The Smoosh Podcast by this human

In this episode of The Smoosh , we laugh, reflect, and occasionally misstep as we explore the subject of sensitivity . What begins as Melis’s mischievous humour (aka “unexpected item in bagging area”) unfolds into a deeper exploration of what it actually means to be sensitive: attuned, open, impacted, receptive, and embodied. Ben shares the story behind his TED Talk application on “softening up, n...

What happens to creativity when AI is in the room with us? In this episode, we explore the evolving dance between human imagination and artificial intelligence, and what might be gained or lost in the process. We talk about speed versus slowness, the value of the messy, time-rich creative journey, and how AI can act as a collaborator without replacing our uniquely human ways of making meaning. Fro...

In this episode, we dive into world-building . From cosy fantasy lands with dragon lore to the everyday worlds we shape in real life. We explore how detail creates credibility, why shared story gives us belonging, and how algorithms can quietly script our “outer guidance” unless we practise discernment. We contrast speed with slowness (hello, tortoise and hare), touch on Indigenous lore and ritual...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast , we get honest about anger; why we hide it, how it shows up, and what it’s trying to protect. Melis shares how socialisation (especially for women) can mute anger and make it hard to access or express. Ben explores the flip side; anger that arrives fast, sets boundaries, and then dissipates. Together we unpack anger as a wise and mobilising energy when it’s s...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast , we dive into the theme of connection; what it means, how it feels, and why it matters now more than ever. From the simple act of sitting quietly in nature to creating moments of deep presence in a corporate workshop, we explore how connection grounds us in what is real, restores a sense of belonging, and offers a pathway beyond extractive ways of living and...

In this joy-filled 10th episode of The Smoosh Podcast, we explore the power of not taking ourselves too seriously. From Jeff Bezos rocket-shaped pepper shakers to bedtime comedy routines, we reflect on the role of humour, irreverence, and play in balancing the weight of life and work. With stories from workshops, therapy, and everyday relationships, this episode invites us to embrace our silly sid...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben reflect on the unseen ripple effects we each create through our presence and actions. Prompted by Ben’s recent attendance at a memorial service, we explore the power of everyday interactions, the balance between doing and being, and how our nervous systems and intentions shape the field around us. Touching on Gestalt, Hakomi, Buddhism, Taoism, a...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben dive into the many faces of creativity, from the accidental to the deliberate, the playful to the profound. We explore how creativity shows up in everyday life, leadership, and complex problem solving, all while championing the idea that we’re all creative (Yes, even you. Especially you ;-). With stories of paperclips, failed recipes, and the mu...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben explore the heart, not as a mechanical pump, but as a finely tuned instrument of perception and connection. Our conversation flows through themes of consciousness, emotion, and embodiment, asking whether the heart might hold deeper wisdom than current scientific models allow. Along the way, we touch on spirals in nature, the impact of the indust...

This episode is the smooshiest Smoosh so far in the series. Melis and Ben pull and weave many threads including 1,001 crochet squares, the power of letting go, the benefits of therapeutic touch, the intimacy of cozy romance novels and the healing potential of the human voice. Ommmmm….! Notes: You can subscribe to the ‘this human’ newsletter here . It comes out every other Friday to this podcast. M...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben discuss the people who are shaping the biggest shift in human existence since the industrial revolution: artificial intelligence. The conversation is based on a video Melis recently watched about the merging of the companies of two of tech’s most influential people; Jony Ive and Sam Altman. The focus of this episode is on the values, beliefs and...

In this episode of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben turn their curiosity towards relationships, discussing how their needs are either met or unmet. They explore the shifting sands of friendships, relational energy, fluidity of self, nostalgia, projection, and community. And of course, Melis provides a definition of why the episode is called ‘sparky sparky boom boom’. Press play now! Notes: Ben me...

In episode 3 of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben delve into a topic that is present in both their lives at this time: grief. They discuss it from a personal perspective and then broaden out to explore the impact grief and other ‘big feelings’ have for workplaces and the leaders who run them. Notes: Melis mentions a book called the ‘ Bearing the Unbearable ’ by Joanne Cacciatore. Ben shares a prin...

In episode 2 of The Smoosh Podcast, Melis and Ben discuss ‘life scripts’, a term developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne to describe the core narratives that drive much of our behaviour. Listen now to understand what your life script might be and how to write a new one… You can also read the article here . Credits: Music: Goodnight - Lo Fi Cozy Chill Music by FASSounds from Pixabay Podcast recorded a...

In this first episode of their brand new podcast, hosts Dr Melis Senova and Ben McEwing share what The Smoosh Podcast is all about and take their first deep dive into the topic of leading from the inside out. They discuss how the body plays a key role in supporting the quiet, and often invisible, work of being an effective leader. Credits: Music: Goodnight - Lo Fi Cozy Chill Music by FASSounds fro...