Alex Ranahan on Being More Childlike and Living in the PresentBarton  talks with Bristol-based virtual event emcee, presenter, and actor Alex Ranahan about what matters to him right now: reconnecting to the present moment instead of constantly chasing the next goal. Alex shares how social media and online advice can turn self-improvement into pressure and comparison, and suggests scrapping the idea of a life “journey” in favor of gratitude, appreciation, and measuring progress by how you feel and how your perspective has shifted over time. In the speed round, Alex says AI matters as a tool that extends capability, along with dogs, pantomime, social media (as a tool, not a replacement), the USA, mental health, paper books, and travel, while skipping the Epstein files and driverless cars.02:59 Escaping Comparison Culture04:43 Scrap the Journey Mindset06:05 Gratitude in the Now06:58 Reflecting Without Regret09:21 Speed Round Begins09:40 AI and Dogs10:59 Pantomime and Social Media13:23 Mental Health and Books15:19 Travel and Wonder16:38 Where to Find Alex17:03 Closing ThanksThis podcast is brought to you by Matters.com. A new social media and collaboration platform - launching soon. Join thousands getting the Matters.com newsletter — world news, fresh perspectives, and early beta access.