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Luke Burgis is the director of The Cluny Institute and a professor at The Catholic University of America, where he studies the invisible forces that shape human behavior. He is the author of Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life. Get your copy of Luke's new book, "The One and the Ninety-Nine: Forging Identity in the Age of Social Contagion" here: https://link.amazon/B08niQsp7 New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" https://amzn.to/3EkZycH "Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most" https://amzn.to/3EAkADZ "The Essentialism Planner: A 90-Day Guide to Accomplishing More by Doing Less" https://amzn.to/42CAsA3 Stay in touch with me: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregorymckeown/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/ X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

David Landsman has spent his career navigating some of the highest-stakes conversations imaginable, from the conflict in the Balkans to serving as Britain’s ambassador to Greece during the financial crisis. In this episode, we talk about what diplomacy can teach all of us about listening, negotiation, and why the secret to getting your message across starts with understanding the person sitting across from you. Dr David Landsman is a former senior British diplomat and corporate executive who helps business leaders understand what they need to know about geopolitics. He is the author of the Channel Your Inner Ambassador blog, which shares stories from his varied diplomatic career and shows how a diplomat's mindset and tradecraft can help us all in our business and personal lives. New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most The Essentialism Planner: A 90-Day Guide to Accomplishing More by Doing Less Stay in touch with me: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregorymckeown/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/ X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

Eric Ries is the creator of the Lean Startup method and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, The Leader’s Guide, and The Startup Way. As a founder, Eric has put his own ideas into practice through the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE), Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab, Virgil, a legal services startup, and IMVU. On The Eric Ries Show, he talks with world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives who are building for the long term. Get a copy of his new book Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad... and How Great Companies Stay Great New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having addressed over 500 companies in more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ Stay in touch with me: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregorymckeown/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/ X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

Dr. Eric Cole has worked in cybersecurity for over 30 years, helping organizations protect their data. He started as a CIA hacker who could access any internet-connected computer. Using this expertise, he built companies focused on defense. Dr. Cole has worked with Lockheed Martin, McAfee, and consulted globally for clients like Saudi Aramco, Nouryon, utility companies, nuclear sites, financial institutions, and healthcare. He secures the Gates family and was a commissioner for President Obama, continuing to advise on security. Get a copy of his new book "Digital Danger: AI, Cybersecurity, and the Fight for Our Future" here: https://amzn.to/4vqWaSS New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" https://amzn.to/3EkZycH "Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most" https://amzn.to/3EAkADZ "The Essentialism Planner: A 90-Day Guide to Accomplishing More by Doing Less" https://amzn.to/42CAsA3 Stay in touch with me: Instagram   / gregorymckeown   LinkedIn   / gregmckeown   X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

Most of us walk into disagreements armed with arguments, ready to persuade, but Harvard behavioral scientist Dr. Julia Minson's research reveals that persuasion is actually the goal you're least likely to achieve. In this episode, she unpacks the hidden science of receptiveness: why the most influential people in any room aren't the loudest voices, but the best listeners. Julia Minson is a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a behavioral scientist with extensive research experience in conflict, communication, negotiations, and decision-making. Her work has been published in top academic outlets and covered by CNN, TIME, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Get her book How to Disagree Better here: https://amzn.to/3QFUypd New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most The Essentialism Planner: A 90-Day Guide to Accomplishing More by Doing Less Stay in touch with me: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregorymckeown/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/ X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

Melani Sanders is a digital creator and the fearless founder of the We Do Not Care Movement™. Her viral WDNC reels and posts capture the humor, heart, and chaos of perimenopause and menopause, midlife in general, motherhood, and real life. Get a copy of her book The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook: A Hot-Mess Guide for Women in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond Who Are Over It Greg McKeown is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, and has spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. His clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. He hosts The Greg McKeown Podcast, ranked in the Top 5 of all Self Improvement podcasts (and Top 10 in Educational podcasts on Apple Podcasts. Guests have included Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Matthew McConaughey, Maria Shriver, John Hope Bryant, and Ariana Huffington. His work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show.

William J. Doherty is an educator, researcher, therapist, speaker, author, consultant, and community organizer. He is Professor and Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program in the Department of Family Social Science, College of Education and Human Development, at the University of Minnesota, where he is also an adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Buy the Book: Take Back Your Marriage by Jamil Zaki Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Today’s conversation is an invitation to recover a lost technology—the discipline of real understanding. We explore why our confidence in “getting” other people is often the very thing blocking connection, and how a more humble, rigorous form of empathy can change the quality of our relationships, our leadership, and even our society. This episode is about becoming less wrong—on purpose—and discovering why listening may be the most essential skill we’ve underestimated. Buy the Book: The War for Kindness by Jamil Zaki Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

NFL legend Steve Young joins The Greg McKeown Podcast to discuss his book "The Law of Love," exploring a pivotal moment when Stephen Covey helped him shift from a transactional, self-focused mindset to one centered on unconditional love during his difficult early years replacing Joe Montana. The conversation delves into how reducing "transactional noise" in relationships—the need to be special, acclaimed, or right—unlocks deeper connection and abundance in business, family, and all aspects of life. Young argues this principle is universal and "undefeated," supported by science, mathematics, and wisdom traditions alike. Buy the Book: The Law of Love⁠ by Steve Young Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What do we do when logic isn’t enough? Greg sits down with Matthew McConaughey to explore poems, prayers, and the disciplined choice to believe—over cynicism, doubt, and apathy. Together they read new pieces from Poems & Prayers and unpack how language, rhythm, and ritual can metabolize suffering into meaning and forward motion. Buy the Book: Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What if policing could move from reacting to crime to building trust before it begins? In this episode, I speak with Ward Clapham, the former Police Chief in Richmond, Canada, who pioneered the “positive ticketing program.” This simple idea—rewarding positive behavior instead of only punishing negative—transformed community trust and dramatically reduced crime. At the heart of Ward’s leadership was listening. Not just hearing, but listening with empathy, which shaped his career and even influenced policing worldwide. This isn’t just about policing. It’s about the universal power of listening-led leadership—in families, businesses, and communities. The invitation is clear: listen deeply, and watch what changes. Visit Ward's Website Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Robert E. Siegel, author of The Systems Leader, to unpack the essential mindset shifts leaders must make in a complex, fast-moving environment. We explore the tensions leaders face—like balancing innovation with execution, and strength with empathy—and how the most effective leaders navigate these paradoxes with clarity and purpose. Drawing from real stories of leaders like Jeff Immelt of GE and Michael Dowling of Northwell Health, Robert shares why systems thinking, strong relationships, and the ability to adapt are no longer optional—they're essential. If you want to lead with greater clarity in the chaos, this episode is for you. Buy Robert's Book ⁠"⁠The Systems Leader"⁠ Visit Robert's ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ Follow Robert 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.

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you truly want is the courage to begin? In this episode, I speak with Jenny Wood—former Google executive and author of Wild Courage—about what it means to pursue the essential with boldness. Jenny shares how she walked away from a high-powered role to write the book she felt called to create. We explore the power of being shameless, curious, and even a little reckless when the moment demands it. You’ll hear how she faced down fear, navigated imposter syndrome, and embraced the uncomfortable path toward growth. This is a conversation about clarity, action, and living with wild courage—the kind that leads you not just to success, but to meaning. Buy Jenny's Book ⁠"Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It"⁠ Visit Jenny's ⁠Website⁠ Follow Jenny 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.

Greg and guest Ben Greenfield continue in this Part 2 conversation about endurance training strategies, focusing on preparing for Ironman triathlons. Ben shares insights on pacing, nutrition, and psychological resilience, offering tips from the trenches for race day success. They explore the challenges of juggling athletic goals with personal life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships alongside intense training. The conversation also touches on building community and male friendships, with Ben revealing his ongoing efforts to invest more in these areas. Buy Ben's Book "Boundless" Visit Ben'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.

Greg chats with Ben Greenfield, a trailblazer in health and human optimization, about unlocking potential and redefining personal limits. We put a magnifying glass onto Ben's journey from novice to Ironman, and discover two key breakthroughs: a time-efficient high-intensity training method and a game-changing nutrition strategy for optimal endurance. Gain insights into sustaining high performance and recovering from setbacks. Whether you're an athlete or pursuing personal growth, this conversation with bestselling author Ben Greenfield offers invaluable guidance on pushing boundaries and achieving excellence. Buy Ben's Book "Boundless" Visit Ben'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.