The One You Feed | Personal Growth, Emotional Resilience & Purpose

In this episode, Mariana Alessandri explores how to stop feeling bad about feeling bad, and why difficult emotions don’t mean there is something wrong with you. Drawing from her book, Night Vision: Seeing Ourselves Through Dark Moods, she discusses how the pressure to stay positive adds shame to pain, what it means to be on your own side, and how to support someone who’s struggling without trying to cheer them up. This conversation offers a more compassionate way to understand your emotions and feel less alone in them. Feeling overwhelmed in your life? Check out ⁠⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Key Takeaways: How judging yourself for difficult emotions adds another layer of suffering Why the pressure to “choose happiness” can leave you feeling ashamed…

In this episode, Cory Allen explores how to find calm when life won’t slow down and the pressure to keep doing more feels constant. Drawing from his new book, The Quiet Age, Cory shares how the tension we carry shapes our experience and why low moods can tell convincing lies about our self-worth. He also discusses letting go without giving up, making room for rest, and recognizing that a thought can feel real without being true. This conversation offers practical ways to meet difficult moments with greater clarity and find space to breathe within the life you already have. Feeling overwhelmed in your life? Check out ⁠⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Key Takeaways: How to recognize the everyday tension that makes small frustrations feel overwhelming The…

In this episode, Scott Stabile discusses how to be enough as you are and how to grow without shaming yourself. He explores how self-love and self-acceptance can support meaningful change, as well as how to practice self-compassion when it feels out of reach, recognize the small ways you already care for yourself, and loosen the grip of other people’s judgments. Drawing from his book Enough as You Are, Scott offers practical ways to build a more loving relationship with yourself, even when you’re struggling, making mistakes, or wishing you were further along. ⁠A Weekly Bite of Wisdom:⁠ Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, you’ll receive a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You’ll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist that includes a recap of the week’s episodes with our featured guests. It’s free, takes about a minute to read, and is…

In this episode, Mark Nepo talks about how the words we use shape the way we experience our lives. Drawing on Mark’s new book The Language of the Soul, he explores how words can help us make room for pain and fear or make those experiences feel even bigger. Mark also discusses what it means to be wholehearted, why ordinary moments don’t have to feel extraordinary to matter, and how to return to a fuller sense of life when we’ve lost touch with it. A Weekly Bite of Wisdom: Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, you’ll receive a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You’ll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist that includes a recap of the week’s episodes with our featured guests. It’s free, takes about a minute to read, and is enjoyed by thousands of readers each week. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/newsletter. Key Takeaways: The words we choose…

In this episode, Sari Botton discusses how to start a new chapter when you think it’s too late and explains what happens when the life you expected stops making sense. At 54, writer and editor Sari Botton struggled to get interviews for jobs she was qualified for and feared her career was over. Now, at 60, she’s doing some of her most fulfilling work. In this episode, Sari and Eric talk about the realities of getting older, how to tell what deserves acceptance and what’s worth pushing back against, and why an unexpected crossroads can still lead somewhere good. ⁠Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control.⁠ What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/ebook.⁠ Key Takeaways: Getting older can bring loss and new possibilities at the…

In this episode, Diane Shiffer, author of The Smallest of Joys, discusses how to find joy even when life is hard. She shares how small moments of beauty have helped her navigate anxiety, depression, grief, and uncertainty, and why joy and heartbreak don’t have to cancel each other out. Diane also explains her simple “sit and stare” practice, the freedom of accepting a seven-out-of-ten life, and how changing what we pay attention to can change the way we experience our lives. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at oneyoufeed.net/ebook. Key Takeaways: How to recognize and preserve the small moments that bring you joy Why pain and beauty can exist at the same time without diminishing each other How…

In this episode, Jonah Berger explains why we fight the changes we know we need. Jonah explains why pushing harder, piling on more reasons, or simply telling ourselves what we “should” do can actually create more resistance. Instead, he shares how identifying and removing the barriers to change can make transformation easier and more sustainable. They explore why small steps are often more effective than dramatic ones, how to work with our natural resistance, the hidden cost of staying with what’s “good enough,” and how the people around us quietly shape our choices. ⁠Good Wolf Reminders⁠ A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/sms.⁠ Key Takeaways: Why pushing harder can actually make change more difficult How identifying barriers can make change easier Why giving ourselves choices reduces resistance How to turn a “should” into something we actually want to do Why starting small…

In this episode, Dr. Marisa G. Franco explores why feeling insecure doesn’t mean you’re back at the beginning, and how real self-worth may come from learning to make room for every part of yourself. She and Eric discuss why old insecurities can return even after years of growth, how past experiences continue to shape our reactions in the present, and why intellectual insight isn’t always enough to change how we feel. Marisa explains what it means to become “secure-ish,” how acknowledging difficult emotions can help us regulate them, and why true security isn’t about never feeling anxious, rejected, or uncertain. It’s about trusting that we can meet those feelings when they arise. Good Wolf RemindersA little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/sms. Key Takeaways: Why feeling insecure doesn’t erase the progress you’ve already made How acknowledging difficult emotions helps us regulate them…

In this episode, Allison Aubrey explores midlife reinvention and how to create your own script for what comes next. She shares why midlife can be less about winding down and more about rediscovering parts of ourselves that may have been set aside during years of work, parenting, and responsibility. Allison and Eric discuss moving from performance to play, working with fear and self-doubt, reconnecting with intuition, and finding a renewed sense of purpose. They also explore the surprising role dreams can play in revealing what we really want and how to close the gap between knowing what’s good for us and actually doing it. ⁠⁠A Weekly Bite of Wisdom:⁠⁠ Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You’ll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist featuring a recap of the week’s episodes. It’s free,…

In this episode, Jim Kwik explores how the thoughts, habits, and choices we repeat each day shape who we become. He explains why we’re always training our brains—whether we’re practicing focus or distraction, resilience or avoidance—and how small, intentional actions can strengthen self-trust and create lasting change. Jim also shares why protecting the first moments of your morning matters, how to move beyond the impossible standard of work-life balance, and practical ways to train your attention, regulate your emotions, and create more harmony in your life. Feeling overwhelmed in your life? Check out ⁠⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Key Takeaways: How repeated thoughts and behaviors reshape the brain Why we become what we consistently practice How…

In this episode, Jane Ratcliffe explores how to accept what you can’t change without giving up. After a traumatic brain injury dramatically altered the course of her life, Jane spent years navigating debilitating symptoms while holding onto an enduring sense of hope, joy, and gratitude. She and Eric explore the complicated balance between accepting reality and continuing to fight for change, why being “okay” can sometimes keep us from asking for the help we need, and how self-forgiveness, imagination, and a deeper sense of interconnectedness can help us live with what we cannot fix. Jane’s story offers a moving reminder that acceptance doesn’t have to mean surrender—and that even in the midst of difficulty, there can still be room for beauty, connection, and hope. ⁠A Weekly Bite of Wisdom:⁠ Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into…

In this episode, Elizabeth Dunn and Jiaying Zhao discuss the surprising choices that can make you happier and help the planet at the same time. Drawing on research in happiness, behavior change, and climate science, they challenge the idea that climate action has to mean guilt, sacrifice, or giving up everything you enjoy. They explain how to find the “sweet spot” where choices that reduce carbon emissions also improve well-being, whether that means rethinking what you eat, buy, or how you travel. They also reveal why some of the actions we focus on most may have less impact than we think, how our everyday choices influence the people around us, and why choosing one meaningful change you actually enjoy may be far more powerful than trying to change everything at once. Their new book is Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species A Weekly Bite of Wisdom: Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights…

In this episode, Pádraig Ó Tuama explores how to find wisdom in the things you’re struggling with by looking more closely at the emotions, desires, and stories beneath our experiences. He and Eric discuss why fear and anger often point to deeper needs, how to stay present with difficult emotions without becoming consumed by them, and why some lessons simply can’t be rushed. Pádraig also shares insights on belonging, the stories that shape our identities, and what healthy communities can teach us about questioning our beliefs. Along the way, they explore poetry, prayer, desire, and how paying closer attention to what’s happening within and around us can help us meet life with greater curiosity and openness. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain…

In this episode, David Gandelman explores how to tell the difference between intuition and anxiety and why learning to trust your inner voice requires more than simply “going with your gut.” David discusses how fear, desire, and resistance can masquerade as intuition, and why genuine intuition is something we develop through practice. He also explores how meditation can help us reclaim energy lost to rumination and worry, the tension between comfort and growth, and why acceptance isn’t a switch we flip but a process of working through what’s actually here. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at oneyoufeed.net/ebook. Key Takeaways: Why negative thoughts can be so seductive—and how meditation helps…

In this episode, Leslie John explores why you should say the thing you’re afraid to say and how opening up can strengthen trust, deepen relationships, and improve our well-being. She explains why we’re often biased toward keeping things to ourselves, the hidden costs of holding back, and how to decide when sharing is worth the risk. Leslie also shares practical ways to become more aware of what we’re not saying, navigate difficult conversations, and reveal more of ourselves without crossing the line into sharing something we might regret. Good Wolf Reminders: A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/sms.⁠ Key Takeaways: Why we often default to holding back without realizing it How opening up can build trust and deepen connection The hidden emotional and mental costs of keeping things to yourself Why we tend to overestimate the risks of saying what we really think or feel How to…

In this episode, DJ DiDonna explores why a life-changing sabbatical might be more possible than you think. He explains why extended time away from our usual routines can offer something a vacation often can’t: the space to reconnect with who we are beyond work, gain perspective on what matters, and imagine what we want the next chapter of our lives to look like. DJ and Eric also discuss how planning years ahead can make a sabbatical feel more realistic, and how we can apply the same principles of stepping away and disrupting our routines even when taking months off isn’t possible. Good Wolf RemindersA little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/sms. Key Takeaways: Why even meaningful work can lead to burnout What makes a sabbatical different from a vacation How extended time off can bring clarity, creativity, and perspective Why planning years ahead can make a sabbatical more possible How…

In this episode, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford explains how connection helps us heal what we can’t heal alone, from the power of sharing our stories to the support we find in friendships, groups, and community. She discusses how healing allows painful experiences to become part of our story without becoming our entire story, why shame begins to loosen when we realize we aren’t alone, and how relationships can help us see ourselves more clearly. Dr. Joy also explores self-silencing, navigating conflict, finding meaningful friendships as adults, and why discomfort can sometimes be a sign that we’re growing in the right direction. Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out ⁠⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Key Takeaways: How culturally responsive therapy recognizes…

In this episode, Cassandra Vieten explores the science of using imagination to change how you think and feel. She explains that imagination isn’t something reserved for creativity or daydreaming; we’re using it constantly to anticipate the future, interpret the present, and tell stories about the past. Cassandra shares how becoming more conscious of these patterns can help us recognize when our imagination is working against us, shift the stories that keep us stuck, and use this powerful capacity to approach challenges with greater flexibility, possibility, and hope. Her new book is Imagine That: Transform How You Think, Feel, and Live with the Science of Imagination Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out ⁠⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Key…

In this episode, Benjamin Todd explores how to build a meaningful career in an uncertain world. He and Eric discuss why the old advice to “follow your passion” can lead us astray, how AI is changing the skills that may matter most, and what actually makes work fulfilling. Benjamin also explains how to think more intentionally about the impact of our work, why experimenting is often more useful than trying to think our way into the perfect career, and how to know when it might be time for a change. ⁠A Weekly Bite of Wisdom:⁠ Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You’ll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist featuring a recap of the week’s episodes. It’s free, takes about a minute to read, and is enjoyed by thousands of readers each week. Sign up at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/newsletter.⁠ Key…

In this episode, Sarah Wilson explores how to live fully in an uncertain world by asking one of life’s most important questions: Who do you want to be when everything around you feels unstable? Drawing on philosophy, psychology, history, and her new book, I Eat the Stars: How ot Live Fully and Beautifully in a Collapsing World, Sarah shares why facing difficult truths doesn’t have to lead to despair—and how accepting uncertainty can actually bring greater clarity, meaning, and aliveness. Together, she and Eric discuss resilience, hope, community, and what it means to become an “island of sanity” in challenging times. A Weekly Bite of Wisdom: Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You’ll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist featuring a recap of the week’s episodes. It’s free, takes about a…

In this episode, David Brooks explores the art of seeing others and being deeply seen, and why our ability to make another person feel truly seen, heard, and understood may be one of the most important skills we can develop. He discusses the power of curiosity, the questions that lead to genuine connection, and how wise friends help us rewrite the stories we tell ourselves. Along the way, David explores loneliness, depression, difficult conversations, and why learning to truly know another person can transform not only our relationships, but our own lives. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at oneyoufeed.net/ebook. Key Takeaways: Exploration of empathy and its importance in human connection.…

In this episode, Spencer Greenberg discusses the 12 levers that actually help you change your life and explains why lasting personal growth isn’t about finding a single breakthrough technique—it’s about knowing which tool fits the challenge you’re facing. Drawing from his new book, The 12 Levers: The Complete Psychological Toolkit for Improving Your Life, Spencer shares how nearly 500 self-improvement methods can be organized into 12 core psychological strategies. He also explore habit change, values, fear, acceptance, and thinking more clearly, while showing why understanding the root cause of a problem is often the key to creating meaningful, lasting change. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy…

In this episode, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin challenges the modern self-care industry and explains why meditation apps, bubble baths, and wellness routines often fail to address the real causes of burnout. She shares a more meaningful approach to well-being, one built on boundaries, self-compassion, values, and power. Pooja also discusses how to let go of guilt, stop chasing perfection, and create a life that reflects what truly matters, even in a world that constantly asks us to do more. Good Wolf Reminders! A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at⁠ oneyoufeed.net/sms⁠. Key Takeaways: Why modern self-care often fails to address the root causes of burnout The difference between faux self-care and real self-care How systems and expectations shape our well-being Why boundaries are essential—not selfish The hidden role guilt plays in keeping us stuck Practicing self-compassion without lowering your standards…

In this episode, Matthew Quick returns to discuss his powerful new memoir, Dad, Love, Me. He explores what it means to choose love after a lifetime of hurt, reflecting on caring for a father who never fully knew how to love him. Along the way, Matthew unpacks how childhood wounds shape us, why healing doesn’t depend on getting the apology we deserve, and how reclaiming our own story can lead to greater compassion, freedom, and meaning, even in relationships marked by deep hurt. 🎉 Patreon Book Giveaway! Matthew’s publisher has generously provided five copies of his new memoir, Dad, Love, Me, for One You Feed listeners! As a thank-you for supporting The One You Feed, all paid Patreon members are automatically entered to win. If you’re not a member yet, it’s a perfect time to join! This is just one of the ways we hope to thank our Patreon community with occasional book giveaways, ad-free episodes, post-show conversations, and more. Join us at oneyoufeed.net/join. Good Wolf Reminders! A little wisdom, right when…

In this special episode, we’re sharing Eric’s recent appearance on The Jordan Harbinger Show. Eric joins Jordan to explore the ideas behind his book, How a Little Becomes a Lot, including why lasting change rarely comes from one dramatic breakthrough, how all-or-nothing thinking keeps us stuck, and what it means to build a better life through small, repeatable choices. They also discuss Eric’s journey through addiction and recovery, the hidden forces that derail our best intentions, and how reducing resistance can help us keep moving toward what matters—even when motivation disappears. Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out ⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Key Takeaways: Eric shares his story of addiction and the small choices that led him to recovery.…

In this episode, Bruce Feiler explores why rituals have been essential to human life for thousands of years—and why they're more important than ever in today's rapidly changing world. Drawing from his new book A Time to Gather, Bruce explains how meaningful rituals can help us navigate grief, celebrate milestones, strengthen relationships, and create a greater sense of connection during life's biggest transitions. Along the way, he and Eric share personal stories of loss, family, and the healing power of gathering with intention. Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out Overwhelm is Optional — a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. Sign up here for only $29! Key Takeaways: Why humans instinctively create rituals during times of change How personalized rituals are replacing traditional ceremonies Bruce's five…

In this episode, Anne Lamott explores why waiting for the perfect community, the perfect version of ourselves, or the perfect moment keeps us from the very connection we're searching for. She discusses overcoming perfectionism, quieting the inner critic, finding the courage to walk into unfamiliar rooms, and embracing the messy, imperfect relationships that help us heal. Along the way, Anne shares her signature blend of humor, wisdom, and honesty about recovery, self-compassion, and discovering that a more meaningful life begins when we stop trying to do it all perfectly. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What's been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/ebook.⁠ Key Takeaways: Why perfectionism keeps us from the connection…

In this episode, Amy Kurtz explores the challenges of when your health feels like a roller coaster and finding stability in the chaos of chronic illness. She shares her journey through years of misdiagnosis before finally being diagnosed with late-stage Lyme disease. Amy also discusses living in the "grey area" between sickness and wellness and introduces her concept of "Medical Trauma Brain" (MTB), describing the emotional and neurological impact of chronic illness. You'll discover practical tools, including her "Four Rs" framework, to help people regulate their nervous system and reclaim agency over their health and wellbeing. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What's been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at oneyoufeed.net/ebook. Key…

In this episode, Paul Millerd explains why the safe path in life isn’t always the right one. He explores what happens when the life that looks successful on paper no longer feels like your own. Paul also discusses why we often stay in situations that no longer fit, how fear and uncertainty shape our decisions, and what it means to define success on your own terms. You’ll learn about the tension between security and freedom, the importance of self-awareness, and how asking better questions can help you build a life that aligns with what truly matters. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at oneyoufeed.net/ebook. Key Takeaways: Concept of the “pathless path” and its challenge to traditional career…

In this episode, Simone Stolzoff explores why the need for certainty is holding you back and how learning to live with uncertainty can lead to greater resilience, better decisions, deeper relationships, and a more meaningful life. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and his own deeply personal experiences, Simone explains why our brains crave certainty, why that instinct often fuels anxiety and overthinking, and how embracing the unknown can become a source of growth rather than fear. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck waiting for the “right” answer before moving forward, this conversation offers a wiser—and more freeing—way to navigate life’s inevitable uncertainty. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What's been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward.…

In this episode, Julie Holland explains why connection may be the medicine we’ve been missing. She explores how genuine human connection helps regulate the nervous system, why disconnection can keep us stuck in fight-or-flight, and how our phones often give us a synthetic version of connection that never fully satisfies. Julie also discuss oxytocin, stress, loneliness, addiction, psychedelics, and the simple ways we can return to the real relationships and embodied experiences that help us heal. Good Wolf Reminders… A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/sms. Key Takeaways: Discussion of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and their impact on mental health. Exploration of the science of human connection and the biological need for social interaction. Personal anecdotes from working in a psychiatric emergency room and the challenges faced in that environment. The…

In this episode, Michelle Segar explores why all-or-nothing thinking keeps you from exercising, and why the problem may not be a lack of motivation or willpower. Drawing on groundbreaking new research, she reveals how rigid exercise standards, perfectionism, and the belief that workouts only “count” if they’re done a certain way often lead people to do nothing at all. Michelle also discusses the hidden psychology behind sustainable change, the power of flexibility at life’s inevitable choice points, and why “a little bit of something is better than a lot of nothing” may be the most important mindset shift for long-term success. You’ll gain a new understanding of the limitations of habit formation, the role of behavioral resilience, and how learning to adapt rather than start over can help us build a healthier and more meaningful life. Good Wolf Reminders… A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at…

In this episode, Dr. Rick Hanson explores why choosing harmony over truth in our relationships often leaves us with neither. Drawing on decades of experience as a psychologist, relationship expert, and mindfulness teacher, Rick shares practical wisdom for navigating conflict, communicating with greater skill, and building stronger connections with the people who matter most. Rick discusses the delicate balance between keeping the peace and speaking honestly, the power of empathy and healthy remorse, and how small moments of awareness can transform the way we relate to ourselves and others. Whether you’re navigating challenges with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, this conversation offers simple yet profound practices for creating relationships built on honesty, understanding, and genuine connection. Feeling overwhelmed in your life? Check out ⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day,…

In this episode, Alex Olshonsky explores why you’re addicted to thinking, nd what to do instead. Drawing from his journey through addiction, recovery, meditation, and somatic psychology, Alex argues that overthinking is often a way of avoiding difficult emotions. He explains why compulsive thought can function like an addiction, how attention gets hijacked by rumination and distraction, and what it takes to reconnect with the present moment. Along the way, Eric and Alex discuss recovery, spiritual practice, the role of the body in healing, and practical ways to find more freedom from the endless loop of thoughts. Feeling overwhelmed in your life? Check out Overwhelm is Optional — a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. Sign up here for only $29! Key Takeaways: Personal journey through addiction and recovery Concept of…

In this episode, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer explores how to trust life even when it breaks your heart. She talks about grief, healing, and trust following the loss of her son and father. Rosemerry shares how her daily poetry practice and spiritual teachings helped her navigate profound loss, embracing both sorrow and joy. She discusses her book All the Honey, the power of acceptance, and the mantra “adjust.” Rosemerry also discusses how openness, love, and small daily practices can support us through life’s darkest moments. Have you ever ended the day feeling like your choices didn’t quite match the person you wanted to be? Maybe you slipped into autopilot, or self-doubt made it harder to stick to your goals. If so, The Six Saboteurs of Self-Control can help you recognize the hidden patterns that quietly derail your progress and offers simple, effective strategies to move past them. If you’re ready to take back control and make meaningful, lasting change, download your free copy at oneyoufeed.net/ebook. Key…

In this episode, Diana Hill explores the concept of Wise Effort and how our regrets can become powerful guides to what matters most. Drawing from psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Buddhist wisdom, she explains why the things that hurt most often point directly toward our deepest values. Diana also discusses how to work with regret without getting stuck in it, why discomfort can be a doorway to meaningful action, and how to focus your precious energy on what is truly worth your time and attention. Along the way, she explores psychological flexibility, the wisdom found in paradox, and practical ways to align your daily actions with the life you most want to live. Have you ever ended the day feeling like your choices didn’t quite match the person you wanted to be? Maybe you slipped into autopilot, or self-doubt made it harder to stick to your goals. If so, The Six Saboteurs of Self-Control can help you recognize the hidden patterns that quietly derail your progress and offers simple, effective…

In this episode, Michael Bungay Stanier, author of the bestselling The Coaching Habit, discusses how to tame your advice monster and become a better listener. Michael shares the surprising story of self-publishing after multiple rejections, and discusses core coaching principles like staying curious longer and asking better questions. He explores paradoxes in coaching, including balancing humility with confidence and being both fierce and loving. Michael also reflects on personal growth, integrating one’s shadow side, and maintaining perspective after achieving extraordinary success. ⁠A Weekly Bite of Wisdom:⁠ Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You'll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist featuring a recap of the week's episodes. It's free, takes about a minute to read, and is enjoyed…

In this episode, Lodro Rinzler discusses what it takes to believe you're good enough. He explains how guilt, shame, and negative emotions can become mistaken identity markers, and how meditation helps us recognize our inherent goodness. Lodro also shares personal stories about releasing shame, taking responsibility for past mistakes, and the Buddhist concept that we are fundamentally good but obscured by life's challenges. A Weekly Bite of Wisdom: Want to go deeper with the ideas we explore on The One You Feed? Every Wednesday, Eric shares a short, practical email that turns insights about mental health, relationships, purpose, habits, and personal growth into simple practices you can use right away. You'll also receive our Weekend Podcast Playlist featuring a recap of the week's episodes. It's free, takes about a minute to read, and is enjoyed by thousands of readers each week. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/newsletter. Exciting News!!! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More…

In this episode, Suleika Jaouad, author of Between Two Kingdoms, discusses her experience learning how to live in the space between no longer and not yet. Suleika shares how illness shattered her plans and forced her to confront mortality, finding agency through journaling and creativity. She discusses the difference between pain and suffering, the importance of community, and learning to live in life’s uncertain “in-between” spaces. Following a recurrence of her disease, she reflects on resilience, love, and embracing discomfort as pathways to meaning and growth. Good Wolf Reminders: A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/sms. Exciting News!!! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is out NOW! Order today!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Suleika’s personal journey with acute myeloid leukemia at age 22. The impact of illness on identity and life…

In this episode, Manoush Zomorodi talks about tiny movements and their massive impact in reclaiming your energy in the digital age. Her new book, The Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being, explores the hidden health costs of sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles and shares research showing that just five minutes of gentle movement every 30 minutes can significantly improve blood sugar, blood pressure, mood, and focus. They discuss workplace culture’s resistance to movement breaks, the body-brain connection, and practical strategies for building sustainable habits. Manoush also emphasizes that small, consistent changes can yield transformative results, making better health accessible even within demanding modern work environments. Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out ⁠⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset…

In this episode, Shane Parrish, author of Clear Thinking explains why your default behaviors are sabotaging you, and how to outsmart them. He explores how small, everyday decisions shape our lives more than major choices. Key insights include positioning yourself for success through preparation, creating personal rules to build positive habits, and using role models as a “personal board of directors.” Shane emphasizes that clear, conscious thinking in ordinary moments accumulates into extraordinary results, helping listeners make better decisions and live more intentionally. Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out ⁠Overwhelm is Optional ⁠— a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. ⁠Sign up here for only $29!⁠ Exciting News!!! ⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is out…

In this episode, John Kaag and Clancy Martin discuss why friendship matters in the face of suffering and what helps us through the hardest parts of being human. They explore questions of selfishness, human nature, and our capacity for love and connection. Clancy speaks candidly about suicidal ideation and why isolation can be so dangerous, while emphasizing that even small moments of human contact can help keep us alive. The conversation also explores how philosophy, spirituality, and wisdom traditions can offer companionship in difficult times, along with their work at Rebind, where they’re helping bring classic texts into conversation with modern readers through AI-guided commentary and dialogue. Feeling overwhelmed in your life?Check out Overwhelm is Optional — a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. Sign up here…

In this episode, Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and author Dr. Edith Eger explores how to break free from the mental prisons that hold you back. Drawing from her experiences in Auschwitz, Edith explores these mental “prisons” people create – victimhood, guilt, shame, judgment, and secrets and offers practical ways to break free. She emphasizes that true freedom comes from within, through conscious thinking, self-love, and personal responsibility. Her powerful insights remind listeners that while suffering is universal, how we respond to it remains our choice. Have you ever ended the day feeling like your choices didn’t quite match the person you wanted to be? Maybe you slipped into autopilot, or self-doubt made it harder to stick to your goals. If so, The Six Saboteurs of Self-Control can help you recognize the hidden patterns that quietly derail your progress and offers simple, effective strategies to move past them. If you’re ready to take back control and make meaningful, lasting change, download your…

In this episode, Nikki Eisenhauer, creator of the Emotional Badass podcast, explores emotional strength training and how to process trauma without getting stuck. She discusses how conscious choices shape our emotional well-being and emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation as a foundation for healing, distinguishing constructive trauma processing from unproductive rumination. Nikki offers practical advice, including practicing presence, cultivating curiosity over judgment, and starting small. The conversation highlights that emotional healing is a gradual, lifelong journey requiring patience, self-compassion, and daily commitment.Have you ever ended the day feeling like your choices didn’t quite match the person you wanted to be? Maybe you slipped into autopilot, or self-doubt made it harder to stick to your goals. If so, The Six Saboteurs of Self-Control can help you recognize the hidden patterns that quietly derail your progress and offer simple, effective strategies to move past them. If…

In this episode, James Beshara explores how to unlock the power of reflection and action in a distracted world. He delves into Vedanta philosophy and explains how Vedanta’s framework of body, mind, and intellect mirrors the battle between immediate desires and long-term wisdom. He shares practical daily habits, including questioning assumptions, reflection, and community discussion, that strengthen the intellect. James also explores dharma, the importance of aligned action, and how spiritual growth means fully engaging with life rather than escaping it. Struggling to stick to your goals? In sign up to receive the Free 6 Saboteurs of Self-Control Workshop replay. You’ll learn the six hidden obstacles that sabotage your progress and how to overcome them. From breaking free of autopilot habits to tackling self-doubt and emotional escapism, this workshop offers practical tools and strategies to help you make better choices and stay aligned with your values. Exciting News!!! How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of…

In this episode, Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot, shares practical techniques to manage anxiety, improve listening, and speak clearly when it matters most. Matt explores how to improve spontaneous communication under pressure, embrace imperfection, and enhance important listening skills. Matt introduces practical frameworks like “What, So What, Now What” for structuring responses and the “ABC” approach for handling communication anxiety. He emphasizes that anyone can improve these skills with practice and the right mindset. Struggling to stick to your goals? Sign up to receive the FREE 6 Saboteurs of Self-Control Workshop replay. You’ll learn the six hidden obstacles that sabotage your progress and how to overcome them. From breaking free of autopilot habits to tackling self-doubt and emotional escapism, this workshop offers practical tools and strategies to help you make better choices and stay aligned with your values. Key…

In this episode, comedian Vir Das explores how to find belonging when you feel like an outsider. He shares details about his multicultural upbringing across India, Nigeria, and the United States, and his lifelong feeling of never quite fitting in. Vir also discusses his memoir The Outsider, his Netflix specials, and how exhaustion with pretending led him to embrace authenticity, and explores themes of friendship, grief, the healing power of laughter, and the difference between sympathy and empathy. Vir also reflects on balancing ambition with appreciation while staying true to his voice. Exciting News!! My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is now available!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Multicultural upbringing and its impact on identity Experiences of feeling like an outsider in various cultures The journey from Bollywood to Hollywood in comedy and acting Insights from the memoir “The Outsider: A Memoir for Misfits” The…

In this episode, Amy Morin discusses how to build mental strength, cope with stress, and thrive under pressure. Drawing from personal tragedies, including losing her mother and young husband, Amy shares practical tools for building mental resilience, particularly in the workplace. Key strategies discussed include giving yourself personalized pep talks, eliminating negative thoughts by physically discarding them, using “dread diffusers” to overcome procrastination, and applying motivational interviewing in relationships. Amy emphasizes that mental strength isn’t about feeling strong constantly, but about choosing the right strategy in challenging moments. Exciting News!! My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is now available!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: The significance of mental strength and daily choices. Personal experiences of loss and their impact on mental health. Introduction of practical tools for coping with…

In this episode, Scott Hershovitz discusses the greatest lessons in philosophy, parenting, and kindness. He also explores how children are natural philosophers and how everyday life raises deep questions about identity, truth, and moral responsibility. Other topics include personal identity, relativism, civil discourse, and the importance of treating others as moral agents. Throughout, Scott connects philosophical thinking to parenting, politics, and personal growth, emphasizing kindness, humility, and critical thinking as essential virtues for a meaningful life. Exciting News!! My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is now available!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Exploration of the relationship between emotions like anger and gratitude and their role in self-respect and respect for others. The natural philosophical curiosity of children and the importance of nurturing critical thinking. Philosophy’s relevance in everyday life…

In this episode, Dr. Nicole LePera discusses her book on how to reparenting your inner child can transform your life heal old wounds. She explores how childhood experiences create implicit emotional memories that shape adult behaviors and nervous system responses. Dr. Nicole also introduces her Individual Development Model, covering five developmental spheres, and explains how “parenting yourself” means becoming your own nurturing caregiver. The conversation addresses shame, resilience, and why change feels uncomfortable before it feels better, emphasizing that small, consistent actions build self-trust and create lasting transformation. Exciting News!! My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is now available!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: The concept of the inner child and its impact on adult behavior. The psychological and biological basis of childhood adaptations. Implicit emotional memories and their influence on current…