Over a tiny table in a crowded bar … on a bike crossing at the Mexican border … standing at the edge of a windswept cliff: There are places and moments where life comes into crystal-clear focus, and you realize something (or maybe everything) needs to change. In this episode, we've collected 4 powerful, personal stories of wake-up calls, when the universe sh ... Show More
Mar 24
The last laugh, by Sara Benincasa
As a young writer and performer, Sara Benincasa found her voice doing stand-up comedy. For years, it seemed better than therapy. But slowly, doubts surfaced. While the external validation she received made her feel successful and even loved, something was missing. In this episode ... Show More
34m 6s
Mar 17
Martha Beck: Letting our hearts take the lead
It’s not surprising that Martha Beck, best-selling author and columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine, grew up as a high achiever. Attending Harvard University for both undergraduate and doctoral degrees, Martha spends years fighting to be the smartest person in the room and contendi ... Show More
38m 59s
May 2023
A Personal Story from Dan
<p>As you might already know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month – and, while mental health is important every month, it's an important opportunity to share resources that can help one another. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>So, in that spirit – we're going to bring you a bonus episode ... Show More
28m 11s
Mar 2021
The Profound Upside of Self-Diminishment | George Saunders
There is a powerful scene in a novel called Lincoln In the Bardo, where President Abraham Lincoln has come to the cemetery where his young son, Willie, is soon to be buried. Willie had passed away at the White House where he had gotten sick. Lincoln is so distraught that he goes ... Show More
1h 8m
Oct 2022
If You've Ever Doubted Whether Meditation Works, Listen to This Story | Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez
<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p><em>---</em></p> <p>You may remember hearing a massively viral story from a few years ago about a school in Baltimore that gave students medit ... Show More
1h 6m
Dec 2021
Prophets Walk Among Us: Stories From Our Listeners
Every week, I send a show out into the ether. But it’s you, the audience, who has taken what is nothing more than an inert digital file comprised of ones and zeroes—and turned it into so much more.When I think back on the history of the show to date, it’s crystal clear what is tr ... Show More
1h 9m