In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, not symptom checklists, is the truest measure of success. Along the way, you’ll hear how ancestral wisdom blends with clinical science, how labels can hinder more than help, and how the very grandmothers Dixon trained ended up transforming him.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussion on anxiety and its management through personal values and positive actions.
• Importance of human connection and storytelling in mental health care.
• Overview of the Friendship Bench initiative and its origins in Zimbabwe.
• Role of trained grandmothers in providing mental health support within communities.
• Need for accessible mental health care and addressing social determinants of health.
• Integration of Western psychiatric principles with African cultural practices.
• Significance of empathy and nonverbal communication in building therapeutic relationships.
• Training process for grandmothers in cognitive behavioral therapy and effective communication.
• Use of support groups to foster community and shared healing experiences.
• Emphasis on the power of storytelling and vulnerability in the therapeutic process.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Dixon Chibanda, check out these other episodes:

Why We Need to Rethink Mental Health with Eric Maisel

Insights on Mental Health and Resilience with Andrew Solomon

For full show notes, click here!

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In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications.

• Exploration of societal factors contributing to increased anxiety levels.

• Importance of living authentically and in alignment with one’s true self.

• The role of creativity and curiosity in overcoming anxiety.

• Neurological aspects of anxiety and the brain’s functions related to creativity.

• The concept of breakdowns leading to breakthroughs in personal growth.

• Practical techniques for managing anxiety through self-compassion and kindness.

• The significance of sensory experiences in activating creativity and reducing anxiety.

• The idea of a “creativity spiral” versus an “anxiety spiral” in personal development.

• Reflection on the power of imagination and intention in shaping one’s reality and life purpose.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Martha Beck, check out these other episodes:

How to Find Peace and Balance in Managing Anxiety with Sarah Wilson

Why Anxiety is Good For You with Tracy Dennis-Tiwary

For full show notes, click here!

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In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape our emotional landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• The connection between physical movement and mental health.
• The role of interoception in understanding bodily sensations and emotions.
• Evolutionary perspectives on the brain's function related to movement.
• The impact of physical activity on brain chemistry and emotional well-being.
• The importance of posture and its influence on emotional states.
• The benefits of strength training for mood and self-esteem.
• The decline in physical strength among youth and its implications for mental health.
• The concept of "movement snacks" and integrating small bursts of activity into daily life.
• The relationship between dance, rhythm, and emotional connection.
• The significance of breath control and its effects on relaxation and mental clarity.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Caroline Williams, check out these other episodes:

Understanding Choice Points for Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise with Michelle Segar

The Science of Breathing with James Nestor

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Connect with the show:

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In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished parts of ourselves. From navigating identity and public image to sitting in deep discomfort. Josh offers a powerful reminder that a meaningful life isn’t built on external measures. It’s shaped from the inside out.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussion on the duality of human nature and the internal struggle between positive and negative traits.
• The significance of thoughts and actions in shaping a meaningful life.
• The role of time in personal growth and self-perception.
• The complexities of self-image and public persona.
• The importance of embracing imperfections and the “messy” aspects of life.
• Reflection on the wisdom gained from aging and life experiences.
• The negotiation between acceptance and action in facing life’s challenges.
• Insights on meditation and the emotional challenges it can provoke.
• The value of community and shared experiences in personal growth and healing.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Josh Radnor, check out these other episodes:

A Soul Boom Discussion on Mental Health, Spirituality, and Connection with Rainn Wilson

Spiritual Journeys with Rainn Wilson & Reza Aslan

For full show notes, click here!

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In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding that real transformation is messy
• Learning how sobriety isn’t the finish line, but the starting point for deeper healing
• Understanding why community is so important and powerful
• Discover fawning as a trauma response and how it shows up in life
• Learning to balance honesty with fear
• How discernment and clarity often come in conversation with others

If you enjoyed this conversation with Laura McKowen, check out these other episodes:

How to Tap Into the Longings of the Heart with Sue Monk Kidd

A Journey to Self-Discovery and Sobriety with Matthew Quick

Special Episode: Finding Hope on the Path to Sobriety

For full show notes, click here!

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In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us closer to the heart of life. This is an inspiring look at how we can build resilience by embracing life’s uncertainties.

Key Takeaways:

• Exploration of human emotions, particularly happiness and anxiety.
• The duality of human emotions and the internal struggle between positive and negative qualities.
• Insights from David's book"Constellations Two," focusing on the rehabilitation of common words and their deeper meanings.
• The significance of the parable of the two wolves in understanding personal struggles.
• The relationship between anxiety and unspoken truths about care and vulnerability.
• The role of poetry in expressing and understanding complex emotions.
• The importance of recognizing and embracing both happiness and unhappiness in life.
• The concept of horizons as boundaries that inspire imagination and growth.
• The idea that nagging in relationships can be a form of love and care.
• Encouragement to engage in meaningful conversations and reflect on personal emotional landscapes.

If you enjoyed this conversation with David Whyte, check out these other episodes:

The Art of Poetry and Prose with David Whyte

Beautiful and Powerful Poetry with Marilyn Nelson

The Power of Poetry with Ellen Bass

For full show notes, click here!

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This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and later in life. This was an open-hearted talk about what it means to fight not just with force, but with love. We talked about instinct as a spiritual guide, about staying true to yourself when the world tries to pull you off course.  Mike’s life and his music were reminders that strength can come from stillness, from surrender, and from the simple act of standing up for light when everything around you feels dark.

Key Takeaways:

• Mike’s experiences with cancer and resilience.
• The founding and mission of the Love Hope Strength Foundation.
• The significance of positivity and community support in overcoming adversity.
• The impact of music as a source of strength and healing.
• Reflections on the parable of two wolves and nurturing positive traits.
• Early musical influences and the evolution of Mike's career.
• The deeper meaning behind the song “Strength” in relation to Mike’s health journey.
• The inspiration and themes behind the song “Blaze of Glory.”
• The role of spirituality and self-trust in navigating life’s challenges.
• The communal aspect of music and its ability to foster connection and unity.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Mike Peters, check out these other episodes:

The Journey of Life Through Song with Frank Turner

Mike Scott of the Waterboys

For full show notes, click here!

Connect with the show:

• Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
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In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We make plans, set goals, and these are good things, but we only have so much control. And Brian teaches that accepting this can be a relief, because the point isn’t to control everything, but to influence what we can.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of happiness derived from intrinsic values rather than material possessions and social status.
• The importance of thoughts and actions in shaping our lives and experiences.
• Exploration of chaos theory and the unpredictability of life.
• The idea that we control nothing but influence everything, emphasizing the ripple effects of our actions.
• Personal stories illustrating how random events can profoundly impact lives.
• The empowering nature of recognizing the influence of our choices.
• The tension between control and acceptance of life’s randomness.
• The critique of societal values that prioritize material success over personal fulfillment and relationships.
• Encouragement to embrace individual uniqueness and create for personal expression rather than external validation.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Brian Klaas, check out these other episodes:

What If You’re Wrong? How Uncertainty Makes Us More Human with William Egginton

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:

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In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek beauty in life’s bittersweet moments, offering profound insights into the human experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Exploration of the relationship between sorrow and beauty.
• Discussion of the transformative power of music and its emotional connections.
• Insights into the concept of bittersweetness and its significance in human experience.
• The importance of acknowledging grief and its role in personal growth.
• Differentiation between “moving on” and “moving forward” in the context of loss.
• The concept of poignancy as a blend of joy and sorrow.
• The role of creativity and art in navigating difficult emotions.
• Emphasis on seeking beauty in everyday life, especially during challenging times.
• The impact of personal experiences on understanding grief and longing.
• Encouragement for listeners to embrace their emotions and foster connections through shared experiences.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Susan Cain, check out these other episodes:

Life Transitions with Bruce Feiler

The Longings of our Heart with Sue Monk Kidd

For full show notes, click here!

Connect with the show:

• Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
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In this episode, Claire Hoffman explores the idea behind how our flaws, doubt, cynicism, and even ambition aren’t signs of failure, but can be used as fuel. She tells the story of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who built a religious empire and faked her own kidnapping. But this episode isn’t about scandal. It’s about the tension that we all carry between our light and dark sides. Claire says sometimes the bad wolf does good work. This conversation is about embracing contradiction and finding grace in the mess.

Key Takeaways:

• Claire’s book: “Sister Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson.
• Aimee Semple McPherson’s duality of character, embodying both “good” and “bad” traits.
• The impact of McPherson on American religion and her role in establishing one of the first megachurches.
• The complexities of fame and its effects on personal identity and mental health.
• The concept of “audience capture” and its implications for public figures.
• Societal pressures and judgments faced by women, particularly in the context of McPherson’s life.
• The significance of grace, forgiveness, and personal transformation in the human experience.
• Reflections on authenticity, compassion, and the challenges of extending grace in a judgmental world.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Claire Hoffman, check out these other episodes:

How to Embrace Your Authentic Self with Carmen Rita Wong

Faith, Identity, and Finding Your Voice with Dante Stewart

For full show notes, click here!

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In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity and how letting go of traditional success can open the door for something more meaningful. If you’re in a season of life where things feel uncertain, or if you’re wondering what this phase of life is really for, this episode will help you feel a little more hopeful.

Key Takeaways:

• • Personal experiences and challenges faced during midlife, including burnout and loss.
  • The importance of perspective on aging and reframing societal perceptions of midlife.
  • The concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset in personal development.
  • The relationship between time management and personal autonomy in midlife.
  • The physical and emotional changes associated with aging, particularly for men.
  • The role of purpose in maintaining energy and engagement in life.
  • The significance of gratitude and specificity in practicing gratitude.
  • The idea of positive commitments versus commandments in guiding life choices.
  • Navigating disappointment and expectations during midlife transitions.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Chip Conley, check out these other episodes:

Life Transitions with Bruce Feiler

Successful Aging with Alan Castel

The Happiness Curve with Jonathan Rauch

For full show notes, click here!

Connect with the show:

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