Joy as humanizing. Systems change.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODEThis episode features clips from The Liminal Space Season 2, Episode 10: Systems Thinking and Rehumanising Narratives with Ncedisa Nkonyeni. The full conversation is available on all podcast platforms.Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyWatch on YouTubeFEATURED VOICESNcedisa Nkonyeni is an African-centred systems change and field learning partner. She teaches systems change, helps organisations apply it to their strategies, and partners with collectives committed to discovering organisational well-being.Tristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and ethnomusicologist based in Cape Town.CREDITS| Produced by | Rashid Epstein Adams| Music by | Rashid Epstein Adams (AKA Arkenstone) and Pursuit| A collaboration between | The Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
Today's episode features Maddy Hawkes. Maddy holds the title of Miss Greater Derry under the Miss NH Scholarship Program. This is just one of the ways she is involved in her community. She is incredibly inspiring and has a diverse set of interests, from being an entertainer to being an advocate for the American Cancer Society, not to mention being a newly published children's author. I hope you enjoy getting to know Maddy as much as I did.To learn more, please visit https://www.facebook.com/MissGreaterDerryScholarshipProgramhttps://www.instagram.com/maddyhawkesnh/https://www.missnh.org/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm recording on a trail run and thinking out loud about something I've been re-examining in my own life: the pressure to constantly optimize and get better.We hear it everywhere: be more productive, improve every day, maximize your time. And while growth and striving for excellence matter, I've been noticing how easily that mindset turns into pressure, guilt, and a constant feeling of not doing enough.In this episode, I share how I've been unlearning that pattern, what it actually means to “strive well,” and why doing less can sometimes lead to better performance, creativity, and well-being.I also guide you through a simple mindfulness practice you can do while moving to help you notice:Where you're putting pressure on yourselfThe inner voice telling you to do moreHow to reconnect with contentment in the middle of effortThe goal isn't to stop growing, it's to redefine what getting better actually looks like. If you've been feeling stuck in the cycle of always needing to do more, this one's for you.Other meditations:- Slowing Down the Rush- How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance- How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
What kind of hope is worth holding onto? In this episode, Tristan and Rashid unpack the idea of critical hope, drawing on the work of Jeff Duncan-Andrade and a powerful quote from Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of Hope. They introduce us to Ashley and Helene Visagie, founders of Bottom Up, a Cape Town youth organisation that equips teenagers with tools of critical thought to question the systems around them rather than simply plugging gaps.In clips from the original Liminal Space episode, Ashley describes the shift from fixing broken toilets to asking why they're broken in the first place, and how capitalism alienates us from our work, each other, and the environment. Helene speaks about telling kids the truth without leaving them stranded in despair, and what it takes to move forward together. Tristan and Rashid reflect on when they first encountered critical thinking, and why imagining a new world requires us to question the imagination behind the current one. The episode closes with a guided imagination exercise inviting listeners to picture their neighbourhood 20 years from now.THEMESCritical hope. Democratizing critical thought. Stop plugging gaps. Alienation under capitalism. Education as liberation. Imagination as action. Youth as co-constructors of change.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODEThis episode features clips from The Liminal Space Season 1, Episode 3: Critical Hope and Being Human with Ashley Visagie. The full conversation is available on all podcast platforms.Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyWatch on YouTubeFEATURED VOICESAshley & Helene Visagie are the founders of Bottom Up, a Cape Town-based youth organisation that develops socially engaged leaders who can critically analyse how political, economic, and cultural systems produce inequality, and then organise to change them.Tristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and ethnomusicologist based in Cape Town.CREDITS | Produced by | Rashid Epstein Adams | Music by | Rashid Epstein Adams (AKA Arkenstone) and Pursuit | A collaboration between | The Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
Sometimes it's hard to say what you mean. Oren Jay Sofer says, "Communication is a learnable skill and it's one of the most powerful levers for making change in your life and the world." Non-violent communication is about taking responsibility for what we are experiencing using empathy, deep listening, know how to make requests.// This episode is a replay from the Sonya Looney Show. It originally aired October 22, 2020. //Author and renowned meditation instructor Oren Jay Sofer regularly teaches a mindful approach to non-violent communication. spent two and a half years of living as an Anagarika (renunciate) at branch monasteries in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest lineage. Today, his teaching combines classical Buddhist training with the accessible language of secular mindfulness. Since the early 2000s, Oren has had a deep interest in the relationship between contemplative practice and communication. A graduate of the BayNVC North American Leadership Training, he has taught classes and workshops in Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication (NVC) nationally since 2006. His innovative retreats and online programs in Mindful Communication offer one of the only opportunities in the U.S today to explore the intersection between formal meditation practice, Right Speech and NVC. Oren is the founder and Guiding Teacher of Next Step Dharma, an innovative online course focused on bringing the tools of meditation to daily life, and co-founder of Mindful Healthcare. Oren has created mindfulness programs for organizations, companies, and apps including Apple, Kaiser Permanente, Lumosity, Calm, 10% Happier, Simple Habit and others.I loved his book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication. In the book, a main theme is that every thought or feeling is there to try to meet a need. If you can try to figure out what need your thoughts are tied to, it's easier to articulate what you need to those around you. It's also useful when listening to someone in a disucssion or conflict to tease out what need they are trying to have met. I also enjoyed learning about conflict and viewing it as a way to deepen relationships. I also learned that non-violent communication and conflict resolution isn't necessarily to try to get someone to do things your way, it's about deepening understanding of one another because sometimes we simply can't agree to have the same viewpoint. Non-violent communication has a framework of observation, the feeling, the needs and values to be met, and the request.Three questions you can ask yourself are what happened, how do I feel about it, and why?I also loved learning about how to use mindfulness in listening and communication as well as how to ground yourself in your own body when tensions rise.Topics Discussed in the Podcast from childhood actor to meditation instructor4 types of conflict avoidanceself-empathytools for internal pressureNo mud, no lotusaddressing the voiceless and gender constructshow to make requests of othersResourcesOren Jay Sofer's websiteGet Oren's book: Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
In this episode, Tristan and Rashid take us to Khayelitsha, one of South Africa's largest townships, about 20 miles southeast of central Cape Town. Built during apartheid-era forced removals, Khayelitsha continues to bear the scars of spatial inequality. But in the heart of its informal settlements, two young founders, Bongeka and Aphiwe (Qhama), have created something remarkable: Thembisa Ratanga, a community space they describe as “a safe space in a not-so-safe place.”Through a clip from the original Liminal Space episode, we hear Bongeka and Aphiwe reflect on the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and the body. Yoga poses that imitate trees and birds. Sunsets you don't plan but can't avoid. The quiet gift of a wetland on the edge of a township. Tristan and Rashid then unpack what it means to “just be” in a world that demands we constantly produce or consume, and ask whether rest itself might be a revolutionary act.THEMESComing home to our bodies. Being vs doing. Nature as teacher. Rest as resistance. Spatial apartheid and its legacy. Yoga in the township. Eliminating economic isolation.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODEThis episode features a clip from The Liminal Space Season 2, Episode 11: What happens when we reclaim our stories and find home in our bodies? With Bongeka and Aphiwe. The full conversation runs about an hour and is available on all podcast platforms.Listen on Apple PodcastsFEATURED VOICESBongeka & Aphiwe (Qhama) are the founders of Thembisa Ratanga, a Khayelitsha-based NPO that uses education, art, and sport as tools for community development and self-empowerment. Their space has been dubbed “a waterfront in the township.”Tristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and ethnomusicologist based in Cape Town.SUPPORT THEMBISA RATANGABongeka and Aphiwe are currently running a BackaBuddy campaign to support day-to-day logistics and building improvements for the kids in their community. If you'd like to contribute, visit the link below.CREDITS | Produced by | Rashid Adams | Music by | Arkenstone | A collaboration between | Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| BackaBuddy | backabuddy.co.za/campaign/tembisa-ratanga | Full Episode | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
The Home Starter Program is a ministry of the Congregational Church of Amherst, NH, UCC. The mission is to collect household goods to assist those in need transitioning into independent living. All work is provided by church volunteers or interested community members. They are having a real impact on their community, and I hope you enjoy learning more about them.Today I speak to Terri Behm, Coordinator, and Sheryl Gottwald, Volunteer Coordinator.For more information about The Home Starter Program, please visit https://www.ccamherst.org/homestarter/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
Due to schedule issues, we recorded on Monday this week. Trump's disastrous policies and decisions are moving record numbers of people away from him and the Republican Party. Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse take a Common Good look at the terrible, awful, no good last week in Trump's America.
This Week: It's A Good Podcast, Right? The Boys Try MDMT. Locked In the Cocaine Room. Virgin Nostril Mary. Green Beer this Year? The Kix-spiracy. Forrest Gump 2. Timmy's Troubles. The Opera Mafia. Nathan's Jay Walking Hobby. Stephen Fry in America. High School Crab Fisher. Getting Your Ass Kicked by an Old Timey Coal Miner. Motorcycle Club Culture. Chicken Pot Pie Doughnut (Unfortunately, not real). This Week's Doughnut: No Doughnut Again! Get on the Patreon Train: https://patreon.com/Sushijackknife?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkBandcamp Store: https://sushijackknife.bandcamp.com/Email: sushijackknife@gmail.com
What if the version of “success” you've been chasing is actually keeping you stuck in survival mode?In this episode, I sit down with author and coach Jon Rosemberg to talk about what it really means to move from high-functioning survival into genuine thriving. Jon shares his deeply personal story of growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, living in chronic vigilance, and eventually discovering that achievement and productivity were not the same thing as peace, agency, or well-being.This conversation hit me on a very personal level. So much of what Jon shares mirrors my own journey of questioning performance-based definitions of success, asking whether external accomplishments actually create the feeling I'm looking for, and realizing that thriving often has much more to do with connection, meaning, and agency than with metrics.We talk about the body's role in helping us recognize survival mode, how to challenge the beliefs that keep us trapped in proving and performing, and Jon's practical AIR framework: Awareness, Inquiry, and Reframing.If you've ever felt like you're doing all the “right” things but still feel off, disconnected, or chronically on edge, this conversation is for you.Here's what you'll learn:Thriving is not the same as successSurvival mode can look high-functioningSomatic awareness mattersAgency can be practicedConnection is essential to thrivingLINKSFollow Jon on InstagramVisit Jon's website to learn more about his bookMeaningful Work with Tamara Myles and Wes AdamsDefining and Feeling Success --------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
What happens when imagination meets reality? In this pilot episode, we kick off a special miniseries in collaboration with The Liminal Space Podcast, bringing voices from Cape Town, South Africa to the Common Good conversation. Hosts Tristan Pringle and Rashid Adams introduce themselves, share what drew them to the idea of liminality, and explore the stories that ground them right now, from earth as a shared garden to the liberating power of intuition. The episode closes with a collectively written poem on imagination, storytelling, and the search for glimpses of a better world.ABOUT THE SERIESOver seven episodes, this miniseries brings a Global South perspective to the Common Good Podcast's core themes: the significance of place, eliminating economic isolation, and the structure of belonging. Through conversations with guests in Cape Town, from yoga practitioners in Khayelitsha to musicians, educators, and community organisers, we explore what it looks like to rebuild belonging in the wake of extraction and inherited inequality.ABOUT THE GUESTSTristan Pringle is a life and executive coach, facilitator, and poet based in Cape Town. He works across faith-based, corporate, and grassroots organisations to hold space for dreams of a better world, and to make them real.Rashid Adams is a musician, songwriter, music producer, and researcher based in Cape Town. His academic work explores how indigenous music-making within decolonial Christian frameworks functions as a form of sacred resistance.CREDITS | Produced by | Rashid Adams | Music by | Arkenstone | A collaboration between | Common Good Podcast & The Liminal Space PodcastLINKS| Podcast | linktr.ee/theliminalspacepod | Substack | theliminalspacepodcast.substack.com | Instagram | @theliminalspacepod
Since 1850, Waypoint has been empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy.The services they offer are too long to list here, but you will learn more about them in the episode. I also encourage you to visit https://waypointnh.org/ for more information.Today, I speak with Erin George-Kelly, the Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, and Laura Zorawowicz, the Director of Philanthropy.For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
I've known Jenny Smith since the early 2000s, back when I was a brand-new pro mountain biker watching her absolutely dominate at Nationals. She's been a mentor, a competitor, a mom who kept racing when that wasn't common, and someone I've always admired for her longevity in sport.In this episode, Jenny and I talk honestly about aging as female endurance athletes, especially navigating perimenopause, hormone changes, recovery shifts, strength training, anxiety, inflammation, and evolving expectations.We discuss how training needs to change as estrogen fluctuates and why strength training becomes even more important for bone health, metabolic health, and performance. Jenny shares the reality of needing more recovery, setting goals that reflect your life stage and responsibilities, and how to embrace aging with flexibility, wisdom, and self-compassion instead of fear. Plus, we cover hormone replacement therapy and getting medical support.This conversation is for women who love endurance sport and want to keep performing, not by pretending nothing is changing, but by adapting. Aging doesn't mean decline, it can mean agency.Here's what you'll learn:Perimenopause changes training needsStrength training is non-negotiable for aging athletesRecovery matters more than everGoal setting must evolve with life stageAging brings wisdom and agencyLINKSFollow Jenny Smith CoachingLearn more about Aim High PerformanceAuthenticity and managing pressure with Sarah SturmAging athletes with Joel FrielHow women should train differently with Dr. Stacy Simms--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
The most valuable skill I've ever learned isn't about performance, mindset, or even resilience. It's communication.In this solo episode, I'm teaching you one of the most powerful tools I use as a coach, mentor, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, keynote speaker, parent, and partner. It comes from motivational interviewing and it's called OARS: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.These skills have completely changed how I show up in conversations. They've made me a better coach, teacher, partner, mom, and human.Motivational interviewing is a client-centered communication approach designed to guide people toward what matters most to them. Instead of telling someone what to do (which often undermines autonomy and competence), this framework helps people feel heard, understood, and empowered to make their own decisions.In this episode, I walk you through what active listening really means (and why most of us aren't actually doing it) and how to ask open-ended questions that deepen conversations. I discuss how affirmations and reflective listening builds trust and shared understanding. I also give real-life examples you can use immediately with your partner, your kids, your team at work, or your friends.And yes, we talk about AI. Because as AI handles more intellectual tasks, our human communication skills will matter even more.If you want stronger relationships, better conflict management, and deeper connection in your personal and professional life, this episode gives you one skill to practice today. Top 5 Takeaways:Communication is a partnership, not a directiveOpen-ended questions deepen conversationsReflective listening builds trustAffirmations reinforce strengths and valuesIn an AI-driven world, human communication skills are a competitive advantageLINKS- Learn about meditation from Oren Jay Sofer- Episode on how to be a better communicator--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Episode 45 features HAVEN. HAVEN NH is the largest violence prevention and support services agency in New Hampshire, dedicated to reducing and preventing sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Their mission is to empower survivors—women, men, and families—to heal and rebuild their lives while fostering social change to eliminate violence. I spoke with Loryn Camp, Youth Programs Manager. We talk about the services HAVEN offers and go in-depth on how they educate students about body safety. I learned so much from Loryn, and I hope you will too. For more information about HAVEN please visit https://havennh.org/ or call their help line 1-603-994-SAFE (7233)You can also find them at https://www.facebook.com/HAVENNH1/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
Many of us know what burnout looks like: exhaustion, cynicism, and the feeling that we simply can't keep going. But there's another state that shows up far more often and it's easier to miss. It's called brownout.In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Reese, leadership and executive development specialist and positive psychology practitioner, to unpack the critical difference between brownout and burnout, and why so many high-achieving people, especially women, are quietly living in that in-between space.Jess shares her environmental alignment model, a practical framework that helps you see how all parts of your life (work, caregiving, relationships, health, identity, and invisible labor) draw from the same energy reservoir. Together, we explore why adding more self-improvement often backfires, and why the most powerful move is often asking a different question: “What is the most impactful thing I can do to relieve pressure right now?”We also talk about the cultural pressure to “do it all,” why trying to make everything a top priority leads to depletion, and how real alignment requires honest reflection on your values, not an external definition of success or a past version of yourself.If you're feeling stretched thin, quietly overwhelmed, or wondering why rest doesn't seem to work anymore, this conversation will help you name what's happening and give you a clearer path forward.My Top 5 TakeawaysBrownout often comes before burnout and it's easier to miss because you're still functioning.Your energy reservoir is shared across your whole life, not just work.Relieving pressure is more effective than adding habits when you're depleted.You can't make everything the #1 priority and trying to do so leads to misalignment.True fulfillment requires redefining “having it all” based on your current values, constraints, and season of life.Jessie's Links and Work:Connect with Jessie on LinkedIn Read Jessie's MAPP Capstone The Tipping Point: Executive Burnout, Brownout, and Realignment MAPP Magazine Article - Running on Half Power: Why Women Burnout and How to Reclaim Alignment by Jessie Reese --------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Adult & Teen Challenge's mission is to provide effective, faith-based residential recovery for adults and teenagers struggling with drug/alcohol addiction and life-controlling issues. Their goal is to foster spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness through biblical principles, helping individuals become productive members of society. Today I speak with Alex Ippolito, Associate Director for Adult & Teen Challenge New Hampshire. Alex shares with us his journey and how he found Adult and Teen Challenge, as well as how it's brought him to where he is today. If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, I encourage you to reach out to Alex or check out their website.Alex IppolitoAssociate Directoraippolito@tcnewhampshire.org603-647-7770https://tcnewengland.org/new-hampshire-mens-center/https://tcnewengland.org/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcastWe are now on TIkTok! - https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm sharing a spontaneous trail-side reflection on something that's been very present for me lately: how we manage drive without burning out and how we stay truly connected in a world that keeps telling us to “go bigger.”I talk about rethinking social media impact, why I'm increasingly prioritizing local and real-time connection, and how and asking better questions can completely change the quality of our relationships. I also share some simple practices I've been using, like voice memos and short phone calls, to stay meaningfully connected without adding more pressure or noise.Synchronous, human connection matters so much for feeling valued. That's why I wanted to explore how curiosity helps us move beyond surface-level interaction, and why small, intentional shifts can have a bigger impact than trying to reach everyone, everywhere.I close with a short mindfulness practice you can do anywhere to help you reconnect with your body, reflect on when you feel most connected to others, and take one small step toward more meaningful connection in your everyday life.You'll learn to:Ground into your body, even while in motionReflect on when you feel most connected to othersIdentify one small step you can take to create deeper, more meaningful connection offlineOther meditations:– Slowing Down the Rush– How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance– How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Podcasting pioneer Elsie Escobar joins Martin Quibell to discuss the medium's transformation over two decades, from intimate community to corporate industry. Learn about the early days of podcasting, the challenges that creators face today, and why human connection still matters most. What You'll Learn The Early Days of Podcasting (00:01-08:51) ● How a fifth-generation iPod led Elsie to discover podcasts ● Finding Podcast 411 and becoming part of podcasting's first community ● Why early podcasting was dialogue-driven and deeply interactive ● The power of hearing your name mentioned on a show for the first time From Hollywood to Podcasting Freedom (08:51-14:17) ● Escaping the soul-crushing pigeonholing of the acting industry ● How podcasting offered creative freedom without visual judgment ● The transformative power of getting behind a microphone ● Why voice-only media can be deeply empowering Community vs Industry: The Great Shift (14:17-22:22) ● How podcasting evolved from "we" culture to hierarchical media ● Why early podcasters actively engaged with every listener ● The loss of dialogue between hosts and audiences ● When podcasting stopped being about community and became about assets The Video Podcast Debate (22:22-29:42) ● Concerns about podcasting becoming "another form of television" ● The danger of losing podcasting's punk rock spirit ● Why following corporate rules kills innovation ● How to preserve the freedom that made podcasting special She Podcasts: Amplifying Women's Voices (29:42-34:35) ● Creating a counterbalance to male-dominated podcasting shows ● The chemistry between Elsie and co-host Jess ● How the show evolved into authentic life conversations ● The power of women taking center stage The Modern Podcasting Burden (34:35-48:39) ● Why creating podcasts has become a full-time marketing job ● From simple "mic to RSS" to video clips, transcripts, and social strategy ● How overwhelming requirements stop creators from creating ● Finding workflows that prioritize voice over visibility AI in Podcasting: Tool or Replacement? (48:39-54:51) ● Using AI for transcription while maintaining human curation ● Why AI can't capture your unique message and positioning ● The importance of writing your own show notes and chapter marks ● Balancing efficiency with authentic care for your audience Netflix, Spotify & Distribution Deals (54:51-1:08:22) ● Why the Netflix "podcasting" deal isn't really about podcasts ● Understanding old-school media distribution in new platforms ● How one network built a multi-platform media empire ● The difference between podcast networks and podcast community What Makes a Good Podcast? (1:08:22-1:14:00) ● Podcasts as solutions to listener needs ● Why "good" depends entirely on context and timing ● The soup vs ice cream analogy for podcast consumption ● Why small, engaged audiences matter more than massive numbers The Future: Slow, Human, and Sustainable (1:14:00-end) ● Banking on slow, thoughtful content in a fast-moving world ● Why human skills will become more valuable as AI advances ● Building expansive, sustainable, and aligned creative work ● The importance of staying grounded as technology accelerates Key Quotes "The mere act of getting behind the microphone, it just does a lot to you personally, in a good way. It's your teacher." "I chose to no longer name [certain big podcasters] because we all need somebody else's name to be coming out of our mouths." "Podcasting used to be such a lift. Now it feels like it's a full-time job." "A good podcast provides the solution that I'm looking for at the time. Has nothing to do with quality, topic, format." About Elsie Escobar - Elsie Escobar is a podcasting veteran who's been part of the medium since its earliest days. Known for her work at Libsyn and as co-host of The Feed and She Podcasts, Elsie has been a guiding voice for podcasters worldwide. She's an advocate for authentic, human-first content creation and community building.
What if we could produce real meat—without animals? For decades, the animal-welfare movement has worked to reduce suffering by changing laws, corporate practices, and consumer behavior. Those efforts have delivered meaningful progress. And yet, billions of animals are still raised and killed each year for food. That reality raises an urgent question—one that would have sounded like science fiction not long ago: Can we fundamentally change how meat is made? On this episode of the Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove sits down with Paul Shapiro, a leading voice at the intersection of animal welfare, food innovation, and climate policy. Paul is the author of the national bestseller Clean Meat, which helped introduce and popularize the concept of growing real meat directly from animal cells—eliminating the need for factory farming altogether. In addition, we're joined by Wayne Pacelle, who is a previous of colleague of Paul and the president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. In this conversation, we explore: What “clean meat” (also known as cultivated meat) actually is Where the cultivated-meat industry stands today—and what's holding it back How clean meat differs from plant-based alternatives Why this technology matters for animals, public health, the climate, and the future of food This episode goes beyond hype or fear-based narratives to ask deeper questions about ethics, innovation, and what real progress for animals might look like in the decades ahead. About the Guest Paul Shapiro is the CEO of The Better Meat Co., the author of “Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World,” a five-time TEDx speaker, and the host of the Business for Good Podcast. He has been recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the Sacramento Business Journal. About the Show The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. www.animalwellnessaction.org www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/
One of the things I love most about podcasting is getting to have the conversations I wish more people could hear, especially the ones that normalize what so many of us quietly struggle with.I sit down with my friend and fellow MAPP grad Corinne Kneis, a psychotherapist and wellness educator whose work beautifully bridges empathy, mindfulness, ADHD, and anxiety.Corinne and I first met during the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania, and I've long admired how she brings both science and humanity into her work. In this conversation, we explore what empathy really looks like in therapy and everyday life, why so many women mask ADHD with anxiety and perfectionism, and how mindfulness can help create space between emotional overwhelm and thoughtful response.We also talk openly about sensitivity, burnout, overfunctioning, and the strengths that often come with ADHD—like curiosity, passion, and love of learning. Corinne shares practical tools therapists use (and that anyone can apply) to regulate the nervous system, manage anxiety, and build healthier relationships with their emotions.Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, burnout, or simply want more emotional clarity and self-compassion, this episode offers grounded insight and actionable strategies you can start using right away.Top 5 TakeawaysEmpathy has two forms. Understanding the difference between affective (emotional) and cognitive empathy can reduce burnout and increase compassion.Many women mask ADHD with anxiety. Perfectionism and overfunctioning are often coping strategies, not character flaws.Mindfulness creates space. Simple practices can help separate emotional reactions from cognitive responses.ADHD is not a deficit. Differences often come with powerful strengths like curiosity, passion, and creativity.Structure + play matter. Routines, humor, and nervous system regulation are essential tools for emotional well-being.Learn More about Corinne Below:Flourish Psychotherapy by Corinne KneisFollow Along with Corinne on InstagramConnect with Corinne on LinkedIn--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Gratitude is one of the most researched, and misunderstood, topics in psychology.In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Dr. Bob Emmons, one of the world's leading gratitude researchers, for a candid, nuanced conversation about what gratitude really is, where it comes from, and how it shapes our striving, relationships, and sense of meaning.What makes this conversation especially rich is Bob's journey. Long before he became known for gratitude research, his work focused on striving, goals, and purpose. It's a foundation that deeply informs how he thinks about gratitude today. Bob and I explore how research often reflects our own life questions (“research is me-search”), and how gratitude emerged for Bob not just as an academic interest, but as a personal turning point.We unpack why gratitude isn't about forced positivity, how entitlement quietly erodes well-being, and why authentic gratitude helps us see what (and who) we might otherwise take for granted. We also discuss the emotional depth of gratitude: how fully waking up to life means experiencing both joy and sorrow more deeply.As we head into a new year, this episode is for anyone who wants a more honest, grounded understanding of gratitude. I hope it brings you an understanding that strengthens relationships, deepens meaning, and supports growth without bypassing real emotion.Top 5 TakeawaysGratitude is deeper than thankfulnessEntitlement is the enemy of gratitudeGratitude can coexist with hardshipHealthy gratitude requires balanceGratitude strengthens relationships and mentorship--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are joined by special guest John Cote to tackle this nostalgic song from John Hiatt's Tiki Bar is Open. We hear about how John come to know Hiatt's music from a radio show in Maine and Sylvan and John compare concert notes. The trio then break down the lyrics of "My Old Friend" before rating this song on our five-star scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this special Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm sharing a very personal reflection from the trails of Squamish, BC where muddy puddles, forest quiet, and time on the bike create space for clarity.For the first time in over 22 years, I've made the decision to step away from competitive bike racing. Not because I can't race, but because my life, priorities, and sense of fulfillment have shifted.In this off-the-cuff, honest conversation, I reflect on what it means to let go of an identity you've held for decades, how task-focused mindfulness has shaped my thinking, and why courage sometimes looks like choosing less instead of more.This episode isn't just about sport. It's about transitions, motivation, family, mattering, and learning to listen to yourself when something inside is asking for change.If you're navigating a transition, feeling stretched thin, or questioning what really matters in this next season of your life, I hope this episode helps you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what's true for you.Top 5 TakeawaysMindfulness isn't passive, it's active presence. Being fully engaged in the task at hand (not self-evaluation) can unlock clarity and joy.Identity transitions are uncomfortable, but necessary. Letting go of who you've been creates space for who you're becoming.Motivation changes with life seasons. What once fueled you may no longer fit, and that's not failure.Doing less can be a powerful choice. Fulfillment doesn't always come from pushing harder or doing more.Reflection reveals values. Emotions like envy, fatigue, or resistance often point toward what truly matters.Other Mindfulness in Action Episodes:- Slowing Down the Rush- How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance- How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
What if improving your well-being didn't require more time, effort, or productivity, but simply a deeper relationship with the world around you?I'm your host Sonya Looney, and in this episode of Grow the Good, I'm joined by nature connectedness researcher Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore and well-being practitioner Molly Peterson for a rich, science-backed, and deeply human conversation about how our relationship with nature shapes our mental health, meaning, and sense of presence.Together, we explore what nature connectedness really means, and why it's not about hiking more miles or living in the wilderness, but about attention, intention, and emotional connection. Sonya shares personal stories about how nature has helped her regulate, heal, and reconnect during demanding seasons of life, while Molly and Holli-Anne bring powerful research and practical tools listeners can use immediately.This episode is for anyone feeling overstimulated, disconnected, or craving more meaning in everyday life, whether you live in the mountains, the city, or somewhere in between.Top 5 TakeawaysNature connectedness is about relationship, not timeSmall, daily moments with nature (plants, clouds, light, birds) can significantly boost well-being and presence.Technology can either enhance or erode nature connection, depending on how intentionally we use it.Character strength amplify nature's benefits, increasing meaning and transcendence.Early and intentional exposure to nature, especially in childhood and family life, predicts lifelong well-being and environmental care.--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.
In this episode of Getting Hammered, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk holiday preparations and Nashville hot chicken followed by more serious topics, addressing tragic news events in Bondi Beach and Brown University. The conversation shifts to political insights regarding the current administration feature in Vanity Fair, followed by a discussion on Rob Reiner's passing and Trump's controversial response. Ending on a lighter note with a discussion on font changes at the State Department and concludes with a highlight of "Trashed Panda" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why do we sometimes feel mentally exhausted even when our bodies are rested? I'm your host Sonya Looney, and in this episode of Grow the Good, I'm joined by neuroscientist Dr. Scott Frey and former professional cyclist Brent Bookwalter to dig into the science of central (brain) fatigue, life transitions, and how to balance performance with well-being.Through stories from elite sport, neuroscience, and personal growth, Scott, Brent, and I explore how understanding brain fatigue can help us better navigate change, maintain motivation, and thrive through life's transitions.I've been through this. You'll hear about when I realized that my high need for mental stimulation was impacting my racing performance, and how learning about mental fatigue helped me reframe training and recovery in both sport and life.Whether you're an athlete, professional, or parent trying to “do it all,” this conversation will help you understand your brain's limits and unlock tools to work with your mind, not against it.Top 5 Takeaways:What is Central Fatigue?Mental Energy is FiniteTransitions Require CompassionRest is a SkillSelf-Awareness Fuels Growth--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.