Manage episode 493695395 series 3589989
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Man: A Quest to Find Meaning, James sits down with poet and wellbeing mentor David Anderson, also known as Pep the Poet, for a conversation that weaves together fear, humor, healing, and the power of playfulness.
David shares his signature “Five F’s” of fear response — Fight, Flight, Freeze, Flock, and… the cheeky one — and introduces us to the metaphor that changed his life: The Lifeboat. Once drowning in anxiety and self-doubt, David reveals how asking for help, surrounding himself with a “CPU” (Close Protection Unit), and rediscovering his inner child helped him rewrite his story.
We explore the healing power of humor, the importance of giving ourselves permission to be silly, and why playfulness isn’t just for children — it’s a crucial tool for adults navigating stress, fear, and identity. From making mud pies and singing in the rain to confronting imposter syndrome and setting boundaries with “drains” vs. “radiators,” this episode is a refreshing mix of deep wisdom and joyful storytelling.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by modern life or simply in need of a laugh, this episode offers practical tools and poetic insights to help you return to yourself — with compassion, clarity, and a good dose of silliness.
About David:
55 episodes