Have you ever felt chained to your phone, answering every message, every call, every ping—immediately? Michael shares a personal revelation on how the demand for instant replies has become a modern tyranny, shaping our anxiety, our relationships, and even our sense of self-worth.
From missed calls that led to €300 fines to the quiet fear of being unreachable when someone needs us, this episode explores why we struggle to pause, and what the Stoics, emotional intelligence, and modern thinkers might teach us about reclaiming our time.
Because sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is wait before you respond.
In this episode:
– The hidden cost of always being reachable
– What the Stoics would say about immediacy
– Fear of missing out versus the courage to pause
– Practical steps to free yourself from instant response habits
Michael also admits this is a lesson he’s still learning, reminding us that even those who teach these ideas must practice them daily.
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11:19
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11:19
Letters Never Sent
In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we share a reflective conversation from our companion series, Echoes from the Margins.
Have you ever drafted a message you never sent, or replayed words you never spoke aloud? This episode, Letters Never Sent, explores the unspoken truths we carry: the letters tucked away, the messages deleted, the conversations rehearsed but left unspoken.
Through gentle storytelling, Stoic insights, and reflections on modern psychology, we explore why some words remain unspoken, why some truths wait for the right moment, and how silence can be an act of wisdom, boundary, or hope.
We also reflect on the power of restraint in a noisy world that demands constant reaction, and how sometimes, not saying something can be as powerful as speaking out.
If you have ever felt the weight of unspoken words or wondered whether silence can be an act of love, this conversation is for you.
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11:02
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11:02
Quiet Pride: The Cost of Belonging
In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we step into the reflective space of our companion series Echoes from the Margins to explore Pride—not just as a parade, but as a quiet, daily act of presence and truth.
We look at how Pride is celebrated, resisted, and quietly held across the world, from cities where flags wave freely to places where truth can be dangerous. We also pause to honour older LGBTQ+ voices who paved the way for today’s freedoms, yet often find themselves overlooked at the edges of the rainbow.
This episode weaves Stoic insights, indigenous perspectives, and gentle storytelling to explore a question many of us face: What does it cost to belong? And how can we belong to ourselves without apology?
If you’ve felt the tension between who you are and who the world wants you to be, this conversation is for you.
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14:51
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14:51
The Myth of Balance: Why Life Is Never in Perfect Equilibrium
In a world full of stress management workshops and resilience toolkits, are we missing the point of what it truly means to endure?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael challenges the quick-fix culture that tells us to seek “work-life balance” as the ultimate goal, and instead invites us to discover a deeper, Stoic approach to living with composure and purpose, even when life doesn’t give us easy options.
With insights from ancient philosophy and the quiet courage of voices like Etty Hillesum, this conversation will leave you questioning the myth of balance, exploring how to prioritise what truly matters, and discovering how to stand steady in a world that rarely feels even.
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12:15
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12:15
"Shadowed by Insecurity: Navigating a Boss Who Fears Your Talent"
Have you ever worked under a boss who micromanages, takes credit for your work, and treats your talents as threats? In this insightful episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the dynamics behind bosses driven by insecurity, envy, and fear. Drawing on timeless Stoic wisdom, modern psychology, and the latest insights from emotional intelligence experts, this episode offers powerful strategies for navigating challenging workplace relationships while protecting your emotional health and professional integrity.
You'll learn how to recognise and manage these difficult dynamics, build authentic allies, and maintain clarity and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you're currently experiencing a challenging leadership situation or aiming to understand past experiences better, this episode will equip you with practical insights and the reassurance that your competence and talent should always shine.
If this resonates, please share, like, and subscribe. Your support helps us reach others who need to hear these messages.
Stay steady, and mind the gap!
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.
Ireland