The One You Feed | Personal Growth, Emotional Resilience & Purpose

In this episode, Laura McKowen discusses embracing emotional sobriety and small choices for big healing from heartbreak and anxiety. Laura talks about her 11-year sobriety journey and her personal journal of navigating heartbreak. She delves into the daily choices that foster healing and emotional well-being. Laura also shares insights on the non-linear nature of recovery, the importance of small, consistent practices, and the role of relationships and self-compassion in emotional sobriety. Together, they explore how healing is an ongoing process, shaped by vulnerability, connection, and the willingness to embrace both pain and growth.

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Personal journey of sobriety and its challenges

Managing anxiety and heartbreak after a significant relationship

The non-linear nature of emotional healing and recovery

The parable of the two wolves and its relevance to personal choices

Importance of daily practices for mental health maintenance

Concept of emotional sobriety and its distinction from mere survival

The role of relationships in emotional well-being and healing

Understanding attachment dynamics and their impact on relationships

The interplay between trauma, addiction, and relational patterns

Emphasizing self-forgiveness, compassion, and community support in healing processes

For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with Laura McKowen, check out these other episodes:

Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen

A Journey to Self-Discovery and Sobriety with Matthew Quick

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠Pebl⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠hipebl.ai⁠

⁠Brodo Broth⁠: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to ⁠Brodo.com/TOYF⁠ for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off.

⁠Alma⁠ is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit ⁠helloalma.com⁠ to learn more!
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In this episode, James Patterson discusses navigating life’s disruptions and shares insights on adapting and thriving in life.. He also discusses managing negative thoughts and balancing ambition with contentment. James shares insights from his writing career, co-authoring experiences, and personal life, including parenting and the importance of prioritizing family, health, friends, and spirit. The conversation blends practical advice, engaging stories, and reflections on adapting to change, offering listeners inspiration and tools for navigating both personal and professional challenges.

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Discussion of James Patterson’s new book, Disrupt Everything and Win: Take Control of Your Future.

Exploration of how individuals and organizations can adapt to change and leverage disruption.

The metaphor of the “two wolves” representing positive and negative qualities within individuals.

Insights into Patterson’s writing process and creative journey.

Reflections on co-writing experiences with various collaborators.

The balance between ambition and contentment in personal and professional life.

The importance of storytelling and practical tools in business and self-help contexts.

Patterson’s early career in advertising and its influence on his writing and approach to disruption.

The significance of maintaining balance in life, using the metaphor of juggling five balls.

Personal anecdotes and reflections on travel, parenting, and life philosophy.

For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with James Patterson, check out these other episodes:

How to Find Real Life in Stories with George Saunders

Life Transitions with Bruce Feiler

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai

Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off.

Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit helloalma.com to learn more!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Light Watkins explores the best path to authentic happiness and embracing spiritual minimalism. Light defines spiritual minimalism and delves into the importance of leaving every place better than you found it. The conversation explores authenticity, happiness, stress, embracing discomfort, and the value of consistent, small actions. Light also shares personal stories and practical wisdom on finding freedom in limitations, giving what you want to receive, and focusing on process over outcomes to create a more meaningful, present, and fulfilled life.

Take our quick 2-minute survey and help us improve your listening experience: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

The parable of the two wolves and the importance of choosing the “good wolf” or authentic self.

The concept of spiritual minimalism and its principles, including leaving places better than found.

The significance of final impressions in interactions and their lasting impact.

The relationship between happiness, income, and stress, emphasizing internal versus external sources of fulfillment.

The paradox of motivation and the importance of consistent effort for personal growth.

The idea of finding freedom within limitations and the power of acceptance in challenging situations.

The principle of “give what you want to receive” and its role in fostering community and connection.

The importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and stepping outside comfort zones.

The value of being process-oriented and focusing on the journey rather than just outcomes.

The significance of consistent effort and incremental change in achieving lasting transformation.

For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with Light Watkins, check out these other episodes:

How to Embrace Mindfulness on the Path to Personal Growth with Dan Harris

How to Let Go of Expectations and Transform Disappointment into Growth with Christine Hassler

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠⁠⁠Hello Fresh⁠⁠⁠ – Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last.

⁠⁠⁠David Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.davidprotein.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Shopify⁠⁠⁠ – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed.

⁠⁠⁠Pebl⁠⁠⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠⁠⁠hipebl.ai⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Nir Eyal, author of Beyond Belief explores procrastination and the hidden pain behind your limiting beliefs. He explains how beliefs shape our perception of reality, motivation, and behavior.. He also shares how beliefs are flexible tools, not absolute truths, and that changing limiting beliefs can reduce suffering and unlock personal growth. The conversation covers the brain’s filtering of reality, the motivational triangle (behavior, desire, belief), and practical strategies for reframing beliefs to overcome procrastination, manage discomfort, and foster well-being. Nir emphasizes using science-backed methods to intentionally choose beliefs that empower and support lasting change.

Take our quick 2-minute survey and help us improve your listening experience: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

The nature of beliefs and their impact on perception and reality.

The distinction between beliefs as flexible tools versus absolute truths.

The role of beliefs in motivation and behavior change.

The motivational triangle: behavior, desire, and belief.

The influence of beliefs on health, longevity, and personal growth.

The concept of pain versus suffering and how beliefs affect this distinction.

The importance of exposure therapy in overcoming limiting beliefs.

The relationship between beliefs and procrastination as a pain management issue.

Strategies for identifying and changing limiting beliefs.

The significance of adopting empowering beliefs to enhance well-being and life satisfaction.

For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠!⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with Nir Eyal, check out these other episodes:

How to Master Internal Triggers and Regain Control of Your Attention with Nir Eyal

How to Overcome Procrastination with Tim Pychyl

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠⁠David Protein⁠⁠⁠ bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to ⁠⁠⁠www.davidprotein.com/FEED⁠⁠

⁠⁠Hello Fresh⁠⁠ – Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last.

⁠⁠Shopify⁠⁠ – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed.

⁠⁠Pebl⁠⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠⁠hipebl.ai⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Elisha Goldstein talks about how to go from overwhelm to empowerment by harnessing tiny shifts for emotional resilience. He explains how small, consistent changes, or “tiny shifts”, can break negative emotional loops and improve stress, relationships, and longevity. He shares personal stories, practical tools like the “four R’s” (Recognize, Release, Refocus, Reinforce), and emphasizes emotional awareness over willpower. The conversation offers accessible strategies for managing overwhelm and building resilience, encouraging listeners to make manageable changes that support emotional health in everyday life.

Take our quick 2-minute survey and help us improve your listening experience: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

The concept of “tiny shifts” in emotional health and well-being.

The impact of modern life on emotional loops and chronic stress responses.

The importance of emotional awareness in breaking negative patterns.

The biological and psychological effects of “bracing” in response to perceived threats.

Strategies for interrupting emotional loops and fostering recovery.

The “four R’s” framework: Recognize, Release, Refocus, and Reinforce.

The role of self-compassion and supportive questioning in emotional management.

The significance of reinforcing positive emotional experiences for lasting change.

Practical applications and limitations of the discussed methods.

The relationship between emotional health, stress management, and longevity.

For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠click here⁠!⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with Elisha Goldstein, check out these other episodes:

Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D-Mindfulness and Depression

Jonathan Rottenberg

Florence Williams

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

⁠Hello Fresh⁠ – Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last.

⁠David Protein⁠ bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to ⁠www.davidprotein.com/FEED⁠

⁠Shopify⁠ – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed.

⁠Pebl⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠hipebl.ai⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices