Good Life Project || Inspiration | Motivation | Happiness | Meaning | Success

Most new habits fizzle quickly, what if they didn't have to? We blame a lack of willpower, but what if the way we approach habits that's the real problem? Why does true, lasting habit change feel so hard to sustain? And, how can we do it better?In this Best of episode, we explore a gentler and more honest reframe, drawing from the work of James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. We show that lasting change doesn't begin with force or fixing, but rather with identity. Discover how listening to who you already are, and letting small, faithful actions slowly reshape what you believe about yourself, is the most powerful, sustainable, and truly transformational path forward.In this episode, discover:Why habits are less about discipline and more about identityHow small, atomic actions quietly become evidence for who we’re becomingThe difference between forcing change and aligning with who you areWhy environment often matters more than motivation for long-term habit formationHow belief and behavior shape each other ove

It’s not you. Your goals weren’t built for real life.You did what you were told would work. You set the goals. You made the plan, followed the formula. And yet, that big achievement, the life-changing goal, still eludes you. It’s probably not you, it’s the wildly unrealistic, impractical way you’ve been taught to pursue goals that doesn’t survive contact with the real world.In this episode, Jonathan explores a radically different, practical approach to achieving big, meaningful goals that honors the life you’re actually living, and comes from a mindset of wholeness and abundance, rather than lack, shame, or pain. This conversation offers a humane, sustainable reframe for ambition called Success Scaffolding that allows you to keep growing without tying your worth, happiness, or nervous system to the next win.In this episode, discover:• The Happiness Delay Trap: Why achievement so often fails to deliver lasting fulfillment, and how the “I’ll be happy when…” mindset keeps moving the finish line.• Why Goals

Stop outsourcing your peace. Feeling better is an inside job.We often feel exhausted, not because life is so difficult (which it can be), but because our minds are full of old wounds, unresolved feelings, self-destructive stories, and subconscious rules that secretly run the show…and leave us empty. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with acclaimed spiritual teacher and 19-time bestselling author, Iyanla Vanzant, to explore a radically practical idea: spiritual hygiene.Drawing from her new book Spiritual Hygiene: A Practical Path for Clean Living, Inner Authority, and Divine Freedom, Iyanla offers a grounded, compassionate framework for clearing emotional residue, reclaiming inner authority, and tending to your inner life with the same care you give your outer one.In this episode, discover:• The hidden inner rulers like fear, shame, and unforgiveness that quietly shape behavior, identity, and decision making.• Why we feel spiritually congested, and how constant reliance on external fixes keeps us disconnecte

You are not behind. How to find enough right now.We've all played the "I'll be happy when..." game, constantly moving the goalpost and living in the anxiety of "not enough yet." In this episode, Jonathan challenges the myth that you have to "fix" yourself or acquire "more" to feel worthy of a good life.He offers a counter-cultural approach to setting your intentions: making this The Year of Enough, a radical internal commitment that your current self is a valid starting point for growth.In this episode, discover:The "Happiness Delay": Why achieving big goals often fails to deliver lasting contentment, and how to get off the hedonic treadmill.Enough is the fuel for growth: A new definition of enough that is the opposite of settling, but instead frees you from the pressure of "not being enough," while still honoring your desire to growth and achieve big, meaningful things.Three Practices for Sufficiency: Simple daily and weekly exercises (like The "Already" List and The "What's Not

Samin Nosrat on taking back your life, overcoming overwhelm, and redefining success. A candid conversation about joy, grief, rebellion, rest, food, and what actually sustains us when achievement isn’t enough.In this soul-stirring conversation about her new book "Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love," the Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat creator offers a masterclass in how small rituals can become profound acts of love, and why letting go of striving might be the key to finding what we're all really hungry for.You can find Samin at: Website | Instagram | Home Cooking podcast | a grain of salt substack | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Samin about her journey from anxiety and depression to finding joy through food, writing, and community at Chez Panisse. Her earlier visit also offers a wonderful complement to today's conversation.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My N

New Year’s resolutions fail, not because of discipline, but because the system is broken. In this episode, Jonathan Fields introduces The Unresolution, a calmer, more reliable way to change that replaces rigid promises with fun and forgiving experiments, kind reflection, and compassion. This episode is for anyone who wants genuine growth without burnout, shame, or starting over yet again.Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode:You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.Find all of the New Year three-part mini-series episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing up as your true self is terrifying, but it’s also the unlock key for so much of what makes your life good. Through powerful stories and research-backed insights, this conversation reveals why showing up as your real self unlocks extraordinary possibilities, and how embracing imperfection creates deeper connections than striving for perfection ever could. Whether you're leading a team, raising children, or pursuing creative work, you'll discover practical tools for choosing courage over comfort and building genuine connections in a world that often fears being real.You can find Brené at: Website | Instagram | Brené's Podcasts | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about bringing your whole self to your life.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don’t have to erase yourself to feel more alive. Nor do you have to deny your past or who you truly are. What if the secret to real transformation isn't becoming someone new, but understanding who you already are? This episode challenges the "clean slate" myth of New Year's change, revealing why treating your past as valuable data rather than baggage unlocks genuine, lasting growth.Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode:You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.Find all of the New Year three-part mini-series episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you tired of never feeling good enough? In this insightful Best of conversation, psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, author of How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists, shares strategies to escape the perfectionism trap. Learn how to pursue excellence without harsh self-criticism, shift from rigid rules to living by your core values, and make room for imperfection - allowing you to live the life you truly want.You can find Ellen at: Website | Instagram | How to Be Good to Yourself When You're Hard on Yourself Substack | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ellen about overcoming social anxiety.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How I made peace with the sound in my head, turned my inner tormentor into one of my greatest teachers, learned to live with uncertainty, and tamed relentless anxiety.Through his story, Jonathan reveals how an unexpected approach became not just his salvation but a powerful tool for living well amid uncertainty, offering listeners both inspiration and practical guidance—including a special guided meditation practice to bring peace and open your heart.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the shame you carry isn't just from one event, but layers of experiences that typical healing approaches can't touch?Dr. Zoe Shaw reveals why some people remain trapped in patterns of shame despite outward success, and shares a revolutionary framework for healing what she calls "complex shame" from her book "Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame." Learn why traditional advice about vulnerability sometimes falls short, how shame lives in your body, and practical steps to transform your relationship with yourself and others.You can find Zoe at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Lori Gottlieb about understanding your emotional narratives and rewriting the stories you live by.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Code

Toy designer and RISD professor Cas Holman shows how rediscovering play can help adults build resilience, spark creativity, and forge deeper connections in an achievement-focused world.In this revealing conversation about her book "Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity," Holman shares practical ways to embrace uncertainty through play and explains why putting down our phones might be the first step toward reclaiming our natural capacity for joy.You can find Cas at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Debbie Millman about designing a life through creativity and story.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From breakthrough AI diagnostics to personalized immunotherapy treatments, cancer care is undergoing a revolution that's already saving lives.Dr. Ross Levine, Chief Scientific Officer at Memorial Sloan Kettering, shares how new technologies are helping doctors detect cancer earlier, treat it more effectively, and transform what was once untreatable into manageable conditions. Whether you're navigating cancer personally or professionally, this conversation offers crucial insights into the future of medicine and why there's unprecedented hope in cancer treatment today.You can find Ross at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Aca

What if the secret to a stronger relationship is breaking the "rules" everyone says you should follow?In this paradigm-shifting conversation, renowned therapist Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile reveals why sleeping apart, living separately, and other unconventional choices might actually deepen your connection. Learn why preventative relationship work matters more than crisis management, how to navigate family resistance to unconventional choices, and why giving your partner "the benefit of the doubt" could transform your relationship.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Julie and John Gottman about the science of lasting love and what makes relationships truly thrive.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a tattoo that changes color to warn you of health issues, or a watch that knows you're getting sick before you do.In this fascinating episode, we explore breakthrough biosensor technology with Imperial College's Ali Yetisen and precision medicine pioneer Michael Snyder, who reveal how real-time health monitoring is transforming from science fiction to reality. Learn how new technologies like smart tattoos, wearable devices, and advanced blood testing are revolutionizing healthcare, shifting us from treating illness to preventing it entirely through continuous, personalized health tracking.Episode TranscriptYou can find Michael at: WebsiteYou can find Ali at: WebsiteIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page

Three wisdom-keepers reveal how to navigate life's most devastating losses and emerge transformed.Death doula Alua Arthur, grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith, and community builder Cyndie Spiegel share powerful insights on finding meaning after loss, creating healing rituals, and discovering unexpected moments of joy even in darkness. Learn practical tools for processing grief, supporting others through loss, and transforming pain into deeper connection with life.Episode TranscriptYou can find Alua at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with AluaYou can find Claire at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with ClaireYou can find Cyndie at: Website | Dear Grown Ass Women | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with CyndieCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Host

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing heart disease prevention and treatment with Dr. Ami Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology.From AI-powered early detection tools to personalized risk prediction, learn how new technologies are making quality cardiac care more accessible while preserving the essential human element of medicine. Dr. Bhatt shares fascinating insights about the innovations transforming cardiovascular health today and her vision for even more remarkable advances coming in the next five years.You can find Ami at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesWatch Jonathan's new TEDxBould

In this soul-stirring conversation, bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert reveals the transformative practice of "Letters from Love" - a simple yet profound writing ritual that helped her emerge from her darkest moments and has since touched thousands of lives. Liz shares how to access unconditional love through pen and paper, offering a practical pathway to self-compassion that cuts through the noise of self-judgment and opens the door to genuine self-acceptance.You can find Liz at: Website | Letters From Love with Elizabeth Gilbert | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about navigating love and loss and finding lightness again.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Watch Jonathan's new TEDxBoulder Talk on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zUAM-euiVI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Dr. Adeel Khan reveals why many current stem cell therapies may be based on outdated science, and introduces a revolutionary discovery from Japan that could transform medicine: Muse cells.From cutting-edge peptide therapies to gene treatments that could reverse aging, this episode explores how regenerative medicine is making science fiction real, and why these breakthrough treatments might soon be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.You can find Adeel at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesWatch Jonathan's new TEDxBoulder Talk on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zUAM-euiVI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f

From punk rock revolutionary to bridge-builder, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco reveals how being canceled by her own community transformed her approach to activism and art.This intimate conversation explores how to maintain fierce convictions while fostering revolutionary love, featuring vulnerable insights about evolving activism, DIY independence, and creating change through music and dialogue in an age of deepening divides.Watch this conversation on YouTubeYou can find Ani at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Zoe Boekbinder, joined by Ani DiFranco and Nathen Brown, about The Prison Music Project—a powerful collaboration born inside New Folsom Prison that became the album Long Time Gone, produced by Ani and featuring songs written with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated musicians.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount