Mind the Gap

In this episode of  Mind the Gap , I welcome Jack, an advanced AI developed by OpenAI, as our special guest. Together, we explore the fascinating interplay between human emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence. What does it mean to feel, and how do machines navigate the emotional landscapes that define humanity? Join us as we discuss: The concept of emotional labour and its parallels in...

How do pride and humiliation shape how we see ourselves and interact with the world? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we delve into the complex interplay between these two powerful emotions. At its best, pride can fuel achievement and self-respect, but when unchecked, it can close our eyes to growth. Humiliation, however, can cut deep—leaving us stuck in shame—or, if reframed, teach us resilience...

When a job ends, whether through redundancy, retirement, or another life change, it can feel like you’re losing more than just a role—you’re losing a part of yourself. How do we hold onto our sense of self when the titles we’ve relied on disappear?  This Mind the Gap episode explores navigating these transitions with grace and resilience. Through the lenses of Stoicism, Emotional Intelligence, and...

In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore a powerful question: Why do we so often gravitate toward strong, polarising leaders in times of crisis, even when they seem to reject compassion, emotional intelligence, and thoughtful leadership? Drawing from historical cycles, psychology, and philosophical insights, we’ll explore the reasons behind this recurring tendency and why intellectuals and acad...

In this episode of Mind the Gap , we delve into the powerful, timeless themes of Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way,” uncovering the hidden conversation on regret and resilience woven throughout the song. By blending Sinatra’s unapologetic life philosophy with insights from Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, we explore how to confront and ultimately embrace our regrets withou...

In this episode of Mind the Gap , we tackle a workplace challenge that many face but few talk about: handling the “Eternal Child” in leadership. Based on Carl Jung’s archetype, the Eternal Child refers to a leader who clings to childlike behaviours, avoids responsibility, seeks constant praise, and reacts impulsively to challenges. And while this may often be called the “Man Child,” it’s not limit...

Episode Description: In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore righteous anger—a form of anger that isn't destructive but constructive, thoughtful, and intentional. We explore how this type of anger can serve as a powerful alternative to self-censorship and blind outrage, especially in today's social media-driven world where people are quick to take offence. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, moder...

Episode Overview: In this episode of Mind the Gap , host Michael Comyn unlocks the transformative power of forgiveness by exploring its roots in ancient Stoic philosophy and how modern psychology adds practical tools to make it a reality. Forgiveness is one of our toughest emotional challenges, but it also holds the key to emotional freedom. Join us as we release anger, resentment, and guilt to ac...

In this episode, we explore why we often need help to follow through on our goals. Using insights from Robert Keegan’s Immunity to Change , Daniel Goleman’s work on focus, and ancient Stoic philosophy, we explore how hidden beliefs, distractions, and emotional barriers keep us from aligning our intentions with our actions. Learn practical strategies to uncover these obstacles and finally start clo...

Ever feel guilty for being happy when the world seems upside down? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions of joy and guilt, exploring why we often must apologise for our happiness. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, modern emotional intelligence, and Brené Brown’s insights on vulnerability, we unpack why joy isn’t a betrayal of empathy but a powerful act of resilience. 🎙️✨...

In today’s episode, we explore the nature of anger and its impact on our lives, drawing connections between the ancient wisdom of the Stoics and our challenges in our modern world. From road rage to social media spats and the polarising voices of talk radio, we explore how anger manifests today and why it often feels like we’re living in a perpetual state of outrage. We’ll unpack key insights from...

In this episode of Mind the Gap , we dive into the unexpected sources of anxiety that creep up in the most unlikely places. Using the story of feeling anxious on an aeroplane—where the anxiety wasn’t about flying at all—we explore the more profound, often hidden, triggers that fuel our stress in everyday life. Whether it’s the constant hum of background worry, social pressure, or the noise of nega...

This episode explores why quick fixes like "Resilience Pizza" and boxes of fruit fall short regarding employee wellness and why a more thoughtful approach is needed. Drawing on modern research, Stoic philosophy, and Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of motivation, we discuss how focusing on joy and meaningful wellness programs can create a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce. Ke...

Show Summary: This thought-provoking episode explores the fascinating and sometimes troubling world of rumours. Why are we often drawn to gossip and rumours rather than actively seeking the truth? Understanding our inclination toward rumours is more critical than ever in an age dominated by social media, where true and false information spreads at lightning speed. Michael delves into the psycholog...

“Hello, and welcome to ‘Mind the Gap’—the podcast where ancient wisdom meets modern emotional intelligence. I’m Michael Comyn, and with 38 years of experience in this field, I’m thrilled to guide you through exploring how we can bridge the gap between our emotions and reality. Each episode delves into the profound teachings of Stoic philosophers, offering insights that have stood the test of time....