Meaningful Mischief

Feelings About Finances Most of us think money is about numbers, goals, and returns - but what if it’s more about fear, shame, love, and purpose? In this conversation, Mary and James dive into the psychology of money: why we avoid talking about it, how our past shapes our financial behavior, and how wealth management is often more about values than value. From billionaires with hidden fears to new...

This one’s raw and real. Mary and James dive into recent personal wake-up calls - Mary’s experience with deep fatigue and burnout, and James’ unexpected bout with shingles. Despite their high-performance habits and wellness tracking tools, both found themselves laid flat by the one thing they thought they were managing: their energy. Highlights: Why being “on it” doesn’t mean you’re immune to burn...

In this conversation, Mary and Stel explore the sometimes-blurry lines between therapy and coaching: when each is helpful, what they’ve personally gained (or not gained) from both, and how feeling safe, seen, heard, and understood is the foundation for transformation. They talk about the importance of inner and outer vision, emotional self-regulation, and how to shift your focus away from self-pre...

When was the last time you felt joy; not the big, Instagram-worthy kind, but the small, quiet, surprising kind? In this episode, we talk about joy: where we find it, how it sneaks up on us, and how to stay open to it even when life is messy, mundane, or downright hard. Mary, Stel, and James explore what it means to find joy when you're not actively looking for it. From a broken coffee machine that...

In the final episode (we think) of our mini-series on relationships, we explore one of the trickiest terrains of human connection: endings. From romantic splits and friendship fades to workplace goodbyes, we unpack what it means to consciously, gracefully – or awkwardly – close a chapter. Along the way, we detour through ego death, emotional resilience, identity shifts, and a surprisingly emotiona...

What makes someone truly attractive – not just in romance, but in leadership, friendship, and everyday life? In this episode, we talk about alignment (and how it’s not the same as sameness), self-sabotage, and the quiet things that either deepen connection or slowly erode it. There’s a story about a 10th anniversary trip that turned into a strategy masterclass, a reminder that kindness still wins,...

Long-term relationships are message and magical. Why do we choose our person? And what keeps us from choosing them? Expect personal stories, hard questions, and one jaw-dropping insight about handwriting that left everyone speechless. Highlights Why your choice of life partner might reflect who you were when you met – and how to evolve together as you change Divorce: What women often know and men...

You’re with yourself for life – but are you really connected to who you are? In this episode, Stel and Mary (we missed you, James!) explore what happens when you lose touch with your true self, how survival skills can mask your real identity, and what it feels like when your life doesn’t fit anymore. Plus: practical ways to start coming back to yourself. Highlights: Why we create a "survival self"...

What long-term friendships really take – and why they’re worth it. What makes someone a ride-or-die? Relationships that go the distance change and survive big life transitions. From childhood friends to new connections that go deep fast, we explore the difference between time and trust, and why cultivating meaningful friendships as adults takes a different kind of intention. Whether you’re feeling...

In a world overflowing with interactions, how do you decide who gets your energy – and identify who drains it? This episode takes on relationships: the intentional ones, the forgotten ones, the ones that fill your cup, and the ones that need a little more mischief to spark again. From surprise reunions and joy bombs to raising your hand (literally) for the relationships that matter, this one’s abo...

Is staying constantly connected costing you more than you think? Our good intentions to stay engaged can quietly steal our focus, drain our energy, and derail our bigger goals. What starts as "just checking in" becomes a full-time job – and not the kind that moves the needle. There’s a hidden weight of everyday interactions – from endless group chats to overloaded inboxes. Cutting back might be th...

Big results don’t come from big decisions. They come from the little ones – made over and over again. Every choice is a vote for the life you're building. From avoiding road rage to committing to a daily run, the ripple effects are real. This episode is about momentum, missteps, and the magic that happens when you choose to be intentional… one choice at a time. If you've ever told yourself "just t...

Can you talk politics without getting political? We try. What does it mean to stay curious when the world is polarized? How does fear show up in our choices? Why might disruption be exactly what we need? From unconscious programming to economic uncertainty, we reflect on what it takes to stay grounded, generous, and growth-minded…especially when everything feels uncertain. Key Topics Discussed Wha...

Ever been caught in that awkward moment where you say something with good intentions – only to wonder if it was wildly inappropriate? Dive into the messy, ever-evolving landscape of communication, intention, and social norms. From the difference between appropriately inappropriate and inappropriately appropriate to cultural expectations around compliments and personal space, we challenge the moder...

Is creativity just for artists? Nope. In this episode, we break down what creativity actually is – and how to cultivate more of it in your everyday life. From Martha Beck’s take on left-brain vs. right-brain thinking to AI’s role in amplifying (not replacing) creativity, we explore what it means to think expansively. Plus, how a spontaneous subway adventure (with a little AI help) turned into the...

If you had to give advice to a group of students about life and career – without a script – what would you say? Join us as we unpack a spontaneous talk given to postgrad PR students and explore the bigger questions: What makes you, you? How do you bring that into your career? And why do so many of us chase external success before understanding ourselves? From the power of self-reflection to Keith...

What if you could tap into a state where time disappears, creativity skyrockets, and productivity increases by 500%? That’s the power of Flow State. From a game-changing trip to Dubai to the neuroscience behind flow, we explore cultivating this elusive state in work, sports, and even everyday tasks. Plus, discover low’s kryptonite and how to design your life for more focused, fulfilling work. And...

Your physical state isn’t just about fitness – it’s the foundation for everything else. Taking care of your body is the ultimate hack for mental clarity and emotional resilience. We break down simple, effective ways to reset – think grounding, breathwork, and yes, even a spontaneous dance party. If you’ve been feeling stuck, sluggish, or just off , this one’s for you. Let’s get you back to full po...

What does it really mean to have a growth mindset—beyond the buzzwords? From the sneaky ways we trap ourselves in fixed thinking to the discomfort that comes with real growth, we unpack how to break free from limitations (even the ones we don’t realize we have). Plus: the “Lobster Theory” of growth, the drama triangle you didn’t know you were playing in, and why the world seems more fixed than eve...

Aging. It's happening to all of us, but are we thinking about it all wrong? Join us as we dive into the science, psychology, and societal obsession with longevity. From the mind-blowing "Counterclockwise" study to the surprising secrets of nuns who lived the longest, we challenge the fear-driven approach to aging and explore how mindset, community, and purpose might be the real fountain of youth....

Independence is empowering, but can it hold us back from real connection? James, Mary & Stel get candid about self-reliance, vulnerability, and how to create deeper, more meaningful relationships – with others and ourselves. It's a conversation that pushes the boundaries of comfort zones and explores what it truly means to connect. Key Topics Discussed Can self-reliance make connection harder?...

Your life doesn’t run on time – it runs on energy. We’re flipping the script on productivity by diving into what fuels us, what drains us, and why protecting your energy is the ultimate life hack. We share personal experiences, chat about managing energy instead of time, and explore moments of transcendent clarity that remind us of what’s possible. No fluff…just practical insight to help you stay...

Conflict doesn’t have to be a battlefield—it can be a breakthrough. In this episode, we unpack the stories we tell ourselves, why asking better questions is the ultimate plot twist, and how a little curiosity can dissolve even the toughest tensions. Plus, we dive into simple, science-backed hacks to calm your system (widen your gaze, anyone?) and reclaim your cool in the heat of the moment. Growth...

Sleep isn’t just downtime – it’s a superpower. In this episode, we dive into the eye-opening impact of sleep deficits (spoiler: your late nights might be hitting harder than happy hour), lessons learned from chasing better sleep, and why quality rest is the ultimate life hack for sharper thinking and better judgment. Because when it comes to sleep, the difference between surviving and thriving is...

Faith comes in many forms – religion, belief, conviction – but what’s really guiding us? From trusting the unseen to betting on ourselves, this conversation digs into what anchors us and how faith shapes our decisions, identities, and everyday mischief. Key Topics Discussed: Why faith is often avoided as a topic of conversation. The intersection of faith, belief, and energy. The difference between...