Beyond the Pursuit of Happiness | Jeff Golden (EP10)

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.

What if true happiness isn’t found in material wealth but in something far more profound? In this thought-provoking episode, I spoke with Jeff Golden, author of Reclaiming the Sacred, to explore his decade-long journey of gathering wisdom from psychologists, activists, saints, and poets. Jeff shares how his diverse life roles have shaped his understanding of joy, presence, and interconnectedness. Together, we examine why happiness has declined in industrialized nations despite increasing prosperity, highlighting the vital roles of relationships, health, and self-acceptance. The discussion weaves through spiritual traditions, from Christianity to Taoism and Buddhism, offering insights on how reconnecting with nature and our inner selves can lead to deeper fulfillment. A rich and inspiring conversation that challenges societal norms and invites us to redefine what it means to truly thrive.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Book: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
• Book: Sensing God: Experiencing the Divine in Nature, Food, Music, and Beauty
• Dr. Kristin Neff - Self Compassion
• Connect with Jeff:
• Book: Reclaiming the Sacred: Healing Our Relationships with Ourselves and the World
• Website
• Jeff's Course: Reclaiming the Sacred - An Experiential 6 Week Online Course

About Jeff |

Jeff Golden, M.Ed., was most recently a scholar-in-residence at Vassar College. He is a former Fulbright Scholar in sustainable development, was awarded the US State Department’s Millennium International Volunteer Award, and has directed several nonprofits dedicated to sustainability and social justice. Jeff has been featured on NPR, USA Today, Scripps Evening News, The Shaun Proulx Show, How To Live a Fantastic Life Environment Times, iHeartRadio, Talk Radio Europe, and more.

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