The Wise Effort Show

On The Wise Effort show, Diana Hill talks with Dr. Joseph Ciarrochi, a researcher in process-based therapy and ACT, about self-righteous anger and how to stay honest and kind when others aren’t. They explore the psychology of getting “hijacked” in conflict, describing outrage and being right as an addiction (experiential attachment) distinct from experiential avoidance, with different intervention...

Dr. Diana Hill interviews contemplative social scientist and emotion researcher Dr. Eve Ekman, senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and co-creator (with her father Paul Ekman) of The Atlas of Emotions, a tool requested by the Dalai Lama to help people understand how emotions arise and are experienced. They discuss why “emotion regulation” can miss the larger richness of emoti...

Are you feeling disconnected from what you know is true for you—and overriding it anyway? In this live-recorded Wise Effort episode, Diana Hill explores “truth” (personal, collective, spiritual, and scientific) and how it’s often simple, close, profound, or even hard to accept. She shares ways truth emerges through rough initiations, deep listening to the body and intuition, unexpected states of c...

Do you feel stuck in worry loops that drain your energy and pull you out of the present moment? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill talks with neuroscientist and psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer about “inside information” on the brain—especially the default mode network and how self-focused rumination and worry activate the posterior cingulate cortex. They explore new, encouragin...

Dr. Diana Hill welcomes author and Idea Architects founder Doug Abrams live from Blue Spirit Costa Rica to explore how to stay grounded, joyful, and hopeful in uncertain times. Abrams shares lessons from working with leaders like the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Jane Goodall, including Tutu’s guidance to “never surrender your joy,” taking the wider perspective, and resisting without “othering” op...

Do you keep trying to make big changes, only to burn out or get stuck at the choice point? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill talks with Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed and author of How a Little Becomes a Lot, about why lasting transformation happens through small, consistent actions—shaped by clear values, a “middle way” mindset, supportive structure, and compassionate...

Are you doing “all the right things” and still feeling like happiness keeps slipping through your fingers? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill talks with Yale psychology professor and The Happiness Lab host Dr. Laurie Santos about the biggest mind traps that block joy—and the small, research-backed shifts that help you feel better in real life. Together, Diana and Laurie unpack why mind-wandering, hed...

Do you keep getting stuck in the same fights or feeling rejected in your relationship? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill shares an evidence-based talk on the science of “wise and fierce” relationships, then follows with a conversation with athlete and entrepreneur Gabby Reece about what helps partnerships last. Diana draws on relationship research and her clinical experience...

How can we use our imagination to transform individually and our collective consciousness? Clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill explores this question with Dr. Cassandra Vieten on The Wise Effort Show. Dr. Vieten, a clinical professor and director of research at multiple institutions, shares her extensive research on the subject, emphasizing the profound impact transformative spiritual experiences...

How can we practice the power of the pause? In this week's episode of the Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill sits down with meditation and yoga teacher Jillian Pransky to explore this profound concept. They dive into the bardo, a transitional state perfect for reflection, and share practical steps from Jillian's LAR LAR method (Land, Arrive, Relax, Listen, Attend, Respond, Repeat) designed to help y...

How can you live a compassion-focused life while navigating high-performance environments? In this episode of the Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill hosts Dr. Dennis Tirch, founder of the Center for Compassion Focused Therapy. They discuss integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for actionable wisdom and flourishing. Dr. Tirch shares insights from his...

This episode will help you find inner peace through the practice of generosity. Dr. Diana Hill explores the concept of generosity, from personal stories to Buddhist teachings to modern science, revealing how giving freely can transform your mental and physical health. Diana highlights methods to cultivate generosity, empathy, gratitude, and awe, which can enhance your relationships and overall wel...

Gabby Reece is a force—in sport, in leadership, and in how we love and parent. In this episode of The Wise Effort Show , she shares the formulas she’s dialed in over the years, the non-negotiable that keep her steady, and the radical flexibility that lets her ask, “Is it true?” and adjust with grace. Listen and learn: Formulas to keep a long-term relationship alive (including “shining eyes”) What...

Are you struggling to find inspiration and express your creative self? In this special episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill shares a vulnerable and insightful conversation from the bonus episode of the Emerging Form podcast. Delving into the nuances of creativity and recovery, Diana discusses her journey with poetry, metaphor, and wise effort. She reveals how personal imperfection and v...

Are your thoughts holding you back from doing wise effort? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill shares how our thoughts can both facilitate and hinder our efforts. Drawing from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), contemplative science, and her insights from going on a surf trip with her 16-year-old son and three of his buddies, Dr. Hill provides practical strategies for wor...

Do you find yourself trapped in the cycle of chasing things that ultimately make you unhappy? Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist, explores how non-attachment can help you redirect your energy towards more fulfilling pursuits rather than harmful ones. Through personal anecdotes and insights from Buddhism and clinical psychology, Dr. Hill discusses the nature of experiential attachment and offe...

How can we cultivate more openness in our lives? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill explores this question with cognitive psychologist Dr. Jonathan Schooler on The Wise Effort Show. They delve into the essential role of openness, mind wandering, and curiosity in enhancing creativity, well-being, and empathy. Dr. Schooler shares his insights on the distinctions between openness and mindfulness, the sc...

What is Wise Effort? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill is interviewed by Dr. Carl Erik Fisher about her new book Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most . They explore how wise effort can help navigate life’s demands. Discover the balance between striving and letting go, and learn actionable methods to apply wise effort in your daily life across various domains, including h...

Struggling with the connection between your sleep, nutrition, and stress levels? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill sits down with Shawn Stevenson, the dynamic host of The Model Health Show. Shawn dives into his personal journey from a debilitating health crisis to becoming a leading voice in holistic health. They discuss the importance of a solid sleep routine, the impact of essential nutrients on s...

How can you regulate your nervous system? Feel less stressed and get back into your body. In this episode, the founder of the Yoga Tune Up Method and author of Body by Breath . She's a renowned fascia expert, a movement educator, and she's the co-founder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide.  And in this episode, we are gonna walk through some key things that you need to  know about your body. You need to...

According to Courtney Smith, fear can send us “below the line” in relationships. When you act from fear, you end up scrambling for security, control, and safety–often at the expense of wholeness. In this conversation, Dr. Diana Hill and Courtney Smith, author of Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness , explore ways to shift into more authentic relating. They explore how to stay grounded while connecting...

To be honest, I used to be a bit of a purist when it came to yoga—and I’ll admit, I was judgmental about CorePower. But then I tried it. Now I love it—for the heat, the community, the challenge. And I love it even more after getting to know Brandon Cox, its co-founder. Brandon started CorePower Yoga back in 2002, and he’s very rarely interviewed. You’re going to love this episode of The Wise Effor...

Are your relationships and household dynamics feeling out of balance due to money and work stressors? This episode explores insights and strategies for creating equitable and harmonious relationships across financial and domestic spheres. I, along with guest Melissa Hogenboom, dive into the impact of gender dynamics on household responsibilities, power imbalances, and the mental load frequently sh...

Are you an aspiring writer struggling to find your voice? This week’s episode explores how to tap into your unique creative genius and align it with your values to become the writer you were meant to be. Dr. Diana Hill, along with book coach Jennie Nash, delves into the Wise Effort Method. Hear about Diana's personal journey of overcoming her challenges and how Jennie guided her through unleashing...

How can we respond to uncertainty and loss with the power of soul work? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill speaks with Francis Weller, an influential author and psychotherapist, about confronting the 'long dark' — a term he uses to describe our collective and individual challenges. Weller emphasizes the importance of community, imagination, and ritual in overcoming grief and t...