Magic in the Moment: Mindfulness In Real Time

In this deeply personal and wide ranging conversation, Clayton sits down with Kira Higgs, author of Winnowing: A Memoir of Spiritual Longing in Secular Life. What began as a practical business book became something far more honest and alive: a memoir of the small, cumulative interior shifts that unfold quietly through a life of sustained mindfulness and intentional self awareness.Kira shares the origin story of Winnowing and why she abandoned the business book on day two to write something truer. The conversation explores why stories carry something that instructions simply cannot, and what that means for how we learn, grow, and stay present in our own lives. Kira opens up about how a 30 day meditation experiment became a transformative daily mindfulness practice, and how that inner work created a surprising halo effect inside her professional consulting and leadership work, shifting entire teams into greater presence and flow without a single mention of meditation.Clayton and Kira also explore the connection between mindfulness and athletic performance, looking at what happens when athletes release ego, stop performing for others, and return to the pure joy of their sport. Kira shares her own powerful experience of this on the squash court, a quiet, intimate shift into flow state that she describes as one of the most genuinely mindful experiences of her life.The episode moves into profound territory as Kira describes her journey to be with her estranged father during his final weeks, and the unexpected grace that came from arriving with a clean slate, setting aside old grievances to simply be present. She also shares her practice of reading to the newly departed, a contemplative and spiritually aware act of compassionate presence that bridges the space between this life and what comes next.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt that quiet inner flame of spiritual curiosity but struggled to find the language or the courage to follow it. Kira offers a rare and honest look at what it means to pursue spiritual longing inside a secular life, not on a mountaintop or a meditation retreat, but woven into careers, relationships, losses, and ordinary mornings.Keywords and topics include mindfulness in everyday life, meditation practice, staying present, spiritual memoir, self-awareness, inner growth, mindful leadership, flow state, intuition, grief and presence, mindfulness and athletics, contemplative practice, conscious living, spiritual longing, and personal transformation.About Kira Higgs: Award-winning communication strategist, structural consultant, and author. https://kirahiggs.com/Pick up your copy of Winnowing at https://www.amazon.com/Winnowing-Memoir-Spiritual-Longing-Secular-ebook/dp/B0GP695SZ9

In this immersive guided meditation, Clayton shares a grounding practice recorded during a Vermont Bike Tour (VBT) journey through New Zealand’s South Island.Set beside a misty lake between rainforest, mountains, and sea, this episode invites you to slow your breathing, soften your body, and reconnect with the living intelligence of the earth.In This Meditation:Mindful breath awarenessDeep connection to natureReflection on indigenous presence and generational stewardshipThe difference between owning and belongingA simple three-breath gratitude practiceThis nature-based mindfulness experience helps you feel part of something ancient and alive — not separate from it.Perfect for listeners who love:Forest-inspired meditationGrounding breathworkGratitude practicesEco-spiritual reflectionTravel-inspired mindfulnessTake a slow breath in.A long breath out.And remember... you belong.

Ed D'Angelis built a 450-person construction company that's been recognized six consecutive years as a Philadelphia Top Workplace. But his journey to "humanity as a strategy" started with a crisis: eight years into his business, he literally couldn't get off the floor. His body and mind shut down from relentless grinding.That breaking point led Ed to a radical realization—in an industry built on toughness and hierarchy, the key to sustainable success is recognizing and strategizing around people's humanity. Through vulnerability, education about the brain and mindfulness, and unwavering commitment from the top, Ed transformed his company culture. The result? Better retention, more innovation, safer worksites, and a business that proves caring about people isn't soft... it's smart.In this conversation, Ed and Clayton explore the practical application of mindfulness in one of the most demanding industries, the business case for psychological safety, and why the human mind's ability to adapt and feel makes it infinitely more powerful than AI.TIMESTAMPS:[0:00] Welcome and introduction to Ed D'Angelis[1:37] What does "humanity as a strategy" mean?[3:41] The breaking point: "I couldn't get off the floor"[5:16] The oxygen mask principle: self-care first[8:37] Vulnerability as a leadership tool[9:17] Teaching construction workers about the brain[10:33] We're not fighting lions every day[13:11] Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset[21:37] Why change must start at the top[25:57] Everyday mindfulness: walking the dog[32:17] System 1 vs. System 2 thinking[33:47] Try focusing on your breath for 30 seconds[39:24] The powerlifter analogy for mindfulness[40:13] Adrenaline drains you, mindfulness fills your cup[41:26] The business case: 3x higher addiction/suicide rates in construction[42:35] Strategy requires practice, not wishful thinking[46:17] The ROI: retention, innovation, and growth[52:17] Entitlement is the mind killer[54:17] Keep learning: the Einstein rule[58:26] The Thomas Edison approach to failure[1:00:17] Legacy: how you made people feel[1:02:17] Closing thoughtsCONNECT WITH ED: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwarddeangelis/LEARN MORE ABOUT EDA CONTRACTORS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eda-contractors-inc./

What if the billionaires have it wrong?In this powerful conversation, Spencer Sherman - meditation teacher, financial advisor, and founding CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners - challenges everything we've been taught about wealth, success, and the pursuit of "more."Spencer occupies a fascinating intersection where mindfulness meets money, and his central question is revolutionary: What if enough is already here?🎯 KEY INSIGHTS:• Why people with tens of millions still can't enjoy their wealth• The neuroscience behind "enough" and how it calms your nervous system• How checking your phone 200 times a day is destroying your finances (backed by Daniel Kahneman's research)• The "hedonic treadmill" - why first class is never enough• From "I'm swamped" to "I'm spacious" - how one phrase change transforms your reality• The 3-day rule that stops impulse purchases cold• Why your brain treats social threats the same as physical ones• How reactivity starts within us, not from external circumstancesSpencer shares practical wisdom from decades of working with wealthy clients and leading mindfulness retreats, revealing that the relationship with money is really a relationship with yourself.This isn't about settling for less - it's about discovering that when you're not pitched forward fighting for more, you're not trying to prove anything. You just show up at ease. And that's when the best things flow to you.Perfect for anyone struggling with:✓ Never feeling like you have enough time, money, or success✓ Constant comparison and the fear of missing out✓ Reactive decisions driven by scarcity and fear✓ The exhausting cycle of wanting "just a little bit more"🎙️ ABOUT THE GUEST:Spencer Sherman is a meditation teacher, financial advisor, and founding CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners. He leads retreats on mindfulness and money, and is the author of works including the Five Money Meditations and his exploration of what he calls "Money Madness."🎙️ ABOUT THE HOST:Clayton Platt hosts Magic in the Moment: Mindfulness in Real Time, exploring how mindfulness shows up in everyday life through conversations with practitioners, teachers, and thought leaders.📚 CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction01:43 - The Joseph Heller Story: "I Have Enough"04:33 - Even Billionaires Want More07:20 - The Basketball Player Paradox09:20 - Declare Enough RIGHT NOW12:03 - The Neuroscience of Enough18:07 - Growing Up in Queens24:33 - Two Accounts: Enough Money vs. Surplus29:13 - From "Swamped" to "Spacious"32:50 - Phone Checking Creates Fear (Kahneman Study)38:20 - The Three-Day Rule45:40 - Social Threats = Physical Threats52:20 - Reactivity Starts Within🔗 CONNECT WITH SPENCER SHERMAN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindfulspencer/🔗LEARN MORE ABOUT ABACUS WEALTH: https://abacuswealth.com/🔗 CONNECT WITH MEDITATION FOR LEADERSHIP: meditation4leadership.org

What if the key to lasting change isn't pushing harder... but paying closer attention?In this episode of Magic in the Moment, host Clayton Platt sits down with Dr. Vera Ludwig, psychologist and neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center, to explore a revolutionary approach to self-regulation. Forget exhausting willpower battles, Vera's research reveals how simple awareness can automatically rewire your brain and transform your habits.In this conversation, you'll discover:✨ Why traditional willpower often backfires (and what to do instead) ✨ The "island revelation" that changed Vera's entire approach to productivity ✨ How mindfulness creates effortless behavior change through awareness alone ✨ The neuroscience behind flow states and authentic alignment ✨ Practical strategies for breaking compulsive patterns without shame or force ✨ Why working with your natural rhythms beats forcing yourself through the day.From burnout to breakthrough, Vera shares her personal journey from PhD researcher grinding through willpower studies to discovering a completely different way of living... one where energy comes naturally when you're aligned with what's true to you.1:52 - Welcome & Introducing Dr. Vera Ludwig2:19 - How Awareness Rewires Habits Without Willpower3:16 - Vera's Journey: From PhD Burnout to Island Flow5:52 - The Island Revelation: Discovering Effortless Productivity7:28 - When Pushing Yourself Stops Working9:35 - The Mindfulness-Willpower Connection12:15 - Listening to Your Body's Messages17:07 - Breaking Cookie Cravings: A Real-Life Example20:17 - Clayton's Dessert Compulsion Story24:27 - Working With Your Natural Rhythms (Not Against Them)26:17 - Remote Work & Honoring Your Energy Cycles33:29 - The "Just Like Me" Meditation Study38:06 - Heart Rate Synchrony & Human Connection42:24 - Sexuality, Wellbeing & Breaking Taboos47:45 - Mindful Awareness in Sexual Behaviors54:25 - Great Sex vs. Good Sex: The Role of Presence58:18 - Mindful Eating & Sexual Desire: The Parallel62:35 - Where to Learn More & Connect With Vera

Ready to break through burnout, self-doubt, and overwhelm? Join host Clayton Platt as he sits down with the inspiring Candice Van Dertholen... holistic practitioner, embodiment coach, and the ultimate guide for anyone craving more presence and purpose.In This Episode:Candice’s raw journey from struggle to self-mastery—and how you can do it tooReal talk on imposter syndrome, healing, and why “self-love” is more than a hashtagMindfulness hacks for busy brains: from 90-second resets to walking meditationsHow to build true confidence, trust your intuition, and create a life (and business) that feels alignedThe power of community, mentorship, and saying YES to your own growthDon’t Miss: Candice’s upcoming cohort and retreat... your chance to connect, grow, and transform with a supportive tribe.

In this year-end special, Clayton Platt reflects on the conversations that defined the heart of Magic in the Moment. These moments didn’t come from theory or perfection — they came from real people, in real roles, choosing presence in real time.This episode revisits powerful insights from several recent guests, each offering a distinct doorway into what mindfulness looks like when it’s lived.David Hubbard — Choosing Presence & “Unreasonable Joy”David shares a striking realization: he achieved his goals but wasn’t fully present for much of his early life. His awakening wasn’t about regret — it was about choosing to be here for his own moments.He introduces the idea of being “unreasonably joyful” and asks a simple but profound question: What are we adding to the shared air we all breathe?👉 Listen to David Hubbard’s full episode for a deeper dive into presence, joy, and his CLAW philosophy (Compassion, Love, Awareness, Wisdom).Fred Wasiak — Mindfulness, Service & Seeing AbundanceFrom the world of food insecurity and service, Fred offers a grounded perspective on mindfulness in action. Presence, he reminds us, isn’t just inner calm — it’s the ability to see dignity, connection, and possibility even in places defined by scarcity.👉 Hear Fred Wasiak’s full episode to explore how mindfulness strengthens leadership, service, and human connection.Timothy Mathews — Kindness as a Courageous PracticeTimothy reframes kindness as something active and intentional — not politeness, not niceness, but a mindful choice that requires awareness and courage, especially in a world that often rewards the opposite.👉 Listen to Timothy Mathews’ full episode for a powerful exploration of kindness as a daily mindfulness practice.Bill Warnick — Relaxed Effort, Leadership & BreathBill connects leadership, mindfulness, and drumming through the idea of relaxed power — the insight that forcing harder often slows us down. Growth, performance, and presence improve when we relax into the moment.He also shares a simple, practical tool: box breathing, a four-part breath practice used before difficult conversations and high-stakes moments.👉 Listen to Bill Warnick’s full episode to rethink effort, leadership, and how breath can change how you show up.Across these conversations, a common thread emerges: mindfulness isn’t separate from life. It shows up in boardrooms and food banks, in leadership decisions and small acts of kindness, in breath, attention, and choice.This is mindfulness in real time — imperfect, human, and available right now.

Join host Clayton Platt and guest Bill Warnick as they dive into a lively chat about leadership, patience, and humility. They also share their personal passions for music and breathing practices, offering a fresh perspective on how these interests shape their professional lives.TakeawaysLeadership is all about patience and humility.Music is a personal passion that really hits home emotionally.Breathing practices? They're great for focus and staying calm.Bill emphasizes the need for uninterrupted practice to hone skills.Humility is key in both personal and professional growth.Patience might be rare, but it's crucial for success.Personal interests can spark professional insights.Music plays a big role in emotional and mental well-being.Breathing techniques are a handy tool for stress management.There's a strong link between personal practices and leadership skills.Chapters00:00:01 Introduction and Welcome00:01:27 Leadership and Personal Interests00:03:48 The Role of Music00:08:29 Breathing Practices00:24:27 Patience and Humility00:29:32 Conclusion and Reflections

In this episode, Clayton Platt and W. David Hubbard explore the profound impact of mindfulness and meditation on personal and professional life. They discuss the journey of integrating mindfulness into daily routines, the challenges of maintaining presence in a fast-paced world, and the transformative power of choosing joy and gratitude. The conversation also delves into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and how mindfulness can foster a more compassionate and connected community.TakeawaysMindfulness is a lifelong journey of self-exploration.Meditation helps in becoming the best version of oneself.Choosing joy and gratitude can transform daily experiences.Mindfulness fosters better emotional control and patience.Diversity and inclusion are crucial for a thriving workplace.Mindfulness can enhance leadership and organizational culture.Being present allows for deeper connections with others.Curiosity and compassion are key to bridging divides.Mindfulness is about responding, not reacting.The practice of mindfulness can lead to personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness00:03:00 David's Journey with Meditation00:09:00 Mindfulness in Professional Life00:15:00 Choosing Joy and Gratitude00:21:00 Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace00:27:00 The Power of Presence00:33:00 Mindfulness and Community Connection

In this heartfelt episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, Clayton Platt sits down with Timothy Mathews — instructional designer, care minister, and creator of The Kindness Challenge. Timothy shares the powerful story of his mother’s simple but life-changing question: “Have you eaten?” and how it shaped his understanding of presence, compassion, and mindful living.Together, Clayton and Timothy explore:How everyday actions become mindful practicesWhy kindness requires courageThe beauty of generational compassionThe connection between awareness, empathy, and emotional attunementHow mindfulness shows up in unexpected places—including fitness, color meditation, and griefThis episode offers a grounded, deeply human look at how kindness can anchor us in the present moment and connect us more deeply to others.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Elizabeth McKenzieEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, host Clayton Platt sits down with researcher Elizabeth MacKenzie to explore the deeper dimensions of mindfulness—far beyond relaxation or stress management. Together they discuss how mindfulness, when integrated into higher education, can reshape not only how students cope with pressure but also how they cultivate awareness, ethical reflection, and purpose.Liz shares insights from her groundbreaking 2020 and 2025 studies on embedding mindfulness into academic curricula, showing how short but consistent practices can plant seeds that grow into lifelong self-awareness, compassion, and meaningful learning. They also touch on the tension between return-on-investment education and inner growth—and how awareness itself may be humanity’s greatest asset in an age of artificial intelligence.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Elizabeth McKenzieEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, host Clayton Platt sits down with Kaihan Krippendorff — author, strategist, and founder of Outthinker — for an illuminating conversation about identity, mindfulness, and creativity in business and life.Kaihan shares personal reflections on watching his son discover his passions, and how that mirrors the journey organizations take in finding their true identity. Together, they explore how awareness, curiosity, and emotional presence influence innovation — from “mental time travel” and visualization, to redefining who we are as individuals and companies.With insight drawn from both Eastern philosophy and modern strategy, this discussion invites listeners to slow down, question their default narratives, and discover the mindful side of business transformation.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Kaihan KrippendorffEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, Clayton sits down with Fred C. Wasiak—longtime nonprofit leader, Food Bank of South Jersey President/CEO, Humanics Consulting founder, and creator of “Outdoors with Papa.” Fred shares how nature became his mindfulness dojo (hello, forest bathing), why he starts meetings with “three breaths to arrive,” and how modeling presence—rather than mandating it—transformed culture during crisis. You’ll hear practical ways to bring a beginner’s mind to familiar paths (at work and on the trail), simple sensory practices you can use today, and how servant leadership ripples through teams until the “lone nut” becomes a movement. We also explore self-care for front-line staff and the role of Meditation4Leadership in sustaining mindful organizations. Tune in for gentle, actionable wisdom you can apply before the episode ends.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Fred WasiakEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, Clayton Platt sits down with Todd Harrity, three-time U.S. National Squash Champion and Pan Am Games gold medalist. Todd opens up about the role mindfulness has played throughout his professional career—from learning to quiet performance anxiety on the Pro Tour, to embracing authenticity and coming out publicly, to finding balance as he transitions beyond life on the court. Together they explore how staying grounded in the present can transform pressure into growth, competition into discovery, and sport into a path of self-expression and gratitude.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Todd HarrityEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this episode, Clayton Platt sits down with entrepreneur and lifelong meditator Nick Hamburger. Nick shares how his journey began on the tennis court, where frustration and broken rackets led to his first encounter with mindfulness. From there, we follow his path through college, launching a startup with a close friend, pitching on Shark Tank, and ultimately stepping away from business to pursue a more heart-centered life. Along the way, Nick reflects on what mindfulness taught him about navigating high-pressure moments, handling emotions in real time, and finding balance beyond achievement.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Nick HamburgerEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, host Clayton Platt sits down with Greg Morley—global HR leader and author of Bond—to explore how mindfulness and curiosity can transform our connections at work and in life. Greg shares powerful stories from his career across Europe and Asia, including how a mindful pause during a tense taxi ride opened the door to real understanding. Together, they discuss the role of empathy, voice, and values in building authentic cultures of belonging and inclusion. Tune in for insights on how small moments of awareness can create stronger bonds and more meaningful leadership.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Greg MorleyEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this heartfelt episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, Clayton Platt welcomes Sarah Platt-Finger—renowned yoga teacher, co-founder of ISHTA Yoga, director of Chopra Yoga, and co-author of Living in the Light. But most meaningfully, Sarah is Clayton’s niece.Together, they explore the deep intersections of mindfulness, parenting, leadership, and the spiritual path—all through the lens of real-life moments. From Sarah’s early years as an upside-down gymnast to the humbling lessons of motherhood, she shares how embodied practice becomes a compass for navigating uncertainty, intensity, and joy.Listen in for stories of teaching yoga with a crying newborn, finding flow on a four-inch balance beam, and how surrendering control can be a form of strength. This episode is a meditation on being present—especially when life doesn’t go to plan.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Sarah Platt-FingerEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this thought-provoking episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, host Clayton Platt is joined by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Platt from the University of Pennsylvania. Together, they explore how the brain creates real-time connection through physiological synchrony—where heartbeats, breath, and attention align across individuals to create trust, cooperation, and empathy. From Lego-building demos to indigenous women weaving community over Zoom, this episode is packed with real-world applications and scientific insight. Whether you're a leader, teammate, or teacher, you’ll discover practical ways to foster presence and connection in your everyday life—from meetings and meditation to music and mindfulness.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Michael PlattEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this heartfelt episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, host Clayton Platt sits down with Kathy Love—TEDx speaker, coach, and community leader—to explore what it means to practice mindfulness when life unravels. From losing everything and moving to a new place to rediscovering identity, self-worth, and purpose, Kathy shares her powerful journey through crisis, codependency, and healing. Together, they unpack the difference between surface-level and true self-care, the power of mindful breathwork, and the gift of learning to be present—even when the ground is shifting beneath you. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, grace, and the transformational potential of staying grounded in the moment.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Kathy LoveEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com

In this deeply personal and reflective episode of Mindfulness in Real Time, Clayton Platt sits down with storyteller and human-centered leader Ara Tucker. Together, they revisit Ara’s experience as a first-year NYU law student during the events of September 11th. Amidst fear and confusion, one vivid memory—a single yellow flower on a lunch table with her father—served as an anchor of presence and clarity.This conversation explores how moments of intense uncertainty can awaken deep mindfulness, the evolution of Ara’s career from law to leadership and storytelling, and the life lessons that emerged from simply paying attention. Whether it’s a rolling chair in therapy, a walk through a garden, or a moment of quiet connection, Ara reminds us that the ability to pause, notice, and be curious can shift the course of a life.Sponsored by Meditation4Leadership, check them out at www.meditation4leadership.orgHosted by Clayton PlattFeaturing Ara TuckerEdited by Marianne SandersWith thanks from Salt Peak Studios, www.saltpeakstudios.com