Episodes
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In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore a powerful question: Why do we so often gravitate toward strong, polarising leaders in times of crisis, even when they seem to reject compassion, emotional intelligence, and thoughtful leadership?
Drawing from historical cycles, psychology, and philosophical insights, we’ll explore the reasons behind this recurring tendency and why intellectuals and academics—though often dismissed—provide the guidance we need to weather turbulent times.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing your reflections, leaving a review, or joining us on social media.
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In this episode of Mind the Gap, we delve into the powerful, timeless themes of Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way,” uncovering the hidden conversation on regret and resilience woven throughout the song. By blending Sinatra’s unapologetic life philosophy with insights from Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, we explore how to confront and ultimately embrace our regrets without letting them define us.
Listeners will discover how the Stoics viewed regret—not as a burden to carry but as a stepping stone to a more prosperous, more self-aware life. We’ll discuss techniques such as premeditating on challenges, focusing on what’s within our control, and connecting deeply with our values, all as tools for managing regret. As Sinatra’s lyrics reveal, owning our choices and making peace with our imperfections can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Learn how Sinatra’s music and Stoic wisdom offer guidance on facing life boldly, celebrating our journey and letting go of what no longer serves us. This episode offers insights and invites you to reflect on your life story—imperfections. It encourages you to find strength in the triumphs and lessons, making the episode a personal journey for each listener.
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In this episode of Mind the Gap, we tackle a workplace challenge that many face but few talk about: handling the “Eternal Child” in leadership. Based on Carl Jung’s archetype, the Eternal Child refers to a leader who clings to childlike behaviours, avoids responsibility, seeks constant praise, and reacts impulsively to challenges. And while this may often be called the “Man Child,” it’s not limited by gender—Eternal Children can be male or female.
Join us as we break down this complex dynamic through the lenses of Jungian psychology, emotional intelligence insights from Daniel Goleman, and timeless Stoic wisdom. From the disruptive effects on workplace culture to practical strategies for managing under such leadership, this episode is packed with tools to help you maintain your peace, productivity, and professionalism, even with an immature boss.
We’ll share actionable strategies—like setting boundaries, documenting interactions, and cultivating emotional intelligence—so you can stay grounded and navigate the workplace with resilience and integrity.
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Episode Description: In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore righteous anger—a form of anger that isn't destructive but constructive, thoughtful, and intentional. We explore how this type of anger can serve as a powerful alternative to self-censorship and blind outrage, especially in today's social media-driven world where people are quick to take offence.
Drawing from Stoic philosophy, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence, we'll discuss how to find, rather than lose, your temper. We'll also look at how to process anger when faced with incompetence, particularly in leadership, and why self-censorship in the face of offence can stifle meaningful conversations and prevent positive change.
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Episode Overview: In this episode of Mind the Gap, host Michael Comyn unlocks the transformative power of forgiveness by exploring its roots in ancient Stoic philosophy and how modern psychology adds practical tools to make it a reality. Forgiveness is one of our toughest emotional challenges, but it also holds the key to emotional freedom. Join us as we release anger, resentment, and guilt to achieve a lighter, more peaceful life.
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In this episode, we explore why we often need help to follow through on our goals. Using insights from Robert Keegan’s Immunity to Change, Daniel Goleman’s work on focus, and ancient Stoic philosophy, we explore how hidden beliefs, distractions, and emotional barriers keep us from aligning our intentions with our actions. Learn practical strategies to uncover these obstacles and finally start closing the gap.
Key Takeaways:
Uncover hidden commitmentsStrengthen focus with mindfulnessFace discomfort with Stoic resilienceSuggested Actions:
Reflect on Competing Commitments: After listening, journal to identify hidden beliefs or fears that may be holding you back from your goals. What might be competing with your intentions?Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate daily mindfulness exercises to strengthen focus. Start with 5 minutes of focused breathing to clear distractions.Apply Stoic Wisdom: Use premeditatio malorum—mentally prepare for obstacles you might face during the day to build resilience and stay aligned with your goals. -
Ever feel guilty for being happy when the world seems upside down? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions of joy and guilt, exploring why we often must apologise for our happiness. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, modern emotional intelligence, and Brené Brown’s insights on vulnerability, we unpack why joy isn’t a betrayal of empathy but a powerful act of resilience. 🎙️✨
Tune in as we explore how to embrace happiness without shame, find balance in a chaotic world, and discover the true strength of allowing yourself to feel joy—even now.
🎧 Listen now on your favourite platform, and let’s rethink the ethics of joy together!
#Podcast #NewEpisode #TheEthicsOfJoy #HappinessWithoutGuilt #MindTheGap
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In today’s episode, we explore the nature of anger and its impact on our lives, drawing connections between the ancient wisdom of the Stoics and our challenges in our modern world. From road rage to social media spats and the polarising voices of talk radio, we explore how anger manifests today and why it often feels like we’re living in a perpetual state of outrage.
We’ll unpack key insights from Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, who viewed anger as one of the most dangerous emotions. This temporary madness distorts reason and causes harm. We’ll explore their timeless advice on keeping our cool, no matter the circumstances, and discuss how these ancient strategies are more relevant than ever.
Key Topics Covered:
Modern Anger Triggers:Road rage and the anonymity of driving: How our cars become battlegrounds for anger.Social media outrage: The addictive cycle of posts, likes, and arguments that keep us hooked and constantly on edge.Talk radio and media: How provocative hosts and polarising news amplify anger and create an “us vs. them” mentality. The Psychological and Physical Toll of Anger:Chronic anger’s impact on our bodies—stress hormones, high blood pressure, anxiety, and more.How anger clouds judgment, damages relationships and isolates us. Stoic Wisdom for Managing Anger:Seneca’s advice on delaying anger and avoiding unnecessary provocations.Marcus Aurelius’s practice of negative visualisation—preparing for life’s challenges to stay grounded.Epictetus’s reminder to focus on what we can control and let go of what we can’t. Bridging Stoicism and Modern Psychology:The role of emotional intelligence in managing anger—recognising and understanding our emotions, responding thoughtfully, and fostering empathy. Actionable Takeaways:Practical tips for applying Stoic principles to reclaim calm and respond to anger triggers with reason rather than reactivity.Set boundaries with social media, news, and other anger-inducing influences.Why Listen?
This episode offers valuable insights into why we get angry, how it affects us, and what we can do about it. Whether you’re struggling with road rage, feeling overwhelmed by the constant negativity on social media, or simply trying to keep your cool in a heated world, this discussion blends ancient wisdom with modern strategies to help you find a path to greater peace and self-control.
Quotes to Highlight:
“Anger is like a ruin, which, breaking itself upon that which it falls, breaks down that on which it leans.” — Seneca“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” — Epictetus -
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we dive into the unexpected sources of anxiety that creep up in the most unlikely places. Using the story of feeling anxious on an aeroplane—where the anxiety wasn’t about flying at all—we explore the more profound, often hidden, triggers that fuel our stress in everyday life. Whether it’s the constant hum of background worry, social pressure, or the noise of negative thoughts, sometimes the natural turbulence is happening inside our minds. Tune in as we unpack how to recognise and address these underlying anxieties, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Stoicism, and Viktor Frankl's insights. Learn practical ways to manage those overwhelming feelings, even when they hit you out of nowhere.
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This episode explores why quick fixes like "Resilience Pizza" and boxes of fruit fall short regarding employee wellness and why a more thoughtful approach is needed. Drawing on modern research, Stoic philosophy, and Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of motivation, we discuss how focusing on joy and meaningful wellness programs can create a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce.
Key Points Covered:
1. The Problem with Quick Fixes:
- Superficial solutions like free pizza or fruit boxes don't address deeper, systemic issues in the workplace.
- According to Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, these hygiene factors might prevent dissatisfaction but don't motivate or satisfy employees.
2. Why Joy Matters:
- Joy fosters intrinsic motivation and engagement, helping employees find more profound happiness and fulfilment in their work.
- Research shows that joy leads to higher engagement and productivity, aligning with the Stoic idea that absolute pleasure comes from within and living according to one's values.
3. Building Emotional Resilience:
- Beyond physical health, joy helps build emotional resilience, allowing employees to handle stress and challenges more effectively.
- Promoting joy leads to long-term well-being by encouraging a positive mindset and emotional stability.
4. Personalizing Wellness:
- One-size-fits-all solutions don't work for everyone. Personalized wellness programs that address individual needs and motivators are more effective.
Real support involves meaningful investments in what genuinely motivates employees, such as recognition, growth opportunities, and meaningful work.
5. Creating a Culture of Innovation:
- Joy is linked to creativity and innovation, crucial for any company's success.
- A joyful, resilient workforce is more likely to come up with fresh, innovative ideas and solutions.
6. Addressing Scepticism:
- Investing in joy and comprehensive wellness programs isn't a waste of resources; it reduces turnover, boosts productivity, improves health, attracts top talent, and supports long-term business success.
7. Practical Tips for Fostering Joy:
- Set boundaries with negative people, stay true to your values, focus on solutions, practice self-care, and use Stoic techniques to maintain peace of mind.
Conclusion:
While quick fixes might seem appealing, they don't address employees' real needs. A focus on joy, genuine resilience, and motivators like recognition and personal growth leads to a more engaged and satisfied workforce. Moving beyond token gestures to meaningful wellness initiatives is not only better for employees but also a smart business strategy for long-term success. It's time to invest in what truly matters—employee well-being.
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Show Summary:
This thought-provoking episode explores the fascinating and sometimes troubling world of rumours. Why are we often drawn to gossip and rumours rather than actively seeking the truth? Understanding our inclination toward rumours is more critical than ever in an age dominated by social media, where true and false information spreads at lightning speed.
Michael delves into the psychological, philosophical, and scientific reasons behind our fascination with rumours. We draw insights from three key areas:
Stoic Philosophy:
The ancient Stoics had much to say about living a virtuous life and handling our challenges. They taught us to focus on what we can control—our thoughts and reactions—and not get swept up by the opinions of others. We discuss how Stoic wisdom can help us remain calm and composed in the face of gossip and rumours.Neuroscience:
We explore what happens in our brains when we hear a rumour. With insights from modern neuroscience, we learn how our brains are hardwired to pay attention to social information, especially when it's senit'sonal or emotionally charged. The episode examines how the amygdala and prefrontal cortex affect our response to rumours.Emotional Intelligence:
Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for managing our reactions to rumours. We discuss how being self-aware, empathetic, and skilled in managing relationships can help us handle gossip more effectively. Insights from psychologist Daniel Goleman highlight how EI can guide us to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.The Impact of Social Media:
Social media is a powerful amplifier for rumours today. We examine how platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram quickly spread information—often misinformation—creating a sense of urgency and credibility. We discuss the echo chamber effect and how it reinforces our beliefs, making rumours seem more believable.Key Quotes and Ideas Featured:
Epictetus on Listening: "We have "two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." We use the importance of discerning what we listen to and not letting every rumour take root in our minds.Marcus Aurelius on Truth: "If it is" not right, correct do it; if it is not valid, do not say it." The episode explores how adhering to truth and integrity can help us rise above gossip.Daniel Goleman on Emotional Intelligence: "Emotion" l intelligence is not about being soft. It's about keeping bright with your emotions." This quote underscores the importance of being emotionally savvy in handling rumours.Nicholas DiFonzo on Rumour Psychology: "People "hare rumours to make sense of situations and to feel more informed or in control." We discuss how social media exploits this aspect of human psychology, making rumours more appealing.Takeaways for the Audience:
Understanding the natural inclination toward rumours can help us become more mindful of our responses.Applying Stoic principles can provide a framework for dealing with gossip calmly and rationally.Neuroscience highlights the importance of engaging our rational minds when faced with rumours.Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for managing our reactions and maintaining healthy relationships.Awareness of social media's role in spreading rumours can help us be more critical of online information.As we go about our daily lives, let's take a moment to pause and think before reacting to the latest rumour. Seek the truth, practice empathy, and remember the wisdom of the Stoics: focus on what you can control—your thoughts and actions. Challenge yourself to be a seeker of truth, not just a listener of rumours.
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“Hello, and welcome to ‘Mind the Gap’—the podcast where ancient wisdom meets modern emotional intelligence. I’m Michael Comyn, and with 38 years of experience in this field, I’m thrilled to guide you through exploring how we can bridge the gap between our emotions and reality.
Each episode delves into the profound teachings of Stoic philosophers, offering insights that have stood the test of time. We’ll connect these timeless lessons with contemporary strategies for managing feelings, building resilience, and enhancing self-awareness. Whether you’re grappling with stress, seeking clarity, or simply curious about how ancient wisdom can inform modern living, ‘Mind the Gap’ is here to illuminate your path.
Join me for thought-provoking discussions, practical tools, and actionable strategies designed to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and understanding. Don’t miss out—subscribe now to stay updated and be the first to hear each new episode.
Let’s embark on this journey together and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Tune in to ‘Mind the Gap’, and let’s close the gap between what we feel and what’s happening. See you on the next episode!”
