The One You Feed

In this episode, Adam Alter discusses the science of getting unstuck and learning to know when to keep going or when to let go. He explores why people get stuck in areas like work, creativity, and personal growth, and discuss the psychological and cultural factors behind feeling stuck. Adam also shares practical strategies for getting unstuck, such as breaking big goals into smaller steps, embracing curiosity, and taking action - even imperfectly. The conversation highlights the importance of acceptance, mindset shifts, collaboration, and self-compassion in overcoming plateaus and sparking breakthroughs.

Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

Exploration vs. Exploitation: The two-step process for achieving creative breakthroughs.

The concept of "stuckness" in various life aspects, including creativity, work, and relationships.

Psychological vs. physical stuckness and the emotional toll it takes.

Cultural differences in perceptions of change and stuckness (Eastern vs. Western perspectives).

The importance of acceptance and mindset in overcoming feelings of being stuck.

Strategies for breaking large goals into manageable tasks to maintain motivation.

The "plateau effect" and how to navigate periods of stalled progress.

The role of curiosity in fostering creativity and challenging the status quo.

The significance of action and starting small to overcome inertia.

The impact of physical movement and changing environments on mental clarity and creativity.

For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Adam Alter, check out these other episodes:

How to Create Emotional Agility with Susan David

Thomas Sterner on How to Be Fully Engaged

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠David Protein⁠ bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to ⁠www.davidprotein.com/FEED⁠

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In this episode, Amanda Montell explores the age of magical overthinking and why our minds keep doubling down. She discusses how cognitive biases and irrational thinking shape our perceptions and behaviors in the information age. Amanda also explains shine theory, zero-sum and sunk cost biases, and the allure of manifestation and conspiracy thinking. Through personal stories and humor, Amanda and Eric discuss how understanding these mental patterns can help us navigate modern life more consciously and compassionately.

Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

Exploration of cognitive biases and their impact on modern thinking.

Discussion of irrational thinking in the information age.

Examination of the parable of the two wolves and its implications for personal behavior.

Analysis of the shine theory and its relevance to social dynamics, particularly among women.

Insights into the sunk cost fallacy and its effects on decision-making in relationships.

Critique of manifestation beliefs and their parallels to conspiracy thinking.

The role of storytelling in human cognition and its influence on self-perception.

The relationship between overconfidence bias and self-assessment.

Challenges of navigating modern life with evolved cognitive shortcuts.

The impact of social media on decision-making and personal narratives.

For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

Connect with the show:


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If you enjoyed this conversation with Amanda Montell, check out these other episodes:

Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni

The Purpose of Emotions and Why We’re Not Wired for Happiness with Anders Hansen

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

David Protein bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to www.davidprotein.com/FEED

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AuraFrames.com /FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter –  by using promo code FEED at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, and frames sell out fast,  so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays!
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In this episode, Gretchen Rubin shares how to go from chaos to calm and why your environment shapes your habits and happiness. She explores how organizing and decluttering physical spaces can boost mental clarity and emotional well-being. Gretchen also shares practical strategies for habit change, discusses individual differences in preferences for order, and explains how small environmental tweaks can make positive behaviors easier. The conversation also covers managing possessions, letting go of outdated identities, and making intentional life choices.

Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

The relationship between outer order (organization and decluttering) and inner calm (mental and emotional well-being).

The impact of small environmental changes on habits, mood, and productivity.

The concept of “feeding the good wolf” from the parable of two wolves, emphasizing intentional living.

The significance of setting intentions or themes for the new year, such as choosing a “word of the year.”

The role of “ignition costs” in habit formation and how reducing friction can facilitate positive behaviors.

The varying responses individuals have to clutter and organization, including “clutter blind” individuals and “abundance lovers.”

The importance of monitoring habits and recognizing progress to encourage continued growth.

Strategies for managing possessions and making decisions about what to keep or discard.

The psychological challenges of letting go of items tied to past identities or aspirations.

The concept of “choosing the bigger life” as a decision-making framework to guide intentional choices.

For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

Connect with the show:


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If you enjoyed this conversation with Gretchen Rubin, check out these other episodes:

Living Skillfully with Gretchen Rubin (2020)

Designing a Life That Supports You: Presence, Beauty, and the Power of Environment with Nate Berkus

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠Hungry Root⁠: For a limited time, get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to www.hungryroot.com/feed  and use code FEED.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AuraFrames.com /FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter –  by using promo code FEED at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, and frames sell out fast,  so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uncommon Goods ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠has something for everyone – you’ll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll be supporting artists and small, independent businesses. To get 15% off your next gift, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNCOMMONGOODS.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, Jay Vidyarthi discusses how to reclaim your mind and build a healthier relationship with technology. He explores common pitfalls—like avoidance, anxiety, and judgment—and shares practical strategies for using digital tools consciously. Jay emphasizes personal agency, setting boundaries, and the value of both online and offline connections. This conversation challenges the idea that technology is inherently good or bad, instead encouraging listeners to cultivate awareness, compassion, and intentional habits to foster well-being and authentic relationships in a tech-driven world.

Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

The relationship between technology and mindfulness.

The tension between the desire for genuine connection and the allure of digital devices.

The concept of technology as neither inherently good nor bad, but shaped by our relationship with it.

Strategies for engaging with technology mindfully, as discussed in Jay Viviani's book.

The "two wolves" parable and its implications for attention and emotional awareness.

The importance of clarity and awareness in managing emotions related to technology use.

The role of meditation and mindfulness practices in cultivating a healthier relationship with technology.

The impact of societal narratives on perceptions of technology and its users.

The significance of personal agency in setting boundaries and making conscious choices regarding technology.

The potential for technology to meet emotional and social needs when approached mindfully.

For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

Connect with the show:


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheOneYouFeedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Jay Vidyarthi, please check out these other episodes:

The Hidden Costs of Technology and Our Search for Selfhood with Vauhini Vara

Distracted or Empowered? Rethinking Our Relationship with Technology with Pete Etchells

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

Hungry Root: For a limited time, get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to www.hungryroot.com/feed  and use code FEED.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AuraFrames.com /FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter –  by using promo code FEED at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, and frames sell out fast,  so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uncommon Goods ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠has something for everyone – you’ll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll be supporting artists and small, independent businesses. To get 15% off your next gift, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNCOMMONGOODS.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the luxury of doing less, Overwhelm Is Optional offers simple tools you can use in under ten minutes a day. Learn more at⁠⁠⁠ oneyoufeed.net/overwhelm⁠⁠⁠

Help us make the podcast better—share your input in a short survey:: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank You!

In this second part of the 2-part episode with James Clear, we explore practical, research-backed strategies for habit formation, including making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Through personal stories and examples, they discuss how environment, social groups, and small behavioral tweaks can help build good habits and break bad ones. The episode emphasizes starting small, celebrating progress, and designing supportive surroundings, offering listeners actionable advice for lasting behavior change.

Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

Practical strategies for habit formation and behavior change

The role of environment in shaping habits

Techniques for making habits obvious and accessible

The concept of habit stacking (anchoring new habits to existing ones)

The importance of social groups and community in habit adoption

The impact of technology on finding supportive communities for habit change

The significance of reducing friction for positive habits and increasing friction for negative ones

The “two-minute rule” for simplifying habit initiation

The emotional payoff and satisfaction associated with habits

The importance of tracking progress and celebrating small victories in habit formation

For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

Connect with the show:


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheOneYouFeedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Katy Milkman, check out these other episodes:

⁠⁠How to Stay Motivated with Ayelet Fishbach⁠⁠

⁠⁠Tiny Habits for Behavior Change with BJ Fogg⁠⁠

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AuraFrames.com /FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter –  by using promo code FEED at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, and frames sell out fast,  so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uncommon Goods ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠has something for everyone – you’ll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll be supporting artists and small, independent businesses. To get 15% off your next gift, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNCOMMONGOODS.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Post your job for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/oneyoufeed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Terms and conditions apply.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices