Dose of Wonder

In this week’s podcast, I give an overview of six different ways an individual might experience grief after a significant loss, clarifying that feeling like one is grieving incorrectly is common and that many types of grief are considered normal. The 6 kinds are ‘normal’, anticipatory grief, complicated, delayed, disenfranchised and absent. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle to...

P.S. Before you dive into the episode... you might want to read Whimsy as Defiance: Why Softness is Our Strongest Survival Strategy . I quietly posted it on New Year’s Day, just directly to my Substack publication as a sort of manifesto for how I’m approaching 2026. This week’s podcast outlines a series of practical suggestions aimed at enhancing one’s emotional well-being, emphasizing that mental...

This week’s podcast offers practical advice for overcoming a lack of drive and avoiding procrastination. The first tip: making tasks as easy as possible by preparing ahead of time. Other strategies include breaking down large tasks into smaller steps to make them less daunting and giving oneself credit or small rewards for accomplishments. Finally, I advocate for incorporating self-care and short...

This week’s podcast talks about the existential dilemma of feeling that all meaningful thoughts and expressions have already been articulated throughout history.. I talk about the common human experience of searching for life’s purpose, often feeling pressured by societal expectations to achieve specific milestones. But I say that life inherently lacks one fixed, overarching purpose. Instead, I en...

This week’s podcast explores the deeply personal and often unconventional ways individuals cope with grief and loss particularly through speaking aloud to deceased loved ones and pets, acknowledging that such actions might seem unusual but offer comfort and a continued sense of connection. I reflects on the lasting impact of loved ones within one's consciousness and the varying forms grief can tak...

In this week’s podcast I give five practical suggestions for improving mental well-being, particularly relevant during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, but applicable year-round. I emphasize the importance of spending time outdoors, drawing on concepts like "forest bathing" to highlight nature's calming effects. And also advocate for connecting with others to combat isolation and gain differe...

This week’s podcast presents introversion not as a weakness, but as a superpower, highlighting how introverts' quiet observational nature allows them to perceive details others might miss and fosters trustworthiness. I share personal experiences illustrating the typical introverted lifestyle, emphasizing preferences for solitude and one-on-one interactions. I also talk about mental health concerns...

This week’s podcast explores the concept of personal freedom through the lens of Stoic philosophy. It challenges the initial assumption of being free by prompting reflection on the various external and internal factors that might hold individuals captive, such as work, finances, societal expectations, and even personal anxieties. I suggest that true self-possession might only be achievable through...

Hi Wonderers, This week’s podcast explores the unexpected and often illogical triggers of grief, highlighting how seemingly minor events can ignite profound sadness over a loved one's absence. I illustrate this through a personal anecdote, where a Facebook post about a lost recipe sparks a realization of missed opportunities to ask important questions of my dead mother and aunt, particularly conce...

This is a repeat episode! Kind of… I accidentally published/sent out this podcast episode back on August 3rd, when I meant to schedule it for today! Oops… That’s me human-ing. Today’s podcast offers a guide to authentic self-care, distinguishing it from mere indulgence. It emphasizes that self-care involves actions that benefit both physical and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of se...

Today’s podcast explores the profound concept that every single moment is entirely unique and has never been experienced before and emphasizes that even seemingly familiar activities are never exactly the same twice, due to constant changes in our environment, our bodies, and our perceptions. I encourage listeners to pause and observe their surroundings with this fresh perspective, highlighting th...

This week’s podcast talks about challenging things that we were experiencing back in 2022, when my original article was written, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and economic hardships, and acknowledging that things "suck" right now. Despite these difficulties, I emphasize that individuals do not have to succumb to negativity and can choose to foster positive attitudes, highl...

This week’s episode is a reflection on grief and pet loss where I share my personal experience of saying goodbye to our rescue dog, Penny, during the pandemic, who we adopted after the loss of our previous dog. This episode talks about the acceptance of the enduring nature of grief. References: How To Survive Grief by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/growing-grief/how-to-survive-grief-e8df5971225...

This week’s podcast talks about the potential impact of consuming mental health content on an individual's own psychological well-being. I reflect on, as a former editor for a mental health YouTube channel, frequently reading about challenging topics like depression and anxiety can be emotionally taxing which leads me to prefer positive psychology, a field that emphasizes strengths, virtues, and w...

In today’s podcast I cast a critical eye on mainstream self-improvement advice, specifically challenging the efficacy of "influencer" culture and its generalized recommendations. Instead I propose three core principles for personal growth: regularly stepping outside of one's comfort zone, actively challenging negative self-talk, and recognizing one's inherent resilience to overcome difficulties an...

In this week’s podcast I talk about the question I often ask myself regarding humanity's improbable survival through history. I encourage reflection on how much longer the human species can endure, prompting listeners to consider their own perspectives on humanity's fragile existence. Ultimately, I prompt contemplation on the longevity of Homo sapiens in the face of various challenges. Loved this...

This week’s podcast discusses grief as a powerful force that reveals one’s inner strength and resilience. I share a personal experience of anticipatory grief while facing the imminent death of my beloved senior rescue dog, Penny, who battled cancer and we lost in 2021. I highlight the emotional difficulty of knowing that loss is coming and the process of grieving aspects of Penny’s unique personal...

This week’s podcast I talk about my emotional reaction to receiving my first negative comments on an article I posted on Medium. I express the hurt and confusion over the personal nature of the attacks, especially since my article aimed to offer calm advice to other writers facing potential Medium Partnership Program removal. Despite recognizing the need for resilience online, I find it difficult...

This week's podcast argues that failure should be viewed as a beneficial and necessary part of growth and progress. It emphasizes that instead of being a negative endpoint, failure provides valuable learning experiences that build strength and resilience. I contend that individuals who have faced setbacks and learned from them are ultimately better equipped to handle challenges than those who have...

This week's podcast explores the concept of human two-facedness, inspired by the Roman god Janus with his two faces, who represents transitions and duality. I question why people often present different sides of themselves depending on the situation or audience, sometimes being kind and supportive publicly while acting differently in private. This inconsistency, like the hidden identity of the Wiz...

In this week’s podcast I discuss and breakdown the poem "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. I dissect it line by line, sharing my personal interpretations of the poem’s timeless wisdom, and as a source of comfort during challenging times, highlighting specific phrases that offer solace and encouragement. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in m...

In this week’s podcast I talk about my personal experiences with forest bathing, noting its positive impact on my mental well-being, especially compared to urban environments and then get into to the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, emphasizing the mindful immersion in nature and looking at a scientific investigation into the physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku through field experiments across...

In this week’s podcast I offer eight actionable strategies for people to find and sustain motivation in pursuit of their goals including self-reflection, breaking down goals, understanding one's purpose, and seeking inspiration from others. I also talk about the importance of self-reward and cultivating a supportive environment to maintain momentum towards achievement. The podcast serves as a guid...

In this week’s podcast I express my frustration with social media influencers who dictate actions to their audience instead of offering gentle suggestions. I dislike The forceful tone used by these self-proclaimed experts in various aspects of life and argue that suggestions are more respectful and allow individuals to make their own choices without feeling pressured or inadequate. I invite listen...

This week’s podcast explores the multifaceted experience of grief and loss, prompted by personal events like the death of my mother and uncle. I reflect on the inevitability of death and how it shifts one's perspective on life. Furthermore, I offer guidance on what not to say to someone who is grieving, emphasizing the uniqueness and lack of a timeline in the grieving process. Ultimately, I contem...