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 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.
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10:13
Building Inner Strength: The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Society
We all need resilience, but who is responsible for building it? In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the shared responsibility of fostering resilience in the next generation.
Drawing on the wisdom of Stoicism, the practical tools of emotional intelligence, and the insights of modern psychology, he examines how parents, educators, and society shape our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of life’s challenges.
As we approach the holiday season—a time filled with joy but often burdened by unrealistic expectations—Michael offers thoughtful reflections on embracing imperfection, supporting others, and strengthening our inner foundation.
Join the conversation and learn how to build resilience moment by moment for yourself and those in your orbit.
Key Takeaways:
What the Stoics teach us about responding to life’s challenges.How emotional intelligence helps us navigate adversity.Practical insights from modern psychology, including the power of grit.Tips for managing holiday pressures with compassion and balance.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others discover Mind the Gap. Together, we can foster resilience in ourselves and the world around us.
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11:50
The Courage to Be You: Beyond the Illusion of Safety
Conformity often feels like a safe choice—it promises comfort, belonging, and ease. But is that safety real, or is it an illusion?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the hidden costs of conformity and the courage it takes to break free from the false self we create to fit in.
Drawing from personal experiences, Stoic philosophy, and modern psychology, Michael uncovers how conformity silences our voices, stifles individuality, and distances us from our true selves.
He shares actionable insights to help you recognise where conformity is holding you back, embrace your authenticity, and create spaces where others feel safe to do the same.
This episode will challenge you to rethink the comfort of blending in and inspire you to take one small step toward being authentic.
Key Takeaways:
Why conformity creates the illusion of safety—and what it costs us.How to recognise when you're living a "false self."Practical tools to embrace authenticity and foster psychological safety.Insights from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Daniel Goleman, and Viktor Frankl.
Tune in and discover:
The courage it takes to be you—and why the world needs your unique voice.
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