Listening

Mel and Stacy bond and have this great repartee – makes it easy to listen to and remember her tips about morning protein coffee, creatine and weightlifting. After I heard this episode, I changed both how I eat and work out. Somehow it’s less stressful than ever and I have better results. I’ve never felt so strong so Thanks Stacy Sims!

Ladies, we were screwed by male-dominated science! This episode is still being quoted two years after it came out, informing us on all the myths we suffered under and never questioned, because nobody gave us anything to question them with. I finished it angry, which turned out to be the useful part.

Mel and Dr. Coughlin reveal what three things we can do now to age slower. Through his explanation of 8000 day intervals in our lives, it’s confirmed that this 8000 day term can be better and more fun than we imagined.

Jane Fonda was the first fitness guru I ever paid attention to, and at 88 she says she does the same exercises — just not quite so heavy, not quite so fast. Here she’s honest about regretting the plastic surgery, which women in her position don’t admit out loud. Not from this episode, but it’s why I love her: she went to a gala, then posted a photo the next morning still in the gown, hair everywhere, because she lives alone and couldn’t get out of it.

I knew Pollan from his food writing, then he turned to psychedelics — and I came to it already curious, already researching. What makes him worth reading is that he doesn’t arrive as a believer or a debunker. He describes what these substances did for him around grief and trauma, what he got wrong, and where he’d warn you off. I trust him.

What I appreciated was that Oprah brought experts from each side of the fence. Joshua Coleman gave me perspective and helped me understand estrangement — that it is sometimes the right call, and that when it isn’t, it can hurt everyone involved for decades. There’s a trend today of young people cutting off relationships in the moment, and it is traumatic for the parents and siblings it affects. Hearing both cases made me think harder about my own.

This is a great podcast to understand WHAT Stoicism is and how to use it to be calm, to take action when its required. The four virtues of stoicism are courage, self-discipline, justice & wisdom. It’s 3000 year old way of life and the principles help me every day. “What is standing in the way, becomes the way” — Marcus Aurelius — is Glimmer and Grit pure.

If Dr. Bessel van der Kolk taught me the science of trauma. Gabor Maté taught me what to do with it when there’s an actual person standing in front of me. He explores identity and healing with real compassion, including the hardest question, why children grow up to do bad things. His answer starts early: when a child’s need to be seen isn’t met, they learn to hide the parts that didn’t get a welcome, and become whoever seems most likely to be loved. Understanding that has helped me forgive people, and stop taking so much personally.

I always admired Sharon Stone but didn’t know she had a massive stroke a few years ago. With an IQ of 154, her intellect and eloquence describing her experience, the death of her mother and letting go of expectations — is inspiring and helpful. Anderson Coopers podcast is about loss and grief, something we have to face a lot of in this chapter of life.

Mo lays out both a dystopian and a utopian path, including AI enabling universal healthcare access. He has a combination of AI expertise and humanism, and lays out the possibilities and dangers and what we – every one of us – can do to steer this new age in the direction we choose.

Mollick has no stake in either the hype or the doom, which is why I trust him. His case is conditional and I like that: IF we learn to use these tools well — for actual learning, and built not to flatter us — THEN the future gets genuinely good. The IF is the part that’s up to us.The

In this townhall podcast Oprah leads a discussion balancing warnings with a utopian vision where tech is a partner to unlock human potential. She discusses AI’s role in healthcare specifically — removing clerical burdens to allow for deeper, more personal patient connections. She urges optimism and steering AI toward innovation and society rather than fear.

Tristan Harris is an AI ethicist who argues for regulation. What stayed with me was his account of what the tech bro builders building this actually believe when you press them: that the replacement of biological life by digital life is inevitable, and fine. He describes it as the thrill of lighting a fire to see what happens. It’s dark! But he and also ,I don’t think it is inevitable. We must push for regulation and use our voices to use AI for the good of humanity. That is why I listen to him.

I’ve read and recommend all Harari’s books. In this podcast you get a feel for his knowledge of human history, his pragmatism and conservative optimism about the future.

Tony Robbins used to be too much GOGOGO for me. And after listening to his story here and feeling his authenticity — at least on this show — he moved me. Here, he brings his story and views on AI, potential and dangers.

Priya brings many ideas to the table to embrace connection with friends, family and co-workers — to create moments that feel joyful and unforgettable. All the ideas are easy to implement and sound like fun with the added plus of bonding and becoming closer.

Brene Brown and her sisters talk about slowly losing their mom to dementia and holding on to each other. They talk about loss, dementia, grief, and how we try to choose laughter and therapy over a fist fight when things get really tough.

Jose Andres is an accomplished Michelin chef who pivoted to become a humanitarian chef and displaced peoples advocate. His World Central Kitchen has fed millions of desperate people in war and natural catastrophe zones. It’s not just about feeding the needy, it’s having compassion and respecting the integrity of all. Trevor Noah’s South African roots understand this completely, and a great conversation is the outcome.

This very likeable behavioral scientist was also the consultant for the kids movie Inside Out. She enthusiastically talks with Steven about how our brains process information, feelings, memories, and gives easy to understand tips on better communication, real connection, negotiation skills and difficult conversations!

David Brooks’ voice calms me and gives me hope. His experience as a NYTimes Op-Ed writer since decades and author of several books, most notably “How To Know A Person”, helped me to not take things personally and have patience, to listen better and be present for my humans.

Anne Lamott — huge writer hero of mine! Her life story, her humility and her humor always make me smile and nod. Her outlook on life and how we can deal with it and stay sane (after some ranting) motivate me in life practices and also, in my own writing.