Pneuma with Daniel Finneran

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling an inexplicable ache—a sense that the words uttered were a hollow shadow of the feelings you actually held?We often blame ourselves for this. We think we’re inarticulate or clumsy. Perhaps the problem isn’t your vocabulary, but something deeper. In this episode, we'll travel back to the turn of the 20th century to sit with famed historian Henry Adams, a man who felt the crushing weight of modern life. Together, we’ll meditate on his profound observation:“No one means all he says, yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thoughts are viscous.”If you have ever felt misunderstood, or if you struggle to translate your inner world to the people you love, this meditation is for you.

The American Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier famously wrote, "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'it might have been'."We're tethered to the heavy "ghost ships" of unlived lives—the careers we didn't pursue, the loves we lost, the opportunities from which we walked away.But what if the life you're mourning is merely a fantasy? And what if the regret you feel is actually proof of your growth?In this meditation, we'll explore the landscape of regret. Together, we’ll learn to:Confront the illusion of the "perfect" parallel life.Understand why regret is often just wisdom arriving late.Physically and emotionally "drop the rope" of the past, and escape our attachment to the ghost ship.Join me in casting off the heavy anchor of "what if," and embracing the beauty of "what is."

In this episode, I’m joined by David Crow, master herbalist and acupuncturist.  David’s vast expertise is the result of over four decades of study and practice–both at home in America, where he runs a successful clinic, and abroad. He is one of few Westerners to have training in the ancient oriental traditions: Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Tibetan medicine, of which he’s a licensed practitioner. I invite you to join us for a conversation that is at once grounding and enlightening. If you’re interested in learning more about David and signing up for a consultation, I strongly encourage you to visit his website: https://www.crowconsultations.com/. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone more capable of integrating western and eastern medicine and getting to the root cause of your afflictions. Until next time, Warmly yours,Daniel

In this episode, I’m joined by Hunter Ziesing, co-founder of Longevity AI. Together, we explore the emerging intersection of AI, preventive healthcare, and human longevity. Hunter’s journey to healthcare is somewhat unconventional. After a successful career in finance, he turned his attention to the most pressing questions of our time: Why do we wait until illness appears before we act? What if technology could help us intervene early, more wisely, and more effectively? To these questions and more, Hunter provides deeply insightful answers. I welcome you to sit in on this fascinating conversation with a man whose mission to empower millions of people was deeply inspirational to me. If you’re interested in "healthspan" over  mere lifespan, flourishing through all decades of life, the future of medicine, and the use of AI, stay tuned!Be sure to visit Longevity AI’s website: https://ai.longevityhealth.me/Warmly yours,Daniel

In this episode, we reflect on French dramatist Molière’s timeless line: “One should eat to live, not live to eat.” What begins as a simple observation about appetite opens into a deeper meditation on desire, restraint, and the purposeful life. We explore how indulgence, whether in food or any other pleasure, can quietly take the reins of our days—and how reclaiming intention creates freedom, not deprivation. We'll examine not just what you consume, but what consumes you. I hope that you enjoy!

In this episode, we explore the unexpected power of appreciating a rival. Through the legendary creative tension between Raphael and Michelangelo, we enter the Sistine Chapel alongside a young Raphael at the moment he confronted Michelangelo’s overwhelming genius. Instead of denying or resenting what he saw, Raphael humbled himself. In that humility, he found a pathway to growth. After gazing at the ceiling, his style evolved into something more beautiful. Why? Because he allowed his rival to become his teacher. This episode invites listeners to do the same: to let admiration, rather than envy, sharpen their craft, expand their spirit, and move them closer to their own highest potential.I hope you enjoy it. 

Lucia and I reflect on our favorite pieces of artwork in Italy and Spain. 

Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this episode explores the loneliness suffered by the nameless monster. At one point or another, we've all shared in this loneliness. The monster's despair is born not of ugliness, but of being unloved and of watching the happiness of others, from which he fears himself hopelessly excluded. In the age of social media, his cry is ours. This meditation invites you to see through the illusion of exclusion and rediscover your place in joy.I hope you enjoy it! 

Seneca the Younger (4 BC–AD 65) was a Roman philosopher and poet. In his essay On Anger, he warns that our own anger can harm us much more than the injury that provoked it. In this episode, we explore the importance of letting go of anger, keeping our cool, and freeing ourselves from suffering twice–once from the injury inflicted on us by another, and again from our reaction. If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

In this episode, we’ll dig into one of Leo Tolstoy’s shortest stories, Alyosha the Pot, from which a big question arises:  Should you live like a simpleton?Alyosha’s life is marked by quiet obedience, unflappable cheerfulness, and long suffering that he accepts without complaint. But is his approach to life an act of goodness or self-erasure? Tolstoy’s brief parable is a meditation on humility, endurance, and the hunger we all feel for applause and recognition. We can learn a lot from Alyosha, like how to bear hardships without spite, how to find peace without apathy, and how to remain pure without becoming small.If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

I just returned from a two-week honeymoon in Italy. Changing time zones is always disruptive. I woke up at 4:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time), couldn’t fall back asleep, and decided to record my reflections. I hope you enjoy them. To those of you who have traveled to Italy, what was the most memorable part? If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

In this episode, we answer a listener’s question: “If fitness begins in the body, does wisdom begin there too?” If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

More tips you can use to boost your daily step count! If you struggle to hit your daily step goal—or you’ve fallen into an all-day sitting rut—this quick, practical episode is for you. Just implement these simple techniques, and you’ll be striding toward 8-10k steps per day. 1. Stroll while you scroll2. Lose your marbles3. Launder Longe4. Re-size your water bottle5. Potty upstairs If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

In this episode, we answer a listener’s question: “For someone who is overweight or out of shape, where’s the best place to begin — not just physically, but mentally?” If you feel a little lost, this episode might provide you with the direction for which you've been searching. If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you! Send your questions and have them answered on air. Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

If you struggle to hit your daily step goal—or you’ve fallen into an inescapable all-day sitting rut—this quick, practical episode is for you. No need to schedule extra workouts or carve out big chunks of time. You don’t even need to put on gym clothes! Just implement these simple techniques, and you’ll be striding toward 8-10k steps per day. If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

Why do we feel so alive when we’re chasing something, yet so flat once we finally obtain it?Drawing on a line from Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice and the findings of modern neuroscience, we’ll explore the psychology of pursuit, the paradox of desire, and the art of finding joy in the process rather than the prize.If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation are unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish poet, historian, and novelist. In this brief meditation, we turn to a haunting line he penned in 1808: “And come he slow, or come he fast, it is but death who comes at last.”What is Scott saying? He's reminding us that death is inescapable. It's our shared end. We must accept this fact with courage--unflinchingly, even. Only when we do can we gain perspective. We can finally realize that our days are fleeting and that each moment must be lived to the fullest. In this episode, we explore the certainty of death, the mystery of what lies beyond, and the freedom that comes from living with eyes open to our mortality. Along the way, we reflect on the wisdom of the Stoics, from whom Scott drew inspiration.  This isn’t an exercise in morbidity. I don't mean to bring you down. Rather, it’s an invitation to heightened clarity, deeper gratitude, and greater urgency. When we remember that all must end, we can finally awaken to the beauty of life.***If you're interested in bespoke 1:1 wellness coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.If you simply want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send a note to pneuma.finneran@gmail.com. I’m excited to hear from you!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation is unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, expand your mind, and enjoy the journey. 

Have you experienced soreness or pain after walking with a weighted vest? Avoid these five common mistakes and stride confidently, pain-free!  Inadequate attire (wear a shirt that covers your shoulders)Inappropriate weight (no more than 5-10% of your bodyweight)Poor posture (don’t slouch) Altered gait (don’t over-stride) Excessive distance (moderate your mileage) *I apologize for the wind! This episode was recorded outside.  If you're Interested in bespoke 1:1 coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.I’m excited to embark on this journey together!Want to get in touch? Send an email to pneuma.finneran@gmail.comFriendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant to educate and inspire—not to replace proper medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation is unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques with which I’ve had success, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey. 

Is a simple adjustment to your diet the cure for menstrual cramps? ​​In this conversation, Lucia opens up about her struggle with severe PMS cramps and the various remedies she tried with little relief. After experimenting with a low-carb, keto- style diet, she noticed that her symptoms were greatly eased. We’ll discuss PCOS, the female cycle, the impact of medications like Accutane, and the highly processed, carb-heavy diet of her younger years that may have set the stage for these challenges.This one’s not only for the ladies. The gentlemen have a lot to learn. Maybe you’d like more personalized help to improve your health? If you're Interested in bespoke 1:1 coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.I’m excited to embark on this journey together!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant for education and inspiration—not as a replacement for professional medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation is unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques that have worked for me, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey. 

In this episode, we share the unlikely story of how a dating app brought us together, and how, just two weeks from now, we’ll be married! From our personal histories with dating to the stigma that still surrounds meeting a romantic partner online, we dive into the reasons why apps have become a powerful (and sometimes necessary) way to connect. Along the way, we also explore the challenges of meeting people in person, the enduring fantasy and desire of doing so, and even offer some practical tips—like how to catch someone’s attention at the gym. Dating apps aren’t bad. Are they ideal? Maybe not. What they are is as a useful means to the END for which we’re all yearning: a meaningful, lasting, loving relationship.Maybe you’d like more personalized help to improve your health? If you're Interested in bespoke 1:1 coaching, but prefer someone more approachable than your typical trainer, start here ➡️ https://forms.gle/n1q3rpMYi8YhqQ9y6.I’m excited to embark on this journey together!Friendly Disclaimer: I sincerely hope that you enjoy this show, but please take care of yourself and consult a health professional when needed. The tips and ideas shared on Pneuma are meant for education and inspiration—not as a replacement for professional medical advice. Everyone’s body and situation is unique, so please—before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or exercise routine, check in with a qualified healthcare provider. I share ideas that I find fascinating and techniques that have worked for me, but I can’t be responsible for how this information is used. Thank you for your understanding! Take care, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey.