Bountifull Podcast

“Sometimes not knowing the rules is the thing that lets you see what’s possible.”Mallun Yen’s life and career have been shaped by not quite fitting the mould — and learning to see that as an advantage.Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, Mallun often felt like an outsider. She spent years trying to blend in, to understand the unspoken rules around her. But over time, she realised that being on the edges gave her a different perspective — one that allowed her to observe more closely, spot patterns, and see opportunities others might miss.Her career reflects that same thinking. From starting as a lawyer, to leading intellectual property at Cisco, to building a company from zero to public in just three years, Mallun has consistently taken paths that didn’t quite follow the traditional route. Not having the “right” background became a strength — freeing her from assumptions about how things are supposed to be done, and allowing her to think differently.In this conversation, we explore the deeper lessons behind that journey — from the importance of relationships and feedback, to the courage it takes to speak openly about things that are often left unsaid.Mallun shares candid reflections on identity, grief, mental health, and menopause — and the power of talking about experiences that many people carry quietly. Her perspective is grounded and thoughtful, offering a reminder that connection often starts with honesty.We also explore her work with Operator Collective, a venture fund built around community, bringing together experienced operators to support founders based on real-world experiences with people who have been there, done that, and are currently doing it.This is a conversation about perspective, courage, and rethinking where value comes from — and a reminder that not fitting the mould might be the very thing that allows you to build something meaningful.Episode HighlightsWhy being an outsider can become a powerful advantageThe freedom that comes from not knowing “the rules”How feedback can shape better decisions and relationshipsRethinking what it means to be “political” at workThe role of community in building companies and careersWhy sharing personal stories creates connectionThe reality of grief, mental health, and high performanceOpening up conversations around menopause and women’s healthBuilding a different kind of venture capital modelWhat it means to live a bountiful lifeChapters: 00:00 – Thinking differently by not knowing the rules03:00 – Growing up as an outsider and trying to fit in10:00 – Observation, pattern recognition, and advantage15:00 – Learning relationship building and feedback20:00 – Sharing stories, grief, and mental health25:00 – Menopause, identity, and workplace realities30:00 – Career journey from law to founder to VC35:00 – Building Operator Collective40:00 – Feedback, naysayers, and decision-making44:00 – What it means to live a bountiful lifeGuest Bio: Mallun Yen is the Founder and CEO of Operator Collective, a venture capital fund and community designed to bring experienced operators into startup investing. The fund manages over $150 million and brings together operators from leading technology companies including Salesforce, Stripe, and Slack.With more than two decades of experience across law, technology, and venture, Mallun has built and scaled organisations from startups to Fortune 100 companies. She previously served as Vice President of Worldwide Intellectual Property at Cisco, where she led global strategy and played a key role in major acquisitions.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallun/About Bountifull:Bountifull is a podcast where we explore what it means to live a bountiful life in a world that often feels fast, noisy, and complicated. Through thoughtful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, we explore the ideas and experiences that shape how we live, and how we can have more joy in our lives, every day.

“Notice the nature around you — and take time to just be.”In this conversation, Holli-Anne Passmore explores the powerful relationship between nature, wellbeing, and meaning in life. Her work focuses on how small, everyday interactions with the natural world can shift how we feel, think, and experience our lives.We often think of nature as something we have to travel to — mountains, oceans, national parks. But what if the real shift comes from simply paying attention to what’s already around us?Holli-Anne shares that it’s not just time in nature that matters — it’s the quality of attention we bring to it. Noticing the sky, the trees, the small details in everyday life can create a measurable impact on wellbeing, helping us feel more connected, calm, and alive.The conversation also explores the difference between feeling good and living a meaningful life, why boredom is essential for creativity, and how slowing down can help us understand what truly matters.This is a grounded, practical conversation about how to live more fully — not by doing more, but by noticing more.Episode HighlightsWhy nature is not “out there” — it’s all around usThe science of nature and its impact on wellbeingWhy noticing nature matters more than time spent outdoorsThe emotion of “elevation” and feeling deeply connectedMeaning vs feeling good — what actually mattersWhy boredom is essential for creativityLiving at “human speed” instead of constant hustleHow nature can reduce loneliness and increase connectionUnderstanding the environments where you feel most aliveThe concept of “enough” and letting go of moreChapters00:00 — How nature impacts wellbeing03:00 — What makes life feel meaningful09:50 — What a bountiful life really is11:20 — Why boredom matters19:20 — What is nature connectedness24:20 — Nature prescriptions and mental health29:00 — Cognitive benefits of nature33:30 — Meaning vs feeling good36:00 — Nature, time, and “enough”39:20 — Finding environments that suit you46:00 — Nature in cities and everyday life54:40 — What people misunderstand about nature58:50 — Tools for tough days01:03:30 — Final reflections on living wellGuest BioHolli-Anne Passmore is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton and a leading researcher in nature connectedness, wellbeing, and meaning in life. She is the Director of the Nature-Meaning in Life Research Lab and her work focuses on practical, everyday interventions that help people improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and live more meaningful lives through their relationship with the natural world.The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through thoughtful, honest conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Each episode weaves together real stories, practical ideas, and personal reflections on topics like well-being, resilience, connection, creativity, and meaning. In a world that can often feel noisy and disconnected, Bountifull offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters, helping listeners find more joy in their lives, every day.https://www.bountifullworld.com/weekly-question/

When full-time work ends, the daily structure and identity that came with it shifts, sometimes in ways people don’t anticipate. In this conversation, Klay Williams shares what he’s learned from coaching people through this transition, including insights from a documentary series following three individuals navigating retirement.Klay’s background is unusual. He began as a purpose coach working with Fortune 500 executives at companies such as Google and Airbnb. During the pandemic, he noticed older adults increasingly reaching out — not for career advancement, but for something else entirely. That pattern led him to shift his practice and create The Just Beginning Project, focused on retirement transitions.This conversation explores both the practical and personal dimensions of retirement: how routine, relevance, and daily rhythm change when work structure falls away. We discuss why financial planning addresses only part of the picture, how long-standing patterns can resurface, and what Klay has observed about loneliness, identity, purpose and contribution during this stage of life.Topics explored: The shift in routine, identity, and daily structure in retirementWhy people often feel unfulfilled even after careful planningHow the loneliness epidemic shows up for older adults- The difference between following inherited expectations versus your own pathWhat happens emotionally when people feel replaced after leaving workPractical approaches to retirement that go beyond financesThis is a thoughtful exploration of a life phase that many plan for financially but few prepare for emotionally, and what Klay has learned from working directly with people moving through it.Watch the docuseries here: www.justbeginning.info/Chapters: 00:00 – Life beyond full-time work05:12 – Klay’s shift from executive coaching to retirement transitions12:45 – What changes when work structure disappears20:30 – Planning financially versus preparing personally29:10 – Loneliness, relevance, and contribution38:25 – Inherited expectations and identity47:50 – Feeling replaced after leaving work56:40 – What carries forward into life beyond careerGuest Bio – Klay WilliamsKlay Williams is the founder of The Just Beginning Project, an initiative focused on supporting people as they move beyond traditional careers and into retirement. He began his career as a purpose coach working with Fortune 500 executives at companies including Google and Airbnb. During the pandemic, he noticed a growing number of older adults seeking guidance not about career progression, but about life after work. That shift led him to refocus his practice and create a documentary series following three individuals navigating retirement in real time. His work centres on the practical and personal realities of this transition.Learn more about Klay here: www.klayswilliams.com/Bountifull Podcast: The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through thoughtful conversations about personal growth, purpose, health, money, and connection. Featuring scientists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts from diverse fields, the show looks at the practical and human side of building a meaningful life.Explore our podcast episodes here: www.bountifullworld.com/podcast/Follow us on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/bountifullpodcast/

We talk a lot about women’s cycles — hormonal, emotional, seasonal — but rarely about men’s. In this episode, Jed Diamond helps bring men into the conversation.With over 50 years of experience working with men and families, Jed explains how men move through powerful biological and emotional rhythms across their lives. From daily and seasonal hormonal shifts to the deeper transition of male menopause, these cycles influence mood, energy, libido, relationships, and identity — often without men or their partners realising what’s happening.Rather than framing midlife as a crisis, Jed offers a different lens: a threshold. A moment where the first half of life gives way to a second mountain — one shaped less by proving and producing, and more by purpose, connection, and contribution.We also explore Irritable Male Syndrome, unpacking why irritability, anger, withdrawal, and low mood can emerge at any age, and how stress, diet, isolation, and unresolved trauma interact with male biology. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis is practical and compassionate, grounded in real-life patterns rather than blame or stigma.This episode is an invitation to build literacy around men’s inner lives — for men themselves, and for anyone who lives, works, or loves alongside them.In This Episode, We ExploreHow men’s hormones fluctuate and influence mood, energy, and behaviourWhat male menopause is — and why it’s often misunderstoodThe relationship between testosterone, irritability, depression, and withdrawalIrritable Male Syndrome and its biological, psychological, and cultural rootsHow stress, diet, sleep, and connection affect men’s emotional wellbeingWhy midlife can be a transition rather than a crisisThe role of friendship, vulnerability, and emotional awareness in men’s healthChapters:00:00 – Midlife, hormones, and men’s health02:25 – Jed Diamond’s story and why this work matters09:30 – Do men have cycles?18:40 – Male menopause and midlife change29:20 – Irritable Male Syndrome39:15 – Relationships and emotional wellbeing50:20 – Purpose, ageing, and the second half of lifeGuest Bio: Jed DiamondJed Diamond, PhD, is a leading voice in men’s health, hormones, and emotional wellbeing. He is the founder of MenAlive and the author of 17 books, including Surviving Male Menopause and The Irritable Male Syndrome. For more than five decades, his work has focused on helping men understand life transitions, emotional health, and relationships.https://menalive.com/About the Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast is where we explore what it means to live a bountiful life. Through thoughtful, honest conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, the podcast explores joy, resilience, health, purpose, and the small choices that shape how we live every day — especially in a world that often rewards more, faster, and louder.Over on email every week we share a question for reflection and conversation — you’re welcome to join if that feels useful, sign up here.

In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we explore the often-hidden role of shame and stigma in shaping how we live, relate, and see ourselves — and why understanding them is essential to living a truly bountiful life. Through a thoughtful, grounded conversation with clinical psychologist Magenta Silberman, we unpack how shame differs from guilt, how it quietly embeds itself into identity and self-worth, and how it can limit joy, connection, and meaning when left unexamined.Shame is an internal and deeply personal experience — less about what we’ve done and more about who we believe we are. Unlike guilt, which can motivate repair and help us grow, shame tends to drive silence, withdrawal, and disconnection. We explore how shame can be adaptive in small doses, helping guide behaviour and social belonging, but becomes harmful when internalised or amplified by stigma, cultural expectations, or environments that clash with our values.The conversation looks closely at where shame shows up: in relationships, work, achievement, identity, parenting, mental health, and especially during the vulnerable transition into adulthood. We also examine how stigma — around mental illness, therapy, trauma, substance use, or identity — compounds shame and prevents people from seeking support, particularly in rural or conservative communities.Importantly, the discussion moves beyond theory into lived experience, including the gap between performance and self-worth, the pressure of “shoulds,” and the quiet shame of feeling unfulfilled even when life looks successful on paper. We explore the body–mind connection through the lens of trauma and the nervous system, highlighting how shame can be felt viscerally and why avoidance so often becomes a coping strategy.Ultimately, this episode offers a compassionate reframe: naming shame is the first step to loosening its grip. By bringing shame into awareness — rather than silence — we create space for connection, self-trust, and a more expansive, bountiful way of living.Episode Highlights: The difference between shame and guilt — and why it mattersHow shame shows up in work, relationships, identity, and achievementWhy shame thrives in silence and isolationThe role of stigma in mental health and help-seekingHow shame lives in the body and nervous systemThe pressure of “shoulds” and performance-based self-worthWhy naming shame is a powerful step toward freedom and connectionTimestamps: 00:00 – Why we avoid naming shame05:00 – Identity, achievement, and living a bountiful life11:30 – Shame vs guilt and why the difference matters17:40 – When shame helps us — and when it harms us25:45 – Performance, “shoulds,” and self-worth30:40 – Stigma, silence, and asking for help34:10 – Shame in the body and nervous system45:30 – Naming shame and choosing connectionGuest Bio: Magenta Silberman is a clinical psychologist based in Utah who works across assessment and therapy, supporting people through a wide range of mental health experiences. Her work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach, with a particular interest in identity, self-worth, and how shame and stigma shape our lives.About the Bountifull Podcast: The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through thoughtful conversations focused on personal growth, mental health, and everyday self-improvement. Each episode offers practical insights and reflective “how-to” ideas to help listeners build more joyful, resilient, and meaningful lives.https://bountifullworld.com/

In this episode, Michael Breus, widely known as The Sleep Doctor, explores why sleep is not just a health habit, but the foundation of how we feel, think, and experience life.Michael explains that sleep underpins our ability to experience joy, regulate emotions, focus, and build resilience. When we’re sleep deprived, positive emotions are dampened, negative thinking intensifies, and even small challenges can feel overwhelming. In his clinical work, he’s seen how improving sleep can create rapid, life-changing shifts—often faster than almost any other intervention.The conversation moves beyond basic sleep hygiene to address the psychology of sleep, particularly anxiety and fear. Michael shares that many sleep issues are driven not by biology alone, but by emotional and nervous-system safety. When fear—financial, relational, or psychological—is present, heart rate stays elevated, making true rest impossible. Addressing the root cause, rather than simply medicating symptoms, is often where real healing begins.Michael outlines five small, evidence-based changes that can dramatically improve sleep: waking at the same time every day, hydrating before caffeine, stopping caffeine by early afternoon, limiting alcohol in the evening, exercising daily (but not too late), and getting morning sunlight. He also emphasises the often-overlooked role of environment—especially pillows, air quality, and allergens—in sleep quality.A key highlight is Michael’s chronotype framework—Lions, Bears, Wolves, and Dolphins—which helps people understand their natural sleep rhythms. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all schedule, he encourages aligning sleep, work, and relationships with individual biology.Ultimately, this episode reframes sleep not as a problem to fix, but as a relationship to tend. When sleep improves, life doesn’t just feel easier—it becomes more spacious, joyful, and bountiful.Episode HighlightsHow sleep supports emotional balance, focus, and everyday joyWhy working with your natural sleep rhythm matters more than optimisationThe connection between sleep, calmness, and nervous system regulationSimple, realistic habits that support better sleep over timeWhy rest helps us show up more fully in our lives and relationshipsTimestamps:00:00 – Why Sleep Shapes How We Feel, Think, and Experience Life. Sleep as the foundation for mood, focus, energy, and joy.07:45 – Why Sleep Advice Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All. Chronotypes, circadian rhythms, and working with your biology.15:20 – How Sleep Affects Mood, Emotions, and Joy. Why sleep deprivation amplifies negativity and dulls positive emotion.24:10 – Sleep, Anxiety, and Nervous System Safety.How fear, stress, and emotional load keep the body from resting.36:30 – Simple Ways to Improve Sleep Without Perfection. Small, realistic changes that make a meaningful difference.47:50 – Sleep, Relationships, and Shared Rhythms. Navigating different sleep patterns with partners and families.55:30 – How Better Sleep Changes Resilience and Everyday Life. What becomes possible when we’re truly well rested.Guest BioMichael Breus, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, board-certified sleep specialist, and best-selling author, widely known as The Sleep Doctor. With over 25 years of experience in sleep research and clinical practice, he is one of the few psychologists to pass the American Board of Sleep Medicine exam. Michael is the author of The Power of When and Good Night, and regularly appears in global media including The Today Show, Oprah, and CNN, sharing accessible, science-based insights on sleep and wellbeing.https://sleepdoctor.com/About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through honest, thoughtful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, sharing real stories, lessons, and reflections on work, life, and meaning.https://bountifullworld.com/

In this episode, Cheryl Sew Hoy explains how gut health affects immunity, mental health, hormones, and resilience, drawing on both microbiome science and her own experience building Tiny Health. She shares how a deeply personal journey into motherhood led her to rethink gut health as a foundation for lifelong wellbeing, and why the microbiome - particularly in the first 1,000 days of a babies life - plays a critical role in immune health, resilience, and mental health.The conversation moves through what the gut actually does, why balance and diversity matter more than eliminating bacteria, and how the gut–brain connection works, including the surprising number of key hormones produced in the gut. Cheryl also explains why testing and education offer clearer direction than supplements or guesswork, and how factors like birth interventions, antibiotics, diet, sleep, and stress shape gut health over time. Alongside this, she reflects on entrepreneurship, parenting, and sleep, and what it means to live a bountiful life that feels full, without taking life too seriously.Episode HighlightsHow gut health influences immunity, mental health, energy, and resilienceThe gut–brain connection and the surprising number of hormones produced in the gutWhy the first 1,000 days of a babies life matters for expecting parents, mothers and fathers. Testing versus guessing in a crowded wellness landscapeWhat entrepreneurship teaches us about patience, perspective, and long-term thinkingLiving a bountiful life as something full, complex, and ongoingTimestamps 00:00 — Why gut health matters and what sparked Tiny Health09:00 — What living a bountiful life means to Cheryl12:30 — Gut health basics and why balance matters more than trends18:00 — The gut–brain connection and hormones made in the gut26:00 — Diet, fibre, fermented foods, and supporting gut health33:00 — The first 1,000 days and why gut health matters for parents55:00 — Entrepreneurship, long-term thinking, and perspective01:02:00 — Sleep, resilience, and not taking life too seriouslyGuest Bio: Cheryl Sew Hoy is an entrepreneur, speaker, angel investor, and founder & CEO of Tiny Health, a health-tech company focused on evidence-based gut microbiome testing for families. She launched Tiny Health in 2020 after her first child faced eczema, sleep challenges, and food sensitivities, which led her deep into microbiome science and the importance of the first 1,000 days of life. Cheryl holds a bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering and a master’s in Engineering Management and Data Mining from Cornell University. Before Tiny Health, she co-founded the software startup Reclip.It, which was acquired by Walmart Labs, and served as the founding CEO of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), building the region’s startup ecosystem. She’s known for blending technical expertise with a systems perspective on health, startups, and resilient living.About the Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through honest, thoughtful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, sharing real stories, lessons, and reflections on work, life, and meaning.https://www.bountifullworld.com/

In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we sit down with Tasman Denize, the creator behind NZ Wild Adventures, to talk about life lived close to the land - hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and many very remote solo adventures. Raised in the remote Marlborough Sounds, Tasman grew up with solitude, self-reliance, and a deep connection to nature as everyday realities.Our conversation explores what the wild teaches you about patience, risk, and responsibility, and why simplicity matters. Tasman shares how time alone helps him feel clearer and more grounded, why he works as little as possible to support the life he wants, and how adventure doesn’t require expensive gear—just preparation, awareness, and respect for your limits.This episode is a quiet reflection on freedom, self-trust, and the kind of peace that comes from slowing down and paying attention — and as Tasman says, the word that describes his life? Free. How absolutely inspiring is that.What talk about: Growing up remote in the Marlborough Sounds and learning self-reliance earlyLife shaped by solitude, correspondence schooling, and time outdoorsWhy Tasman chooses simplicity over excess — in gear, work, and lifestyleLong solo trips, including extended time in FiordlandRisk, safety, and knowing where the line is between bravery and recklessnessHunting and gathering for food, and Tasman’s philosophy around eating what you catchWorking as little as possible to spend more time in natureWhy expensive gear isn’t necessary — preparation and awareness matter moreHow time alone helps Tasman feel clearer, calmer, and more groundedFreedom, family, and spending time where it really mattersKey ThemesSimplicitySelf-trustSolitudeFreedomNature as a grounding forceOne Line That Stays With UsWhen asked what word best describes his life, Tasman’s answer is simple: Free.About the Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through honest, thoughtful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, sharing real stories, lessons, and reflections on work, life, and meaning.⁠https://www.bountifullworld.com/

Hayden Paddon is one of the world’s top rally drivers, but this conversation goes well beyond motorsport. It’s about what happens inside a person when the pressure is high, the stakes are real, and nothing is guaranteed.Hayden grew up around racing and has spent most of his life pushing cars — and himself — to their limits. From winning a World Championship in Argentina to losing his seat, his confidence, and his enjoyment of the sport, he speaks openly about the moments that shaped him. What stands out is his honesty about doubt, fear, patience, and the long road back when things fall apart. This isn’t a polished success story; it’s a grounded reflection on what it takes to keep going.Much of the conversation centres on self-trust. Hayden explains how he prepares his mind for extreme conditions, why staying present matters more than visualising outcomes, and how experience — not bravado — has made him a better driver over time. He talks about flow states, anger as a surprising motivator, and why accepting who you are can sometimes be more powerful than trying to fix yourself.We also explore the personal cost of success: years spent away from home, the loneliness of professional sport, and the moment he realised he’d stopped enjoying the thing that once saved him. Hayden reflects on what it took to reset, strip everything back, and reconnect with why he started racing in the first place.Now in a new chapter, Hayden is focused on building a team, challenging convention, and pushing innovation through electric and alternative-fuel rally cars. Throughout the episode, he returns to the same ideas: patience, loyalty, honesty, and learning to stay in the moment — whether you’re driving at 200 kilometres an hour or navigating a difficult season of life.This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about pressure, identity, resilience, and what it really means to keep going. Hayden’s story challenges romanticised ideas of success and reminds us that meaning isn’t borrowed or inherited — it’s earned over time, often through doing rather than thinking. A bountiful life doesn’t have to look gentle, but it does need to be honest.You can find Hayden on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/haydenpaddon/About the Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through honest, thoughtful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, sharing real stories, lessons, and reflections on work, life, and meaning.https://www.bountifullworld.com/

What if defiance wasn’t a flaw, but a skill? In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah—physician, behavioural scientist, and author of Defy—shares how reclaiming agency and redefining what it means to say “no” can change the trajectory of our lives. Raised to equate goodness with compliance, Sunita’s journey is a powerful reminder that being agreeable often comes at a cost: to our integrity, our well-being, and our sense of self.We explore the psychology behind why we say yes when we mean no, the invisible social pressures that shape our decisions, and why discomfort is a sign—not of weakness, but of wisdom. Sunita offers a practical five-stage framework for living in alignment with your values, and explains how simple tools like pausing before responding or speaking to yourself in the third person can help you make braver, truer choices.This conversation is a compassionate guide for people-pleasers, quiet rebels, and anyone who has ever struggled to hold their ground. A bountiful life, as Sunita reveals, isn’t lived without tension—it’s one where that tension is honoured, examined, and transformed into something meaningful.Episode HighlightsWhy defiance is essential to a meaningful lifeThe difference between compliance, consent, and true defianceHow to find and clarify your personal valuesThe hidden social pressures behind people-pleasing and “yes” cultureFive stages of ethical defiance (from tension to action)Quiet defiance, false defiance, and performative rebellionSaying no with grace—and without over-explainingGuest BioDr. Sunita Sah is a national bestselling author, an award-winning professor at Cornell University and an expert in organizational psychology. She leads groundbreaking research on influence, authority, compliance, and defiance. A trained physician, she practiced medicine in the United Kingdom and worked as a management consultant for the pharmaceutical industry. She currently teaches executives, leaders, and students in healthcare and business. Dr. Sah is a sought-after international speaker and consultant, advisor to government agencies, and former Commissioner of the National Commission on Forensic Science. Her multidisciplinary research and analyses have been widely published in leading academic journals and media entities including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review, and Scientific American. She lives with her husband and son in New York.The Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a purposeful, joyful life by connecting with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Each episode unpacks practical wisdom and real stories on themes like boundaries, saying no, psychological safety, compliance, consent, and living in alignment with your values.

What if the simplest acts of giving could transform your confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose? In this inspiring episode, resilience psychologist Dr Alia Bojilova shares why contribution—small acts of meaningful generosity—can profoundly shape our lives, communities, and well-being.Drawing from her diverse background—from a childhood in post-communist Bulgaria to her distinguished career as an Army Officer and Lead Psychologist with the elite New Zealand Special Air Service (1NZSAS), and now as a global resilience expert—Alia redefines contribution not as grand gestures, but as everyday actions that connect us deeply to others and ourselves. She reveals how contribution boosts self-worth, builds genuine resilience, strengthens relationships, and guides us toward purpose and meaning.Together, we explore the science behind why contribution matters, how even tiny gestures create powerful ripple effects, and how to integrate this practice into our daily lives. Alia reminds us that true abundance isn't about what we accumulate—it's about how generously we share our lives.✨ Episode Highlights: 🌱 Contribution Builds Identity – Small acts of giving offer immediate emotional feedback that reinforces your sense of worth, capability, and agency.✨ Excitement Is a Compass – Alia shares how fleeting moments of excitement have guided some of her most meaningful life decisions—and why listening to those sparks matters.🌦️ We Are Somebody’s Weather – Our emotional state affects everyone around us. Alia explores how being intentional about your presence can shape relationships and environments.⚖️ Equilibrium Is Essential – A bountiful life balances challenge and rest. Alia opens up about learning to say yes to pause, not just productivity.🌀 Purpose Emerges Through Action – Purpose isn't something you need to define before you begin—it grows out of contribution, curiosity, and consistent engagement.🧠 Awareness Fuels Resilience – Resilience starts with noticing how you feel and taking ownership of your state. Contribution is one of the most powerful tools for shifting it.🧃 Scarcity Can Spark Creativity – Alia’s upbringing taught her that limitations can lead to resourcefulness, joy, and deep connection—not deprivation.🤝 Contribution Creates Belonging – Belonging isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you generate through thoughtful action and care.⏳ Busyness Isn’t the Goal – Alia invites us to question what we’re actually busy with, and whether those efforts align with meaning and joy.🫶 Leadership Is Human, Not Heroic – Great leaders don’t perform—they notice, care, and contribute to the wellbeing of others in small, consistent ways.🔍 Curiosity Is a Daily Practice – In every context, from military to family life, curiosity helps us challenge assumptions and uncover what really matters.👶 Teach Contribution Through Doing – Alia’s daily practice with her son—doing something kind for someone else—offers a simple but powerful way to raise resilient, generous kids.👤 About Dr. Alia BojilovaDr Alia Bojilova is a Registered Psychologist with a focus on organizational, team, and individual resilience, leadership, and curiosity. Her extensive career includes serving as an Army Officer and Lead Psychologist with the elite New Zealand Special Air Service (1NZSAS) and the Counter Terrorist Tactics Group. Her operational experience spans Afghanistan, Syria, Israel, the wider Middle East, East Timor, and the Solomon Islands. She was awarded the NZDF Meritorious Service Medal and the United Nations Commendation for her leadership through critical incidents in Syria. Alia is also the author of The Resilience Toolkit, providing practical tools for lasting resilience and well-being.About the Bountifull:The Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful, resilient life. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to dive into personal growth, emotional wellness, and creativity.

“So much of what’s meaningful about science is the process of discovering something that nobody else knew.”What can the universe teach us about being human? For astrophysicist and NASA program scientist Joshua Pepper, the answer lies in curiosity, contribution, and learning to sit with the unknown. In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we talk about exoplanets, randomness, and the emotional realities of life in science—from funding cycles and impostor syndrome to the joy of a good spreadsheet. Joshua reflects on the long arc of discovery, the privilege of asking big questions, and why we should make time to look up.This is an episode about wonder and meaning, but also one about endurance. Because sometimes a bountiful life isn’t about answers—it’s about the people you meet, the questions that stay with you, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.✨ Episode Highlights🌍 How Randomness Shapes Our Paths – From unplanned encounters to last-minute applications, Joshua talks about the role of luck, openness, and decision-making in his life and career.🛰️ What a NASA Program Scientist Actually Does – A behind-the-scenes look at Joshua’s role supporting researchers, managing grants, and helping guide missions like KELT and LEAP.🪐 Exoplanets, Time, and Big Questions – Why the search for planets beyond our solar system isn’t just scientific—it’s philosophical. Joshua explains what these distant worlds can teach us about scale, meaning, and hope.💭 The Emotional Reality of Science – We talk about mental health in academia, impostor syndrome, and what it takes to stay committed to long-term research that may not be recognised for decades.🧠 What Curiosity Feels Like – Joshua shares what lights him up about spreadsheets, problem-solving, and the joy of discovering something truly new.⏳ Living on a Longer Timeline – Reflections on working in a field where timelines stretch across generations—and why it’s still worth it.Guest Bio:Dr. Joshua Pepper is a NASA Program Scientist and Associate Professor of Physics at Lehigh University. He supports several major space science initiatives, including the TESS mission (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite), the Exoplanet Exploration Program, and NASA’s Open-Source Science Initiative. Josh co-founded the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) project, which has discovered more than two dozen exoplanets, and helped build the TESS Input Catalog guiding NASA’s search for new worlds. His work blends curiosity, discovery, and a deep commitment to exploring the universe through science.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful and joyful life through meaningful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. This week, Joshua Pepper, a NASA Program Scientist and astrophysicist, joins us to explore the intersection of curiosity, discovery, and resilience. From exoplanets to impostor syndrome, Joshua reflects on the emotional realities of life in science, the endurance it takes to keep asking big questions, and why sometimes a bountiful life isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about embracing the unknown and continuing the journey. This episode reminds us that meaning can be found in the questions we ask, the people we meet, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.

“I wanted more stuff that felt like it was mine.” Zara Davidson’s life has been defined by excellence — elite basketballer, top of her class, and a rising force in AI. But behind the accolades is a story of transition, questioning, and quiet reinvention. In this episode, she opens up about the intensity of her athletic and corporate years, the quarter-life unraveling that followed, and the slow, tender process of rediscovering joy through Pilates, friendship, and shell-painting on the beach. Zara reminds us that identity isn’t fixed — it’s shaped, stretched, and sometimes surrendered.Zara’s journey invites us to reimagine success not as achievement, but as ownership — of time, energy, and joy. She shows us that a bountiful life isn’t found in the grand gestures, but in the intentional details: planking in your living room, spotting bunnies on your morning walk, or making something with your hands just for the fun of it. Through her honesty and humour, she nudges us to let go of who we think we should be, and instead ask: What actually feels like mine?🎧 Episode Highlights – Zara DavidsonRedefining identity after high achievement Zara shares what it was like to step away from elite sport and a fast-paced tech career, and how she began to rediscover who she was beyond being “good” at things.From burnout to bunnies and Pilates She opens up about her quarter-life crisis, the slow process of creating space for joy, and how simple practices like outdoor walks and creative hobbies helped her reconnect with herself.“You never regret a swim.” Zara reflects on the healing power of nature, movement, and the outdoors — and why going for a swim is her go-to reset.Letting go of the ‘shoulds’ She discusses the pressure of external expectations, and how she’s learned to ask: “Do I want to do this, or do I just feel like I should?”The power of play, presence, and non-performance Whether it’s surfing, crafting, or Pilates, Zara now chooses activities that feel good — not ones she has to be great at. Her shift from performance to presence is a major theme in this conversation.Guest Bio: Zara Davidson is a high-performing technology sales professional and former professional athlete whose career bridges the worlds of elite sport and cutting-edge innovation. Zara is an accomplished technology Sales Executive with a track record of helping Fortune 500 companies leverage generative AI-powered solutions to achieve digital transformation. Her expertise lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centric technology, with a focus on selling innovative, impactful AI SaaS solutions that create engaging customer experiences.Most recently, she played a pivotal role at Soul Machines, where she closed the largest deal in company history and generated over 80% of total revenue in a single year. Known for her ability to connect across strategic, technical, and human dimensions, she’s collaborated with global leaders at Microsoft, AWS, Google, and more. Before entering the tech world, Zara represented New Zealand on the international basketball stage and competed at the NCAA Division I level. About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast is all about exploring how to live a joyful, purpose-driven life. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to dive into themes like personal growth, emotional wellness, and creativity. In this episode, Zara Davidson, former elite athlete and tech professional, opens up about her journey of reinvention. From navigating burnout and stepping away from the pressure of high achievement, Zara shares how she found joy in the simple, intentional details of life—like Pilates, nature walks, and creative hobbies. Her story reminds us that success isn’t just about performance, but about choosing joy, embracing change, and letting go of external expectations to reconnect with what truly matters.

“There isn’t one rote path that you have to take to reach a goal... it’s okay to meander a little bit and live life and kind of explore.”For Agnar Hall, the journey to NASA wasn’t linear—it was layered. In this episode, he opens up about stepping away from a PhD, working at Starbucks while healing from fibromyalgia, and embracing his identity as a transgender man. With gentle candour and sharp insight, Agnar talks about what it’s like to rewire your definition of success while still holding onto your dreams. We touch on space science, social dynamics, and the subtle bravery of taking the long way home.There’s something deeply relieving about Agnar’s outlook. He offers a map that doesn’t require urgency or perfection, only honesty and small acts of momentum. His story reminds us that meaning doesn’t arrive fully formed—it’s built through slow pivots, quiet reckonings, and friendships that feel like gravity. If you’ve ever questioned the plan you were handed or felt behind in your own timeline, this conversation is a balm.🎧 Episode Highlights Growing up in Houston with a dream to study space from age twoWhat a systems test engineer at NASA actually does Living with fibromyalgia while building a career in scienceLeaving a PhD program, working at Starbucks, and redefining “success”Exploring gender identity and transitioning during grad schoolThe emotional weight of names, myth, and kindnessFriendship, humour, and what really matters at the end of the dayWhy “titles” and urgency don’t define worth—and what doesWhat the universe can teach us about being humanThe value of speaking up when you finally have the power to be heardGuest Bio: Agnar Hall is a Systems Test Engineer at NASA and a cosmologist at heart. With a deep-rooted passion for the structure and origins of the universe, his research has spanned galaxy clusters, high-redshift gas structures, and feedback processes in distant galaxies. He holds a Master's degree from New Mexico State University and a B.A. in astronomy from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he worked on both optical and X-ray observational studies. Agnar has contributed to research at institutions like LASP and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and his current work involves testing the software systems that support human spaceflight.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores the power of purpose, personal growth, and living with intention through real stories and actionable wisdom. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds—from scientists and entrepreneurs to creatives and leaders—to dive into themes like identity, resilience, and the importance of embracing your unique path. This week, Agnar Hall, a NASA Systems Test Engineer, shares his remarkable journey of redefining success and building a life full of meaning through small steps and quiet courage. From battling fibromyalgia to transitioning during grad school, Agnar’s story reminds us that success doesn’t follow a straight line, and that purpose is often built through life’s twists and turns.https://bountifullworld.com/

“A bountiful life is driven by action, not by money.” — Pascal WagnerWhat does it really mean to be financially free—and how do you know when you have enough? In this powerful conversation, Pascal Wagner shares his journey from startup founder to investor, unpacking the mindset, strategies, and personal challenges that shaped his relationship with money. From accumulating and managing $8.5 million in assets to caring for his mother after his father’s death, Pascal offers a grounded, honest look at wealth, responsibility, and growth.His worldview is clear and unapologetic: clarity compounds. He doesn’t sugar-coat the emotional labour of responsibility or the discipline required to build something sustainable. What he offers is a model of financial literacy rooted in values, resilience, and focus. Not chasing the next big thing—but doing the small things right, over and over. Instead of glorifying outcomes, Pascal brings it back to process. He’s not selling a dream—he’s offering a strategy. His story challenges us to ask: how do I want to live? And what kind of thinker do I need to become to get there?🎯 Episode HighlightsHow Pascal generates $265K/year in passive income—and what it actually takes to get thereWhat “enough” looks like when your goals keep shifting and your responsibilities growWhy financial freedom is built on focus, consistency, and letting go of the need to do it all yourselfPascal’s biggest lessons from managing his family’s inheritance after his father passed awayThe importance of community and mentorship in both wealth building and emotional resilienceReal talk about diversification, asset allocation, and the danger of concentrating everything in one placeA reframe of money as just one form of capital—alongside time, relationships, and learningGuest Bio: Pascal Wagner is a former venture capitalist turned passive investor who built a $250K+/year portfolio through 30+ investments. As a VC at Techstars, he deployed $150M into 300+ companies, where he learned how top financial institutions analyze deals, manage risk, and make smart investment decisions—skills he now uses to help others build wealth.Today, he educates 200K+ investors monthly as a host on the Best Ever CRE Podcast network, sharing strategies to create six-figure passive income portfolios through real estate and alternative investments. His approach helps investors build a financial roadmap, evaluate deals, and access pre-vetted institutional-grade opportunities to accelerate their path to financial freedom.Want to start building your own six-figure passive income portfolio? Get started at PassiveInvestingStarterKit.comAbout Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life by diving into the real stories of entrepreneurs, investors, and creatives. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to discuss personal growth, financial literacy, emotional resilience, and living with intention. Whether it’s learning about wealth-building strategies, finding balance in your life, or creating long-term sustainability, each episode offers actionable insights to help you build a more bountiful life. This week, Pascal Wagner shares his journey from startup founder to passive investor, offering wisdom on financial freedom, responsibility, and the power of focus.https://bountifullworld.com/

What do you build when the world around you wasn’t designed with you in mind? For Emma Bates, the answer was Diem - a social search engine and online community where women’s lived experiences are turned into collective knowledge and wisdom. In this week’s episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we sit down with Emma to talk about entrepreneurship, building what you wish existed, the value of asking better questions, and why access to the right information - information that reflects who you are and what you need - can be life-changing.We explore the power of community, information, and lived experience; how to thrive in a world that often isn’t designed for you; and how to build a business and a life on your own terms. For Emma, that’s meant dedicating her work to closing the gender information gap and making the internet a less lonely place for women and marginalised groups.We also talk about what living a bountiful life means to Emma, why she avoids working weekends even while running a high-growth, funded startup, how she thinks about prioritisation, and how she’s working on healthier rhythms. Episode Highlights🔍 Redefining Search – Emma shares the vision behind Diem: a social search engine inspired by how women have exchanged knowledge for generations—through stories, shared experiences, and community.🧠 Information That Reflects You – We explore how access to the right information—information that’s shaped by context, care, and lived experience—can empower better decisions and deeper connection.🌍 Building What You Wish Existed – Emma talks about noticing a gap and turning it into a mission: designing a digital space that feels more human, inclusive, and aligned with everyday life.The Importance of Real-World Search Contexts – Emma shares why traditional search engines often fail to deliver relevant answers, particularly for women’s lived experiences, and how Diem is designed to change that.🤝 Community as a Superpower – From group chat energy to shared wisdom, we look at how Diem creates space for honesty, curiosity, and connection - especially around topics you'll find in a group chat but not on the internet. Advice for Managing Pressure as a Founder – Emma talks about setting boundaries, like not working weekends, and prioritising mental health even while running a fast-paced, venture-backed startup.✨ What Living a Bountiful Life Means to Emma – For Emma, a bountiful life means having the time and space to be present, enjoy what you’re doing, and not feel pulled in a million directions.Guest Bio: Emma Bates is the CEO and co-founder of Diem, a social search engine and platform focused on women and non-binary individuals, aiming to address the gender information gap. She is a marketer and community builder with experience in fast-growing consumer brands and a background in social media, blogging, and community management. Bates is a passionate advocate for gender equity and equality, with a mission to foster real connections and create inclusive online platforms that celebrate women and non-binary people. About the Bountifull Podcast: The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a fulfilling life, one conversation at a time. We have extraordinary guests from diverse backgrounds all contributing to our understanding of what it means to live a bountiful life.

"Food is a bridge. It's one of the few places where people let their guard down and are open to learning something new." — Adrian MillerThis week on the Bountifull Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Miller—lawyer, author, former White House advisor, and James Beard Award-winning soul food historian—for a rich conversation about how culture, history, and food shape our identity. From growing up in a religious Black household in Denver to carving out a path as a culinary historian, Adrian brings wisdom, wit, and warmth to a conversation that wrestles with hard truths and still finds joy.We talk about safe spaces, historical erasure, and what it means to hold complexity without giving up on hope. Adrian shares how food can be a site of memory, resistance, celebration, and connection. If you've ever wondered how to honour culture without appropriating it, or how to talk about hard history with humility, this episode is full of insight—and soul.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🍗 Food as a Cultural Connector – How sharing meals can open conversations about identity, history, and race—and why soul food is both misunderstood and deeply meaningful.🏛️ Wrestling with Hard History – Adrian shares the realities of researching African American culinary history and why facing historical erasure is necessary to reclaim culture and pride.✝️ Faith, Family, and Identity – The influence of growing up in a deeply religious Black household, and how church shaped Adrian’s worldview, community, and sense of purpose.🎓 Becoming a Historian by Accident – From law school to the Clinton White House to writing cookbooks, Adrian talks about how a temporary job changed the direction of his life.🍴 Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation – A thoughtful take on what it means to honour food traditions without erasing the people and stories behind them.🛐 Creating Safe Spaces in Unlikely Places – How Adrian found belonging in political and spiritual communities, and why talking about race, faith, and food is essential even when it's uncomfortable.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Growing up in a religious Black household06:12 – Early experiences with race, identity, and fitting in11:55 – Soul food as a gateway to history and storytelling16:40 – Working in the Clinton White House and entering public policy23:05 – How he became a “Soul Food Scholar”30:08 – On writing about African American food culture36:21 – Cultural appropriation vs. appreciation42:18 – Faith, food, and finding safe spaces48:00 – What makes a bountiful life for AdrianGuest Bio: Adrian Miller is an award-winning food writer,recovering attorney, and certified barbecue judge.Adrian previously served as a White House specialassistant to President Bill Clinton, and as a seniorpolicy analyst for Colorado governor Bill Ritter Jr. He iscurrently the Executive Director of the ColoradoCouncil of Churches, and recently co-curated the“Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History” for the Museumof Boulder. Adrian lives in Denver, Colorado.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a joyful, purpose-driven life through real stories and actionable insights. Host Sian Simpson engages with interesting people from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, creatives, and experts, to discuss personal growth, emotional wellness, creativity, and the importance of connection. Whether it’s learning about culture, identity, or finding purpose, each episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration to help you live a more meaningful and bountiful life.

This week on the Bountifull Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience, and one of the world’s leading researchers on social connection. Julianne’s work has shaped global public health policy and sparked a deeper understanding of why our relationships matter—not just emotionally, but physically, cognitively, and even biologically.Together, we explore the science behind connection—why it matters, what it’s made of, and how loneliness, isolation, and friendship shape our lives in ways we often overlook. We talk about the health risks of loneliness (yes, they’re real), why it’s hard to make friends as an adult, and how to assess and strengthen your own relationships using her concentric circles activity. This episode is both thoughtful and practical—a reminder that social connection isn’t a luxury, it’s a cornerstone of a full, rich, bountiful life.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🌐 The State of Global Connection – Why nearly a quarter of people around the world report feeling lonely, and what the data tells us about connection trends.🧠 How Loneliness Affects the Brain and Body – The physiological stress response of isolation and the links between loneliness, inflammation, and early mortality.📊 Loneliness and Health Risks – The research behind Julianne’s groundbreaking meta-analyses on how social isolation and living alone can increase the risk of early death.🔄 The Bi-Directional Loop Between Depression and Isolation – Why loneliness and depression feed each other, and how to break the cycle.🧩 Redefining Social Connection – Julianne’s three-part framework: structure, function, and quality—and why having one close friend isn’t always enough.📍 How to Map Your Relationships – A simple concentric circles activity to assess your support network and identify areas for growth or repair.🤝 Why Connection Takes Work (and That’s Okay) – The science behind building and maintaining friendships—and why consistency matters more than charisma.🏛️ The Bigger Picture – How workplaces, policies, and communities can either support or sabotage our ability to connect—and what we can all do about it.About this episode:Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad shares why social connection isn’t just nice to have—it’s a biological necessity. From mapping your own relationships to understanding the health risks of loneliness, this episode is a practical and powerful look at how connection shapes a bountiful life.Guest BioDr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab. Her groundbreaking research on social connection has been pivotal in shifting global understanding of loneliness and isolation—from emotional experiences to urgent public health issues.Julianne served as the lead scientific editor for the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, and advises organisations from the World Health Organization to the U.S. Congress. With more than two decades of research and advocacy, she’s become one of the most influential voices on how relationships shape our health, well-being, and society.About the Bountifull Podcast: The Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more joyful, purpose-driven life through real stories and actionable wisdom. Host Sian Simpson engages with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to dive into topics like personal growth, emotional wellness, creativity, and living with intention. Whether it’s learning about the science of social connection, the importance of self-discovery, or the power of resilience, each episode offers practical tools and inspiration to help you create a bountiful life.

This week on the Bountifull Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kristin Francis, psychiatrist, educator, and passionate advocate for brain health. In this honest and practical conversation, we explore the spectrum of mental health—from depression and anxiety to resilience and wellness—and how we can begin to understand our brains with more clarity, compassion, and curiosity.Kristin offers a powerful reframe: our brains are organs, just like our hearts or livers. And yet we treat them with shame instead of support. Together we talk about what depression actually is, how to recognise when we or someone we love might be struggling, and why healing is possible—with the right help, evidence-based treatments, and a little bit of hope.From the science of gratitude to the simple power of going outside, this episode is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference—and that no one needs to walk through it alone.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🧠 Mental Health Is Brain Health – Why we need to treat the brain like any other organ, and how stigma is holding us back from healing.📉 Understanding Depression – How to distinguish between difficult seasons and clinical depression, and when to seek support.🔬 What’s Really Going On in the Brain – The neuroscience behind mood disorders, neurotransmitters, and why depression isn’t a life sentence.🗣️ Why Shame Doesn’t Help – How secrecy and silence make things worse, and why starting the conversation is often the first step toward healing.🧰 Practical Tools to Cope and Recover – From medication to motivation, Kristin shares science-backed strategies that help shift the brain toward wellness.🌿 The Power of Small Behaviours – Why going outside, connecting with others, and choosing helpful actions can start to change how you feel.💛 The Science of Gratitude – What actually happens in your body when you practise gratitude, and why it improves mental, emotional, and physical health.📓 Four Easy Gratitude Practices – Simple ways to build appreciation into your daily life—no guru mindset or journaling marathons required.Guest BioDr. Kristin Francis is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Board certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, she has trained at the Mayo Clinic and spent her career supporting individuals and families through some of their hardest moments.Kristin specialises in treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other psychiatric conditions using family-based, evidence-informed approaches. She’s also a passionate educator and speaker, known for making mental health approachable, actionable, and hopeful. Through her work, she advocates for reducing stigma and helping people understand that brain health is just health—and that recovery is possible.Find the Bountifull Podcast Below: https://www.bountifullworld.com/https://www.instagram.com/bountifullpodcast/https://nz.pinterest.com/bountifullpodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/bountifullworld/https://www.bountifullworld.com/podcast/

This week on the Bountifull Podcast, we’re joined by Dirk Philipsen, Duke professor, economic historian, and one of the world’s leading thinkers on capitalism and well-being. In a world where burnout, inequality, and the pressure to grow at all costs feel ever-present, this conversation gives voice to so many of the questions we quietly carry—but don’t always have the words for.Together, we explore what capitalism really is—beyond just markets and money—and how it subtly shapes our relationships, our work, our sense of self, and our definition of success. Dirk offers a thoughtful, grounded lens on how we got here, why the system demands constant growth, and how we can begin to imagine and live into something more bountiful.If you’ve ever felt worn down by the grind or wondered whether there’s another way to measure meaning, this episode offers radical hope, practical insight, and a reminder that a better future is possible—even within the system we live in now.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:📚 What Capitalism Actually Is – Dirk breaks down the origins of capitalism, why it depends on endless growth, and how it became the dominant system shaping our world.🧠 How Capitalism Impacts Well-Being – From loneliness to burnout to housing insecurity, Dirk explains the subtle and not-so-subtle ways our economic system affects our health and relationships.💬 Why GDP Is a Terrible Measure of Success – A closer look at Dirk’s book The Little Big Number and why GDP rewards destruction but ignores care, joy, and community.🌱 What It Means to Thrive – How we can move beyond survival and into dignity, security, and contribution—not just individually, but as a collective.📊 Alternative Models and Practical Ideas – From 15-minute cities to public goods, Dirk shares real-world examples of systems that prioritise well-being over profit.💛 How to Align Your Life with Your Values – Tips on redefining success, spending intentionally, and reconnecting with what really matters.🌍 Radical Hope and the Possibility of a Post-Capitalist Future – Why abundance isn’t about having more—it’s about sharing more, caring more, and reimagining what we’re here for.Guest Bio: Dirk Philipsen teaches economic history at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy and the Duke History Department. He also serves as Senior Fellow at the Kenan Institute for Ethics, director of the Regenerative Futures Lab, and founding associate of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance.Dirk’s work focuses on the intersection of history, economics, and ethics, with a passion for making complex ideas accessible. His book The Little Big Number critiques GDP as a measure of progress and explores how we can shift toward systems that prioritise people and planet. As a teacher, writer, and thought leader, Dirk is committed to helping us understand the structures we live in—and empowering us to imagine something better.The Bountifull Podcasts explores what it means to live a bountiful life with extraordinary from diverse backgrounds one conversation at a time.