28. Is Ambition Gross?

In this episode of Holding It Lightly, hosts Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into the messy, meaningful layers of generosity, not just as a virtue, but as a lens for living. From the parallels between improv and real human connection, to the tension between profit and purpose, they explore how generosity shows up (or doesn’t) in culture, politics, business, and daily life. Along the way, they dive into Enneagram insights, Richard Rohr, spiral dynamics, and the sobering realities of inequality in America. Can generosity truly make us richer? And what does it mean to live generously in a world that often isn’t?

In this episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into one of the most common phrases in Christianity “Jesus died for your sins” and ask: wait, what does that really mean? Whether you grew up in church, left it long ago, aren't sure what you believe (if anything), or are just curious about the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to keep, this is an open-hearted, often funny conversation about reframing old beliefs and finding meaning that actually fits.

What if ambition doesn't mean climbing the ladder, but carving your own path entirely? In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart unpack what it means to be ambitious, but through a different lens: less about chasing status, power, or money, and more about living with intention, curiosity, and heart.  If you’ve ever wondered what ambition could look like on your own terms or you just want to laugh along, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart get real about what happens when life knocks you down, and you're forced to make changes you didn't ask for. From job losses to heartbreak, they dive deep into how it feels when things don’t go according to plan, and how to move through it when you’re left picking up the pieces. They talk about the tough parts of transformation, especially when it feels like the universe is throwing a curveball just when you thought you had it all figured out. But rather than rushing to “fix it,” Lauren and Brad explore how giving yourself space, embracing discomfort, and allowing time to do its thing can actually lead to some of the most powerful shifts. They get into the importance of self-compassion, staying open to uncertainty, and the value of finding small, consistent actions to keep you grounded. This episode is all about navigating those messy, uncertain moments when life feels chaotic, but also about recognizing that this mess is where transformation happens. So if you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or just plain tired of change, this one’s for you.

Money: it’s something we all deal with, but how do we keep it from taking over? In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore our ever-changing relationship with money: how it intersects with social media, how it evolves through life, and why money itself isn’t good or bad - it’s all about how we approach it. Tune in for an honest, refreshing, and surprisingly funny conversation about a topic that’s on everyone’s mind, for better or worse.   Resources: The Huberman Lab Podcast: Morgan Housel: Understand & Apply the Psychology of Money to Gain Greater Happiness Naval Podcast: How to Get Rich

This week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of spiritual materialism. What is it? How can we recognize when we’re slipping into the trap of surface-level spirituality? (Think: using mindfulness or healing as a status symbol instead of doing the inner work.) How can you tell when you’re falling into that trap? They break it down.

In this episode, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the aftermath of Trump's victory in the election. How do we maintain our peace in the midst of the unease we will all experience in the next four years? We explore the tensions between liberals and conservatives, asking the question: Can we love our "enemies" and find the humanity in those who think differently from us? Let's discuss the importance of approaching those with different views with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to invite them into a new awareness, at a pace that can allow for real change over time. We talk about the power of compassion, the importance of listening, and how we can bridge divides by holding space for different perspectives while still staying true to our values. Join your favorite hosts, Lauren and Brad, as they discuss: "Now what"?

This week, Lauren n Brad dive into the question, "WTF is gratitude?" We see it on T-shirts, journals, and in every "live your best life" mantra, but what does it really mean? Is gratitude just another wellness trend, or is there something deeper behind the hype? In this episode, we unpack our mixed feelings about how gratitude is marketed today, explore the genuine purpose behind it, and ask: How can we actually live a life full of gratitude, and why does it matter? Join your favorite hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as they discuss this nuanced topic. 

This week’s episode of Holding It Lightly dives into the concept of the sacred dance. Bear with us, as Lauren shares her experiences at Burning Man, hopefully adding value rather than inducing any eye rolls. The sacred dance is all about letting go and reconnecting with your life force, while the survival dance represents our daily routines and how we navigate life. Both are essential, but it’s in those moments of the sacred dance where we truly find and savor the love in life. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as we explore how to embrace both dances and discover deeper meaning in our everyday experiences.

This week we dive deep into why the midlife crises is so often referenced but so poorly understood. We instead invite you to rethink this period as a profound opportunity to transform - a symbolic death of the old self to make way for the vibrant new life waiting to bloom.  This episode is particularly special to us, as many of our friends and listeners are navigating this challenging yet transformative phase of life. Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart share perspectives to help you see through the fog and discover the beauty that arises from surrendering to the process. Let’s uncover the potential for growth that lies within the midlife unraveling.