Blinkist Podcast - Interviews | Personal Development | Productivity | Business | Psychology

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

In this podcast, Steven Petrow and Caitlin discuss the misconceptions about aging and share ways to age with grace and humor. They explore shifting priorities in midlife, starting conversations about aging with elderly parents, intergenerational friendships, and challenging ageism. They also recommend books on wisdom and compassion, and emphasize the importance of living a fulfilling life. This episode provides valuable insights on improving the quality of life as we age.

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

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

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

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

In this podcast, Vanessa Gennarelli, a change management expert, shares her method for navigating change at work. She discusses the importance of clear communication, empowering all roles, and using change to your advantage. The chapter also explores the pain dream fix framework and the longing for stability in our careers.

Daniel Maté, an educator, mental chiropractor, and co-author of The Myth of Normal, discusses the harmful concept of 'normal' and its impact on our mental and physical health. He explores the importance of alignment and examining cultural influences, as well as the effects of stress on the body. Maté emphasizes the need to listen to our body's signals and find a compromise between personal needs and societal demands.

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

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