The Wisdom of Life with Chad Stoloff

What if the beliefs keeping you stuck are not facts, but stories your mind keeps selling you? Owen Fitzpatrick shares the raw moment that stopped him from ending his life at 14, and the mindset shift that later became the foundation for his work on "inner propaganda," resilience, and believing better. From depression, bullying, and suicidal despair to the idea of "going the distance...

The advice to "just keep grinding" is destroying more careers, creativity, and health than it saves. Elizabeth Svoboda, author of The Art of Pacing , explains how to stop swinging between all-out overwork and total burnout - and build a rhythm that actually lasts. If you've ever ignored sleep, skipped meals, or pushed through exhaustion because achievement felt like the only thing th...

Most people think authenticity means saying exactly what you feel. Dr. Patricia Hewlin says that mindset can backfire. The real challenge is learning how to stay true to yourself without burning bridges, exhausting yourself, or sabotaging your future. Chad Stoloff sits down with Dr. Hewlin, a leading scholar of social and organizational psychology at Columbia University and the creator of the conc...

Work feels harder than it should because most organizations are trying to solve the wrong problem. Melissa Swift reveals why the real answer is not "work harder" or "add more AI" - it's learning how to design work, manage complexity, and focus human energy where it actually matters. If you’re a leader, manager, or knowledge worker who feels buried under meetings, chaotic pr...

The secret to consistent energy and lasting impact? Leading with empathy and mastering balance—Juan Garcia shares how pushing beyond limits teaches humility and connection. In a world that often equates grit with exhaustion, Juan Garcia reveals how finding true balance is the key to sustainable success—whether on the court, in coaching, or in life. From decades of experience in tennis and mentorsh...

Unlock the secrets to mastering confidence, influence, and deception detection with Lena Sisco — a former Navy Intelligence Officer who’s been detecting lies and controlling conversations since 2003. From the battlefield to boardrooms, Lena reveals how your thoughts shape your behavior, and how you can harness this power to succeed in any high-stakes situation. Whether you’re negotiating, leading...

Most of our social problems—rising depression, loneliness, violence—are symptoms of a deeper crisis: a culture that disconnects us from our true human nature. Dr. Niobe Way, a social science veteran with nearly 40 years of research, uncovers the shocking roots of this disconnection and offers a powerful, evidence-based pathway to rebuild a more compassionate, pro-social society. In this eye-openin...

In this episode of The Wisdom of Life, Chad Stoloff sits down with Jack Groppel, a globally recognized pioneer in sports science and human performance, for a powerful conversation about the hidden cost of achievement. Jack opens up about the childhood experience that fueled his drive, the mentors who shaped his career, and the deeper lessons he learned from decades of working with elite athletes,...

Most organizations are wired for a world that no longer exists. Steve Cadigan, former HR chief at LinkedIn and expert in talent transformation, reveals how the smartest companies are winning by making their people more valuable — not less — in the AI era. If you’re a leader navigating rapid change, this episode is your blueprint for building adaptable cultures that thrive on experimentation and tr...

Brad Beeler Recently retired after 25 years with the United States Secret Service, Brad brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career. In his final position as an instructor at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA), he trained thousands of federal law enforcement and intelligence agents in credibility assessment and elicitation techniques. Brad also served on the prot...

Unlock the secret to thriving in today’s mental health crisis with  Spiritual Tools for Modern Living . Shabnam Mogharabi, a media powerhouse and passionate student of positive psychology, reveals how the  Soul Boom Workbook  is transforming lives—one practical prompt at a time. Whether you're overwhelmed, skeptical, or simply searching for deeper purpose, this episode offers a fresh blueprint for...

In this episode, Chad Stoloff engages in a profound conversation with Gaurav Suri, a computational neuroscientist and experimental psychologist, about the intersection of science, curiosity, and storytelling. They explore the importance of making science accessible to the general public, the role of curiosity in human development, and the concept of flow in creativity and learning. Gaurav shares i...

In this enlightening episode, Chad Stoloff engages with Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir, an Icelandic thought leader and author, to explore the profound impact of intuition on our well-being and decision-making. Discover how tapping into our inner wisdom can guide us through uncertainty and enhance our connection with the world. Hrund shares insights from her book and documentary, "Innsaei," Book | Hrund G...

In this episode, Chad Stoloff engages in a profound conversation with Sam Parker, an award-winning author and public speaker, about the transformative power of anger. Sam shares insights from his book, "Good Anger," which explores how rethinking rage can improve relationships, tackle depression, and drive professional success. The discussion delves into Sam's personal journey with mental health, t...

Join Chad Stoloff as he delves into a captivating conversation with Alex Hutchinson, a renowned science journalist and author. Explore the essence of human curiosity and the drive to explore, as Alex shares insights from his latest book, "The Explorer's Gene." Discover how everyday adventures can reignite our innate desire to explore and learn, and why embracing challenges can bring meaning to our...

In this enlightening episode, join Chad Stoloff as he sits down with Rosalind Chow, a professor of organizational behavior at Carnegie Mellon University. They delve into the transformative power of sponsorship in the workplace, exploring how it differs from mentorship and how it can open doors for career advancement. Discover practical insights on how to sponsor others and gain sponsorship to crea...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential and challenges of AI in healthcare with Charlotte Blease, an academic and author. Charlotte shares insights from her book, "Dr. Bot: Why Doctors Can Fail and How AI Could Save Lives," exploring how AI can address human limitations in medicine while also presenting new ethical and practical challenges. Join us as we discuss the balance betw...

In this enlightening episode, join Michael Gillespie as he delves into the transformative power of distancing in decision-making. Discover how stepping back can unlock deeper insights and lead to wiser choices. Whether you're navigating personal dilemmas or professional challenges, learn how to harness this powerful tool to enhance your decision-making process. Tune in for practical tips and thoug...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Judd Kessler, a renowned economics professor at Wharton Business School. In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersections of economics and everyday life, as Judd shares stories from his book "Lucky by Design." Discover how economic principles can empower you to navigate life's hidden markets, from organ donation systems to college admissions. Wh...

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Jonathan Stanley, an accomplished author and entrepreneur, to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Discover how Jonathan's journey from a family of entrepreneurs to a viral sensation on TikTok has shaped his philosophy on empathy, kindness, and the impact of authentic leadership. Tune in to learn how embracing vulnera...

Join us as we dive into the transformative journey of Cassidy Krug, a former Olympic diver, who shares her experiences of navigating life after sports. In this episode, Cassidy discusses her new book, "Resurface," and explores the universal themes of change, identity, and finding new purpose. Through candid conversations, we uncover the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from one chapter of...

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Bree Groff, a senior advisor at SY Partners, as we explore the transformative power of joy in the workplace. Bree shares her insights on why work doesn't have to be a source of stress and how we can design a life filled with purpose and happiness. Discover how to challenge traditional work paradigms and embrace a more fulfilling approach to your caree...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Robin Dreeke, a retired FBI special agent and former chief of the Behavioral Analysis Program for counterintelligence. In this episode, Robin shares his journey from the US Marine Corps to the FBI, offering profound insights on building trust, leadership, and resilience. Discover the wisdom he's gained through his experiences in mentorship, parenting,...

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the fascinating concept of "The Liking Gap"—the difference between how much we think others like us and how much they actually do. Discover practical strategies to bridge this gap and build genuine social confidence. Whether you're navigating new social settings or seeking to strengthen existing relationships, this episode offers valuable insights and ac...

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the transformative power of conscious listening with sound and communication expert Julian Treasure. Discover how honing your listening skills can enhance personal and professional relationships, foster deeper understanding, and create a more connected world. Julian shares practical insights and techniques to elevate your listening abilities, emphasizing...