How Rituals and Habits Make Life Better | Michael Norton

What if the games we play reveal deeper truths about human nature and society? In this mind-expanding conversation, neuroscientist Kelly Clancy, author of Playing with Reality: How Games Have Shaped Our World explores the profound role of games and game theory in understanding ourselves and actively shaping reality itself.Get ready to rethink what constitutes "winning" and embrace an "infinite game" philosophy focused on mutual flourishing over ego-driven conquests.You can find Kelly at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Nir Eyal about becoming indistractable.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stanford neuroscientist Sean Mackey, MD, PhD reveals pain is highly subjective, shaped by our beliefs and experiences - not just injury signals. He unpacks chronic pain's persistence, promising treatment strategies like brief behavioral therapies, and research toward personalizing care through biomarkers and digital platforms. An illuminating look at pain's complexities.You can find Sean at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. David Spiegel about the surprising science of hypnosis, pain & habit change.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Non-binary author Jeffrey Marsh shares their journey from childhood rejection to joyfully embracing identity. They explore finding life-changing language/community, the path out of self-hatred, and why pronouns matter for human dignity. Marsh dives into myths of control, self-acceptance beyond gender/sexuality, and actively cultivating happiness. Their hard-won wisdom offers an inspiring roadmap for living authentically from their groundbreaking book, How To Be You. An uplifting must-listen on belonging and being true to yourself.You can find Jeffrey at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Trystan Reese about living and advocating for your truth.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could rewire your brain to dismantle limiting beliefs and negativity? Neuroscientist Nicole Vignola reveals the power of neuroplasticity in this fascinating listen.Drawing from her book, Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change (Your Neurotoolkit for Everyday Life), Nicole provides a roadmap to upgrade your neural circuitry through visualization, meditation, and science-backed practices.You'll learn to overcome subconscious programming and negativity bias. Imagine having more control over your reality by harnessing neuroplasticity. If you want to become the architect of your best life, this mind-expanding episode is essential.You can find Nicole at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Light Watkins about reclaiming a freer story and making big changes in life.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet Maggie Smith candidly unpacks the lightning strike success of her viral 2016 poem "Good Bones" and how it strained her marriage, ultimately unraveling - an upheaval she unflinchingly explores in her vulnerable memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful.Smith discusses metabolizing life's "unanswerable mysteries" through writing, going viral as an introvert, modeling authenticity for her kids, and our struggle to embrace life's "andness." With radiant honesty, she pursues the uncomplicated truth of simply being herself through stillness and creativity.This profound dialogue is a masterclass on upheaval, art, and what it means to truly live a good life from one of today's vital literary voices.You can find Maggie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Liz Gilbert about writing yourself letters from love.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything society told you about how to find happiness was misleading? My guest Stephanie Harrison, author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong, challenges the cultural conditioning around chasing achievements, wealth, and status as the path to joy. She provides insights from positive psychology research and her own experience with depression to unravel the myths behind our collective pursuit of happiness. Stephanie offers a practical philosophy centered on sharing our gifts of humanity, wisdom, and talent to create ripples of lasting well-being for ourselves and others. Tune in to rethink what true happiness means and how you can live it.You can find Stephanie at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dan Lerner about the science of passion.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the difference between habits and rituals, and how can everyday routines shape our lives? Author Michael Norton reveals the hidden power of rituals in his new book, The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions. Discover how rituals create meaning, bind groups, help us grieve, and provoke a diversity of emotions. Learn to appreciate current rituals and add new ones to enhance your relationships, mental health, personal growth and more. Michael’s research shows rituals do far more than habits, transforming the emotional impact of mundane actions. Tune in for practical steps to tap into the ritual effect and imbue your life with greater connection and significance.You can find Michael at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with James Clear about habits.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could regenerative medicine transform how we treat disease and even reverse aging? Dr. Adeel Khan shares groundbreaking insights on leveraging stem cells, gene editing, and tissue engineering to unlock healthcare's full potential. Learn how induced pluripotent stem cells are being used to regrow neurons in Parkinson's patients' brains. Hear about revolutionary gene therapies that could permanently alter genetics to cure chronic illnesses. Discover the incredible possibilities emerging at the intersection of cellular medicine, CRISPR, and 3D-printed organs. But also gain wisdom for navigating this complex landscape responsibly. Dr. Khan provides an accessible primer on the risks, limitations, and realistic timeline for bringing these powerful technologies into standard practice. The future of medicine has arrived - tune in to stay at the cutting edge of what will soon be possible.You can find Adeel at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Frank Lipman about the 6 pillars of well-being.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlock the secrets to a mind-blowing sex life and deeper intimacy. This boundary-pushing episode brings together three trailblazing experts to shatter myths and reignite your desire.Vanessa Marin provides communication exercises and a "sex menu" to explore new realms of pleasure. Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are, shares neuroscience insights to rewire your brain for extraordinary orgasms. And Nicole Prause reveals cutting-edge research on using brain stimulation to boost libido or reduce hypersexuality.From overcoming shame to navigating mismatched drives, they guide you through candid conversations about erotic empowerment. Discover practical techniques to fan the flames of passion, prioritize pleasure, and create profound emotional and physical connections.Whether you're struggling with a dormant sex life or seeking the keys to next-level bliss, this is your roadmap to unlocking ecstasy. Get ready for a pleasure revolution!Episode TranscriptYou can find Vanessa at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with VanessaYou can find Emily at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with EmilyYou can find Nicole at: Website | Twitter | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with NicoleCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling stuck and can't break free? Neuropsychotherapist and author Britt Frank shares science-based insights on getting unstuck. Learn what underlies stuckness, how to reframe procrastination, collaborate with your inner parts, and move forward with self-compassion. Britt offers eye-opening new perspectives on relationships, play, possibility and more. Discover her powerful tools from The Getting Unstuck Workbook: Practical Tools for Overcoming Fear and Doubt - and Moving Forward with Your Life to overcome fear, doubt, and shame and start making real change. If you've ever felt trapped in life, this episode will give you a breakthrough understanding and practical way to get unstuck.You can find Britt at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Charlie Gilkey about finishing projects that matter.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.