The Greg McKeown Podcast

Dr. Nicole Cain is a respected authority in psychiatry, clinical psychology, and naturopathy, with extensive experience in both mental and holistic health care. She has authored a book addressing the treatment and prevention of panic—a subject deeply personal to her, driven by her battle with anxiety and her professional pursuit to empower individuals through their struggles. Dr. Cain serves as a clinician, teacher, and thought leader in advocating a holistic and personalized approach to mental wellness, emphasizing the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Episode Summary: Join Greg and Dr. Nicole Cain as they explore the vital connection between understanding symptoms and reclaiming personal health agency. In this discussion, Dr. Cain shares insights from her book, "Panic Proof," which aims to empower individuals with tools to decode anxiety's root causes through a holistic lens. Discover the importance of asking the right questions, understanding nine types of anxiety, and developing a personalized 'Panic Proof Protocol' to foster healing. Key Takeaways: Discover the nine types of anxiety as identified by Dr. Nicole Cain, each with distinct symptoms that require unique understanding and treatment. Learn about the Panic Proof Protocol, a holistic and personalized framework for managing and overcoming panic attacks. Explore the vital role of patient agency and self-advocacy in the diagnostic process, encouraging proactive engagement with one's health journey. Understand the importance of diagnosing the root causes of anxiety rather than focusing solely on symptom suppression. Appreciate the value of creating a supportive space that enables the body and mind to naturally heal and balance themselves. Notable Quotes: "I believe that everybody can heal. I have seen impossible things as possible." "Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, and sometimes it’s a matter of being curious about what they have to say." "The authority's probably not going to figure it out for you; they're going to be able to provide you excellence from their area." "That which remains in the unconscious will continue to affect us and we will call it fate." Resources: Nicole's book: Panic Proof Follow Nicole on Instagram and LinkedIn Affiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Greg! Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Israa Nasir is a distinguished author and therapist known for her work on mental health and productivity. She is the author of "Toxic Productivity: How to Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More." Nasir's expertise lies in helping individuals navigate the intricacies of productivity culture and identity, especially within the context of first-generation immigrants and diaspora communities. Her insights draw from her experiences as a Canadian South Asian and her professional practice assisting young adults in exploring and integrating their multifaceted identities. Episode Summary: Greg invites Israa Nasir, the author of "Toxic Productivity," to explore the pitfalls of relentless striving and the quest for identity. Nasir shares insights on developing a rich, multifaceted existence and the dangers of living fragmented lives due to cultural and societal pressures. They discuss how upbringing influences values of achievement and how understanding one's emotions can lead to a more authentic life. Key Takeaways: The Nature of Toxic Productivity: Understand the detrimental effects of productivity that focuses solely on achievement rather than genuine fulfillment. Identity Integration: Learn how to integrate disparate parts of your identity to create a holistic and dynamic sense of self. Role of Family Dynamics: Explore how familial and cultural backgrounds influence our attitudes towards achievement and belonging. Skills for Emotional Regulation: Gain insights into the importance of emotional literacy and how it enhances personal resilience and authenticity. Intergenerational Self-Understanding: Discover the significance of having an intergenerational perspective to build resilience and a sense of continuity in life's narrative. Notable Quotes: "People want to put you in a box so that you are easier for them to understand." "As long as you're achieving, people were loving you. And so you learn very quickly that you can barter achievement for praise." "We can just show up in our lives more authentically by connecting with our emotions." "Therapy is not accessible to everyone, but the process can be therapeutic without a therapist." Resources: Israa's book: Toxic Productivity Follow Israa on LinkedIn Affiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Greg! Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Stephen Riggio is a visionary leader and former CEO of Barnes & Noble, where he played a crucial role in its transformation into the largest bookselling chain in the United States. His extensive career in the book industry, spanning over four decades, includes pioneering work in e-commerce and publishing. Beyond corporate endeavors, Riggio is deeply engaged in philanthropy, working with organizations like the National Book Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society. In recent years, Riggio has turned his focus to translating and promoting classic Sicilian literature, especially the "Sicilian Avengers" series. Episode Summary: Greg hosts Stephen Riggio, former Barnes & Noble CEO, as they explore the transformative power of literature and the significance of connecting with one's heritage. Riggio shares his journey in translating "Sicilian Avengers," a historical epic rooted in his Sicilian ancestry, and how this project intertwined with personal tragedy and discovery. The conversation covers themes of intergenerational legacy, resilience, and finding purpose through challenging times. Key Takeaways: Legacy of Literature: Books are powerful portals that connect us to different cultures and eras, enriching our understanding and empathy. Intergenerational Connection: Exploring family history can provide insights into personal identity and resilience, bridging the past and future. Personal Healing: Transforming personal tragedy into purpose by engaging in meaningful projects like translating significant literary works. Cultural Appreciation: The translation of "Sicilian Avengers" unveils the diverse and multicultural history of Sicily, challenging common stereotypes. Future Endeavors: Taking on translation as an epic adventure, paralleling personal journeys of self-discovery and cultural preservation. Notable Quotes: "Books are more than paper and ink. They are a portal through which we can experience places and times and people we otherwise wouldn't." – Greg McKeown "Raising a child with a disability is a challenge... our deepest wish is that this book didn't exist. However, our daughter's presence in it is undeniable." – Stephen Riggio "It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that I've arrived here... It was my destiny." – Stephen Riggio "The best historical fiction... is that people would prefer to be given a compelling narrative that is rooted in history." – Stephen Riggio Resources: Stephen's book: "Sicilian Avengers" Affiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Greg! Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

About the Guests: Jeremy Utley: A notable faculty member at Stanford University's D School and author of "Idea Flow: The Only Business Metric That Matters." Jeremy is known for his research and insights into creativity, innovation, and the interplay between human cognition and technology. He has been instrumental in exploring the applications of AI in problem-solving and productivity. David McRaney: A researcher focused on the concept of genius and cognitive biases. He hosts a podcast where he explores these themes extensively, having Jeremy Utley as one of his guests in exploring the cognitive bias in people's collaboration with AI. Henrik Werdelin: Known for his exploratory insights into AI, its capabilities, and implications for the future. Henrik is an entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding Bark, as well as starting Prehype, a venture building research and development group headquartered in New York. Episode Summary: Greg continues the engaging dialogue exploring the potential and limitations of AI in enhancing human understanding and communication. Joined by his distinguished guests Jeremy Utley, David McRaney, and Henrik Werdelin, they discuss how AI could be used as a tool to facilitate better communication and understanding among individuals. The episode touches on the daily use of AI technologies like GPT, which have notably started to replace traditional search engines for some tasks. and they all explore the possibility of AI-improving interpersonal relationships by offering insights and mediating communication, questioning the biases  Key Takeaways: AI as a Mediator: AI has the potential to assist in mediating conflicts and misunderstandings in human communication by functioning as a second, unbiased listener. Epiphany Generator: Using AI in daily workflows can transform it into a tool that not only provides information but also stimulates new ideas and insights. Towards Better Conversations: The episode emphasizes the importance of rethinking how we engage AI and challenges the notion that it’s primarily for problem-solving rather than for facilitating understanding. Bias Acknowledgement: It’s crucial to recognize our biases toward AI capabilities and to shift our perspective to appreciate AI as a tool for both interpersonal and intrapersonal dialogues. Designing for Listening: Future AI technology should intentionally be designed to foster deep listening and enhance understanding, moving beyond merely responding with solutions. Notable Quotes: "I used GPT as an epiphany generator, an elaboration encourager." "I believe that the primary limitation right now is the interface between us and the machine." "We need the Mediator app. It's not just the fingers problem." Resources: Jeremy Utley's book: "Idea Flow: The Only Business Metric That Matters" Follow Jeremy on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn Follow David on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn Follow Henrik on Instagram, and LinkedIn Affiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Greg! Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

About the Guests: Jeremy Utley: A notable faculty member at Stanford University's D School and author of "Idea Flow: The Only Business Metric That Matters." Jeremy is known for his research and insights into creativity, innovation, and the interplay between human cognition and technology. He has been instrumental in exploring the applications of AI in problem-solving and productivity. David McRaney: A researcher focused on the concept of genius and cognitive biases. He hosts a podcast where he explores these themes extensively, having Jeremy Utley as one of his guests in exploring the cognitive bias in people's collaboration with AI. Henrik Werdelin: Known for his exploratory insights into AI, its capabilities, and implications for the future. Henrik is an entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding Bark, as well as starting Prehype, a venture building research and development group headquartered in New York. Episode Summary: Joined by Jeremy Utley, David McRaney, and Henrik Werdelin, the discussion takes a deep dive into how AI could act as a facilitator in human interactions, potentially bridging gaps in communication. The episode addresses the potential of AI as a tool for mutual understanding and its limitations in conveying authentic emotional connections. There is a focus on how AI can strive toward becoming a "faithful translator," aiding in better translating human thoughts and emotions into shared understanding. This interplay of AI, cognitive biases, and communication brings forth a rich conversation on the collective and individual impacts of AI on productivity and personal clarity. Key Takeaways: AI has the potential to bridge gaps in communication, acting as a "faithful translator" to help humans better understand each other. Cognitive biases and the ambiguity of language highlight the challenges AI faces in truly capturing and conveying authentic human emotions. The importance of AI lies not just in providing organized information but in facilitating deeper layers of connection and understanding. Practical applications of AI in summary and synthesis show promise, yet the depth of understanding requires further development. AI can serve as a catalyst for personal insights, yet users must actively guide it to achieve exceptional results. Notable Quotes: "As our ability to understand each other approximates zero, so does our ability to do anything else." "The medium is the message. The technology you use uses you." "AI's best use is in establishing a shared conceptual framework before we start the conversation." "It's not the utility of the communication, it is the emotional connection." "If this could be exceptional, how could it? What would I need to say for it to be truly exceptional?" Resources: Jeremy Utley's book: "Idea Flow: The Only Business Metric That Matters" Follow Jeremy on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn Follow David on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn Follow Henrik on Instagram, and LinkedIn Affiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Greg! Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.