logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
59m 18s

Michael Acton Smith: Reduce Stress in 7 ...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Do you want to reduce your stress in just 7 minutes a day? 

Do you want to learn how to make meditation easy and accessible for you?

Today, I welcome my good friend Michael Acton Smith. Michael is the co-founder and co-Executive Chairman of Calm, the leading mental wellness brand with the #1 App for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation. Calm has grown to over 100 million downloads, was the Apple 2017 app of the year, and is the world's first mental health unicorn. Long fascinated by neuroscience, flow states and mental fitness, Michael is passionate about spreading meditation as a simple but valuable skill around the world. 

Michael discusses the interesting twist of putting an entertainment voice in meditation, challenging myths, and misconceptions surrounding this powerful practice. We tap into the future of mental health, exploring why sometimes we need to step back to find the answers. Patience has always been the secret to success.

As the conversation progressed, we stirred into the potential of AI and its role in the next evolution of Calm and potentially address the question: How can technology be harnessed to serve humanity better? There is a future in AI and how it immensely helps spread mental health awareness and promote mindfulness practice. 

In this interview, you will learn:

The many benefits of meditation

How to practice mindfulness

How to sit in silence and calm your mind

How to leverage your creativity

The connection between AI and mental health

It's an episode packed with insights, laughter, and a sprinkle of mindfulness. Together, let's explore the boundless possibilities of a calm and balanced life together! 

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:18 How Did the Calm Partnership Come About?

05:26 Making Meditation and Mindfulness More Accessible

09:06 The Impact of Daily Calm and Sleep Story on People

11:53 Putting an Entertainment Voice in Meditation

15:27 Myths and Misconceptions About Meditation

18:27 What is the Future of Mental Health?

22:01 Why You Need to Step Back to Find Answers

26:29 Why Patience is the Secret to Success

29:46 How Do You Combine Business and Creativity?

32:19 How Can AI Help Humanity?

39:37 The Potential of AI and The Next Evolution of Calm

42:03 How to Find Balance Between Digital and Physical Activities

47:02 The Benefits of Reacting Instead of Responding to Triggers

51:41 How to Positively Introduce Meditation to Children

55:52 How to Develop the Practice of Sitting in Silence

Episode Resources:

Michael Acton Smith | LinkedIn

Michael Acton Smith | Instagram

Calm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Nov 24
Divorce Lawyer James Sexton: #1 Conversation Every Couple Should Have Before it’s Too Late (Use THIS 3-Step Script TODAY!)
<p>What do you need from a partner that you haven&rsquo;t been getting?</p> <p>How can someone show up for you in a way that meets that need?</p> <p>Today, Jay sits down with renowned divorce attorney and author James Sexton for a conversation that redefines what it means to love ... Show More
2h 28m
Nov 22
Jay & Radhi Talk About Icks vs. Red Flags (How to ACTUALLY Know the Difference)
<p>In this fun and unfiltered episode, Jay and Radhi dive into the world of &ldquo;icks,&rdquo; those oddly specific little turn-offs that make us cringe for reasons we can&rsquo;t quite explain. From baby voices and socks with sandals to the blurry line between confidence and co ... Show More
29m 16s
Nov 21
6 Lessons I Wish I Knew in My 20’s & 30’s (This Will INSTANTLY Give You Direction!)
<p>What&rsquo;s one thing you wish you learned earlier in life?</p> <p>What do you think would&rsquo;ve changed for you if you learned it sooner?</p> <p>Today, Jay reflects on the lessons he wishes he&rsquo;d learned in his twenties and thirties, wisdom shaped by mistakes, growth ... Show More
28m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2023
How To Calm Your Mind
This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health and Levels. What matters most in life is the quality of our experiences and the ability to be awake to what is real and true in our lives for both the difficult and the happy times. But that is harder than it sounds. More and more, we ... Show More
22m 39s
Aug 2023
Mindfulness Transformation, Day 7 Kaizen: Optimize Your Life and Business Meditations
Embrace small steps for balance and progress to create harmony in your life. Meet someone who is often considered one of the most productive people on the planet, Ari Meisel, as he launches us into a brand new meditation series to live your life in an optimized way to get the mos ... Show More
10m 13s
Aug 2023
Inner Resilience, Day 4 Optimize Your Life and Business Meditations
Fortify your mind and body against the perils of stress in today's guided insight and meditation. Meet someone who is often considered one of the most productive people on the planet, Ari Meisel, as he launches us into a brand new meditation series to live your life in an optimiz ... Show More
11m 54s
Apr 2021
Why We Meditate: Purposes, Methods, and Common Misconceptions
What's the "point" of meditation, and how can we build a practice that works for us? In this episode Rick and Forrest clear up some common misconceptions about meditation, explore major forms of meditation, and share how you can get more out of your practice. Life After COVID Sum ... Show More
55m 13s
Oct 2022
How Meditation Works & Science-Based Effective Meditations
In this episode, I discuss the biological mechanisms of the state changes that occur during different types of meditation and describe how to develop the meditation practice optimal for you. I explain key meditation principles, such as using specific breathwork patterns and adjus ... Show More
2h 23m
Aug 2023
Cultivate Personal Growth and Fulfillment, Day 5 Kaizen: Optimize Your Life and Business Meditations
Explore the power of personal growth and transformation in today's guided insight and meditation. Meet someone who is often considered one of the most productive people on the planet, Ari Meisel, as he launches us into a brand new meditation series to live your life in an optimiz ... Show More
10m 30s
Aug 2023
Unleash Your Full Potential, Day 6 Optimize Your Life and Business Meditations
Embark on a transformative meditation journey to unlock the limitless power within you and unleash your full potential. Meet someone who is often considered one of the most productive people on the planet, Ari Meisel, as he launches us into a brand new meditation series to live y ... Show More
11m 51s
Mar 2024
Mental Focus Affirmation, Day 2 Simplify to Amplify Meditation Series
Goal Setting: Be guided in a meditation to identify the 20% of your goals that will have the most significant impact on your life. Focus your energy on achieving these goals first before tackling less critical ones. Welcome to our meditation series on harnessing the power of the ... Show More
11m 3s
Oct 2023
Persevering Through Challenges, Day 4 How to Get Exactly What You Want in Life Meditations
Be guided in a meditation to improve your ability to persevere so that you can get exactly what you want in life. This week, we launch into a series to help you realize your greatest aspirations to get exactly what you want in life. Along this week's journey, you'll be exploring ... Show More
11m 2s
Oct 2023
Mental Clarity Affirmation, Day 2 How to Get Exactly What You Want Meditations
Be guided in an affirmation to gain clarity and fulfillment about your life's purpose. This week, we launch into a series to help you realize your greatest aspirations to get exactly what you want in life. Along this week's journey, you'll be exploring how to gain clarity and foc ... Show More
11m 4s