Make big moves on the projects that matter most to you with the help of productivity expert Erik Fisher.

EPISODE NOTES
Worn down by your never-ending to-do list? Even though there’s been a shift towards a more holistic idea of productivity in the last years, a lot of people still think that being productive is all about efficient time managing and achieving more.

And this is where Erik Fisher comes in. Over the past 10 years, Erik's hosted some of the world's biggest productivity experts on his show, Beyond the To-Do List—people like Michael Hyatt, Cal Newport and James Clear. So we asked him: what are the most important productivity principles he's learned in his years studying the subject?

By the end of this episode, you will know what you need to do to achieve your goals and do your best work—and an important part of it is giving yourself a break!

Book recommended by Erik:

-        The Motivation Code: Discover the Hidden Forces That Drive Your Best Work, by Todd Henry with Ron Penner, Todd W. Hall, and Joshua Miller

In the interview Erik also mentioned David Allen’s Getting Things Done, Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog!, as well as ideas from Michael Hyatt, Daniel Pink, and Jon Acuff.

Books recommended by Ben and Caitlin:

-        Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life, by Nir Eyal

-        A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload, by Cal Newport

-        Ready Aim Fire! A Practical Guide To Setting And Achieving Goals, by Erik Fisher and Jim Woods https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/ready-aim-fire-en [1]

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days (and hear Erik's Shortcast!) by going to https://www.blinkist.com/simplify [2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code TODOLIST.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [3], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [4]

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler and Marta Medvešek. Big thanks to Odysseas Constantinou for audio engineering chops and music.

[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/ready-aim-fire-en
[2]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[3]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[4]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Erik Fisher: Get the Right Work Done

Become a conscious, authentic leader by befriending your fear—and every other emotion, too.

EPISODE NOTES
One thing most leaders have in common is that they want to perform well. And that often leads them into the trap of believing that to be a great leader, you’re not allowed to be scared—or at least that you'd better not show it.

In this episode, Jim Dethmer invites us to embrace the opposite: allowing yourself to be fully present and fully alive—including feeling all your feelings—is the first step towards more conscious leadership, whether you’re leading a team, or just leading yourself through life. The key question is: are you ready to make that shift? This is your first step for learning how.

This episode is the first  of the two-parter on the book The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/the-15-commitments-of-conscious-leadership-en [1], that Jim wrote  with Diana Chapman and Kaley Warner Klemp. You can listen to the second part with Diana Chapman right away—it’s already in the feed. 

Apps mentioned by Jim:
- Mind Jogger for Apple devices 
- Randomly RemindMe for Android devices 

Books recommended by Caitlin and Ben:

- No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work, by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy 

- Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life, by Byron Katie with Stephen Mitchell 

- Daniel Goleman’s books on emotional intelligence 

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code THELINE.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [3], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [4]. Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Ines Bläsius and Marta Medvešek. Thanks to Luiza S. Carvalho for audio engineering chops and Odysseas Constantinou for music.

[1] https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/the-15-commitments-of-conscious-leadership-en
[2] https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[3] https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[4] https://twitter.com/bsto

Jim Dethmer: You're Allowed to Be Scared

Learn how to stop saying yes when you want to say no, even to your boss.

EPISODE NOTES
Do you sometimes find yourself replying to work emails late at night... from bed? Or maybe taking on another task that, almost as soon as you've agreed, you realize you don't actually have time for? 

Often, instead of behaving as if we’re exchanging our intellect, talent, and skills for money, we feel like whoever pays us owns us. And this is where trouble starts.

In today's episode Natalie Lue will help you understand why you might be struggling with boundaries at work, and what you can do to start changing these unhealthy patterns. 

This episode was recorded with a live audience in April 2021, and in the second part you will hear Natalie answer questions about dealing with anxiety, expectations and re-learning how to socialize in the workplace.

Natalie is a speaker, author and podcast host around all things emotional baggage, and you can find the Shortcast of her show The Baggage Reclaim Sessions in the Blinkist App.
You can try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/simplify [1], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code BOUNDARIES.

Books recommended by Ben and Caitlin:

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, by Amelia Nagoski and Emily Nagoski
When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress, by Gabor Maté
Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual, by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
You can find Natalie's online course Reclaim Your Work Boundaries here: https://www.baggagereclaim.co.uk/reclaim-your-work-boundaries-online-course/ [2]

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [3], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [4]

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler and Marta Medvešek. Big thanks to Luiza S. Carvalho for audio engineering chops, Odysseas Constantinou for music, and a special thanks to Chisanga and Evrim for their great questions!

[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[2] https://www.baggagereclaim.co.uk/reclaim-your-work-boundaries-online-course/
[3]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[4]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Natalie Lue: Your Boss is Not Your Parent

Put down your armor and open yourself to real intimacy.

EPISODE NOTES
Are you single—or in a relationship—and keep falling for people who almost love you right, but not quite? There's a reason why that happens, and Ken Page has figured out the formula behind these deeper physics of dating.

Ken is a psychotherapist specialized in the search for intimacy, and author of the book Deeper Dating: How to Drop the Games of Seduction and Discover the Power of Intimacy (https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/deeper-dating-en).

In this episode, Ken explains why the parts of you that you're most embarrassed about—that you try to hide by being cool, low maintenance, or extra accommodating—are actually your most valuable gifts that will lead you to finding and keeping real intimacy. He also reveals what he considers to be the single biggest saboteur of healthy love, and talks about different ways in which we flee intimacy without being aware of it.

Whether single or in a relationship, this episode is for everyone who wants to foster their skills of intimacy, and deepen their bonds with themselves and others.

Books Ken recommends:
Ken recommends Harville Hendrix’s work, especially Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples. He also mentions his work around Safe Conversations.

Books Caitlin and Ben recommend:

The 5 Love Languages: 
- The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman
- Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love, by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller
- Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, by Harville Hendrix

Caitlin also mentions Imago Relationship Therapy, developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt.

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/simplify [2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code COREGIFTS.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, what your core gifts are, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [3], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [4]

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler and Marta Medvešek. Big thanks to Luiza S. Carvalho for audio engineering chops and Odysseas Constantinou for music.

[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/deeper-dating-en
[2]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[3]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[4]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Ken Page: Respect Your Gifts to Find Real Love

Reduce digital anxiety and optimize your communication no matter the distance.

EPISODE NOTES
Did you know that 50% of the time the tone over email, Slack, and text is misunderstood? This is because in the digital world, the cues we would usually send with our bodies are missing—facial expressions, gestures, vocal tone—and that can cause a lot of misunderstandings. And this is why Erica Dhawan, the author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance https://read.macmillan.com/lp/digital-body-language-audiobook/ [1] believes that "reading carefully is the new listening and writing clearly is the new empathy."

In today's episode, Erica will help you become aware of the signals you might be sending with your digital body without knowing it, and teach you how to reduce anxiety and frustration—both for yourself and others. She will also share ideas on what to do in order to avoid groupthink cultures in digital spaces and create psychological safety so that everyone can feel free to express themselves.

Books recommended by Erica:

Rituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines Into Workplace Magic, by Erica Keswin
Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere, by Tsedal Neeley
Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual, by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Book recommended by Caitlin:

The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything, by Stephen M.R. Covey
Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/simplify [2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code DIGITAL.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [3], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [4]

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler and Marta Medvešek, and our wonderful co-host today was Deborah Caulet, Blinkist’s Head of People Development. Big thanks to Luiza S. Carvalho for audio engineering chops and Odysseas Constantinou for music.

[1]: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/digital-body-language-audiobook/
[2]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[3]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[4]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Erica Dhawan: Master Your Digital Body Language

Figure out what matters most to you and let go of the rest.

EPISODE NOTES
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by all of the things you need to juggle in order to be a good... anything? A good partner, a good parent, a good worker, a good friend? And in the end, it feels like you never have enough time and energy to focus on what really matters to YOU?

In this final episode of Season 7, Tiffany Dufu invites you to stop being "good" and drop the ball.

Tiffany is the author of Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/drop-the-ball-en [1], and for her, dropping the ball means letting go of unrealistic expectations of doing it all, and engaging others in the process, so that you can live a life that you’re passionate about.

Tiffany explains the repercussions of juggling too much, helps you find out why all these balls ended up in your hands in the first place, and finally, how to know what you can start to let go of. She also talks about the importance of having people in your life who hold you accountable for living your best life and being your best self—an idea she's bringing to life in her project The Cru https://www.thecru.com/ [2].

Book recommended by Tiffany:

Just as I Am: A Memoir, by Cicely Tyson

Books recommended by Ben & Caitlin:

Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder, by Reshma Saujani
I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time, by Laura Vanderkam

Find Simplify episode with Laura Vanderkam here:
https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-time-laura-vanderkam [3]

Ben also mentions the Japanese concept of Ikigai, that roughly translates as ‘reason for being’.

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/simplify [4], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code DROPIT.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [5], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [6]

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler and Marta Medvešek. Big thanks to Luiza S. Carvalho for audio engineering chops and Odysseas Constantinou for music.

[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/drop-the-ball-en
[2]: https://www.thecru.com/
[3]: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-time-laura-vanderkam
[4]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[5]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[6]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Tiffany Dufu: Do What You Do Best, Drop The Rest

Follow the guidance of the bravest, highest, fullest version of yourself, and move closer to being the person you dream of becoming.

SHOW NOTES
Imagine having a mentor that’s available 24/7 to advise you on whatever challenge life puts in front of you—wouldn’t that be nice?

In this bonus episode, Ken Page guides you through The Inner Mentor Process™, a guided meditation practice. In this practice, you'll find you're able to bypass your inner critic and get a message from your own personal mentor, a mentor who is always there, ready to share wisdom that is just for you.

This is an unpublished excerpt from the Simplify interview with Ken Page, followed by the original tape of his guided meditation.

Ken is a psychotherapist specializing in the search for intimacy, and author of the book Deeper Dating: How to Drop the Games of Seduction and Discover the Power of Intimacy https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/deeper-dating-en [1].

For more context on this practice, you can find the full episode on the Deeper Dating podcast https://deeperdatingpodcast.com/speed-your-path-to-love/ [2]. In that feed, you'll also find a lot of other episodes with tips, questions and exercises that you can immediately apply in your intimacy journey. 

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/simplify [3], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code INNERMENTOR. There you'll also find Simplify episode with Ken, as well as all our other guests from the previous 7 seasons.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Marta at @martatlon https://twitter.com/martatlon [4], Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [5] and Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [6]

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler and Marta Medvešek. Big thanks to Odysseas Constantinou for his audio engineering chops. ♥

[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/browse/books/deeper-dating-en
[2]: https://deeperdatingpodcast.com/speed-your-path-to-love/
[3]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[4]: https://twitter.com/martatlon
[5]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller
[6]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Bonus episode with Ken Page: Meet Your Inner Mentor

Want to skip this year’s tsunami of New Year’s hacks, tips, and tricks that don’t even work? We’ve got you covered.

In this episode, we’ve distilled powerful ideas and approaches from our 3 most popular episodes. And since we spend all our time divided between focusing on ourselves, our relationships, and our work, we’ll focus on simplifying those three areas. Just what you need for the new year—and nothing you don’t. 
 
BONUS: we’ve made a very neat New-Yearsy tool available to you for free. You can get it at our IG: https://www.instagram.com/blinkist/.  It’ll help you turn your values into time, and was developed by Nir Eyal (author of Hooked and Indistractable) as part of his Guide, available on the Blinkist app. http://blinkist.com/

If you want to suggest an author or idea for Caitlin and Ben to check out, email us at podcast@blinkist.com

Try Blinkist Premium 14 days free by going to: https://www.blinkist.com/friends/?v=2023 or using code “2023” at https://www.blinkist.com/friends

Special thanks to Tiffany Dufu, Ken Page, and Liz Fosslien for these amazing interviews and insights. You can find them here:

Tiffany: https://www.tiffanydufu.com/ 
Ken: https://www.deeperdating.com/
Liz: https://www.fosslien.com/

Thrive in 2023 with Tiffany Dufu, Ken Page, and Liz Fosslien

We're kicking off Simplify's relaunch with our first-ever two person interview! This lively, probing conversation with Being Well's Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson—a bestselling author and psychologist and also Forrest's dad—digs into common misconceptions in the mental health and self-growth space. 

They address the maybe-bogus notion that "until you love yourself, you can't love anyone else," dissect the difference between self-esteem and self-worth, and dig deep into the simplest strategy for changing your brain for the better: take in the good. 

We're so glad to be back—and we will be every two weeks through the summer!

Get the deluxe experience of Simplify in the Blinkist app with the Guide we made to go with this episode. You'll hear even more of the conversation with Rick and Forrest than in the regular episode, get extra book recommendations, and hear more of Caitlin and Ben guiding you through the topics of self-esteem vs. self worth. Get the Guide  by going to https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends [1] and entering the code bigspoon. We hope you love it! 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

Find Rick & Forrest Hanson's wonderful podcast, Being Well, here.

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe & Ben Jackson at Blinkist

Rick & Forrest Hanson: Mythbusting The Mind

Have you ever listened back to a recording of your voice and cringed at the amount of 'um's' 'uh's' and 'like's' you use? 

In this episode, Valerie Fridland, linguist, researcher, and author of the book, 'Like, Literally, Dude' delves into the intricacies of speech habits and argues for the inherent value of these often-demonised words. 

We explore why women are linguistic trend-setters, why some words carry deep-seated prejudices and what can we learn from the social function of language.
You can get more out of this conversation, plus Valerie's take on words like: 'um' and 'ur' in the Blinkist app with our tailored Guide for this episode. You'll learn how to embrace your unique communication style and receive extra book recommendations and additional insights from Caitlin and Ben around getting to know yourself and what you want to say. 

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode or just say hello on Twitter! 
Find Caitlin at:
[1] @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller 
2] Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto 
3] Alternatively, you can reach us at podcast@blinkist.com 

This episode of Simplify was brought to you by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe & Ben Jackson at Blinkist.

Valerie Fridland: Use Bad English, Get Good Results

We're thrilled to present a dynamic conversation with Robert Glazer, bestselling author and transformative leadership expert. With deep insights drawn from his revolutionary book, 'Elevate Your Team', Glazer demystifies the four capacities essential to extraordinary team performance.

In this episode Glazer shares his unique take on the 'work smarter, not harder' philosophy, offering fresh perspectives to drive both personal and professional development. We challenge common preconceptions around work-life balance, emphasizing the need for intentional allocation of time and energy and explore the importance of discovering and aligning with core values.

A new Simplify episode brimming with actionable wisdom awaits you every fortnight throughout the summer!

Get the deluxe experience of Simplify in the Blinkist app with the Guide we made to go with this episode. You'll hear even more of the conversation with Robert Glazer, get extra book recommendations, and hear more of Caitlin and Ben guiding you through the core values discovery process. Get the Guide by going to https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends [1] and entering the code build. We hope you love it!

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe & Ben Jackson at Blinkist.

Bob Glazer: Build 4 Capacities for Success

We're delighted to present a conversation with Natalie Lue, author of the wildly popular blog Baggage Reclaim (baggagereclaim.com) and five books, including the latest, "The Joy of Saying No," that will help you not only identify your people-pleasing style and habits, but also finally leave them behind.

In this episode, Natalie shares her unmatched insights on the importance of boundaries and saying no, and the destructive effects a lack of them can have on your body and mind. By exploring the five different kinds of people-pleasing, we dive deeper into the "why" behind the tendency and reframe our understanding of people-pleasing altogether.

A new Simplify episode brimming with actionable wisdom awaits you every fortnight throughout the summer!

Get the deluxe experience of Simplify in the Blinkist app with the Guide we made to go with this episode. You'll hear even more of the conversation with Natalie Lue, get extra book recommendations, and hear more of Caitlin and Ben guiding you through tools to overcome people-pleasing. Get the Guide by going to https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends [1] and entering the code pleaser. We hope you love it!

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe & Ben Jackson at Blinkist

Natalie Lue: Finally Stop People Pleasing

We are delighted to present a conversation with Stephanie Chandler, founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association and a successful author of several books, including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan and The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan. 

In this episode, Stephanie shares her remarkable insights into all phases of the book-writing process and offers a sharp view of the publishing industry. By exploring assets and liabilities of traditional publishing and self-publishing, we dive deeper into the ‘why’ behind the writing process and practices that make the most out of it.   

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code author.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe, Maria Levacic & Ben Jackson at Blinkist

Stephanie Chandler: How to Get Your First Book Published

So, what does it take to make the best working relationships? The same ingredients in any relationship, really: a big helping of bravery and the will to dig into deep conversations.There's more to it than that of course, and on this episode, Simplify favorite Michael Bungay Stanier takes Caitlin through it. This is a gentle-but-probing conversation in which you'll learn about the sweet spot between safety and bravery, how to make your colleagueships safer and more vital, and what psychological bravery is made of. You'll also hear about repairing relationships when something goes wrong, and why active recovery will always win out over just letting it happen.

Today's episode featured... 
How to Work With (Almost) Anyone by Michael Bungay Stanier
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B Rosenberg
Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love by Nancy Dreyfus

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code author.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe, Maria Levacic & Ben Jackson at Blinkist

Michael Bungay Stanier: Build Brave Work Relationships

It's a rarely questioned societal norm: feeling bad/mad/disappointed/scared/anxious? A substance (like alcohol) will give you the courage to face it. This is even more true for dating and sex, where we use alcohol as our first line of defense to find the liquid courage to open up to someone. But what happens when we step away, get sober curious, or simply start being more mindful with alcohol? Who might we be? And who might we connect with? 

In this episode, Tawny Lara, author and speaker, also known as "The Sober Sexpert," meets Caitlin to talk about her (soon to be released) book Dry Humping. Tawny explains the value behind evaluating your relationship with alcohol, and most importantly, helps us find the inner courage to go on an alcohol-free date or have sex sober by giving us a new perspective that allows us to reconnect with who we are without alcohol.

Today's episode featured…
This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan
The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté

To make Simplify even better for you, we’re trying out a newsletter with some cool insights, questions, and quotes from each episode so you can review or get a taste of what’s to come! You can subscribe here.

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code boozefree.
Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].
This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe, Maria Levacic & Ben Jackson at Blinkist

Tawny Lara: Get Sober Curious

The systems we live in suggest that a successful human life depends on denying pain, endless hustle, stress, and sustaining trauma—and making it all look easy. The only problem is that human nature objects. Psychological and physical suffering seem to be increasing while illness and trauma continue to define how we live. 

But, what's in it for our culture? Why and how do we breed disease—and why do we call that normal? 

Educator, mental chiropractor, musical theater pro, and co-author of The Myth of Normal Daniel Maté (yes—the son of Gabor Maté!) sits down with Caitlin to unpack how the norms and assumptions we have about who people are, what they need, and what health, trauma, illness, and healing look like in a toxic culture. In this conversation, Daniel offers us the best macro perspective on the effects of trauma on people and our society—and what steps can be taken to reverse the damage.

Today's episode featured…

Do Scale by Les McKeown
Stolen Focus by Johan Harrari
10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
Remember His Name: Unmasking the Faceless God of the West by Angela Natividad

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code normal.
Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].
This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Daniel Maté: Normal Is a Myth

You were probably hired for your expertise in a certain domain: engineering, product management, paid marketing, or something else. But to be successful in an organization, there are other, secret skills outside your domain that nobody really teaches you—things like effectively communicating your ideas, assessing the business environment, collaborating with leadership, or deciding to leave your current role (and what to say when you do!).

To fill in these gaps and create your own stability in a rapidly-changing environment—say, after an acquisition or a leadership change—Caitlin talks with Vanessa Gennarelli, a change management expert and COO of an outfit called Workbrew. 

Vanessa’s freshly published book, Surviving Change at Work, is the manual we’ve all been long missing. You'll learn how to anticipate change in an organization and use it to your advantage. What this conversation brings is Vanessa's hard-won expertise and practical steps on how to not only understand the organization's future—but design your own.

Today's episode featured…
Wintering by Katherine May
Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter & Holger Rathgeber

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code changes.
Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].
This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Phoebe McIndoe, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Vanessa Gennarelli: Survive Change at Work

Our obsession with beauty and appearance may be deeply rooted, but at this moment, things seem to be reaching a whole new level. Facetune and features like skin smoothing, jaw reduction, and eye enhancement that are standard on social apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and even Zoom, as well as the ubiquitous advertisements for a flawless face and body, are turning our bodies into projects to work on forever.

This and much more prompted American journalist and podcaster Elise Hu to research and write her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture From the K-Beauty Capital, which she describes as “part memoir, part social commentary, part reportage." As a former NPR correspondent in Seoul, she has experienced firsthand the dangers of the unyielding, strict beauty standards in South Korea, the world's most cosmetically advanced country, and what happens when beauty becomes associated with morality and the image of a “good person.”

In this episode, Elise shares with us her unique research on technological change, consumerism, and the undeniable political, economic, and social capital of good looks worldwide. Most importantly, her book and this conversation not only scrutinize the real financial, physical, and emotional costs of beauty work, but also serve as a call to join the fight for bodily autonomy and culture change focused on endless self-improvement as the best path to empowerment.

Caitlin and Ben's book recommendations:

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

The Aesthetic Brain by Anjan Chatterjee

Cherly Strayed on Simplify

Elise's book recommendations:

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, The Flesh, and L.A by Eve Babitz

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code beauty. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Elise Hu: Beauty is Personal and Political

In the post-pandemic era, the debate over whether or not to return to the office seems far from settled — and yet, the push to bring employees back to the office is growing more aggressive. Amazon issued a warning to staff not long ago. Google is factoring employees’ in-office attendance into their performance reviews. And ironically, working from home has been officially replaced by a return to the office by Zoom. 

So is returning to the old structured schedule really the best way to optimize our work environment? Or should we pursue other avenues to do our best work?  

According to Gustavo Razzetti, a renowned expert on workplace culture, a hybrid of remote and in-person work is what's here to stay. Remote, Not Distant (2022), his latest book, has therefore been written as a manual - aiming to provide a blueprint for cultivating workplace cultures that transcend traditional office boundaries and navigate new norms where employees have more flexibility, but remain united by the same overarching mission. 

In this episode, Gustavo walks us through the steps and mindset shifts that have proven critical to leading and thriving in a hybrid workplace. He also explains the dangers behind the bubble of psychological safety, the myth of work-life balance, and the future of work. Most importantly, this episode leaves us with an important roadmap for the future of work, where work is meaningful, flexible, and human-centric. 

Books recommended by Emily and Ben:   
The Long-Distance Teammate by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel  
The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson 
Out of Office by Charlie Warzel and Anne Helen Peterson   

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code remotework.   If you'd like to receive the Simplify newsletter with great insights, questions, and quotes from each episode to get a look back or a taste of what’s to come, you can sign up here: https://substack.com/@simplifybyblinkist?utm_source=profile-page. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].  
This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Gustavo Razzetti: Adapt and Succeed in a Hybrid Workplace

When we experience a traumatic event or decide to pursue healing, what often follows is the tendency to isolate and hide from the world. Shame, exclusion, and the feeling that no one understands remain intertwined with the term "healing." However, this can and should be different—and that 's the message licensed social worker and therapist Minaa B. is here to spread.

"Owning Our Struggles," Minaa’s first book, as well as her work in general, stands out for its unique approach and strong emphasis on social justice and community care. In this week’s episode, she shares powerful and practical insights on how to heal holistically, while also focusing on shared emotional struggle, from overcoming dysfunctional family patterns to developing emotional maturity and moving past isolation and despair.

Whether you want to pursue healing, build authentic and safe relationships, or break free from family dysfunction, this conversation and Minaa’s book are a roadmap to healing by creating communities that support self-fulfillment, intimacy, and a happier life.

Recommended by Caitlin: 
Shortcast - Dr. Ken Druck: Caring for an Aging Parent by host Eric Zimmer

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code healing. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Minaa B: Heal Through Connection

What do people mean when they say, 'I'm a perfectionist'? The colloquial and widespread opinion would sound like this: A perfectionist is someone who desires everything to be perfect at all times and becomes upset when things aren't perfect. This definition is often followed by the (generic) advice that the best way for them to set themselves free is to get rid of their perfectionism.

According to Katherine Morgan Schafler, a psychotherapist and a former on-site therapist at Google, this is not only wrong but also causes more harm than good. After spending years dismantling perfectionism, Katherine wrote 'The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control,' offering a new and unique approach for all those who are sick of being given the generic advice to 'find balance' and feel ready to embrace their perfectionism for what it is—a gift.

In this episode, Katherine shares her practical knowledge of understanding various perfectionist traits and how to make them work for you, not against you. By introducing us to the five different perfectionist types in detail, Katherine demonstrates that with the valuable gifts each perfectionist type naturally brings to the table, you can learn to embrace and even enjoy your perfectionism beyond merely managing it. 

Which of the five types of perfectionist are you? Classic, intense, Parisian, messy, or procrastinator? Take the quiz at the Katherine's official website. 

Recommended by Caitlin: 

The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch

Recommended by Katherine: 

Push Off from Here by Laura McKowen

Build For Tomorrow by Jason Feifer 

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code perfection. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Katherine Morgan Schafler: Perfectionism is a Gift

We might say that “age is just a number,” but if we're really honest with ourselves, a lot of us still think of “old” people as stubborn hoarders who eat dinner (too) early and are forever talking about their aches and pains. Why is that? And could there be another way?

These questions prompted Steven Petrow, an award-winning journalist and author to begin compiling a list of things he won’t do when he gets old shortly after his 50th birthday. The list, which included “You won’t have to shout at me that I’m deaf” and “I won’t blame the family dog for my incontinence," was mainly based on all the things he thought his then-70-something parents were doing wrong. The list became first an essay and then a book, now praised as an "essential guide on how to age with grace, wisdom, humor and hope."

In this episode, Steven and Caitlin tackle ageing with honesty and compassion, exploring together how we can live a little better and a little more gracefully than the generations before us. The beauty of intergenerational friendships, (internalized) ageism, and perennials are just a few of the topics covered—with the beauty of the interview lying in the shared conclusion: everyone benefits immensely from understanding people for who they are, not how old they are.

Book recommended by Caitlin: 

Wiser by Dilip Jeste and Scott LaFee

Books recommended by Steven: 

How I Won a Nobel Prize by Julius Taranto 

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 

This is Not Going to End Well by Daniel Wallace 

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code petrow. 

If you'd like to receive the Simplify newsletter with great insights, questions, and quotes from each episode to get a look back or a taste of what’s to come, you can sign up here:  https://substack.com/@simplifybyblinkist?utm_source=profile-page. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkis

Steven Petrow: Get Old With Grace

In 1971, Joni Mitchell released Blue, an album teeming with stories of a life shaped by romance, desire, longing, and the default path of sharing life with another person. The ideal might persist to this day, but what happens if the romance we are  told will give life meaning... never shows up? How gorgeous and fulfilling can we make our lives, sans romantic partner? 

Amy Key, the celebrated British essayist and poet, sets out to explore exactly these questions in her memoir, Arrangements in Blue, with Joni's seminal album as its scaffolding. Amy embarks on an intimate, sometimes painfully candid journey to search for all the things a soulmate was supposed to deliver, working out how to live well in this culture that prizes romantic love. 

And she shares her findings with us.

Amy’s wisdom and tenderness guide us from an important shift in ideas about intimacy and solitude to the painful feelings we are often too ashamed to discuss: loneliness, envy, grief, and the sensation of wanting. In this episode, learn about the importance of building a home, how to travel alone, the importance of recognizing your own milestones, and why we should consider expanding the remit of friendship.

Recommended by Caitlin and Ben:

Living Your Best Single Life

Simplify episode - Rebecca Traister and The Power of Being Single

All the Single Ladies by Rebecca Traister 

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Recommended by Amy: 

Kick the Latch by Katherine Scanlan

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code arrangement. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Amy Key: Romance Isn't Everything

Today, we bring you Simplify's first ever crossover episode with the  #1 Technology show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: Acquired!

For nearly 9 years David Rosenthal—today's guest—and his co-host Ben have been sharing the strategies and history of 200+ of the world's most successful businesses. From Sequoia to Sony, through to TSMC, Amazon, The New York Times, the NBA and Oprah, Acquired's hosts go deep—sometimes 3 hours deep!—into the details of each business's ups and downs. 

In this episode of Simplify, we had the unique chance to tap into David's unique wisdom and expertise and ask: what are the patterns you've seen across these success stories? 

Caitlin and David focus on 3 big lessons from David's gleaned through years of research and immersion. He shares one powerful lesson on customers, one on product, and one that extends out to collaborations. They scrutinize and highlight the insights and attitudes that have helped some of the world's most notable companies thrive. What’s more, with an experience of two hosts and expert interviewers, they reach some everlasting wisdom on quality, connection, and authenticity— applicable both in business and life! 

Check out Blinkist's exclusive collection that offers concise and insightful Blinks, revealing the secrets behind Nike's global triumphs, tailored for listeners of the Acquired podcast. 

Recommended by Caitlin and Ben:

Powers of Two by Joshua Wolf Shank

The Everything Store by Brad Stone

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code acquired. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Acquired's David Rosenthal: 3 Secrets of the World's Most Successful Businesses

Although we're at the tail end of 2024's symbolic new beginning, we're still confronted with the flood of discounted "detoxes," "cleanses," gym promotions touting a "New Year, new you," and the latest buzzword, "resets." Despite our desire to think that fad diets are relics of the past and that we have collectively moved away from diet culture, we may instead have fallen for a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Drawing from her personal narrative and investigative reporting experiences, Cole Kazdin, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, scrutinizes today's diet industry and the disorder it spawns in her debut book, 'What's Eating Us - Women, Food, and the Epidemic of Body Anxiety.' Walking us through the issues in our generation, she interviews women and the world’s most renowned researchers, revealing disordered eating as the crisis it is—a mental illness with the second-highest mortality rate (after opioid-related deaths)—and a topic that no one wants to talk about.

In this week’s episode of Simplify, Cole generously shares with us her hard-won wisdom for navigating true health while still living in a dysfunctional world. Even more importantly, the conversation will leave you with a gentle but revolutionary reminder of how gratifying it is to focus on how health is lived and felt in the body rather than the size you’re wearing.

Recommended by Caitlin and Ben: 

Simplify Interview: Sonya Renee Taylor: Love Yourself, Save The World 

Intuitive Eating by Evelin Tribole and Elise Resch 

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code kazdin.

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stéphane Obadia at Blinkist

Cole Kazdin: Health is Not a Size

This week's episode of Simplify brings you a special collaboration: a conversation with Dhiraj Mukherjee, who is not only the entrepreneur behind Shazam (the app we all love and use so much!), but also a devoted impact investor focused on social good.

Drawing from his experience at Shazam, Dhiraj learned firsthand that the best way to predict the future is to create it. That’s why today, his work mostly focuses on investing in mission-driven companies aiming to create a better future for the planet, addressing critical issues such as climate action and inequality.

In this interview, Dhiraj shares some of his most valuable insights across his career, emphasizing the crucial importance of tapping into your instincts and developing your own taste and intuition. Moreover, it leaves us with a short but important reminder that optimism matters: every valuable change once started with nothing but hope for a better future.

UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Recommended by Dhiraj: 

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates

Recommended by Caitlin and Ben: 

The Social Animal by David Brooks

The Business of Good by Jason Haber

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code impact. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Ben Jackson at Blinkist

Dhiraj Mukherjee: Optimism Defines the Future

Today, our guest is an award-winning beauty reporter and critic whom you might have stumbled upon while reading her super popular newsletter, The Unpublishable, which, as HuffPost says, "basically gives the middle finger to the entire beauty industry." Writing about what the beauty industry won’t tell you, Jessica DeFino has built an identity as a reporter on a mission to reform it.

It all started, however, in a place as opposite as it could be: a few years back, Jessica was a product-obsessed editor for the Kardashian-Jenner Official Apps, embedded in the core of the beauty industry. This exact "behind-the-scenes" angle and her own beauty-product mishaps led her to start bravely and compellingly writing about what she experienced: mass marketing manipulations, pseudoscience, and consumerism that have become endemic to the beauty industry. Her fearless truth-telling on topics such as the politics of appearance in the Barbie movie, or why Madonna’s plastic surgery is not as subversive as she claims, makes her one of the most beloved analysts and writers on beauty culture out there.

Jessica doesn't reject beauty. Instead, she seeks to reveal the industry and culture built around it. Beauty remains an essential force we all crave as humans, but in order to reveal its roots, we have to dismantle the boring, mass-produced thing that beauty has become.

Recommended by Jessica:  

Disobedient Bodies by Emma Dabiri

The Book of Ayn by Lexi Freman

Recommended by Caitlin and Ben: 

Happy Fat by Sofie Hagen

Chatter by Ethan Cross

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify\][2], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code beauty. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller [2], Ben at @bsto https://twitter.com/bsto [3]. You can write us all an email at podcast@blinkist.com [4].

This episode of Simplify was produced by Caitlin Schiller, Ben Schuman-Stoler, Maria Levacic & Stephane Obadia at Blinkist

Jessica DeFino: Beauty Beyond the Bottle

Author and psychologist, Christopher Ryan, talks with Caitlin about the prehistoric origins of human sexuality and how they influence our modern sexual behavior. 

Ever wondered whether humans are meant to be monogamous, or when we started to look at our sexual partners as private property? The authors of the extraordinary book on sexual evolution *Sex at Dawn,* Cacilda Jethá and Christopher Ryan, study our primate legacy and explain how it shaped human sexual behavior.

In this episode, Ryan talks about the purpose of sexual relations in matriarchal and male-dominated societies, why what we believe about our primate origins is doing us more harm than good as a species, and how to reposition your own beliefs about what is and isn't a sexual taboo.

Stick around after the interview for when Ben Schuman-Stoler joins Caitlin Schiller to talk about the main takeaways from the conversation with Christopher Ryan and helps put together a book list for further reading on sexual evolution, bodies, and biology. 

For more info, including links to everything we discussed in the episode and a voucher to use Blinkist for free, go to 
https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-human-sexuality-christopher-ryan-embrace-fantasies/

Let us know what you thought of the episode, or just give us some book recommendations on Twitter—we’d love to hear from you! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller and Ben at @bsto.

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends/ and typing in the code **bonobo**. 

That excellent music you heard is by Nico Guiang. You can find more of it on Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/niceaux) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/niceaux).

Christopher Ryan: Don’t Take Sex So Seriously

Do you consider yourself a night owl or are you a morning person? Regardless of whether you love mornings or not, we all want to make best of them. Everybody has those few things––that certain morning ritual––that if they don't do it, their whole day is ruined. But what’s the best way to start your day off right?

Benjamin Spall and his co-author, Michael Xander, have spent five years studying morning routines of today’s most successful innovators, entrepreneurs, writers and artists to find out how they developed a morning regimen that sets them up for the day ahead in the best possible way. Based on his research and numerous interviews, Spall describes the best ways to introduce new rituals into your morning routine––consequently turning it into a habit––and gives recommendations on how to craft a morning routine that suits your needs.

Tune into this episode to peek into the morning routines of talented creatives and successful people, and find out what kind of morning is most likely to boost your productivity and happiness.

Stick around after the interview for when Ben Schuman-Stoler joins Caitlin Schiller to talk about the main takeaways from the conversation with Benjamin Spall and helps put together a book list for further reading.

For more info, including links to everything we discussed in the episode, go to https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-your-morning-routine-benjamin-spall-on-how-to-start-your-day-off-right

Let us know what you thought of the episode, or just give us some book recommendations on Twitter—we’d love to hear from you! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller and Ben at @bsto.

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends/ and typing in the code "oatmeal" 

That excellent music you heard is by Nico Guiang. You can find more of it on Soundcloud [https://soundcloud.com/niceaux] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/niceaux].

Benjamin Spall: Start Your Day Off Right

In this episode of Simplify, psychologist Guy Winch tells Caitlin why we should treat our emotional pain as seriously as physical pain and explains how to heal from common heartaches.

Nothing hurts worse than heartbreak. Whether it’s the painful end of relationship or the passing away of a beloved pet, grief and emotional suffering can quickly become all-consuming. And that’s where we blame ourselves and feel guilty for our inability to overcome emotional pain fast enough. Moreover, as psychologist Guy Winch shows, when going through a breakup, it’s not just our mental health that suffers, but our bodies too. 

In this episode of Simplify, Winch reveals what happens in our brain when we’re experiencing a romantic heartbreak or a loss of a pet and offers warm and wise advice for all the broken-hearted. 

Listen to this episode to find out the reasons why you should stop stalking your ex on social media and why you should not necessarily wait to jump into another relationship after a breakup. 

Stick around after the interview to hear Terence Mickey join Caitlin Schiller to talk about the main takeaways from the conversation with Guy Winch as well as the book list they put together for the episode.

For more info, including links to everything we discussed in the episode, go to 
https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-breakup-guy-winch-fix-broken-heart

Let us know what you thought of the episode, or just give us some book recommendations on Twitter—we’d love to hear from you! Find Caitlin at @caitlinschiller and Terence at @terence_mickey.

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends/ and typing in the code "heart" 

That excellent music you heard is by Nico Guiang. You can find more of it on Soundcloud [https://soundcloud.com/niceaux] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/niceaux].

Guy Winch: Heartbreak Hygiene

What does whiteness mean? If you're a white person, the occasions on which you've thought about it might be few. If you're a person of color, the time you spend reckoning with its meaning & consequences are likely far too many. Today's episode of Simplify is an invitation to grapple with what white means in the world, and how to have more generative, revelation-ready mindsets and conversations about racism as a system.

As a Racial Justice Educator, Robin DiAngelo exhorts white people to consider what their skin color means on a cultural, economic, political, and personal level. She's written *White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Race* as an educational tool for white people who want to be better allies, inspect their biases, and find their way out of a racist system that continues to do harm.

For more info, including links to everything discussed in the episode, check out this link: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-robin-diangelo-white-fragility

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/en/nc/friends/][3] and typing in the code **fragile**.
Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at [@caitlinschiller][4] & Ben at [@bsto][5].

That excellent music you heard is by Nico Guiang. You can find more of it on [Soundcloud][6] and [Facebook][7].

  [1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/white-fragility-en/
  [2]: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-robin-diangelo-white-fragility
  [3]: https://www.blinkist.com/friends/?v=fragile
  [4]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller?lang=en
  [5]: https://twitter.com/bsto
  [6]: https://soundcloud.com/niceaux
  [7]: https://www.facebook.com/niceaux

Robin DiAngelo: Think Impact, Not Intention

Can we make joy, on-demand? Ingrid Fetell Lee, joy researcher and former IDEO designer, reveals how in transforming our spaces, we also have the power to transform our wellbeing.

Find out how color brought life back into a struggling city, how you might be able to cheer up a loved one in the hospital, and how to set up a meeting at work to bring more energy and positivity into the room.

For more info, including links to everything discussed in the episode, check out this link: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-joy-ingrid-fetell-lee/[2]

Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify][3], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code **joyful**. Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at [@caitlinschiller][4], Ben at [@bsto][5].

Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller with unparalleled co-hosting by Ben Schuman-Stoler. Thanks to Ines Bläsius for production assistance and Christoph Meyer for audio engineering chops. The new Simplify theme is by the one and only Odysseas Constantinou.

[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/joyful-en
[2]: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-joy-ingrid-fetell-lee/
[3]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[4]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller?lang=en
[5]: https://twitter.com/bsto

Ingrid Fetell Lee: Make Your Own Joy

Please visit us at blinkist.com/simplify to see our new podcast, Simplify!

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