What is a Good Life?

• What is a Good Life? #108 - The Creative Power Of Attention with Ruth McCarthy

  On the 108th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Ruth McCarthy. Reading Nancy Kline’s book Time to Think, meeting her in 2008, and experiencing for the first time the power of uninterrupted attention set Ruth on a completely new path in life in her early 50s. Challenging our limiting assumptions takes practice, and listening with the promise of no interruption can transform our relationships and results. Inspired by this, Ruth founded her consultancy, Think It Through, and as Global Faculty at Time to Think, she works with individuals and organisations across corporate, public, and non-profit sectors. Her mission? To listen to inspire deep trust, communication, and the courage to think for yourself in an increasingly polarised and volatile world. In this wonderful conversation, Ruth shares her journey of self-discovery and the liberation that comes from embracing one's true self and observing what we are becoming. She emphasises the importance of attention and self-awareness in navigating life's complexities. We delve into the significance of ease in conversations, the impact of suppressed feelings on our well-being, and the transformative powers of thinking for oneself, curiosity, and listening.This episode invites you to slow down, challenge your assumptions, and truly pay attention—to yourself and those around you. By doing so, you might just open the door to a life of possibility that continually surprises you.For further content and information check out the following:- Ruth's website: www.thinkitthrough.co.uk- Ruth's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthmccarthy100/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversationsContact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:00 Who am I becoming?08:10 Increasing self-awareness and big changes12:40 The quality of our thinking and attention 15:25 Ease and letting go of the rush23:49 Draining our energy by suppressing emotions29:12 The experience of major shifts in perspective37:14 The freedom in paying attention to now47:10 A way of being not just a practice55:25 Becoming a good ancestor58:45 What is a good life for Ruth?

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• What is a Good Life? #107 - Holding The Hand Of Love with Ben Bushill

  On the 107th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Ben Bushill. Ben is a writer, spoken word artist and ceremony holder. His passion is the remembrance and sanctification of our human lives as we try to understand our place and our belonging in the vast unfolding web of existence. In his work as a poet he aims to bring us to the place where we can be grateful and humble before the truth of our undeniable vulnerability and humanity. His ceremonial work with marriages, memorials, ritual and circles of wise love is a way for us to feel and honour the key moments of our lives beyond ideas of religion or alignment. He has been a student of a Sufi mystery school for the last twenty years and is currently setting the foundations for the establishment of a new school. In this enlightening conversation, Ben shares his journey of balancing the divine and the ordinary, alongside his ongoing inquiry into how he will meet each day. We explore the paradox of being deeply connected to life yet alone, the softening of the heart, and the link between vulnerability, the unknown, and aliveness. We also discuss the expression of our essence in shaping our purpose and the challenges of being human, all the while holding onto the hand of love.This conversation feels like a love letter to the human experience, embracing its struggles while celebrating its wonder. I suspect it will leave you feeling more at home in your own life.For further content and information check out the following:- Ben's website: https://www.benbushill.com/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversationsContact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:00 How do I meet this day?07:30 Balancing the divine and ordinary sense of life11:58 The paradox of being alone and connected17:40 The tenderising of the human heart24:40 The vulnerability of the unknown28:20 The love of your own essence36:00 The longing of your soul 40:30 Vulnerability and aliveness43:00 Your purpose is your essence51:40 Navigating the paradox58:30 Embracing the symphony of life1:00:40 What is a good life for Ben?

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• What is a Good Life? #106 - Exploring Meaning In The Universe with Mona Sobhani, Ph.D.

  On the 106th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Mona Sobhani, Ph.D. Mona is a cognitive neuroscientist, author, and entrepreneur. A former research scientist at the University of Southern California (USC), she holds a doctorate in neuroscience from USC and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University. She is the author of the Ommie 2022 Best Spiritual Book Proof of Spiritual Phenomena: A Neuroscientist’s Discovery of the Ineffable Mysteries of the Universe, which is also a recipient of the 2023 Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize. In her newsletter, Cosmos, Coffee, & Consciousness, she writes about science & spirituality, altered states of consciousness, emergent phenomena, and self-transformation. She is co-founder of The Phoenix Era, a multidisciplinary coaching practice for those seeking deeper meaning and connection. She is also co-founder of Exploring Consciousness, a community of curious scientists seeking to understand consciousness. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, VOX, and other media outlets.In this enlightening conversation, Mona shares her experience of reconnecting with a sense of a meaningful universe and the impact it has had on her life. We discuss how to find inner peace amidst chaos, the role of synchronicity in shaping meaning, the influence of family and tradition, and the exploration of past lives and emotional release.This whole conversation invites you to explore meaning and reconnect with nature and the universe in a way that brings more flow, curiosity, and flexibility to your life experience.For further content and information check out the following:- Mona's website: https://www.monasobhaniphd.com/- Mona's newsletter: https://monasobhaniphd.substack.com/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversationsContact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:00 How to find peace & serve others07:00 Finding your centre amidst chaos & life16:00 Unravelling sense of control & understanding 21:40 Realising the Universe is a meaningful place28:00 Noting fortune telling moments in the family31:40 Connecting with yourself and the universe41:00 The significance of synchronicity 45:53 Past life regressions01:02:54 What is a good life for Mona? 

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• What is a Good Life? #105 - Exploring The Depths Of Listening with Colin Smith

  On the 105th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Colin Smith. Colin is a specialist in deep listening, presence, and profound attention, dedicated to creating spaces where individuals unlock their clarity and creativity. Known as The Listener, he brings over two decades of experience in guiding, facilitating, and coaching, helping people connect more deeply with themselves and others.Through his work, Colin empowers individuals and groups to feel truly seen and heard, unlocking insights and cultivating listening skills that lead to meaningful transformation. Colin’s approach is informed by extensive personal learning from works on listening, mindfulness, and human development. This depth allows him to craft environments where genuine insights emerge, helping people access new perspectives and deeper understanding.In this engaging conversation, Colin shares his journey towards embodying the art of listening, emphasising the power of being present, agenda-free, and genuinely curious about others. We delve into how quality listening can strengthen relationships, alleviate loneliness, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we explore the subtle dynamics of human interaction and the importance of authenticity in conversations, offering practical insights for cultivating a more compassionate and attentive approach to communication.This episode invites you to embrace the profound potential of truly listening—to honour our shared humanity and recognise how it can deepen our connections and enrich our relationships.For further content and information check out the following: - Colin's website: www.dexteritysolutions.co.uk - Colin's LinkedIn: www.uk.linkedin.com/in/colindsmith1 - For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversationsContact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction 03:15 Becoming then being the listener10:55 Understanding the importance of presence18:43 Lack of listening and loss of connection24:58 Moments that make a big difference29:03 Conversations with authenticity and transparency 34:49 The subtlety of listening and self-awareness42:42 Asking each other what we need45:33 The impact of attention in communication53:46 The intention to listen58:15 Sharing our humanity1:00:13 What is a good life for Colin?

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• What is a Good Life? #104 - Awareness Of Life's Fragility with Karen Maurice-O’Leary

  On the 104th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Karen (Kaz) Maurice-O’Leary. Kaz is a highly awarded brand storyteller and wellbeing leadership speaker, recognised for promoting human-first environments and their impact on innovation. A New Zealander living in California, she has had an international career in advertising and creative technology with major brands and Fortune 500 companies.Her roles have included Creative Product Lead at Meta LA, Creative Director at TBWA and a co-founder of a successful agency that was acquired. A pivotal moment was inspired by almost, unknowingly missing the last meal of her husband's homemade Bolognese, leading her to create The Bolognese Philosophy, a workplace wellbeing initiative.In this incredibly life-affirming conversation, Kaz shares her journey of processing the grief following her husband's death. She reflects on her realisations from almost missing their last meal together, to the significance of recognising the small moments, being present, and appreciating the privilege of intimately knowing those in our lives. Kaz underscores the importance of embracing life's fragility, not taking anything for granted, and how whole life can feel when we can hold both its beauty and grief simultaneously.This conversation felt like a profound gift, and I believe it will leave you with a deeper awareness of life's uncertainties, along with an invitation to focus on what is here, right now.For further content and information check out the following:- Kaz's company: https://bolognesephilosophy.com/ - Kaz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmauriceoleary/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversationsContact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:00 What do we attach our self worth to?06:20 The sense burnout is coming09:15 How has poor well-being become normal?14:19 Identifying too much with our jobs18:00 Engaging with grief21:36 Almost missing the last meal25:40 Recognising the small moments31:00 The privilege of intimately knowing33:40 The feeling of connection from beyond 40:30 Sharing stories, grief, and connection45:30 The processing of grief51:30 Holding beauty, grief, and the whole56:00 Assuming things last forever1:00:40 What is a good life for Kaz?

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