304. Living Life in Crescendo: Lessons from Matt Gutman's Journey (Part 1)

About the Guest: Sam Bridgestock grew up on Mount Pleasant Farm in North Yorkshire, England, where he developed a deep connection with nature and a strong sense of duty and prioritization from his experiences on the farm. Despite facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, Sam's unwavering commitment to his family, including his wife Anna and their five children, has been a guiding force in his life. Known for his honesty, wisdom, and humility, Sam's journey exemplifies the essence of essentialism and the power of authentic relationships. Episode Summary: Greg introduces his lifelong friend, Sam Bridgestock, reflecting on their childhood adventures on Mount Pleasant Farm in Selby, England. Despite the bittersweet challenges that unfolded when Sam received a terminal cancer diagnosis, their deep connection and shared values have continued to shape their conversations over the years. Sam's profound insights into prioritization, living with intention, and finding meaning in the face of adversity inspire listeners to reflect on their own priorities and relationships. Key Takeaways: Embracing a sense of duty and prioritization from a young age can instill a powerful clarity in making decisions later in life. Recognizing the impact of fear and guilt on decision-making can help individuals navigate challenging choices with authenticity. Prioritizing meaningful relationships, such as family and close friends, provides a sense of safety and purpose amidst life's uncertainties. Learning to let go of minor details and focus on what truly matters can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Striving for balance between responsibilities and self-care is essential in maintaining overall well-being and fostering strong connections with loved ones. Notable Quotes: "The love that a parent has for a child gives you power forever." - Sam Bridgestock "Fear is not a good reason if you want to do something." - Sam Bridgestock "Guilt is the thief of essentialism because it's guilt that makes us say yes when naturally we have to focus on something that's key." - Sam Bridgestock "If you have a real sense of clarity about what's most important, things do fall away, and there's a simplicity in your life." - Sam Bridgestock "Guilt can be the reason we end up trying to do everything for everyone and neglecting key relationships in the process." - Sam Bridgestock Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Erin Loechner is the founder of the Opt Out Family, a global movement advocating for a tech-free lifestyle. She transitioned from being a social media influencer to embracing a life centered on simplicity and genuine human connection. Erin’s work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Today Show. With her latest book, "The Opt Out: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't," she offers practical strategies to help families reclaim their time and foster meaningful relationships away from screens. Episode Summary: Greg sits down with Erin Loechner to discuss the pervasive role of technology in our lives and how families can reclaim their space by adopting an "opt-out" approach. Greg and Erin explore the societal norms that have made smartphones and apps ubiquitous and burdensome, examining the unintended consequences of technology on our well-being and family interactions. Throughout the conversation, Erin Loechner emphasizes the importance of creating engaging, real-life experiences to counteract the influence of technology. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how her family has successfully minimized tech usage, opting for more meaningful and tangible interactions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into reclaiming their time and attention by being deliberate about technology use and fostering deeper connections within their families. Key Takeaways: The detrimental impact of smartphones and apps on daily life, and how they were never intended to be as pervasive as they are today. The concept of the opt-out family: why and how Erin Loechner's family opts out of excessive technology use. Practical strategies to create engaging, sensory-rich experiences that can draw family members away from screen time. The value of maintaining open communication through eye contact and genuine interactions, to foster better relationships and understanding. The importance of a "suggestion box" or similar mechanism to encourage kids to share and discuss their digital interactions. Notable Quotes: "I would like to get creative and figure out how do we incorporate some of those sensory experiences? How do we make sure that this generation gets to live more of their memories than watch other people's memories?" - Erin Loechner "If we're throwing a batch of cookies in the oven, our kid is gonna trickle out and see something smells good, what are you making?" - Erin Loechner "What is getting in the way and maybe how are the ways that we have kind of adopted this technology for all of the progress?" - Erin Loechner Resources: Erin Loechner’s Website: Erin Loechner Opt Out Family Movement: Opt Out Family Book: "The Opt Out: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't" by Erin Loechner Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Erin Loechner is the founder of the Opt Out Family, a global movement advocating for a tech-free lifestyle. She transitioned from being a social media influencer to embracing a life centered on simplicity and genuine human connection. Erin’s work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Today Show. With her latest book, "The Opt Out: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't," she offers practical strategies to help families reclaim their time and foster meaningful relationships away from screens. Episode Summary: Greg sits down with Erin Loechner, the visionary founder of the Opt Out Family movement. Erin discusses her bold transition from the digital spotlight to living a tech-free lifestyle. This episode explores how her decision to step away from social media has enriched her personal life and strengthened her family bonds. Erin shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and the profound impact it has had on her and her family's quality of life. Erin addresses the ever-pervasive influence of algorithms on our daily lives and the importance of reclaiming control over our time and attention. She highlights the detrimental impact of digital algorithms, especially on children, and offers insights on how to create a balance that fosters authentic relationships. Erin also shares strategies for families and individuals seeking to minimize their dependency on technology. Through practical advice and personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the significance of living intentionally and prioritizing meaningful human interactions over digital engagement. Key Takeaways: Reclaiming Family Time: Erin emphasizes the importance of living intentionally and creating a family culture independent of digital distraction. Algorithm Awareness: Be aware of how algorithms are designed to capture attention and influence behaviors, and take steps to mitigate their impact. Meaningful Connections: Foster authentic interactions and deeper connections within families by reducing screen time and engaging in offline activities. Second-Order Thinking: Consider the long-term consequences of technology usage and make informed choices on what to opt into or out of. Community Support: Find like-minded individuals and families who share similar values regarding technology use to build a supportive community. Notable Quotes: "Every time we unlock our phone, the next few minutes, next ten minutes, next hour, we are operating this device way less in control than we think that we are." "Once we join, once our child has a device, once we have a device, we are now on a treadmill or kind of a conveyor belt, really, that is going to a path that we don't really know where it ends." "Find other people who recognize that living a life fully engaged without social media is possible." Resources: Erin Loechner’s Website: Erin Loechner Opt Out Family Movement: Opt Out Family Book: "The Opt Out: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't" by Erin Loechner Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: James Rhee is the CEO, educator, and acclaimed author of "Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times." He holds the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University and serves as a senior lecturer at both MIT and Duke Law School. Influenced by the caregiver values of his first-generation Korean immigrant parents, James has played a transformative role in business and education, notably reviving Ashley Stewart from the brink of liquidation while advocating for leadership rooted in kindness and numerical acuity. Episode Summary: Greg McKeown speaks with James Rhee about navigating the complexities of modern success, culture, and capitalism. The discussion dives deep into the concepts of Chung, a Korean principle embodying connection, harmony, and communication, and how it ties into broader societal issues and business practices. McKeown and Rhee explore the symbolic importance of The Blue House in Korea and its reflections on cultural sentiment. Rhee shares his personal journey of reconciling financial capital with social capital. He critiques traditional accounting methods, emphasizing the importance of measuring intangible assets and understanding true value beyond just financial metrics. The conversation als Key Takeaways: Cultural Significance of Chung: Understanding Chung's role in fostering communication and harmony in both personal and professional contexts. Rethinking Success: Evaluating modern metrics of success that go beyond financial capital to include social well-being and long-term sustainability. Accounting for Intangibles: The importance of integrating measurements of intangible assets like employee turnover and social capital into traditional accounting practices. Balance of Joy and Money: Leveraging financial capital as a support system for achieving a fulfilling and joyful life. Redefining Freedom: The paradox of freedom, which includes meaningful relationships and not just the absence of obligations. Notable Quotes: Greg McKeown: "The comfortable life is not an attainable place. That doesn't mean you can't find a sweet spot. But that sweet spot's more like adventure than it is comfort and freedom from all obligation." James Rhee: "Your balance sheet will show me exactly how you've actually lived your life." James Rhee: "Having freedom, paradoxically, means you have to have really good relationships to share that freedom with people that time with." Greg McKeown: "Ever-deepening relationships with those few people that matter most is the only thing in life.” Resources: James Rhee's Book: Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times Greg McKeown's Book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less TED Talk by James Rhee: "The Value of Kindness at Work" Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: James Rhee is the CEO, educator, and acclaimed author of "Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times." He holds the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University and serves as a senior lecturer at both MIT and Duke Law School. Influenced by the caregiver values of his first-generation Korean immigrant parents, James has played a transformative role in business and education, notably reviving Ashley Stewart from the brink of liquidation while advocating for leadership rooted in kindness and numerical acuity. Episode Summary: Greg McKeown hosts James Rhee, an accomplished CEO, educator, and author of the transformative book, "Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times." Throughout the conversation, James Rhee uncovers his journey from a young Korean immigrant sharing his lunch in kindergarten to leading a monumental turnaround at Ashley Stewart. His story is rich with lessons on resilience, transformation, and the undeniable power of kindness in leadership and everyday actions. James and Greg delve into the themes of chaos and intuition, discussing how modern life’s overwhelming noise can obscure our innate wisdom and kindness. James eloquently shares how the metaphor of the "red helicopter" symbolizes pure acts of kindness and navigates us towards simplicity amidst chaos. The episode also explores how the pursuit of success can sometimes stifle curiosity and diminish one's true self, with James reflecting on the years he spent following societal norms of success that ultimately left him unfulfilled. He challenges listeners to rediscover joy, connectedness, and meaningful human interactions in a world increasingly driven by digital distractions. Key Takeaways: The Power of Simple Acts: Small, intuitive acts of kindness, like sharing a meal, can have profound impacts and serve as a guiding principle throughout life. Navigating Chaos with Intuition: In a world filled with information overload, trusting one's intuition can help navigate the noise and make meaningful decisions. Distinction Between Intelligence and Wisdom: Being smart and being wise are distinct, with wisdom requiring lived experiences and the ability to ask deeper questions. Rediscovering Curiosity and Joy: Success shouldn't come at the cost of losing one's curiosity and joy in life. James encourages engaging in meaningful hobbies and reading for pleasure to enrich life. Human Connectedness: Emphasizing the Korean concept of Chung, James highlights the importance of genuine human connections that transcend time and space, vital for a fulfilling life. Notable Quotes: "The problem was very simple. There was a boy. I liked him. He made me laugh. He didn’t have food. I had some. I solved the problem and I gave it to him." — James Rhee "I felt myself becoming less interesting, you know, like lost hobbies. I have a big passion for music. Stopped playing music, stopped taking lessons." — James Rhee "Most of the books that get written these days, they profit off of you being confused." — James Rhee "Intelligence is about information and skills, but wisdom is about the lived experience and connecting with the deeper aspects of life." — Greg McKeown "Chung is like a connectedness between people. It’s a feeling of just... it’s a feeling that transcends linearity. It transcends. It bends time." — James Rhee Resources: James Rhee's Book: Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times Greg McKeown's Book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less TED Talk by James Rhee: "The Value of Kindness at Work" Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Matt Gutman is the ABC News Chief National Correspondent whose career and personal journey have captivated millions. With a coverage history spanning nearly 50 countries, Matt has reported from the battlefields of the Middle East and Eastern Europe to natural disasters and key events in the US. He is the author of "No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks," a candid memoir about his battle with panic attacks. He also authored "The Boys in the Cave," detailing the rescue of the Thai soccer team from a flooded cave. Matt currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. Episode Summary: Greg engages with renowned journalist Matt Gutman to explore the profound impacts of panic attacks and the journey of self-discovery that follows. Matt candidly discusses a critical error in his reporting on Kobe Bryant and its aftermath, highlighting the pressures of being first in the news media versus the importance of accuracy. This enlightening conversation delves into the mental health challenges faced by those in high-pressure roles and the transformative journey Matt undertook to address these issues. The discussion reveals Matt's struggle with panic attacks, triggered by the demanding environment of TV journalism, and his subsequent journey towards mental well-being. Matt shares his experiences with various forms of therapy, including breath work and altered states induced by psychedelics, which played crucial roles in helping him access and process deeply buried emotions. This episode is a deep dive into the vulnerabilities we all face and the continuous effort required to confront and overcome them. Key Takeaways: The dilemma of accuracy versus being the first to report in journalism can have significant personal and professional consequences. Panic attacks in high-stress professions are common and often require unconventional methods to address. "Wellness is work" - the journey to mental well-being is ongoing and requires constant effort. Holistic and alternative therapies, such as breath work and psychedelics, can be instrumental in accessing and processing deep-seated emotions. The support of loved ones, exemplified by Matt's wife's unwavering support, is crucial during times of personal crisis. Notable Quotes: "In the trust fall of life, I'll be caught. It's gonna be okay." "Conventional therapy couldn't get there for me because I'm the gold Olympic medalist in compartmentalization." "Humans are among the most cooperative species on the planet. Social rejection is essentially a fear of death." Resources: Books: "No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks" by Matt Gutman "The Boys in the Cave" by Matt Gutman Contact: Matt Gutman Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the Guest: Matt Gutman is the ABC News Chief National Correspondent whose career and personal journey have captivated millions. With a coverage history spanning nearly 50 countries, Matt has reported from the battlefields of the Middle East and Eastern Europe to natural disasters and key events in the US. He is the author of "No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks," a candid memoir about his battle with panic attacks. He also authored "The Boys in the Cave," detailing the rescue of the Thai soccer team from a flooded cave. Matt currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. Episode Summary: Greg dives deep with ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman. Matt shares his enthralling journey reporting from hotspots around the globe and delves into his struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, revealing a facet of his life seldom seen on TV. With a career spanning wars, natural disasters, and pivotal events, Matt's life and career are marked by resilience and remarkable bravery. Matt discloses the profound impact of early traumas, including the loss of his father in a plane crash and his mother's battle with Hodgkin's disease, on his career choices. He also speaks about his tenure at the Jerusalem Post, the burden of perfectionism, and the eventual on-air panic attack that drastically altered his path. The discussion intricately weaves through themes of mental health, high-stakes journalism, and personal growth, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in human resilience and storytelling. Key Takeaways: The Effect of Early Trauma: Matt shares how the loss of his father and his mother's illness shaped his life and career. Journalism Adventures: His time at the Jerusalem Post and the intense experiences that characterized his early journalism years. The Burden of Titles: How the prestigious title of ABC's Chief National Correspondent brought an unexpected pressure that contributed to his panic attacks. Panic Attack Live on Air: Details of the on-air panic attack during the reporting of Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash and its aftermath. Mental Health Journey: Insights into how Matt confronted and managed his anxiety and panic attacks through various means, including writing his book. Notable Quotes: "With great negligence comes great opportunity." "My greatest characteristic was grit and pluck. It was chutzpah." "I felt like I had to achieve to a higher standard, and that put more pressure on me." Resources: Books: "No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks" by Matt Gutman "The Boys in the Cave" by Matt Gutman Contact: Matt Gutman Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like you want to make a more meaningful contribution but you’re not sure how? Or maybe you know what you would like to do but get hung up on the fear of the unknown? Join me as I talk with Ken Coleman, Ken is a successful author and host of The Ken Coleman Show where he helps people define their purpose and discover the steps they need to take to pursue it.  Join us as we discuss:  How to clearly discover your purpose. How to overcome fear and other obstacles that keep you from pursuing your purpose. What leaders can do to make work more meaningful for employees. You’ll love Ken’s simple, actionable ideas on how to live a more meaningful life. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you get clear on what really matters in your life, everything else starts to fall into place.  You make decisions differently. Your perspective changes. You begin to seek purpose over achievement.   This week I am joined by Molly Fletcher. Molly is a former sports agent turned speaker, author, and consultant. As someone who has represented some of the world's most notable athletes, she offers a unique perspective on success.  In this episode, we discuss: Why purpose is more important than achievement. How to manage your energy, so you are at your peak performance when it really matters. Strategies to help you be a better negotiator. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most significant setbacks of the last few years has been the dismantling of many of our boundaries and routines. I think we have all felt this. Whether you are living out of your inbox, overwhelmed with texts and notifications, or have found yourself caught up in a zoom-eat-sleep-repeat lifestyle, it's an exhausting way to live. Join me this week to learn how you can reestablish boundaries and routines that will allow you to take back control of your calendar - and your life - making it easier to accomplish what’s most important. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices