The One You Feed

Allison Aubrey discusses why midlife can be a period of rediscovery rather than winding down, and how to move beyond the traditional 'learn, earn, retire' script. She and Eric explore ways to reconnect with buried interests, shift from a performance mindset to play, and use dreams as clues to authentic desires. The conversation also covers how fear silences intuition and how to close the gap between knowing what’s good for us and actually doing it.

Jim Kwik discusses how daily practices shape our identity and brain function. He explains why we are always training our brains—whether towards focus or distraction—and offers practical strategies for building self-trust, protecting morning attention, and moving from work-life balance to work-life harmony. The conversation emphasizes small, intentional actions that compound into lasting change.

Jane Ratcliffe speaks with Eric about accepting what cannot be changed without giving up. After a traumatic brain injury altered her life, she spent years navigating debilitating symptoms while holding onto hope, joy, and gratitude. The conversation examines the balance between accepting reality and continuing to fight for change, how performing being okay can block support, and practices like self-forgiveness, imagination, and noticing interconnection. Jane's story frames acceptance not as surrender but as a way to make room for beauty, connection, and hope amid difficulty.

Elizabeth Dunn and Jiaying Zhao discuss their research on happiness and climate action, arguing that joyful choices can be more effective than guilt-based approaches. They explain how to find the 'sweet spot' where personal well-being and environmental impact align. The conversation covers food, shopping, travel, and the power of everyday actions to influence others. They emphasize that one meaningful change, rather than striving for perfection, is the best place to start.

Poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama joins Eric to explore how struggling with difficult emotions can become a source of wisdom. They discuss how fear and anger often signal deeper unmet needs, how to stay present with discomfort without being overwhelmed by it, and why some insights can only emerge over time. Ó Tuama also reflects on belonging, identity, and how healthy communities create space for disagreement and complex stories.

In this episode of The One You Feed, David Gandelman explores how to distinguish between intuition and anxiety, revealing that true intuition is a skill developed through practice, not a simple gut feeling. He discusses how fear, desire, and resistance can impersonate intuition, and how meditation helps reclaim energy lost to rumination and worry. Gandelman also addresses the tension between comfort and growth, emphasizing that acceptance is a gradual, layered process. The conversation offers practical tools for building inner resilience and experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions.

Eric Zimmer talks with Leslie John about why we often default to holding back and how opening up can build trust and deepen relationships. They explore the hidden costs of staying silent, why we overestimate the risks of speaking up, and practical ways to weigh the benefits of revealing more of ourselves. The conversation covers how validation makes difficult conversations more productive, why sharing feelings instead of arguing facts reduces conflict, and how revealing wisely is a skill anyone can strengthen with practice.

In this episode of The One You Feed, Eric Zimmer talks with DJ DiDonna about the life-changing potential of sabbaticals. DiDonna explains how extended time away from work differs from a vacation by offering space to reconnect with your identity, gain perspective, and envision your next chapter. He shares practical advice on planning years ahead to make a sabbatical realistic, and how to create meaningful breaks even when you can't take months off. The conversation covers burnout in meaningful work and the value of experimenting with new interests to reshape your sense of self.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford discusses how connection—sharing our stories, friendships, groups, and community—can help us heal what we can't heal alone. She explains how shame begins to loosen when we realize we aren't the only ones struggling, and how painful experiences can become part of our story without becoming our entire story. The conversation covers culturally responsive therapy, finding the right therapist, balancing self-improvement with self-acceptance, building adult friendships, self-silencing, and navigating conflict. Dr. Bradford also offers practical ways to work with everyday anxiety, including asking 'and what next?'

Cassandra Vieten explains that imagination isn't just for creativity — it's a constant mental simulation we use to anticipate the future, interpret the present, and narrate the past. She describes how to recognize when imagination turns against us (like in catastrophizing) and how to deliberately harness it through mental rehearsal, future-self exercises, and hope generation. The conversation also covers why screen saturation may be weakening our imaginative capacity and how to rebuild it as a trainable skill.

Eric Zimmer talks with Benjamin Todd about navigating career planning in the face of uncertainty and technological change. Benjamin challenges the common advice to "follow your passion" and outlines a more deliberate approach that emphasizes skills, meaningful impact, and small-scale experimentation. They discuss the five factors that research shows make work fulfilling, why we often remain in unsatisfying jobs longer than we should, and how to evaluate whether a career change is the right move. The conversation highlights that purpose and impact can be found even without a dramatic career overhaul.

David Brooks joins the show to discuss the art of seeing others deeply and being seen in return. He explores why the ability to make someone feel truly heard and understood may be one of the most essential skills we can develop. The conversation covers loneliness, depression, and the questions that lead to genuine connection. Brooks also shares how wise friends help us rewrite the narratives we carry about ourselves, and why humility and curiosity are central to bridging divides. The episode highlights the profound joy and meaning that comes from being truly known by another person.

David Brooks discusses why the ability to make someone feel truly seen and heard is one of the most important skills a person can develop. He explores how curiosity, deep questions, and the right kind of listening build genuine connection. The conversation touches on loneliness, depression, navigating difficult conversations, and how wise friends help us reshape our personal narratives. Brooks argues that being deeply known by another person is a profound source of meaning and joy.

Spencer Greenberg presents a framework organizing nearly 500 self-improvement methods into 12 core psychological strategies. Rather than chasing single breakthrough techniques, the episode explores how understanding the root cause of a problem—whether it's habit formation, fear, values misalignment, or distorted thinking—determines which tool will actually work. Greenberg draws from his book The 12 Levers and walks through practical applications including the ABC method for emotional clarity, analyzing past successes to build new habits, and the distinction between accepting reality versus approving of it.

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin dismantles the myth that self-care—meditation apps, bubble baths, wellness routines—can cure burnout on their own. The real problem isn't lack of self-care; it's unsustainable systems, misaligned values, and the inability to set boundaries. She offers a framework built on self-compassion, power reclamation, and choices that reflect what actually matters to you, not what the world demands.

Matthew Quick returns to discuss his memoir Dad, Love, Me, exploring how to choose love after a lifetime of hurt. He reflects on caring for a father who struggled to express love, examining how childhood wounds shape adult relationships, why healing doesn't require the apology we deserve, and how reclaiming our story can lead to greater compassion and freedom—even in deeply painful relationships.

Eric Zimmer discusses his book How a Little Becomes a Lot with Jordan Harbinger, exploring why lasting change comes from small, repeatable daily choices rather than dramatic breakthroughs. He shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery, explaining how all-or-nothing thinking derails progress and why reducing friction—not willpower—enables sustained behavior change. The conversation covers six ways we sabotage ourselves, the unreliability of motivation, and how flexibility over perfection sustains transformation over time.

Bruce Feiler explores why rituals have been essential to human life for thousands of years and why they're more important than ever in today's rapidly changing world. Drawing from his new book A Time to Gather, he explains how meaningful rituals can help us navigate grief, celebrate milestones, strengthen relationships, and create a greater sense of connection during life's biggest transitions. Along with host Eric Zimmer, he shares personal stories of loss and the healing power of gathering with intention.

Anne Lamott shares why perfectionism, the inner critic, and the search for validation keep us from the belonging we need, and explains how showing up in imperfect communities, paying attention to grace, and practicing self-compassion can lead to a more meaningful life.

Amy Kurtz shares her journey through years of misdiagnosis before receiving a late-stage Lyme disease diagnosis. She describes the destabilizing experience of living in the grey area between sickness and wellness and introduces her concept of Medical Trauma Brain, which captures the lasting neurological and emotional impact of chronic illness. Kurtz explains how the nervous system can remain on high alert even after physical symptoms improve, and offers practical strategies, including her Four Rs framework, to help people regulate their nervous system and reclaim agency over their health.

Paul Millerd joins Eric to explore why the life that looks successful on paper can feel empty. He shares his personal journey of leaving a corporate career and introduces the concept of the 'pathless path' — an alternative to traditional career trajectories. The conversation covers the tension between security and freedom, the weight of societal expectations, and how fear keeps people stuck in unfulfilling roles. Millerd also discusses self-awareness, redefining success, and the parable of the two wolves.

Simone Stolzoff explores why our brains crave certainty and how that instinct often fuels anxiety and overthinking. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, he explains why embracing the unknown can lead to greater resilience, better decisions, and deeper relationships. He outlines common psychological traps of certainty—comfort, hubris, and control—and offers practical strategies for navigating life’s inevitable uncertainty.

Dr. Julie Holland explains why genuine human connection has powerful effects on mental health and the nervous system. She discusses how disconnection keeps people stuck in fight-or-flight stress responses, why digital communication often fails to satisfy our biological need for social interaction, and how process addictions can stem from existential distress. She also touches on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and the importance of returning to face-to-face relationships.

Michelle Segar explores why all-or-nothing thinking often keeps people from exercising, and why the problem is usually not a lack of motivation or willpower. She explains how rigid standards, perfectionism, and the belief that workouts only count if done a certain way lead many to avoid movement altogether. Segar introduces the concept of “choice points”—the everyday moments when exercise is decided—and describes strategies for building flexibility and behavioral resilience. The conversation also covers why enjoyment is a stronger driver of long-term adherence than obligation, and how a varied “movement menu” can help sustain a more forgiving, consistent practice.

Dr. Rick Hanson explores the delicate balance between keeping the peace and speaking honestly in relationships. Drawing on his work as a psychologist and mindfulness teacher, he explains why avoiding difficult truths often damages the very harmony we seek to protect. The conversation covers practical strategies for taking responsibility for your own behavior, the power of empathy, and simple ways to strengthen connection through honest communication. Listeners will learn how small shifts in awareness can transform the dynamics of any relationship.

Alex Olshonsky explores compulsive thinking as a form of addiction rooted in avoiding difficult emotions. Drawing from his own recovery journey, he explains how overthinking hijacks attention, why the body holds the key to breaking the rumination cycle, and practical somatic practices that reconnect us with the present moment rather than endless mental loops.

Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer explores how to maintain trust in life after profound loss—the death of her son and father. Through daily poetry practice, spiritual teachings, and the concept of acceptance, she shares how to hold both grief and joy simultaneously. The episode centers on practical spiritual practices, the parable of the two wolves, and how small daily choices and reflective questions can guide us through life's darkest moments.

Diana Hill explores how regrets function as compass points toward our deepest values. Drawing from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Buddhist psychology, and modern research, she explains why the things that hurt most often reveal what we care about most. The episode covers how to work with regret without getting stuck in it, why discomfort signals meaningful alignment, and practical strategies for focusing energy on what truly matters.

Michael Bungay Stanier shares the story behind self-publishing his bestselling book The Coaching Habit after multiple rejections, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. He explains core coaching principles: taming the advice monster, staying curious longer, and asking better questions instead of offering solutions. The conversation explores paradoxes in coaching—balancing confidence with humility, being both fierce and loving—and personal growth work like integrating one’s shadow side. He also reflects on holding outcomes lightly while caring deeply, and the unpredictability of creative success.

Lodro Rinzler discusses how guilt, shame, and other negative emotions can become mistaken for our identity, and how meditation can help us recognize our inherent goodness. He introduces the Buddhist concept that we are fundamentally good but obscured by life's challenges, and shares personal stories of releasing shame and taking responsibility. The conversation offers practical steps for cultivating mindfulness and compassion.

Suleika Jaouad, author of Between Two Kingdoms, discusses learning to live in the space between 'no longer' and 'not yet'—the liminal period after a major life disruption. Drawing from her experience with acute myeloid leukemia, she explores how illness shattered her plans and forced a confrontation with mortality. She found agency through journaling and creativity, and emphasizes the distinction between physical pain and emotional suffering. The conversation highlights the importance of community and active choices in navigating hardship, and how rituals can ground us in uncertainty.

Manoush Zomorodi discusses her new book The Body Electric, exploring how sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles damage health and how simple interventions work. The core finding: five minutes of gentle movement every 30 minutes significantly improves blood sugar, blood pressure, mood, and focus. They explore workplace resistance to movement breaks, the body-brain connection, and practical strategies for building sustainable habits that make better health accessible within demanding modern work.

Shane Parrish, author of Clear Thinking, explores how default behaviors and small everyday decisions shape our lives more than major choices. He discusses positioning yourself for success through preparation, creating personal rules to build positive habits, using role models as guides, and how conscious thinking in ordinary moments accumulates into extraordinary results. The episode emphasizes decision-making frameworks that help listeners live more intentionally.

Philosophers John Kaag and Clancy Martin discuss the importance of friendship and human connection in coping with suffering. Clancy shares his personal experience with suicidal ideation, emphasizing the danger of isolation and the saving power of even small moments of contact. They explore how philosophical and spiritual traditions can provide companionship, and introduce Rebind, a project using AI to help readers engage with classic texts. The conversation weaves together the 'good wolf/bad wolf' parable, human nature's tug between selfishness and goodness, and the role of hope in overcoming life's challenges.

Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and author Dr. Edith Eger explores how people create mental "prisons"—victimhood, guilt, shame, judgment, and secrets—that constrain their lives. Drawing from her experiences in Auschwitz and her clinical practice, she argues that true freedom comes from within through conscious thinking, self-love, and personal responsibility. The episode emphasizes that while suffering is universal, how we respond to it remains entirely our choice.

Nikki Eisenhauer, creator of the Emotional Badass podcast, explores how to process trauma constructively without getting trapped in rumination. The conversation centers on emotional strength training—building resilience through nervous system regulation, conscious choice-making, and daily practices like presence and curiosity. Eisenhauer emphasizes that emotional healing is a gradual, lifelong journey requiring patience and self-compassion, and distinguishes between productive trauma processing and unproductive cycling through pain.

James Beshara explores the intersection of Vedanta philosophy and the Two Wolves parable, showing how the ancient concept of body, mind, and intellect mirrors the battle between immediate desires and long-term wisdom. He outlines daily practices—questioning assumptions, reflection, and community discussion—that strengthen the intellect to guide better choices. The conversation also covers dharma, the importance of aligning action with one's true nature, and how spiritual growth means fully engaging with life rather than retreating from it.

Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter, shares techniques to handle anxiety, improve listening, and speak clearly under pressure. He introduces the ABC framework (Affective, Behavioral, Cognitive) and the 'What, So What, Now What' response structure. Abrahams emphasizes embracing imperfection, explaining the 'why' behind messages, and using curiosity to improve conversations. The episode provides actionable tools to become a more confident and effective spontaneous communicator.

Comedian Vir Das discusses his multicultural upbringing across India, Nigeria, and the US, and the lifelong feeling of being an outsider. He shares how exhaustion with pretending led him to embrace authenticity, turning alienation into a unique comedic voice. The conversation explores the healing power of laughter, the difference between empathy and sympathy, and how humor can be a survival tool. Vir also reflects on balancing ambition with appreciation and the importance of deep friendships.

Amy Morin discusses practical strategies for building mental strength under pressure, drawing from her personal experiences with profound loss. She introduces techniques such as personalized pep talks, physically discarding negative thoughts, and using 'dread diffusers' to overcome procrastination. Morin also applies motivational interviewing principles to improve workplace communication. The conversation emphasizes that mental strength is about choosing the right tool for the moment, not suppressing emotions. Listeners will gain actionable methods to manage stress and build resilience at work and in relationships.

In this episode, Scott Hershovitz discusses the greatest lessons in philosophy, parenting, and kindness. He also explores how children are natural philosophers and how everyday life raises deep questions about identity, truth, and moral responsibility.

Scott Hershovitz joins The One You Feed to explore philosophy’s role in everyday life, from the natural curiosity of children to the complex questions of personal identity and moral responsibility. He discusses how emotions like anger and gratitude tie to self-respect, the dangers of relativism and the need for civil discourse, and the crucial distinction between reasoning with someone and merely shaping their behavior. Drawing on examples from parenting and a seminar on abortion, Hershovitz champions kindness, humility, and critical thinking as essential for a meaningful life.

Dr. Nicole LePera explores how childhood experiences create implicit emotional memories that shape adult behavior and nervous system responses. She introduces her Individual Development Model covering five developmental spheres and explains how "parenting yourself" means becoming your own nurturing caregiver. The conversation addresses shame, resilience, and why change feels uncomfortable before it improves, emphasizing that small, consistent actions build self-trust and create lasting transformation.

Eric coaches a listener named Tommy through anxiety and habit-building struggles using the SPAR framework (Specificity, Prompt, Alignment, Resilience). Tommy knows exercise and social connection help but struggles with avoidance, self-doubt, and harsh self-criticism. The episode explores how specificity and self-compassion break the cycle of guilt and inaction, emphasizing that lasting change requires both structure and kindness toward oneself.

In this episode, Marisa Renee Lee discusses how to live with uncertainty and find hope in the midst of chronic illness. Marissa shares her personal journey through long Covid, family loss, and prolonged uncertainty, exploring themes of hope, emotional endurance, and identity versus essence.

Marisa Renee Lee shares her personal journey navigating long COVID, family loss, and prolonged uncertainty. The conversation explores how to cultivate hope as a practice rather than blind optimism, distinguish between pain and suffering, move from denial to acceptance, and lean on community support. Lee offers practical wisdom on asking for help, staying grounded in core values, and choosing love as a guiding principle through life's hardest seasons.

In this episode, Jefferson Fisher discusses how to have better conversations by learning to argue less and listen more. Jefferson emphasizes that winning arguments is counterproductive, as it damages relationships and breeds contempt.

In this special solo episode, Eric Zimmer shares five powerful insights from his book How a Little Becomes a Lot. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface-level advice, Eric explores the deeper mechanics of real, lasting change.

In this episode, Dorie Clark explains her long-game playbook about persistence, patience, and purpose in a fast-paced world. She explores the challenges of prioritizing long-term goals over daily distractions, the cultural obsession with busyness, and strategies for sustained motivation.

In this special episode, Eric Zimmer is interviewed by Sahil Bloom, as they discuss Eric’s new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Their conversation explores how small, consistent actions, not dramatic moments, lead to lasting transformation.

In this special episode, Eric coaches a listener named Birgit as she rebuilds her daily routine after a long-term illness and her children leaving home. Together, they explore practical strategies for habit formation, focusing on starting with a consistent healthy habits.

In this episode, Alex Hutchinson discusses moving from comfort zones to adventure zones and the journey of personal exploration. He delves into the human nature of exploration and fulfillment.

In this episode, Laura McKowen discusses embracing emotional sobriety and small choices for big healing from heartbreak and anxiety. Laura talks about her 11-year sobriety journey and her personal journal of navigating heartbreak.

In this episode, James Patterson discusses navigating life’s disruptions and shares insights on adapting and thriving in life.. He also discusses managing negative thoughts and balancing ambition with contentment.

In this episode, Light Watkins explores the best path to authentic happiness and embracing spiritual minimalism. Light defines spiritual minimalism and delves into the importance of leaving every place better than you found it.

In this episode, Nir Eyal, author of Beyond Belief explores procrastination and the hidden pain behind your limiting beliefs. He explains how beliefs shape our perception of reality, motivation, and behavior..

In this episode, Elisha Goldstein talks about how to go from overwhelm to empowerment by harnessing tiny shifts for emotional resilience. He explains how small, consistent changes, or “tiny shifts”, can break negative emotional loops and improve stress, relationships, and longevity.

In this episode, Catherine Gray discusses her new book about “little addictions” and the big impact of transforming your habits for a healthier life. She explores how everyday compulsions like excessive screen time, snacking, or people pleasing are driven by ancient brain wiring and dopamine.

In this episode, Rohan Gunatillake discusses how to unlock the power of mindfulness and transform your life one story at a time. He explores how stories can shift perspectives, the challenges and opportunities in mindfulness apps, and shares ways to integrate meditation into daily life.

In this episode, Chris Bailey discusses how to be intentional and finish what you start. He explores how intentionality, values, and motivation shape our ability to set and achieve meaningful goals.

In this episode, Chris Duffy, author of Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy, discusses how humor can transform our relationship with life’s challenges, connect with others, and shift our perspective on difficult situations.

In this episode, Faith Salie, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and comedian, explores the complex nature of envy and how to harness it for personal growth.

In this episode, Ross Gay talks about embracing the messiness of life and finding joy in every day moments. He explores the complexities of joy, delight, and sorrow, emphasizing how attention and human connection shape a meaningful life.

In this episode, Guy Winch discusses the concept of mind over grind along with practical tips to manage work stress and enhance your well-being. He explains the pervasive impact of work-related stress, the cultural glorification of overwork, and how chronic stress leads to burnout.

In this episode, Jonathan Goodman discusses defines unhinged habits and how to transform your life by doing less. He shares how selling his software company led him to focus on writing and living intentionally.

In this episode, Dr. Ingrid Clayton explains how to start moving from people pleasing to self-trust and breaking the cycle of fawning, which is the compulsion to appease others to stay safe.

In this episode, Nedra Glover Tawwab talks about why family relationships are so hard and what actually helps navigate them. She explores the complexities of family dynamics, self-sabotage, and why people resist change.

Falling off a goal is normal. Knowing how to get back on track—without shame or drama—is the real skill. I’m hosting a free 60-minute live workshop on Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm ET to teach a simple framework for getting unstuck.

Falling off a goal is normal. Knowing how to get back on track—without shame or drama—is the real skill. I’m hosting a free 60-minute live workshop on Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm ET to teach a simple framework for getting unstuck.

Falling off a goal is normal. Knowing how to get back on track—without shame or drama—is the real skill. I’m hosting a free 60-minute live workshop on Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm ET to teach a simple framework for getting unstuck.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Novelist Sue Monk Kidd discusses the creative process, listening to the deep longings of the soul, and how her journey from religious conservatism to feminist spirituality shaped both her writing and her life.

Brad Stulberg discusses his book Master of Change: how to navigate life's inevitable transitions by embracing rugged flexibility — the combination of stability and adaptability that characterizes resilient people.