Welcome to “Mind the Gap,” the podcast where ancient wisdom and modern emotional intelligence converge. I’m Michael Comyn, and with 38 years of experience in em...
The Good Old Days Were Complicated: A Truthful Look at Nostalgia
We all love to reminisce—simpler times, kinder people, and a world that made more sense. But were the “good old days” really as good as we remember, or has nostalgia softened the rough edges of reality?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the nature of nostalgia, its power, pitfalls, and why we crave it most in times of uncertainty. We use Stoicism, emotional intelligence, and psychology to understand why we long for the past and how we can embrace its lessons without losing sight of the present.
Expect reflections from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Søren Kierkegaard, and C.S. Lewis, alongside modern psychological insights into how nostalgia can serve as a refuge and a trap. Whether you find yourself longing for a bygone era or questioning the rose-coloured memories of those around you, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you engage with the past.
Join the conversation. Are you using nostalgia as a source of strength, or is it holding you back? Let us know what you think. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might need this perspective today.
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10:59
Ubuntu, Confucius, and Brehon Law: Redefining Leadership
Leadership isn't just about power and strategy but values, wisdom, and connection.
However, Western corporate and military traditions have shaped leadership models for too long. What happens when we step beyond that framework?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore leadership teachings from cultures and traditions often overlooked in modern discourse.
From the collective decision-making of Indigenous governance to the Confucian ideals of moral duty, from the African philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—to the decentralized and justice-driven leadership of Brehon Law in early Ireland, we uncover alternative perspectives on what it truly means to lead.
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8:47
The Myth of Certainty: How to Navigate Life’s Unpredictability
We all crave certainty—it makes life feel safe, predictable, and in control. But what if our need for certainty is limiting us? What if embracing the unknown is the key to resilience, growth, and better decision-making?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore certainty's psychological, philosophical, and emotional side—why we seek it, how it shapes our thinking, and what happens when we learn to let go. We dive into insights from existentialist philosophy, modern psychology, emotional intelligence, and Viktor Frankl's paradoxical intention, showing how our obsession with control can sometimes worsen fear.
We'll also examine real-world examples—fear of flying, fear of public speaking, career decisions, and relationships—where the need for certainty plays a decisive role. Most importantly, we'll share practical strategies for expanding your comfort zone and confidently navigating uncertainty.
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11:55
No Regrets, Just Lessons: Rethinking Our Biggest Mistakes
We all make mistakes—some small, some life-changing. But what if we stopped seeing them as failures and started viewing them as lessons?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore how to rethink mistakes through the lens of Stoicism, emotional intelligence, modern psychology, and spiritual wisdom.
From wrong career moves to poor financial decisions and failed relationships, we unpack how setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones.
You’ll also hear real-life examples of famous figures who turned their biggest failures into their biggest comebacks.
Because mistakes don’t define us—our ability to learn from them does.
Key Quotes from This Episode:
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” – Seneca“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson“The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect.” – Warren Buffett
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10:22
The Noble Trap: Rethinking Goals That Aren’t Truly Ours
As we approach 2025, the pressure to set new goals and resolutions begins to build. But how often are those goals indeed ours?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, host Michael Comyn explores the concept of noble goals and the hidden traps that can undermine even the most well-intentioned aspirations.
Drawing on Robert Kegan’s groundbreaking work on Immunity to Change and the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy, Michael unpacks why some goals inspire us while others leave us feeling stuck. Are your goals too big, too small, or even imposed by someone else? How can you set meaningful, actionable goals that reflect your actual values?
This thought-provoking episode will inspire you to rethink your goal-setting approach—just in time for the new year. Whether you’re crafting professional ambitions or personal resolutions, this conversation is for anyone seeking clarity and purpose in 2025.
Welcome to “Mind the Gap,” the podcast where ancient wisdom and modern emotional intelligence converge. I’m Michael Comyn, and with 38 years of experience in emotional intelligence, I’m excited to bring you this exploration of how Stoic philosophy can illuminate our contemporary challenges.
You might also recognize my voice from a different context—I’ve been the one reminding passengers to “Mind the Gap” on public transport across Ireland for the past 25 years. It’s a phrase that’s taken on a new meaning in this podcast, as we delve into the gap between our emotions and reality.
In each episode, we’ll bridge the gap between the timeless insights of Stoic philosophers and the latest understandings of emotional intelligence. I’ll share practical tools and strategies to help you manage feelings, enhance self-awareness, and build resilience.
Join me as we explore how these ancient teachings can provide clarity and guidance for today’s emotional landscape. Let’s close the gap together, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth, one episode at a time.