After over three years and more than 100 episodes, I've decided it's time to step back from Live Well and Flourish. Producing this podcast has become more of a job than a passion, contributing to stress rather than alleviati…
Stress can literally kill you ... if it's not managed well. In this episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig shares his insights on the three main causes of stress: uncertainty, isolation, and overload. He discusses how each…
(This is a re-release of episode 43 of Live Well and Flourish.) Conflict is a part of human relationships, and relationships are critical to flourishing. So, knowing how to effectively manage these inevitable conflicts is an…
(This is a re-release of episode 31 of Live Well and Flourish.) Being able to control your emotions to minimize unnecessary suffering, and to maximize positive feelings is important to your flourishing. In this episode, Crai…
(This episode originally aired before our name change from Rational Ignorance to Live Well and Flourish.) Grief comes from loss. But gratitude should accompany grief. Listen as Craig reflects on the puzzling relationship bet…
Reflection is a learning, growth, and flourishing superpower. The world is often a chaotic, puzzling place. Reflection is how we can make sense of the world and our place in it. As the Jesuits at Boston College put it, “Refl…
Do you ever feel like you’re going through life on autopilot? Most of us have, but life doesn’t have to be that way. Join Craig as he discusses mindfulness and its benefits. Mindfulness is an active, conscious process where …
Do you have a purpose in life? And do you know the difference between purpose and goals? In this episode you’ll learn how purpose is an elemental foundation to guiding your life and flourishing, as well as a means for having…
When you have a low sense of personal control, you suffer increased stress, anxiety, depression and negative mood. Your physical health also suffers. In this episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig discusses the effects of …
Like assumptions, our generalizations can limit your flourishing by putting blinders on how you see the world. Generalizations help us make sense of a complex world; generalizing is a fundamental human function. Most of the …
Are your assumptions limiting you? (Spoiler: Yes, they probably are.) Assumptions are necessary for getting through the complexity of life. However, some of our assumptions, when untested, can hinder flourishing by limiting …
(This is a re-release of episode 29 of Live Well and Flourish.) In this episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig discusses the small wins strategy of change, which involves breaking big changes into a series of smaller chang…
(This is a re-release of episode 27.) Do you want to make the world a better place? Try a little kindness. In this episode, Craig discusses the power of micro-kindness, small acts of kindness, which are small sincere and vol…
Welcome to Live Well and Flourish, the podcast that helps you use practical wisdom to live an excellent life. In this episode, Craig challenges today's hustle culture, which seems to value the constant busyness over true ex…
In this episode, host Craig Van Slyke opens up about a significant mistake he made relating to the podcast. He shares his initial reactions, the immediate consequences of the error, and the insights and wisdom he gained from…
In this episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig explores the profound connection between music and philosophy. He digs into the idea that music has the power to trigger deep thoughts and contemplation, effectively leading t…
Whether it's paying thousands of dollars for a generator or a few dollars on an escape hatchet, preparation can pay considerable physical and psychological dividends. Yes, being prepared is a wonderful thing; it can help re…
When life threw its harshest curveballs at me, from health crises to the heart-wrenching loss of those closest to my heart, I found myself grappling with the very philosophies I've long championed. In this intimate sharing, …
Ever find yourself inexplicably tense, fatigued, or on edge, as if your body is sounding an alarm? Your instincts aren't wrong; it's the distress signal of allostatic overload—the crux of our latest Live Well and Flourish di…
Navigating the delicate interplay of intelligence and wisdom can be as complex as it is profound. Today's journey begins with a glimpse into a personal loss—a story of my beloved dog, Maggie—which opens the door to a much la…
Discover seven powerful maxims that can redefine your approach to life and unlock a more fulfilling existence. As I, Craig Van Slyke, reflect on the journey of Live Well and Flourish, I'm proud to share the wisdom that has n…
Reflecting on the profound legacy left by my late wife, Debbie, I was reminded of the incredible impact one individual's goodness can have. In our latest heart-to-heart podcast episode, I delve into the essence of what it me…
Have you ever faced a setback and wondered how it could possibly lead to success? Let me, Craig Van Slyke, reveal to you the transformative power of the 3A's method: Acceptance, Analysis, and Adjustment, in the latest episod…
Are you steering your life with conviction, or are you waiting for someone else to hand you the reins? Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as we unpack the concept of personal agency and its transformative impact on life. Life's compl…
