David Johnson

The Observing I Podcast

Society EN ↓ 156 episodes

Award winning podcast about philosophy, psychology, and the human experience. Pirate radio for the mind. New episode every Tuesday. theobservingi.com

Author

David Johnson

Category

Society

Podcast website

theobservingi.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

031 A Cure for Wellness, Part 2 22.09.2023

Here we go, part 2 of my dive into the cult mindset. In this episode, I’m talking about cult thinking in society. Most notably, the cult of celebrity, and the cult of self. Oh, and there’s that time I visited the Church of Scientology and had to make a quick exit. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

030 A Cure for Wellness, Part 1 15.09.2023

We’re embarking on a two-part series exploring a topic that may seem fringe but has broader implications than you might think: The Cult Mindset. In Part 1, I’ll be talking about the origin of the cult mindset, and the psychological tools that are used by cults to suck people in. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

029 Imposter Syndrome 08.09.2023

Are you constantly doubting your abilities, attributing your success to luck, or fearing you'll be exposed as a "fraud" at work? You're not alone; Imposter Syndrome affects approximately 70% of people at some point in their lives. Including me. In this episode, I explain what it is, the psychological indicators that inform it, and explore some strategies on how to beat it. Much love, David Get ful...

028 The Cosmic Perspective 01.09.2023

In this episode, I’m talking all about framing our human experience in the cosmic perspective, our intrinsic need to be connected to the numinous. and how these two things are deeply interconnected. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

027 Revisiting consistency 25.08.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about where consistency turns up across all sorts of philosophy, from Aristotle and Epictetus, to Kant and Nietzsche. How these philosophical frameworks can help us improve our consistency, and the power of consistency in fostering motivation and self discipline. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

026 The importance of deep rest 18.08.2023

It’s been a minute. I’m back from my two week hiatus, fully charged and raring to go. In this episode, I’m talking all about rest. Why it’s important, the nature of quality rest over quantity, and what I gained from downing tools for a fortnight. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

025 Let's pause a moment 04.08.2023

I am amazed that it’s been a year since I started the Observing I. In this episode. and in honour of that, I’m taking a moment to breathe it in and reflect on what we’ve done, and where we’re going. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

024 Speak your truth 14.07.2023

In this episode, I’m throwing some ideas into the mix to help with being more authentic, or speaking your truth. What can we consider to help us be more authentic, and how can we ensure that our authenticity is a dialogue and not a broadcast? Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

023 Do the work 30.06.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about my own personal mantra - "Do the work". I discuss what stops us from doing the work, what’s involved in the process of doing, and how we have to stop starting and start finishing. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

022 A discourse on Time 23.06.2023

In this episode, I’ll be talking about the cognitive nature of time, how much I love time boxing, and emphasising the importance of treating time as your most valuable asset. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

021 How our self-narrative impacts our thinking 16.06.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about positive and negative self-narratives and the affect they have on our perspective, how affirmations can be useful in the right context, and get a bit argumentative on the subject of manifestation. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

020 An introduction to Cognitive Fluency 02.06.2023

In this episode, I’m diving into the idea of cognitive fluency, which is all about how efficiently our brain’s process information. I’ll be exploring what it is, how it can benefit us, and what we can do to try and improve it. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

019 Stoicism and the Dichotomy of Control 19.05.2023

In this episode, I'll be exploring an essential concept in Stoic philosophy, known as the Dichotomy of Control. I'll delve into the aspects of life within our control and those outside of it, discuss the critical role of perspective in our suffering, and provide actionable tips on adopting a more Stoic outlook when encountering adversity. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theo...

018 From Apathy to Agency 12.05.2023

In this episode, I’ll be delving into two crucial concepts that can profoundly shape our lives: apathy and agency. How we can use agency to create discipline, and turn discipline into habits. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

017 Embracing Failure 05.05.2023

In this episode, I’ll be discussing why we’re so uncomfortable with failure, what’s going on in our internal narratives when we fail, and what we can do to try and change our thinking so that we can better handle failure going forwards. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

016 Can selfishness be selfless? 28.04.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about how being selfish can help us to be selfless, prioritising our own physical and mental wellbeing, and some tools for personal growth. There’s even a bit about Matthew McConaughey. Alright, alright, alright. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

015 Navigating self-development in a crisis 21.04.2023

We all face challenges and crises in our lives, and it's during these times that our personal growth is really put to the test. In this episode, I’m talking about what tools we can employ and what we can think about so that we don’t succumb to that proverbial tornado. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

014 Becoming more consistent 14.04.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about the benefits of consistency in our personal and professional lives, things we can do to cultivate consistency and discipline, and some of the things that I struggle with when it comes to discipline. There are 3 questions I pose in this episode that I’ll invite you to think about - here they are for easy reference: * How has consistency played a role in your past...

013 Let's get comfortable with nothing 07.04.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about the art of doing nothing, borrowing heavily from the Italians, and about being present, considered, mindful, and deliberate in doing nothing. Please also enjoy the subliminal jazz. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

012 Art and Wellbeing 31.03.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about a trip to the Tate Modern, how art can be a powerful tool in our wellbeing kit, and what I learned about staring at an apple for half an hour. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

011 Strategic thinking 24.03.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about my own experiences of being down in the mud the past few weeks, what reflections I took from it, and how I turned to strategic thinking to get myself back up again. I appreciate there’s some content in this one that might resonate with people. If it does, please feel free to reach out in the comments. I’m here and I’m listening. Much love, David Get full access t...

010 Navigating internal conflict 10.03.2023

In this episode, I’m talking all about internal conflict. What it is, and how you can manage it a little better. Had a little trouble with the throat in this one, so it’s going to be choppier than usual. Apologies in advance. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

009 Engage with the process 03.03.2023

In this episode, I’m talking about how we can be more focused on the process of “doing” rather than on the outcome, the things that are in our locus of control, and what causes us to be so focused on goals anyway. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

008 The pillars of purpose 24.02.2023

In this episode, I go on about purpose and meaning, what it is that we need as human beings to be able to understand where we sit in the context of our existence, and some things to think about if you’re struggling with the zeitgeist. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

007 On love 17.02.2023

In this episode, I’m cramming in as much as I can on relationships into about 13 minutes. Seeing as we’ve just had Valentine’s Day. I touch on empathy, emotional maturity, shared values, and expectations. Not that I’m an expert. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe

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