The One You Feed

In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overwhelmed, unsure, and not feeling particularly inspired. And we tackle a bigger question: How do we keep creating when the world is so loud and we’re so tired? Key Takeaways: Insights on creativity and the challenges of staying inspired in a chaotic world. The role of intuition in the creative process and the significance of listening to one’s inner voice. Balancing the need to stay informed with personal well-being and mental health. The concept of hope in creativity and the idea of being a “possibilist.” Practical advice for overcoming creative blocks and finding inspiration. The value of feedback and community in the creative process. The relationship between restlessness and creativity, and how it can drive artistic growth. Embracing playfulness and curiosity in creative endeavors. f you enjoyed this conversation with Maggie Smith, check out these other episodes: The Lost Art of Living Creatively with Austin Kleon Creativity as a Cure with Jacob Nordby Writing for Healing with Maggie Smith (2021) For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Apr 1h 3min

In this episode, Jillian Richardson discusses the journey from loneliness to belonging and shares the small steps that can change everything. She delves into why friendship takes more effort than we expect and how we can actually get better at it. Jillian also explores what gets in the way of connection, why it’s not just about putting yourself out there, and how real community is less about finding perfect people, and more about staying when things feel a little uncomfortable. Key Takeaways: Challenges of forming friendships as adults The impact of loneliness on social interactions Importance of intention in building connections Strategies for fostering deeper relationships Role of vulnerability in authentic friendships The significance of consistency in maintaining friendships Practical advice for initiating and nurturing friendships The influence of societal factors on feelings of isolation Encouragement to engage in uncomfortable conversations If you enjoyed this conversation with Jillian Richardson, check out these other episodes: How to Find Joy and Community with Radha Agrawal Belonging and Connection with Sebene Selassie For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Apr 52min

In this episode, William Egginton invites you to ask the question, “What if you’re wrong?” as he explains how being uncertain makes us more human. William explores the surprising overlap between a physicist, a philosopher, and a poet—each of whom came to the same unsettling truth: that we mistake our model of reality for reality itself. But this isn’t just about subatomic particles or dusty old philosophy books. It’s about how certainty—especially in our relationships—can blind us. What if embracing uncertainty is actually the doorway to wisdom, compassion, and a more connected life? Key Takeaways: Exploration of the intersections between philosophy, literature, and quantum physics. Discussion of the nature of reality and the limitations of human knowledge. Examination of biases and their impact on perception and understanding. Importance of interpretation in both science and philosophy. Relational understanding of identity and its formation through interactions. Analysis of free will versus determinism and its philosophical implications. Concept of “degrees of freedom” in understanding human agency. Implications of quantum mechanics on our understanding of reality. If you enjoyed this conversation with William Egginton, check out these other episodes: How to Find Zest in Life with Dr. John Kaag Unsafe Thinking with Jonah Sachs For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Apr 58min

In this episode, Ian Leslie discusses the history of the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the truth we all share in their story. Ian explores how two young men from Liverpool created something together than neither could have made alone, not just music, but a shared consciousness that changed culture forever. John and Paul’s story isn’t just about music. It’s about how we all navigate loss, love, and connection. Key Takeaways: [00:01:44] John and Paul’s connection [00:06:12] Lennon and McCartney dynamics. [00:08:17] Paul McCartney’s complex persona. [00:12:16] Vocal parts and shared consciousness. [00:16:10] John and Paul’s musical chemistry. [00:20:26] Intense male friendships in music. [00:22:27] Relationship dynamics between John and Paul. [00:28:11] Communication and miscommunication in relationships. [00:39:23] Lennon and McCartney’s complex relationship. [00:45:37] McCartney’s reaction to Lennon’s death. [00:51:19] McCartney’s emotional process after loss. If you enjoyed this conversation with Ian Leslie, check out these other episodes: A Journey of Music and Friendship with Colin Gawel & Joe Oestreich Music as Medicine: How Rhythm and Melody Transform Wellness with Daniel Levitin For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 Apr 53min

In this episode, Adam Mastroianni explains why you can’t think your way out of overthinking. He unpacks why the thoughts that feel the most important are often the ones that keep us stuck. We also explore what it means to have a “skull full of poison,” how anxiety disguises itself as insight, and why real change isn’t about breakthroughs—it’s about repetition, action, and feeding the right wolf. Key Takeaways: [00:06:07] Anxiety and its misconceptions [00:08:21] Overcoming obsessive thinking patterns [00:16:25] State of psychology as science [00:25:04] Building blocks of psychology [00:27:06] Emotions as control system signals [00:30:43] Basic vs. constructed emotions [00:40:44] Context matters in psychology [00:44:31] Mental heater and air conditioner. [00:47:01] Happiness set points and variance [00:50:42] Control systems and mental states [00:54:11] Changing set points in life If you enjoyed this conversation with Adam Mastroianni, check out these other episodes: The Purpose of Emotions and Why We’re Not Wired for Happiness with Anders Hansen How to Find Peace and Balance in Managing Anxiety with Sarah Wilson For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 Apr 57min

In this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha explores how to stop losing your mind (literally) and the surprising science of attention. She shares how mastering your mind isn’t about more effort, it’s about understanding how attention really works. You’ll learn how to train the three systems of attention (the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler), why mindfulness isn’t just a trend but a mental upgrade, and how to reclaim your focus—12 minutes at a time. Key Takeaways: How your attention isn’t broken; it’s just overwhelmed. Understand the three key attention modes Embrace how mindfulness strengthens attention Learn the concept of reframing and deframing and why this is so important Discover the relationship between stress, mood, and attention Uncover the micro-moments in your life and why they matter If you enjoyed this conversation with Amishi Jha, check out these other episodes: Stolen Focus and Attention with Johann Hari How to Focus and Accomplish Goals with Emily Balcetis For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Mars 49min

In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works. Key Takeaways: [00:06:40] Neuromyths and neuroscience understanding. [00:09:31] Lizard brain myth debunked. [00:12:37] Constructed emotions vs. hardwired reactions. [00:16:24] Language and emotional understanding. [00:18:55] Change and brain plasticity. [00:24:41] Willpower and self-control dynamics. [00:30:36] Addiction vs. Habit Distinction [00:33:21] Aging versus dementia distinction. [00:38:24] Cognitive testing for memory concerns. [00:40:43] Alzheimer’s disease research trends. [00:44:47] Hearing loss as a risk factor. [00:49:24] Sleep’s impact on brain health. [00:51:20] Social connections and mental health. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Sarah McKay, check out these other episodes: Understanding How the Brain Works with Lisa Feldman Barrett Eating for Brain Health with Lisa Mosconi How to Harness Brain Energy for Mental Health with Dr. Chris Palmer Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Mars 54min

In this episode, Mark Rowland attempts to unlock the wisdom of dogs and discusses what they know about living a good life. He takes on some of life’s biggest, weightiest questions, like, what is meaning, how should we live, and explores them through the lens of our four-legged companions. It’s about philosophy. It’s about dogs, and it’s about the age old question of how to live a good life. Key Takeaways: Dogs live without the burden of reflection, which allows them to be fully present and undivided. Meaning in life is more important than the meaning of life—it’s found through alignment with who we are. Dogs are natural philosophers, offering insights through their simplicity and joy in daily life. Humans live two lives—lived and examined—while dogs live one, leading to greater contentment. Dogs embrace small pleasures with full-hearted joy, something humans often overlook. Love is central to a meaningful life, whether expressed through connection, passion, or presence. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Mark Rowland, check out these other episodes: How to Find Zest in Life with Dr. John Kaag Shamanism and Spirituality with John Mabry How Perception Creates Reality with John Perkins Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Mars 43min