A New Way of Being

We are in the middle of a 'creativity crisis' - with so many people are distracted, unable to focus and lacking in connection. So what to do about it? Here to help me unpick how we can find more flow, creativity, connection, peace and ease - is Chris Smith, an award-winning author, broadcaster and stand-up comedian. For many years we sat alongside each other in the Newsbeat studio on BBC Radio 1. We discuss: How to get into flow and tap into the 'intelligent unconscious' The relationship between unplugging and creativity Why we love losing ourself in what we are doing, and how modern life is killing that Recognising that the future is never as bad as we fear it will be when it arrives as 'the present' How to develop a different relationship with our thoughts How to cultivate the space for true creativity to arrive The value of having a sauna I am creating a course about Banishing Burnout and Finding Flow - which I will be sharing more about that over coming weeks and months. Together we can create a new way of being - one that is less distracted and combative, and has more flow and peace. Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ ** For many years Chris was the voice of Newsbeat on BBC Radio 1. In 2017 he published Kid Normal which he co-wrote with his friend Greg James. It became the first in a series of children’s books. In early 2025 Chris is bringing back Enid Blyton‘s classic characters the Famous Five in a brand-new adventure. https://chrissmithauthor.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel overwhelmed? If so, you're far from alone. Rates of burnout are soaring. We are more connected digitally, but less connected in a meaningful way. We jump from whatsapp groups, to emails, to rolling news - and round and round we go. And it's filling our ability to use our more valuable resource - our attention. If you can't focus, you can't be truly creative and you certainly can't find flow. I am creating a course about Banishing Burnout and Finding Flow - which I will be sharing more about that over coming weeks and months. Together we can create a new way of being - one that is less distracted and combative, and has more flow and peace. Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living with Purpose and Contentment, the Danish Way. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Meik Wiking, the Danish happiness researcher and best-selling author who introduced the world to "hygge"—the Danish art of creating cozy, contented spaces. We dive into Meik’s insights on the true keys to happiness, from fostering deep social connections to redefining success beyond wealth and status. Meik shares thought-provoking ideas, like Denmark’s culture of collective well-being, and "job crafting"—the practice of making even ordinary tasks more enjoyable. We also discuss the value of autonomy and flexibility at work, the rise of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, and the potential impact of universal basic income on our sense of happiness. Don't forget - Denmark is consistently voted the happiest country in the world. My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Headspace founder Andy Puddicombe on How to Make Meditation a Habit. There’s no doubt that meditation has profound benefits for both body and mind. Yet many people struggle to make it a habit—they worry they’re not doing it “right,” or they can’t quiet their thoughts long enough to feel the impact. But meditation is a powerful practice worth mastering, with research highlighting its potential to transform our well-being. To make mindfulness meditation accessible to everyone, I’m joined today by Andy Puddicombe, founder of Headspace and former Buddhist monk. Andy breaks down the essentials of meditation, sharing simple, practical techniques to help anyone incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives. My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nobody ever has their sh*t together, it's a myth. Even so, life is a miracle. It can be so easy to overlook this fact - and miss the incredible fact of existence. But life is also full of pain and suffering. If we can make peace with how life really is - rather than how we think it should be - then perhaps we can start to relax and let go of the incessant striving and quest to 'become' sometime in the future. We can find peace in this moment, even in the midst of life's myriad of challenges. My guest is Dr. Robert Saltzman, author of the excellent books The Ten Thousand Things and Depending on No Thing. My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Paul Dolan on Bringing More Pleasure and Purpose into Everyday Living. This bitesize episode challenges the stories we tell ourselves about happiness—stories that often equate fulfillment with high status, massive social media followings, or endless wealth. But as Professor Paul Dolan reveals, these ideas are often misguided. Real happiness isn’t about chasing society’s markers of success; it’s about tuning into what genuinely brings us joy: spending time with friends, building meaningful connections, practicing kindness, playing sport, or simply enjoying music. It’s time to rethink what truly makes us happy and embrace the power of simple, purposeful moments. My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Diet, Diversity, and Lifestyle Shape Your Microbiome and Well-Being. In this episode, I sit down with Tim Spector to dive into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and its powerful role in our overall health. Tim breaks down how our diets directly shape our gut health, emphasising the benefits of a diverse, plant-rich diet and aiming for 30 different plants a week. We explore why ultra-processed foods can harm the microbiome, while foods like kefir and sauerkraut can give it a healthy boost. Tim also shares insights on how lifestyle factors—like stress and eating speed—impact gut health and discusses the potential benefits of time-restricted eating to support the microbiome and reduce inflammation. We discuss: Overview of the gut microbiome and its importance for health Tim's personal health scare that led him to focus on gut health research Insights from the twins study on the role of gut microbes in disease and ageing The significant impact of gut health on mental and physical health The detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods and misleading health claims The complex relationship between sugar, artificial sweeteners, stress, and gut health The benefits of incorporating fermented foods into the diet and how The importance of eating a diverse range of plant-based foods for gut health The advantages of time-restricted eating and slowing down during meals My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Letting Go of the Future: Finding Peace in the Present Moment. In this episode, Jonny Wilkinson talks about the endless chase for future goals and why waiting for the next big thing can be a dangerous trap. Jonny shares his thoughts on breaking free from the pressure to ‘arrive’ sometime in the future, and focuses on finding calm in the present, and seeing past the illusion that we’ll one day finally have it all sorted. Full episode with Jonny: https://pod.fo/e/16ff5e links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I reflect on the evolution of my podcast from Don't Tell Me the Score to A New Way of Being. This change reflects the shift from simply performance and success to exploring our innate wellbeing, acceptance, and the common struggle with feeling not good enough. I talk about why it’s so important to recognise that we are inherently "enough," beyond our thoughts, beliefs, and achievements. Over the next weeks and months on my Substack newsletter I am going to be sharing my own experiences and evolution, including with psychedelics and psychotherapy, and would be very grateful if you would join me. Please do consider subscribing and supporting my Substack newsletter here: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding balance in a chaotic world. In this episode I sit down with psychologist and author Emma Seppälä to discuss how we can return to our natural state of well-being. Emma shares strategies for breaking free from the overwhelming demands of modern life and the constant and often demoralising chatter of the ego. Key Topics: Understanding the impact of information overload on mental health The power of self-compassion over self-criticism How practices like stillness and meditation enhance creativity and well-being Redefining success and fulfilment beyond conventional achievements Hiow inauthenticity is perceived as a threat The power of intuition - if it worked for Einstein it can work for you Emma’s experiences with Sky Breath Meditation and its transformative effects The need for embodied practices in psychology to nurture emotional health Resources: Sovereign by Emma Seppälä : https://www.emmaseppala.com/books Sky Breath Meditation : https://sky-breath.org/ Follow Emma Seppälä on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappinesstrack/?hl=en Subscribe & Review: Please support this podcast by leaving and review - it can make a big difference My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a 'push, push, push' culture that glorifies productivity, and many of us have become experts at ignoring the signals our bodies send us. Why do we keep pushing even when our bodies tell us to slow down? So many of us are living “in our heads” and are out of touch with the signals of our body and nervous system. So this episode is about heeding the signals, and the benefits that can some from when we do slow down and stop. Please support this podcast by leaving and review - it can make a big difference My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why success alone doesn’t bring happiness but truly embracing the now can be transformative. This is a fascinating conversation with one of my favourite tennis players of the last few decades – Dominic Thiem, who is retiring this week in Vienna. Dominic explains what it’s like to reach the pinnacle of success, and then realise… it didn’t bring the fulfilment it promised. After winning the US Open in 2020, he found himself grappling with a sense of emptiness, which prompted a period of deep introspection and growth. We talk about the myth of perpetual positivity, dealing with the critical voice in the head and the importance of finding flow—not just in sport but in life. Dominic also shares his insights into mindfulness, meditation, and why smartphones and social media may have hobbled elite athletes born in the 1990s. We also discuss: Challenges of competing against the "Big Three" of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic Importance of stress management as an elite athlete Thiem's journey of finding flow states and the joy of playing, beyond just chasing results The profound impact of winning the 2020 US Open and the subsequent period of readjustment Being impacted by Eckhart Tolle's 'The Power of Now' Discovering the power of mindfulness, meditation and a philosophical perspective on life Concerns about the influence of technology and social media on the next generation of athletes Insights on finding meaning, balance and fulfillment beyond external success Please support this podcast by leaving and review - it can make a big difference My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring how stoicism’s practical wisdom can help you respond to anything life throws your way. In this bitesize episode, I sit down with Ryan Holiday to explore the essence of Stoic philosophy and how it can help us cope with life’s challenges. We discuss how Stoics viewed obstacles as opportunities and the importance of accepting what we can't control. My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring the dangers of forced positivity and the importance of embracing all emotions for genuine connection and well-being. In this episode, ex rugby league pro Stevie Ward explore the downsides of forced positivity and why closing off to the full spectrum of feelings is a bad idea - and saps us of strength and authenticity. It's about acknowledging and embracing feelings like sadness and fear, rather than suppressing them. We discuss how inauthenticity can be perceived as a threat and why identifying with our roles contributes to inauthenticity. We even touch on what we can learn from pre-egoic toddlers - who truly embody genuine inauthenticity, which people can't help but be drawn towards. My links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find out why it’s the time spent on screens, not just the content, that’s affecting your well-being – and how you can start reclaiming your focus with Professor Cal Newport In this bitesize episode, I sit down with Cal Newport to chat about how smartphones and social media are messing with our well-being. Rather than focusing on what sort of content we’re consuming, the bigger issue is the sheer amount of time we spend glued to our screens. Cal explains that what really makes us unhappy is all the missed opportunities – the high value things we could be doing instead. He shares some great tips on how to reclaim our time and focus on what truly matters, like spending time on high-quality activities, having real conversations, being present, and finding moments of awe and gratitude. Cal also dives into some strategies to sharpen our focus - including what he calls 'focus interval training' – to help us get better at doing deep, meaningful work and regain our ability to find flow. Full Professor Cal Newport episode - on Distraction, Anxiety and Deep Work: https://pod.fo/e/16fa26 **The hardback copy of my book Champion Thinking is on a limited time deal on Amazon** - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Champion-Thinking-Success-Without-Yourself/dp/1526626497#customerReviews My other links: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we tackle a subject that affects us all but remains somewhat taboo —money. Anna joins me to share her powerful journey from financial uncertainty to mastering her finances, and together, we explore how much headspace money takes up when we’re not in control of it. Financial stress can cloud our ability to think clearly, reduce our creativity, and drain our energy, but by understanding our relationship with money, we can free up that space for the things that matter most. What we discuss: How the mental load of financial stress weighs us down, and why building financial literacy can unlock creativity and fresh perspectives. Anna’s personal story of escaping the paycheck-to-paycheck trap, and the actionable steps she used to regain control. Why financial "drift" happens when we don't have a clear plan, and how you can take purposeful steps towards your financial goals. Identifying and breaking through limiting beliefs around money, allowing you to cultivate a mindset that supports growth and possibility. Practical strategies for budgeting, automating your finances, and diversifying your income—whether through investments, property, or starting your own business. Throughout the conversation, Anna reminds us that money is just a tool. By creating healthier financial habits, you can reduce stress, reclaim your mental space, and open up new possibilities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their relationship with money and, ultimately, their quality of life. My links: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fighter pilots are experts at developing the power of focus under pressure. Fighter pilot turned Head of UK Military Flying Training Rob Caine explains the powerful concept of "the bubble"—a state that helps block out distractions and allows for complete concentration on the task at hand. Whether you’re flying a jet, preparing for a presentation at work or just trying to focus at work, creating a bubble of focus is key to reaching your peak performance. We also discuss how the bubble helps us tap into a flow state, where our best work happens naturally and effortlessly. Key topics include: The Bubble: How fighter pilots use it to shut out distractions, maintain calm, and stay focused, even in the most demanding environments. Finding Flow: How the bubble creates the perfect conditions for flow—a state where actions feel effortless, and peak performance just happens without force. Expanding Your Bubble: The more experience you gain, the larger your bubble becomes—allowing you to manage distractions without losing focus. Applying the Bubble in Everyday Life: How you can create your own bubble of focus, communicate it with others, and manage distractions—whether preparing for a big presentation or simply trying to get into flow during a busy day. By learning to create and expand your bubble, you’ll improve your ability to find flow, enhance focus, and ultimately perform at your best in all aspects of life. The full conversation is here: https://pod.fo/e/269994 My links: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A healthy person has a hundred wishes, but a sick person has only one" Another wise one man once said, 'One day you will look like a soggy tea-bag, if you are lucky!'. That man was near-death survivor turned mobility and movement guru Adam Richardson, this week's ANWOB guest. In this episode, Adam Richardson reveals his transformative journey from Intensive Care to an enlightened view on what is important, leading him to become a social media sensation and movement and mobility guru. Adam shares his personal battle with meningitis, the life-altering lessons it taught him about mortality, and how it fuelled his commitment to movement. In this episode, you'll learn simple practical exercises that can prevent injury and keep you moving freely for life. Adam's journey from near-death to mobility mastery is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. So many people have body hang ups, but it’s the only body we’ll ever have, so it is bonkers not to treasure it for as long as possible, and not get fixated on how it may or may not look to other people. This conversation blends philosophy, fitness, and Adam’s signature cheeky charm. I hope you enjoy listening! Adam's book: How to Build a Body That Lasts: A heads up: there is some swearing in this episode. Related episodes: Walking: Professor Shane O'Mara - https://pod.fo/e/16ff8d How Our Environment Shapes us - From life in prison to elite athlete: John McAvoy - https://pod.fo/e/16ff7d My links: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Work with me 1:1 for personalised mentoring grounded in non-dual understanding, designed to reduce psychological suffering and guide you toward A New Way of Being. Visit simonmundie.com to learn more and take the first step. "Following our session I felt as though there had been a profound shift. The days that followed were some of the best days I have had in many years as there was much more space between me any my thoughts." - Henry “Each session with Simon has been enjoyable and enlightening in equal measure. After each chat I really feel like my ‘cup has been filled" - Jack "What Simon did so beautifully and directly, was put back into my hands the ability to do some self-enquiry. I would whole heartedly recommend you speak with Simon." - Kate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meditation 2.0: Discovering the True Nature of Thought. This episode with neuroscientist, author and creator of the Waking Up app Sam Harris explores where people go wrong with meditation, with profound insights, not least for our true identity as well as an antidote to psychological suffering. As I often say, we are not our thoughts - we are AWARE of our thoughts. Full episode with Sam Harris: https://pod.fo/e/16ff62 Other relevant episodes: Rupert Spira: https://pod.fo/e/16ff5c Awe - with Dacher Keltner: https://pod.fo/e/1803a7 My links: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ ** Work with me 1:1 for personalised mentoring grounded in non-dual understanding, designed to reduce psychological suffering and guide you toward A New Way of Being. Visit simonmundie.com to learn more and take the first step. "Following our session I felt as though there had been a profound shift. The days that followed were some of the best days I have had in many years as there was much more space between me any my thoughts." - Henry “Each session with Simon has been enjoyable and enlightening in equal measure. After each chat I really feel like my ‘cup has been filled" - Jack "What Simon did so beautifully and directly, was put back into my hands the ability to do some self-enquiry. I would whole heartedly recommend you speak with Simon." - Kate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation starts with a truly eye-opening insight: our judgments of others often reveal traits in ourselves that we haven’t fully recognised and owned. Internationally renowned behaviour expert Dr John Demartini identified 4,628 different human behavioural traits, and recognised that we all possess both all of them - positive and negative. This is about what he calls reflective awareness – that we are simply being shown by others what we aren’t loving in ourselves, which keeps us from wholeness. We also talk about What emotional intelligence and authenticity really are. Why aligning our actions with our core values is key. Recognising the interconnectedness of all life. How acknowledging and embracing both sides of existence—like peace and conflict—helps us return to wholeness. Recognising hat success is deeply personal, defined by our own values, and that living in alignment with those values is what brings true fulfillment. How resisting what is creates all psychological suffering, and what to do instead 'The desire to seek that which is unobtainable, and the desire to avoid that which is unavoidable, is the source of human suffering'. - The Buddha My links: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Work with me: "I have to say that in the days following our call I felt as though there had been a profound shift.The days that followed were some of the best days I have had in many years as there seemed to be so much more space between me any my thoughts." - Henry “Each session with Simon has been enjoyable and enlightening in equal measure. After each chat I really feel like my ‘cup has been filled" - Jack "What Simon did so beautifully and directly, was put back into my hands the ability to do some self-inquiry. I would whole heartedly recommend you speak with Simon as he brings a lightness, fun and focus." - Kate info@simonmundie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices