Best My Village Productions Podcasts (2025)

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206: Sissy Goff: How to Raise Resilient Kids 47:53

1d ago47:53

47:53

There is no doubt that we are living in a rapidly changing world. Whether the topic is politics, technology, or climate - the future that our children face will likely look very different than previous generations. Given the modern challenges of smartphones, social media, and rising mental health issues, should our parenting also be evolving? Sissy…

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Little Happier: When the Words of Ritual Give Me My “America Feeling” 2:34

1d ago2:34

2:34

Certain moments inspire my "America feeling"—a profound connection to the ideals of the United States. For instance, the formal words of the opening ritual for a session of the United States Supreme Court reminds me of the value of justice. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling …

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More Happier: Puppy! Taffy Has Arrived 25:37

3d ago25:37

25:37

We talk about the happiness, rewards, and challenges of having a new dog. Resources & links related to this episode: Support your favorite indie booksellers and enjoy a fun perk from Bookshop Follow me on Instagram for photos and videos of Taffy Read Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more…

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205: Unabridged Interview: Sheryl Crow 58:22

4d ago58:22

58:22

This is our unabridged interview with Sheryl Crow. After a stellar performance on No Small Endeavor Live, 9 time Grammy Winner Sheryl Crow sits down with Lee to discuss the tension between ambition and creativity, the profound realization that accompanied her breast cancer diagnosis, and the impact of mindfulness and meditation on her daily life. C…

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Introducing: Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan 43:01

5d ago43:01

43:01

We’re excited to introduce you to Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan, a new show from Lemonada Media. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex builds out a business of her own, she’s getting advice and insights from a handful of amazing women who have scaled small ideas into successful companies. These fly-on-the-wall conversations will no doubt inspi…

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Ep. 531: Arrive Right on Time, Benefits of Pill Organizers & the Strongest Way to Make Friends 27:53

6d ago27:53

27:53

We discuss why arriving right on time for events makes it easier to have fun and to network (especially for introverts or newcomers). We also share the benefits of using an ordinary weekly pill organizer, and explore research supporting the Secret of Adulthood: “One of the best ways to find friends is to make friends with the friends of our friends…

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205: Sheryl Crow: Becoming Who She Always Was 47:55

8d ago47:55

47:55

After a stellar performance on No Small Endeavor Live, 9 time Grammy Winner Sheryl Crow sits down with Lee to discuss the tension between ambition and creativity, the profound realization that accompanied her breast cancer diagnosis, and the impact of mindfulness and meditation on her daily life. Crow also tells the story behind her posthumous duet…

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Little Happier: Easy Answers or Hard Truths: Whom Do You Trust? 9:01

8d ago9:01

9:01

When we’re trying to make a point, it’s often more effective to tell a story than to deliver a lecture. Example: an episode from the popular TV show “Better Call Saul” memorably illustrates the important truth that we’re probably better off assigning a complex problem to the person who acknowledges the difficulties rather than to the person who off…

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More Happier: Gretchen’s & Elizabeth’s Dog Decisions 27:58

10d ago27:58

27:58

In honor of the arrival of a new dog, we take a flashback to previous discussions of our lives with Barnaby, Daisy, and Nacho. We each decided to “Choose the bigger life,” and we’re very happy we did. Bonus: One of the all-time best episode of “A Little Happier,” all about Barnaby. Resources & links related to this episode: A Little Happier: We’ve …

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204: Unabridged Interview: Mike Cosper 1:02:39

11d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

This is our unabridged interview with Mike Cosper. How do you raise criticisms about a group of which you consider yourself to be a member? Mike Cosper hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, a podcast critiquing a lot of the tendencies of American Christianity. “ People are looking at Christianity and saying, is it true?” he says. “I think where I …

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Ep. 530: Very Special Episode: Hacks, Products, and Tips for Spring Clearing & Organizing 30:57

13d ago30:57

30:57

To get ready for spring, we share some of our favorite habits, hacks, and resources for clearing clutter and getting organized. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join me on book tour starting April 1, 2025 Tools for getting organized this spring Outer Order, Inner Calm 3-Tier Organizing Cart Magic Er…

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204: Mike Cosper: A Critique of American Christianity 48:31

15d ago48:31

48:31

How do you raise criticisms about a group of which you consider yourself to be a member? Mike Cosper hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, a podcast critiquing a lot of the tendencies of American Christianity. “ People are looking at Christianity and saying, is it true?” he says. “I think where I landed after my own negative experiences was asking…

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Little Happier: When One Proverb Sparks Dozens: the Inspiration of “No Receiver, No Thief” 5:37

15d ago5:37

5:37

While writing my book "Secrets of Adulthood," I discovered how the structure of a single traditional proverb could spark dozens of new insights. The elegant formula "No X, no Y" began with the traditional wisdom "No receiver, no thief," but soon expanded into observations ranging from the paradoxical ("No expectations, no disappointment") to the hi…

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More Happier: Listen In! Recordings from a Visit in Los Angeles 26:41

17d ago26:41

26:41

During the book tour for “Secrets of Adulthood,” we had the chance to spend the day together in Los Angeles. Listen in and follow along as we hush the Corgis, clear office clutter, and learn some happy book-related news. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Organization hub Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gr…

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203: Unabridged Interview: Rainn Wilson 1:06:50

18d ago1:06:50

1:06:50

This is our unabridged interview with Rainn Wilson. Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica… and spirituality? In a time of cultural division and political polarization, what role can spirituality play in healing our fractured world? Rainn Wilson—best known as Dwight Schrute from The Office—isn't just a comedy icon. He’s also become an unlikely voice fo…

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Ep. 529: Cutting Back on Cussing, Easier Traveling & Do Possessions Have Feelings? 33:41

20d ago33:41

33:41

We explore the surprising benefits of swearing—from pain tolerance to social bonding—while also discussing why cutting back on cussing might still improve conversation quality and emotional climate. We share a listener hack for making a long, frequent car trip easier. We also consider a Know-Yourself- Better question about possessions, and we tackl…

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203: Rainn Wilson: Dwight Schrute Talks About Religion (Best of NSE) 48:40

22d ago48:40

48:40

Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica… and spirituality? In a time of cultural division and political polarization, what role can spirituality play in healing our fractured world? Rainn Wilson—best known as Dwight Schrute from The Office—isn't just a comedy icon. He’s also become an unlikely voice for spiritual reflection in Hollywood, where such conv…

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Little Happier: When Zero Isn't Nothing: The Fresh Eyes of a Basketball Beginner 3:51

22d ago3:51

3:51

Through my "Operation Knicks Knowledge" experiment, I was astonished to learn that some professional basketball players have the number zero for their jersey number. Sometimes, a newcomer notices things that people with more knowledge take for granted. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Reading Hacks [Revisited] 32:13

24d ago32:13

32:13

In honor of #read25in25, we're revisiting one of our Very Special Episodes about how to get more reading done. We share hacks, strategies, and tools from listeners—and our own experience. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Join our annual challenge: #read25in25 #read25in25 PDF tracker Don’t Break the Chain Resolution Chart Get in touch: pod…

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202: Unabridged Interview: Marisa Franco 56:17

25d ago56:17

56:17

This is our unabridged interview with Marisa Franco. How important is it to have friends? Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in many countries, with research suggesting that it’s harder than ever for us to make and keep friends. And according to Marisa Franco, the issue isn’t trivial. “ Loneliness is as toxic for our bodies as smoking 15 cigare…

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Jay Shetty on Pursuing What You Love, from IMO 43:09

26d ago43:09

43:09

Sharing a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, called IMO. You know on Happier, Gretchen gives practical advice meant to uplift you, help you reach goals, and leave you feeling fulfilled. Similarly on IMO, Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal …

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Ep. 528: Improve Your Hedonic Forecasting, Hacks for Reading More, and Mystery Revealed (Name of New Dog) 33:00

27d ago33:00

33:00

We explore the science of "hedonic forecasting"—our often-flawed ability to predict future happiness—and share strategies to make better life decisions. We debate the right approach to a “task cascade.” Plus, as part of #Read25in25, we discuss hacks for doing more reading. Finally, an answer to the burning question: What will my family name our new…

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202: Marisa Franco: How to Make (and Keep) Friends According To Science 47:59

29d ago47:59

47:59

How important is it to have friends? Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in many countries, with research suggesting that it’s harder than ever for us to make and keep friends. And according to Marisa Franco, the issue isn’t trivial. “ Loneliness is as toxic for our bodies as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” she says. “We are fundamentally social c…

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Little Happier: A Secret Kept for Thousands of Years Inspires My Owns Secrets (of Adulthood) 3:58

29d ago3:58

3:58

During my daily Metropolitan Museum visits, an ancient marble sculpture connected to the Eleusinian Mysteries—one of history's best-kept secrets—inspired me to start a major creative project, “Secrets of Adulthood.” Resources & links related to this episode: Life in Five Senses Outer Order, Inner Calm Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: podcast@gret…

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More Happier: Behind-the-Scenes Book Making, Secret Eating Habits, and Sisterly Memories 25:29

1M ago25:29

25:29

We dive behind-the-scenes about the making of Gretchen’s new book, “Secrets of Adulthood,” discussing everything from cover design to audiobook creation. Plus we raise a new question in our continuing discussions about quirky eating. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Pre-order my new book Secrets of Adulthood Tools for getting organized th…

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201: Unabridged Interview: Drew Holcomb 1:12:01

1M ago1:12:01

1:12:01

This is our unabridged interview with Drew Holcomb. ”The scarcity of life is what gives it value,” says singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb. “If we all lived forever, there would be no sort of rush to love and rush to justice and rush to mercy and rush to know people.” Drew’s new album, Memory Bank, co-created with his wife Ellie, is full of personal st…

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Ep. 527: What a Favorite Book Reveals, Photo Selection Tips & Family Secrets Explored 37:22

1M ago37:22

37:22

We discuss how paying attention to the books, movies, or TV shows someone loves can provide profound insights into their character and inner life. Our happiness hack shares surprising research that shows we're actually terrible at choosing our own most flattering photos; strangers select better images of us than we do ourselves. Plus we talk to Ric…

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201: Drew Holcomb: All My Money Is in the Memory Bank 48:29

1M ago48:29

48:29

”The scarcity of life is what gives it value,” says singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb. “If we all lived forever, there would be no sort of rush to love and rush to justice and rush to mercy and rush to know people.” Drew’s new album, Memory Bank, co-created with his wife Ellie, is full of personal stories of love, resilience, mortality, and a strong b…

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Little Happier: When Your Life Feels Like “Groundhog Day”: Movies That Capture Concepts 2:53

1M ago2:53

2:53

Sometimes, the title of a movie manages to become shorthand for entire life situations—think "The Matrix," "Gaslight," and “The Devil Wears Prada.” Also, this collection illustrates my deep appreciation for the pleasure of examples. Resources & links related to this episode: More Happier episode My “24 for 24” list Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Friendship Roundtable: How to Make, Keep & Deepen Friendships 37:02

1M ago37:02

37:02

First in a new discussion series on happiness: Friendship Roundtable. Joining me is a longtime friend, Laurie Santos, and a new friend, Reshma Saujani. We talk about how our friendships have changed over time, how to handle conflict, and how to make new friends in adulthood. Yale professor Laurie Santos is host of “The Happiness Lab” podcast. Reshm…

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200: Unabridged Interview: Jacques Pépin 1:02:26

1M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

This is our unabridged interview with Jacques Pépin. “Food is the great equalizer.” This is the mantra that has fueled the career of Jacques Pépin, who is respected as one of the finest chefs in the world. It has led him to cook for presidents and in world-class restaurants, and inspired him to write over thirty books. In this episode, he explains …

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Ep. 526: The Rule of More, a Fun Way to Clear Family Clutter & More Secrets of Adulthood 31:03

1M ago31:03

31:03

We explore the powerful “Rule of More” that we can make our lives happier—or less happy. We share an easy yet highly effective hack for prompting the entire family to help clear clutter. Plus we share listeners’ excellent Secrets of Adulthood. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Pre-order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join me on book tou…

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200: Jacques Pépin: Food and The Good Life 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

“Food is the great equalizer.” This is the mantra that has fueled the career of Jacques Pépin, who is respected as one of the finest chefs in the world. It has led him to cook for presidents and in world-class restaurants, and inspired him to write over thirty books. In this episode, he explains the role food plays in a flourishing life, describing…

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Little Happier: The Villagers and the Crocodile: When We Assume That We’re Not Next 6:44

1M ago6:44

6:44

In my version of a traditional teaching story, a village is terrorized by a crocodile. This story explores the dangers of dismissing threats to others while hoping that we’ll be spared. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, …

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More Happier: We Talk Money: Finances, Love, Conflict, Debt, and Self-Knowledge 36:07

2M ago36:07

36:07

In a conversation with the brilliant and hilarious Ramit Sethi, we talk about “money for couples.” We discuss issues such as the four money types, how to handle conflict within a relationship, when to start talking about money when dating, red flags, and more. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Become a Super-Fan! Money for Couples by Ramit…

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199: Unabridged Interview: Francis Collins 59:27

2M ago59:27

59:27

This is our unabridged interview with Francis Collins. Francis Collins has led some of the most significant scientific initiatives of our time, including the Human Genome Project and the National Institutes of Health under three U.S. presidents. In his new book, The Road to Wisdom, Collins grapples with the erosion of public trust in science, the p…

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Ep. 525: Should I Get a Dog? Plus Using Podcasts to Get Tasks Done & Listener Insights 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

We explore the big question of whether to get a dog, sharing results from our listener poll, research on how pets boost happiness, and hilarious "worst-case scenarios.” We share a hack for getting tasks done more quickly and pleasantly. Plus we feature a rich collection of listener insights on restaurant plate-rotating secrets, balance-building whi…

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199: Francis Collins: The Road to Wisdom in an Age of Distrust 49:43

2M ago49:43

49:43

Francis Collins has led some of the most significant scientific initiatives of our time, including the Human Genome Project and the National Institutes of Health under three U.S. presidents. In his new book, The Road to Wisdom, Collins grapples with the erosion of public trust in science, the polarization of society, and the challenge of discerning…

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Little Happier: A Truth About Human Nature, Illustrated by a Change in Basketball Rules 2:46

2M ago2:46

2:46

Through my "Operation Knicks Knowledge" experiment, I've discovered that basketball rules evolve constantly—and one particular change reveals a profound truth about human nature. We manage what we monitor, and we encourage what we reward. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling bo…

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More Happier: Revisiting Everyone’s Favorite Moment: The Gift of the Ped Egg 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

In honor of our tenth anniversary, we revisit a fan-favorite episode: The one where Elizabeth talks about giving a Ped Egg to her mother-in-law. Many listeners cited this segment as one of the all-time funniest discussions on the show. We also discuss Gretchen’s travel hack, the “Bowl of Requirement,” and our favorite wedding readings. Resources & …

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198: Unabridged Interview: Nancy French 1:05:50

2M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

This is our unabridged interview with Nancy French. Nancy French has spent her career helping others tell their stories. As a five-time New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, she has worked with prominent conservatives, celebrities, and political figures. But in her new memoir, Ghosted: An American Story, Nancy turns the pen on herself, recounting…

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Ep. 524 Use a Messy Closet, a 3-Hour Rule for Difficult People & Renowned Judy Blume on Reading 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

We explore a helpful approach for handling important tasks that can’t be dealt with at present, by stashing them in the metaphorical "messy closet" without guilt. Our happiness hack offers expert advice for managing social situations with difficult people. We also feature a special interview with legendary author Judy Blume about fostering a love o…

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198: Nancy French: Ghosted by Her Own Tribe 48:17

2M ago48:17

48:17

Nancy French has spent her career helping others tell their stories. As a five-time New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, she has worked with prominent conservatives, celebrities, and political figures. But in her new memoir, Ghosted: An American Story, Nancy turns the pen on herself, recounting her own journey through faith, politics, and person…

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Little Happier: A Military Pamphlet from WWII Reflects My Dream for the United States 5:06

2M ago5:06

5:06

During my family’s trip to Normandy, reading the D-Day guide for soldiers gave me the “America feeling.” Its plain words, aimed at soldiers headed to France, captured my dream for America. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collectio…

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More Happier: Survivor Fantasy League, Gold Star for Teachers on the Subway & Reading Renaissance 24:22

2M ago24:22

24:22

We share what's making us happier: Survivor Fantasy League and teachers herding middle schoolers on the subway. We discuss whether reading is having a cultural moment (we think so) and explore the differences between club soda, sparkling water, and seltzer. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Take the Habits for Happiness quiz Get in touch: …

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197: Unabridged Interview: Mpho Tutu van Furth 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

This is our unabridged interview with Mpho Tutu van Furth. What does it mean to ask someone for forgiveness? The experience after Apartheid in South Africa has much to teach us. “In English, you say, ‘I’m sorry, forgive me.’ It’s all about me” Says Mpho Tutu van Furth, daughter to the late Desmond Tutu. But in the South African language of Xhosa “Y…

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Ep. 523: Write Your Secrets of Adulthood, Magazine Happiness & Helping the (Obliger) Helper 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

We explore the powerful practice of distilling your hard-earned observations into concise "Secrets of Adulthood,” such as "Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination" and "The more I write, the more I write." We also talk about the simple pleasure of physical magazines, and we tackle a complex Four Tendencies question about suppo…

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197: Mpho Tutu van Furth: The Tutu Legacy of Forgiveness and Reconciliation 48:16

2M ago48:16

48:16

What does it mean to ask someone for forgiveness? The experience after Apartheid in South Africa has much to teach us. “In English, you say, ‘I’m sorry, forgive me.’ It’s all about me” Says Mpho Tutu van Furth, the daughter to the late Desmond Tutu. But in the South African language of Xhosa “You say ndicela uxolo which means ‘I ask for peace’. And…

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Little Happier: We All Have Our Luna Park: Places That Capture Our Imagination Forever 4:45

2M ago4:45

4:45

Three distinct childhood memories—from an art-carnival creator, a food writer, and a horror master—illuminate how the “luna parks” of our childhoods can live in our imaginations for our entire lives. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Projec…

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More Happier: Very First Episode [Revisited] 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

For our 10th anniversary, we’re revisiting our very first episode of Happier. We discuss how the “one-minute rule” contributes to outer order and inner calm, the difference between a satisficer and a maximizer, and the one-coin loophole. Plus, for the first time, we give ourselves Demerits and Gold Stars. Resources & Links Related to this episode: …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

My Village Productions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen