Mind the Gap

In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we step into the reflective space of our companion series Echoes from the Margins to explore Pride—not just as a parade, but as a quiet, daily act of presence and truth. We look at how Pride is celebrated, resisted, and quietly held across the world, from cities where flags wave freely to places where truth can be dangerous. We also pause to honour older LGBTQ+...

In a world full of stress management workshops and resilience toolkits, are we missing the point of what it truly means to endure? In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael challenges the quick-fix culture that tells us to seek “work-life balance” as the ultimate goal, and instead invites us to discover a deeper, Stoic approach to living with composure and purpose, even when life doesn’t give us e...

Have you ever worked under a boss who micromanages, takes credit for your work, and treats your talents as threats? In this insightful episode of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn explores the dynamics behind bosses driven by insecurity, envy, and fear. Drawing on timeless Stoic wisdom, modern psychology, and the latest insights from emotional intelligence experts, this episode offers powerful strategi...

In a culture obsessed with legacy, status, and standing out, what happens when we begin to question whether being seen is the same as being fulfilled? In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael shares the story of a man who stepped away from a high-powered career expecting freedom, only to find himself face-to-face with a deeper fear: the fear of being ordinary. Through this lens, the episode exami...

What do we learn about ourselves when life brings everything to a stop, not by choice, but by circumstance? In this reflective episode of Mind the Gap , Michael explores a deeply human moment: lying on a hospital trolley, waiting for a bed. He speaks to the universal experience of sudden stillness, the kind that exposes our fears, confronts our control, and asks us to find strength in vulnerabilit...

In Praise of the Slow Song: Finding Meaning in Sadness In this reflective episode of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn explores the quiet, necessary role of sadness in our lives. While the world urges us toward constant positivity and quick fixes, this episode makes a case for slowing down and listening to what sadness might be trying to say. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and mod...

In this special Best Of edition of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn reflects on the journey through the first 33 episodes — revisiting the ideas, quotes, and stories that stayed with listeners long after the episodes ended. From Stoic wisdom to emotional intelligence, from regret and recovery to noble goals and impostor feelings, this episode is a chance to pause and gather what has truly mattered. Yo...

Description: Have you ever found yourself solving a crisis you didn’t create? Taking on tasks you never agreed to? You’re not alone. In this episode, Michael explores the subtle but powerful difference between being trusted with a responsibility and being taken advantage of under the guise of delegation. With the help of Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and classic leadership thinking (in...

Rethinking Time in a World That Wastes It “You’re on hold—the music loops. The voice says your call is important. But is your time?” In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn reflects on a moment we’ve all experienced — twenty-five minutes on hold, listening to polite apologies and pan-pipe music — and uses it to explore a deeper question: how much of our time is quietly being taken from us?...

Why do the loudest voices so often rise—while the most capable hesitate in the shadows? In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn explores the strange tension between Impostor Syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger Effect . One causes deeply competent people to question their worth, while the other leads the unskilled to overestimate theirs. Somewhere in between is the path to real confidence. Draw...

Have you ever felt judged—not for your mistakes or flaws—but for your strengths, education, or even how you speak? In this thoughtful and introspective episode, Michael Comyn explores the uncomfortable reality of being judged for having "too much" of something good. He explores the hidden biases that shape how we perceive each other, whether based on age, gender, accent, intelligence, race, or cla...

You know that voice in your head that won’t stop replaying awkward conversations or predicting disaster before you’ve even begun? We all have it. But what if you could teach it to speak differently instead of trying to silence that voice? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore the surprising science behind self-talk — the silent, internal dialogue that shapes how we think, feel, and act. Dra...

In this episode of Mind the Gap , we dig deep into the human habit of procrastination—what it is, why we do it, and how we can finally move from delay to action. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael explores how fear, perfectionism, and emotional avoidance often lie beneath our tendency to put things off. With references to Marcus Aurelius, Viktor F...

How do we separate truth from manipulation in a world where information moves faster than ever? Propaganda isn’t just a relic of history—it’s alive and well, shaping how we think, vote, and engage with the world. From political campaigns to corporate spin, propaganda exploits psychological biases, repetition, and emotional appeal to control the narrative. And the scariest part? It often doesn’t lo...

Not all leaders are created equal. Some open doors, while others keep them firmly shut. In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn explores the two fundamental leadership styles we all encounter in the workplace—the Gatekeeper , who resists change and stifles innovation, and the Champion , who fosters growth and clears the way for progress. How do you work with these different types of leader...

In a world where connection is just a click away, why do so many of us still feel alone? We send messages, react with emojis, and even say “virtual hug”—but can digital connection ever replace the warmth of human touch? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore the deeper meaning of a hug—whether physical or virtual—and its role in human recognition. From the science of touch to cultural perspe...

Respect for institutions and leadership is essential in a republic. But when does deference cross the line into blind submission? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between respect and obedience, exploring how deference can stabilise governance and how it can be exploited to stifle dissent and critical thinking. From historical examples to modern leadership challenges, we examine the...

Why is saying no so hard? From childhood conditioning to cultural expectations, many struggle to refuse requests without feeling guilt, fear, or pressure to justify themselves. In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore the philosophy and psychology behind no —why it’s difficult, how different cultures approach refusal, and why reclaiming this simple word is essential for self-respect and well-b...

We all love to reminisce—simpler times, kinder people, and a world that made more sense. But were the “good old days” really as good as we remember, or has nostalgia softened the rough edges of reality? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore the nature of nostalgia, its power, pitfalls, and why we crave it most in times of uncertainty. We use Stoicism, emotional intelligence, and psychology...

Leadership isn't just about power and strategy but values, wisdom, and connection. However, Western corporate and military traditions have shaped leadership models for too long. What happens when we step beyond that framework? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore leadership teachings from cultures and traditions often overlooked in modern discourse. From the collective decision-making of I...

We all crave certainty—it makes life feel safe, predictable, and in control. But what if our need for certainty is limiting us? What if embracing the unknown is the key to resilience, growth, and better decision-making? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore certainty's psychological, philosophical, and emotional side—why we seek it, how it shapes our thinking, and what happens when we learn...

We all make mistakes—some small, some life-changing. But what if we stopped seeing them as failures and started viewing them as lessons? In this episode of Mind the Gap , we explore how to rethink mistakes through the lens of Stoicism, emotional intelligence, modern psychology, and spiritual wisdom. From wrong career moves to poor financial decisions and failed relationships, we unpack how setback...

As we approach 2025, the pressure to set new goals and resolutions begins to build. But how often are those goals indeed ours? In this episode of Mind the Gap , host Michael Comyn explores the concept of noble goals and the hidden traps that can undermine even the most well-intentioned aspirations. Drawing on Robert Kegan’s groundbreaking work on Immunity to Change and the timeless wisdom of Stoic...

We all need resilience, but who is responsible for building it? In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael explores the shared responsibility of fostering resilience in the next generation. Drawing on the wisdom of Stoicism, the practical tools of emotional intelligence, and the insights of modern psychology, he examines how parents, educators, and society shape our ability to adapt and thrive in t...

Conformity often feels like a safe choice—it promises comfort, belonging, and ease. But is that safety real, or is it an illusion? In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the hidden costs of conformity and the courage it takes to break free from the false self we create to fit in. Drawing from personal experiences, Stoic philosophy, and modern psychology, Michael uncovers how confo...