Advertise on podcast: The Greg McKeown Podcast

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, Charles Duhigg, as we unravel the mysteries of supercommunicators and their impact on both personal and professional spheres. Listen in as we consider the innate abilities some individuals possess to connect, persuade, and influence through the power of effective communication, and how the decline in interpersonal communication education has affected our society. The episode brings to light different types of interactions we engage in daily, categorized as helping, hugging, or hearing. We explore research that lays out the traits of a supercommunicator and how simple techniques like using micro questions and matching emotional tones can significantly enhance connection. We delve into the importance of vulnerability and reciprocal sharing in fostering closeness, illustrating how super communicators naturally encourage others to open up, ultimately improving the quality of interactions without making their skills the center of attention. Tune in as we share the belief that anyone can become a supercommunicator by mastering a set of learnable skills, fostering connections that enhance understanding in all facets of life. Buy Charles' books Supercommunicators and The Power of Habit. Visit Charles' website. Follow him on Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as Leo Babauta, renowned author, blogger, and creator of Zen Habits, joins us to share his compelling journey from a life weighed down by debt and unhealthy habits to one of simplicity and mindfulness. His story is a powerful demonstration of how changing a single habit can drastically alter the course of our lives. We tackle the often daunting task of breaking and changing habits, examine the captivating design of smartphones and their role as one of today's most addictive objects, and underscore the importance of commitment, emotional investment, and readiness for change. We also delve into the concept of 'urge surfing' and its effectiveness in managing temptations and negative thought patterns, particularly during stressful moments when it's all too easy to revert to old habits. Leo and I discuss practical steps for habit change, from choosing a single focus to understanding the cues that precede unwanted behaviors. Tune in for an enriching dialogue that not only promises personal growth but also empowers you with the confidence to face life's various challenges and design a life of significant value and contribution. Buy Leo's book Essential Zen Habits. Subscribe to his podcast. Visit Leo's website. Follow him on Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for a thought-provoking journey with the incredible Leo Babauta, a champion of mindfulness and minimalism, as we discuss the transformative practice of slowing down. Listen in as Leo sheds light on the often-overlooked power of simplicity in our hectic lives and how creating mental space within our daily tasks can lead to profound changes. His Zen Habits principles and actionable strategies for habit formation are not only insightful but also equip us with the tools to live more intentionally and find joy in less. Buy Leo's book Essential Zen Habits. Subscribe to his podcast. Visit Leo's website. Follow him on Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me on a thought-provoking journey where we explore the power of choice and the profound tranquility of inner solitude. Drawing from Anne Morrow Lindbergh's timeless reflections in "Gift from the Sea," we ponder the significance of cultivating a personal rhythm in life that allows for creative pauses and the nurturing of vibrant relationships with ourselves and others. Listen in as we discuss the wisdom of finding a peaceful inner space amidst the hectic pace of modern existence. We also reflect on a transformative moment from Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," emphasizing the space between stimulus and response where our freedom to choose lies. I share actionable strategies for enhancing mindfulness and making deliberate choices, from keeping a choice journal to employing decision delay techniques. Together, we aim to empower you to take control of your life's narrative, ensuring your decisions resonate with your deepest values and aspirations. Let's engage in this reflective episode to inspire personal growth and the intentional living of our highest contribution. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erik lost his wife, Aubrie, to cancer. It was a tragic loss that has left a hole in his life and the life of their young daughter as well. But in losing Aubrie, Erik gained something, too: incredible insight into love, connection, and what truly matters. Their love story, defined by deep connection and resilience through adversity, paints a vivid picture of life's most meaningful treasures. Erik details the inspiring spirit of his late wife, a woman who fought through a traumatic childhood and battled cancer with a combative spirit that turned conflicts into intimacy. We delve into their family life, the impact of Aubrey's illness on their relationship, and the powerful lessons learned about love, mortality, and the importance of cherishing every moment. This episode is a heartfelt testament to living a life focused on love, meaningful connections, and the pursuit of joy, leaving you with a renewed perspective on the significance of the paths we choose. Read Erik's powerful and authentic thread on X. Follow Erik on X. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I continue my enriching conversation with Mo Gawdat, the former chief business officer at Google X and author of the international best-seller, "Solve for Happy." In this part 2 conversation, we unravel the complexities of human connections in our increasingly digital world. We question the true issues within our relationships, touch upon the concept of essentialism, and dissect the current epidemic of loneliness and the fallacy that online connections can suffice for the authenticity of in-person bonds. We also explore the concept of residual results in endeavors like podcasting, where persistence is key to long-term success. I share insights into the rewarding nature of creating content that resonates and helps others. We conclude by emphasizing the '1000X' approach, aiming to amplify our message through the power of our followers rather than chasing financial gain. Our conversation serves as a reminder of the exponential impact we can achieve by focusing on what truly matters and building systems that provide continuous benefits. Follow Mo on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Visit Mo's website. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I embark on a thoughtful journey with the remarkable Mo Gawdat, former Google X executive and the driving force behind 'Solve for Happy.' Together, we explore the intertwining paths of essentialism, the pursuit of happiness, and celebrating the concept of 'less but better.' Our conversation takes us through personal narratives of simplifying life and the lasting impact of word-of-mouth for the books that truly resonate with us. Listen in as we examine the emotional depth of attachment and the art of decluttering, with anecdotes from my own life and the universal challenge of the endowment effect. We dissect the invisible decision-making criteria that shape our lives, advocating for a '90% rule' that focuses on what's genuinely important. As we wrap up Part 1, we underscore the critical role of emotional connections, emphasizing the need for mutual reliance and the 'thousand-ex relationship.' Take a moment after listening to think about the insights that resonated with you and consider the actions you can take to strengthen your bonds and perpetuate the cycle of connection. Follow Mo on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Visit Mo's website. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, discusses the practical ways and key specifics to immediately begin the journey of cutting out what is non-essential, both personally and professionally. We go back and forth on the deeper and visionary elements of why it’s beneficial to focus on doing what matters most. Follow David on LinkedIn Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for a captivating journey with Brian Murphy, the visionary behind ReliaQuest, as we unravel the transformation from a meticulous auditor to a bold IT consulting entrepreneur. Listen in as Brian shares the defining moments and crucial conversations that sparked his leap into the entrepreneurial realm. We explore the essence of foundational business principles and the impact of personal connections in the business world. We also navigate through the stormy period of the Great Recession, where Brian's then-nascent IT firm faced the daunting prospect of disappearing projects and a staggering loss in accounts receivable. Hear about the strategic maneuver towards a government military contract that not only kept the company afloat but also paved the way for their growth into the cybersecurity sector. Brian underscores the courage required to shift strategies, the art of listening beyond what is said, and the framework for effective problem-solving that has been integral to his success. As we reflect on the Innovator's Dilemma and the continuous challenge of adapting to customer needs, I invite you to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and apply these insights to your own pursuits. Let this episode be the catalyst for your own innovation and growth as you think, create, and evolve within your organization. Follow Brian on LinkedIn. Visit the Reliaquest website. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I uncover the surprising power of weak ties, a concept coined by sociologist Mark S. Granovetter, which plays a pivotal role in our lives more than we ever imagined. Listen in as I discuss Granovetter's groundbreaking findings on the importance of casual acquaintances in job searches and the immense influence of weak ties in the digital age. I share my own experiences with unconventional networking, like speed meeting events, and how these can dramatically foster new connections and opportunities. Discover the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone to engage with a broad range of individuals, thereby harnessing the strength of weak ties. I challenge you to take the most impactful takeaway from our discussion, apply it immediately, and pass on the knowledge to someone who might just find that edge they've been looking for in those uncharted connections. Don't miss out on this insightful exploration of how every interaction, no matter how superficial it may seem, can significantly shape our professional and personal journeys. Research on Minimal Social Interactions Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I welcome the remarkable Brian Murphy, the founder and CEO of cybersecurity giant Reliaquest, to share his inspiring story of entrepreneurship. Listen in as Brian takes us back to his formative years, from his blue-collar roots to the pivotal moments that shaped his future. We laugh about his childhood mishaps and marvel at how a mobile library and a curious mind led him to his first business book at the tender age of thirteen. In this episode, we explore the profound influence of a strong work ethic and the benefits of being the youngest sibling. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication, recounting how a college class and techniques like "feel, felt, found" shaped his approach to both business and personal interactions. This conversation highlights the invaluable role of mentorship and the life-altering impact of books, as Brian reflects on how "Rich Dad Poor Dad" transformed his outlook on life. Our discussion touches on the confidence that comes from knowledge and the power of doing simple things "savagely well." As Brian's journey unfolds, it's clear that success in entrepreneurship is anything but linear. Tune in to learn from Brian's experiences and the principles that have guided him to the pinnacle of the tech industry. Follow Brian on LinkedIn. Visit the Reliaquest website. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for part 2 of my conversation with Jennie Allen as we unpack the complexities of our emotional responses and their surprising intensities. This conversation peels back the layers of our emotions, tracing them to their roots, and reveals how past experiences, like childhood fears and moments of crisis, can shape our present feelings. Listen in as Jeannie bravely navigates her history of fear and loneliness, illustrating the transformative journey of emotional untangling. The heart of human connection and the pain of potential loss are at the forefront of our discussion in this touching chapter. I open up about the tumultuous emotions I faced upon my best friend's cancer diagnosis, and the stark fear of losing a friendship that has been a cornerstone of my life. We examine the concept of safe attachment, where being heard equates to survival—a need as vital in our formative years as it is in our adult interactions. Finally, we delve into the significance of confronting deep-seated fears and the concept of 'primal panic' with Jennie, who offers her expertise on the subject. Our discussion shines a light on the importance of emotional intelligence and personal growth, and the power of empathy in the healing process. Engage with our heartfelt exchange, as we celebrate the courage it takes to untangle complex emotions, and consider how this understanding can profoundly impact our lives. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your own emotional journey and perhaps find solace and inspiration in ours. Buy her book "Get Out of Your Head." Follow Jennie on LinkedIn, Instagram. Check out Jennie's website. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices