The idea of being driven by a calling goes back centuries. It was the language used to describe religious people who were called to the priesthood — called, in effect, by God. Today, millions of people in secular professions yearn to be similarly galvanized by their work. This week, researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas explores the immense power—and the downside ... Show More
Aug 24
What Art Does For Your Brain
Think about the last time a piece of music stopped you in your tracks, or a novel kept you up late at night. Why do these experiences feel so powerful? Psychobiologist Daisy Fancourt says engagement with the arts can help to regulate our emotions, build resilience, and support lo ... Show More
49m 18s
Aug 17
How to Be A Better Partner
When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, we talk with psychologist Edward Lemay about how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect. He explains how we ca ... Show More
1h 26m
Jan 2025
Little Happier: When Your Life's Work Chooses You: The Beauty and Burden of a Calling
From circus performers to doctors to writers to social workers, we can experience a "call"—an irresistible pull toward certain work that can feel both like a gift and a burden. While a calling provides clarity and fulfillment, it can also leave little room for choice, demanding s ... Show More
6m 2s
Mar 2025
ARIANNA MOLLOY: How to Love Work—Without Burning Out
What is a calling? How does it shape our work and life? What’s the hidden cost of pursuing it (and what can we do about it)? In this engaging, high-energy conversation, Michael and Megan sit down with Dr. Arianna Molloy—calling researcher, author, and professor—to unpack the powe ... Show More
1h 6m
Aug 2022
From “Careers” to “Callings”: When Work Becomes Your Identity
If you consciously or subconsciously derive your identity from your work, what happens when that work goes away? Moreover, how do we reconcile the advice we hear from everyone from Steve Jobs to Steve Aoki to “follow our passion” (and, in case it wasn’t clear, monetize it) with t ... Show More
58m 32s
May 2021
Purpose, Passion, & Curiosity
Ever feel like there is something wrong with you because you can't figure out that one great passion that lights your soul on fire? Or do you find yourself feeling directionless and purposeless as you walk in and out of work each day? Well, this week, Kat, (@kat.defatta) is takin ... Show More
32m 54s
Apr 2022
Find Joy in Any Job: What Do I Really Love To Do?
At a time when 41% of us are considering quitting our jobs, it’s time for us to understand why and what we can do about it.
In this special series from HBR, we’re looking at how to craft your current job around the work you really love. In this episode, we’ll explain how to ident ... Show More
30m 54s
Jul 2024
MOMENT 16: Unlock Intense Focus & Achieve Extraordinary Results | Cal Newport
<p>Do you get caught up doing ‘busy work’, instead of engaging in the deep, meaningful work that actually moves the needle?</p><br><p>In this inspiring moment, bestselling author and professor of computer science Cal Newport shares the life-changing distinction between “deep” and ... Show More
5m 18s