Mind the Gap

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael reflects on a small moment in a bank queue that reveals a much larger shift in how we connect. As more organisations encourage us to use apps and digital services instead of speaking to real people, something subtle is happening beneath the surface. Drawing on recent research from almost seventeen thousand young adults, a global dataset of twenty-eight thousand people across one hundred and sixty-six countries, and long-term trends in emotional intelligence studies, Michael explores what experts are now calling an emotional recession. The conversation looks at how declining everyday interactions weaken the emotional skills we rely on for empathy, patience, and presence. Stoic ideas from Musonius Rufus and Cleanthes help frame the episode, reminding us that character is shaped in community and that emotional intelligence is learned through contact with others. This episode asks an important question. What happens when convenience replaces connection, and how do we protect the emotional muscles that only grow through real human interaction? Books by Michael Comyn, Mind the Gap, The Next Station Is, and Between the Lines, are available on Amazon.ie. https://amzn.eu/d/hNBGotF

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores how the stories others place on us can quietly shape the direction of our lives. A simple comment, a casual label, or a reputation formed years ago can become a route we follow without ever stopping to question whether it was ours to begin with. Using the quiet landscape of Limerick Junction as a metaphor for moments of choice, Michael reflects on how emotional intelligence and Stoic thought can help us pause, reconsider our direction, and choose a story that truly fits who we are today. If you would like to explore these ideas further, Michael’s three books, Mind the Gap, The Next Station Is, and Between the Lines, are available on Amazon. Additionally, Mind the Gap is also available as an audiobook on Audible.

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the hidden layers of communication that sit beneath the words we speak. Tone, timing, silence and posture often tell the true story long before language ever arrives. Drawing inspiration from the first chapter of his upcoming book Between the Lines, Michael invites us to notice the subtle signals that shape our conversations and influence our relationships. This episode asks an important question. Are we responding to the words someone uses or to the meaning they are trying to express underneath? When we slow down and listen with curiosity, we become better leaders, better colleagues and better companions. The episode is part of the journey toward Michael’s full trilogy of books. • Mind the Gap and The Next Station Is are available on Amazon • Mind the Gap is also on Audible • Between the Lines arrives this December If the podcast resonates with you, follow the series and share it with someone who might enjoy the reflection. Mind yourself, mind each other, and mind the gap.

We’ve all done it — assumed the worst about someone else’s actions. The colleague who doesn’t reply, the driver who cuts across, the friend who forgets. It’s easy to think they meant to hurt or ignore us. But what if most of it isn’t personal at all? This week, Michael Comyn explores Hanlon’s Razor, the simple rule that reminds us not to attribute to malice what can be explained by misunderstanding, distraction, or human error. Drawing on Stoic wisdom, emotional intelligence, and his own experience in live broadcasting, Michael reflects on how quickly we fill in the blanks with blame, and how we can learn to pause instead. Discover how applying this principle can reduce conflict, strengthen relationships, and even soften the way you treat yourself. Most of the time, it’s not about bad intent, but rather imperfect communication.

There is a moment on every journey when the light fades and the world outside disappears. The train slips into a tunnel, and for a few seconds, it feels as if everything has stopped. Yet even in the dark, the train keeps moving. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn delves into the quiet power of limiting beliefs, those inner convictions that tell us what we cannot do or who we cannot be. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence, he examines how these beliefs take hold, how they narrow our vision, and how we can begin to challenge them. From Marcus Aurelius to Daniel Goleman, the message is timeless: we may not control the darkness, but we can control how we see it. The tunnels of the mind are never endless, and the next station is always waiting. 📘 Mind the Gap and The Next Station Is… are both available now, with Mind the Gap also released as an audiobook on Audible.com.

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn continues the journey through his book The Next Station Is… — turning from the tickets we carry to the masks we wear. At any given moment, each of us plays a role: the Hero chasing the next challenge, the Caregiver holding everything together, the Ruler keeping control, or the Seeker searching for something just beyond reach. Drawing on Carl Jung’s concept of archetypes, Stoic philosophy, and emotional intelligence, Michael explores how these faces shape our choices — and how they can quietly keep us from stepping off when life offers a new direction. This episode is an invitation to pause, notice the role you’ve been playing, and ask whether another part of you is waiting to take the stage. Themes: – Jungian archetypes and self-awareness – The masks we wear in work and life – Stoic acceptance of the present moment – Balancing energy between giving, leading, and resting – Emotional intelligence in recognising and releasing roles Quote to Remember: “If you wear only one mask, you will miss the stations that require another.” Related Reading: This episode is based on Chapter 2 of Michael Comyn’s book The Next Station Is…, available now in paperback, hardback, and eBook editions on Amazon: 👉 https://amzn.to/478Ru9G

In the opening episode of Season 3, Michael Comyn introduces The Next Station Is… — a new season of Mind the Gap inspired by his latest book. Standing on a railway platform one winter morning, Michael reflects on how so many of us travel through life on tickets written long before we learn to choose our own destinations. Drawing on the work of psychiatrist Eric Berne and the Stoic wisdom of Epictetus, he explores the “life scripts” we inherit — the quiet rules and expectations that shape our choices, our confidence, and the stops we miss along the way. This episode is an invitation to pause and ask: whose handwriting is on the ticket you’re holding? Themes: – Life scripts and early conditioning – Emotional intelligence and self-awareness – The courage to question inherited beliefs – Stoic and psychological approaches to choice and change Quote to Remember: “The next station is always ahead. The question is whether you’ll believe the ticket in your pocket, or dare to write your own.” Related Reading: This episode is based on Chapter 1 of Michael Comyn’s new book The Next Station Is…. Find it now on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook editions: https://amzn.to/478Ru9G

Why do so many people start their working lives with energy and enthusiasm, only to end up doing the bare minimum? Cabin crew once said they loved meeting people. Nurses spoke of healing. Teachers dreamed of inspiring. Yet, years later, many are drained, disengaged, and doing what appears to be half-hearted work. In this episode of Echoes from the Margin, Michael Comyn asks what really happened. Is it laziness, or is it the natural response to poor leadership, lack of psychological safety, and systems that grind people down? Drawing on Stoic thought, Daoist wisdom, Confucian duty, and the African philosophy of Ubuntu, he explores why enthusiasm fades and how we can rekindle it. From Ireland’s “ah sure, it’ll do” to Japan’s meticulous service culture, Michael brings a global perspective to the question of effort, expectation, and meaning. And he offers practical ways to move from half-hearted to wholehearted, reclaiming the spark that first led us into our work. For more weekly reflections, listen to Michael’s companion podcast Mind the Gap, and discover his new book Mind the Gap, available in paperback, hardback, and Kindle.

Even the sharpest minds can be fooled — not because we are careless, but because con artists know how to pull the emotional levers that make us human. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores how scams old and new trick us into lowering our guard, from the classic infomercials that promised six-packs in six weeks to today’s deepfakes that use familiar faces and voices to convince us to click. You’ll hear why trust can become a trap, how urgency, flattery, and hope can override logic, and why emotional intelligence is one of our best tools to pause, reflect, and verify before we act. This is the sixtieth episode of Mind the Gap, and after this one, we’re taking a short break to practice what we preach. If you miss us while we’re away, now is a great time to revisit earlier episodes — or dive into the Mind the Gap book, available in paperback, hardback, and ebook here.

In a world that demands you choose sides, what happens when you no longer recognise the middle ground? In this month’s Echoes from the Margins, the monthly companion to Mind the Gap (now in its second season), Michael Comyn reflects on life when the centre no longer holds — in politics, in community, and within ourselves. From Yeats’ haunting words to ancient Chinese philosophy, from Arabic wisdom to modern psychology, this episode explores how binary thinking has pushed us apart, and why nuance and balance have become rare. Michael invites you to step away from the noise, to discover that the true centre is not a position on a map, but a daily practice of listening, questioning, and living with integrity. If you have felt pulled to the edges by the world’s divisions, this reflection offers both comfort and challenge.

Betrayal cuts deep, whether it’s a colleague taking credit for your work, a promised promotion that never arrives, or the quiet exclusion from a team. Inspired by the hit television series The Traitors, this episode of Mind the Gap explores how we respond when trust is broken. Michael Comyn unpacks the sting of betrayal in both personal and professional life, weaving together insights from philosophy, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence. Are we too quick to label others as traitors? And what does it really mean to be faithful in a world where loyalty is tested daily? If today’s reflections resonate, you can dive deeper into the companion book Mind the Gap, available worldwide in paperback, hardback, and Kindle editions. Stay tuned for next week’s episode, when Michael explores another of life’s hidden challenges with the same mix of wisdom, wit, and humanity. Book available at https://amzn.eu/d/irNfaHO

In this special bonus edition of Mind the Gap, you’ll hear Michael Comyn in conversation with Gerry Kelly on LMFM’s The Late Lunch. Together, they discuss the book that now accompanies the podcast, how it came to life, and the ideas it explores. The book Mind the Gap gathers many of the themes shared here each week, blending philosophy, emotional intelligence, and personal reflection in a way that invites you to pause and think differently. Tune in to this behind-the-scenes conversation and discover how the book and podcast work hand in hand. `The book Mind the Gap is available now on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardback worldwide. Listen to new episodes of Mind the Gap every week, wherever you get your podcasts. For more, visit: https://www.comyn.ie

Why do we ease off the accelerator when we spot a Garda car, but never dream of driving home after a few pints? One is the fear of punishment. The other is a shift in values. That contrast is the difference between power and influence. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores why power bends behaviour only in the moment, while influence reshapes belief for the long term. From speed limits to the cultural transformation around drink driving, the discussion weaves together Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power, the wisdom of the Stoics, and insights from emotional intelligence. If you are a regular listener, this episode invites you to reflect more deeply on how you lead, how you parent, and how you live. Are you leaning on power to get quick compliance, or are you cultivating influence that endures? These reflections are also explored in greater depth in Michael’s new book Mind the Gap, now available worldwide in Kindle, paperback, and hardback editions on Amazon.

Episode Summary: Every workplace has its masks. For some, it’s the “work face” we put on each morning to look confident or composed. For others, it’s much deeper — hiding a class background, a sexual orientation, or a neurodiverse identity to feel safe. In this episode, Michael Comyn explores the hidden cost of wearing masks at work. Drawing on the idea of emotional labour from sociologist Arlie Hochschild, he reflects on the difference between surface acting and deep acting, the pressures created by DEI policies, and how authenticity and emotional intelligence can help us create workplaces where masks aren’t necessary. It’s a conversation about the toll of constant self-editing, the emotional weight of representation, and the quiet relief that comes when we show up as ourselves. Topics covered: Why do we put on “work faces”The deeper masks of identity, class, and orientationArlie Hochschild’s ideas on emotional labour (surface and deep acting)The hidden personal costs of DEI in large organisationsHow emotional intelligence supports authenticity and inclusion Mentioned in this episode: The Managed Heart by Arlie HochschildThe concepts of surface acting and deep actingEmotional intelligence and authenticity in leadership Book Release: The Mind the Gap book — a collection of reflections on emotional intelligence, psychology, and the challenges of being human — is now available worldwide in Kindle, paperback, and hardback editions on Amazon. 📖 Order here

Your emotions are real, but they are not you. In this episode, Michael Comyn explores the difference between what we feel and who we are, and how to notice emotions without letting them take over. Drawing on emotional intelligence, psychology, and coaching insights, Michael reflects on the brain’s tendency to react before we think, and how to step back, see the bigger picture, and remember that moods pass — like weather across the sky. It’s a conversation about presence, perspective, and the calm that comes when we remember that we are more than the moment we’re in. What’s one feeling you’ve mistaken for who you are? #MindTheGap #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #Podcast

Episode Summary: There’s a certain kind of silence that lives in a classical music studio — not the absence of sound, but the presence of feeling. In this episode, Michael reflects on his years as a classical music presenter and the quiet, emotional truths that lie within music. From the grief and beauty of Barber’s Adagio for Strings to the joy of Mozart’s Horn Concerto, the cosmic uplift of Holst’s The Planets, and the playful delight of Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, this episode explores how music helps us access, regulate, and understand our emotions. It’s an invitation to let music speak for you when words fall short, and a reminder that emotional intelligence sometimes begins with a melody. Topics covered: Emotional self-awareness and mood recognitionThe role of music in memory, identity, and healingInsights from classical composers and neuroscienceEmotional regulation without emotional suppressionPersonal reflections from broadcasting and beyond Mentioned in this episode: Adagio for Strings – Samuel BarberHorn Concerto No. 4 – Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThe Planets – Gustav HolstCarnival of the Animals – Camille Saint-SaënsLargo al factotum – Gioachino Rossini (The Barber of Seville) Reflection Prompt: What piece of music has ever told the truth about you — before you could speak it yourself?

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the often misunderstood virtue of kindness, not as a soft option but as a core leadership skill. Drawing on emotional intelligence and real-world leadership experience, Michael challenges the notion that kindness is a sign of weakness. Whether it means offering honest feedback with compassion, setting boundaries without hostility, or treating ourselves with gentleness during difficult times, kindness reveals strength, not fragility. It fosters trust, earns respect, and creates an environment for others to thrive. You’ll hear how kindness can be decisive, discerning, and quietly powerful in a world that often values speed and sharpness over substance. This episode is a reminder that real influence is not loud, but consistent, respectful, and deeply human. What to expect in this episode: Why kindness is not the same as nicenessThe role of kindness in emotional intelligenceHow kind leadership creates resilient teamsThe Stoic view of kindness as courageous actionPractical ways to lead without losing your humanity If this episode resonates, share it with someone who leads with heart, or with someone who might need the reminder that kindness is a skill worth mastering.

In this pivotal episode of Mind the Gap, host Michael Comyn marks the beginning of Season Two with a thoughtful shift in focus, from the ancient wisdom of the Stoics to the modern science of Emotional Intelligence. Why pivot now? Because life is constantly changing, so should our perspective. Stoicism offered a powerful foundation, emphasising perception, control, and resilience. Emotional Intelligence builds on that with tools for navigating today’s fast-paced, emotionally complex world. Michael revisits his discovery of Stoicism while running fear-of-flying courses, and connects that experience to the early science of Emotional Intelligence, pioneered by Peter Salovey and John Mayer, and popularised by Daniel Goleman. This episode is rich in reflection, layered with personal anecdotes, and grounded in practical wisdom. It’s also the perfect bridge between where Mind the Gap has been and where it’s going next. So if you've ever asked, "What do I do with all this emotion?" or wondered how to stay clear-headed and compassionate when life gets noisy, this season is for you.

Known as the teacher of Epictetus, Musonius Rufus was much more than a footnote in Stoic history. In this bonus Stoic Portrait, we meet a voice of quiet rebellion. Exiled more than once by emperors, Musonius insisted that philosophy must be lived, not just spoken. He taught that self-discipline builds strength, that discomfort trains the soul, and that women deserve an equal education in reason and virtue. This five-minute reflection examines how Musonius applied Stoic principles to everyday life, including food, marriage, work, and hardship. His lessons remain startlingly modern and deeply humane. What to Expect: • How Musonius Rufus made Stoicism practical and lived • Why he believed virtue belongs to everyone, not just philosophers • A reminder that courage is often quiet and consistent Listen now and discover a Stoic whose teachings still guide us in daily life.

He carried water by night and wisdom by day. In this bonus Stoic Portrait, we meet Cleanthes, the second head of the Stoic school and a man who believed action mattered more than eloquence. A former boxer and labourer, Cleanthes lived the Stoic life long before he taught it. His quiet endurance, devotion to learning, and hymn to the rational order of the universe offer a reminder that Stoicism is not about prestige, but persistence. This short episode offers a reflection on how discipline, silence, and steadfast character shaped a philosopher we rarely quote, but should never forget. What to Expect: • The unlikely journey of a manual labourer who became a Stoic leader • Insights from Cleanthes’ life and his famous Hymn to Zeus • Why Stoicism values how we live, not just what we say Listen and reflect, and discover what it means to carry both water and wisdom.