AI Goes to College

Drawing wisdom from the resiliency of the Appalachian people, this episode is a deep exploration of the old saying, "what cannot be cured, must be endured." As your host, Craig Van Slyke, I bridge the gap between this profound outlook and the core belief of Stoicism - the acceptance that some things are within our control and others aren't. I take you on a journey, not only across the rough Appalachian terrain, but also to the storm-ridden Gulf Coast, where people's resilience shines through their ability to weather storms and rebuild their lives.
This episode is not just about understanding survival strategies; it's about learning to truly live. I share different practices drawn from these enduring communities that can help you navigate and thrive during tough times. We explore how focusing on immediate needs, embracing what we can control, and finding joy in small pleasures can help us endure the hard times. Guided by examples and personal anecdotes, I hope to inspire you to adopt a mindset of acceptance and resilience, empowering you to brave life's storms. So come along, let's live well and flourish together.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever thought about whether you're going too far with your self-discipline ? Today's today grapples with the issue of finding the delicate balance between self-restraint and indulgence, between being too strict or too lenient with oneself. Craig shares personal anecdotes, thoughts, and lessons learned from years of experience in trying to find the perfect 'golden mean' of self-discipline. With insights from the famous marshmallow study by Stanford professor, Walter Mischel, Craig reflects on how self-discipline is an instrumental virtue for a successful life, yet, like all good things, it can be detrimental when taken to the extreme.
Tune in for a deep dive into the realm of self-discipline and explore the process of finding the perfect balance between self-denial and impulsiveness. Guided by the wisdom of Aristotle, we attempt to find this 'golden mean' of self-discipline – the key to living a flourishing life. The episode concludes with practical tips and actionable advice on how you can find your unique golden mean, bringing you one step closer to a well-balanced life. So, are you ready to redefine self-discipline and unlock the secret to a fulfilling life? Let's embark on this journey of exploration and discovery together.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

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 complexities often leave us second-guessing our abilities, yearning for permission, and fearing risks. But here, we challenge these barriers head-on. Craig discuses the critical role of personal agency in leading a life of flourishing, not just existing. Grasp the virtue of practical wisdom, or phronesis, and learn how to harness it to act with integrity and contribute positively to the world around you.
Feel empowered as Craig explores the necessity of recognizing opportunities for positive action, no matter how constrained the circumstances may seem. This episode is about igniting the spark of agency within you, without handing over new practices. Instead, we trust in the insights already shared to guide you. With a nod to Epictetus, he reminds you that although living under constraint is unjust, accepting such a life is not obligatory. This conversation is an invitation to seize the freedom that beckons, armed with the knowledge that you are an adult with the power to carve out your own path to liberty.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Andrea and Craig welcome Nita Sweeney, an author, distance runner, and meditator who shares her tale of overcoming depression and anxiety through long distance running with her dog Morgan. She details the first basic steps everyone should take to start their battle against depression, getting out of bed and doing a basic self-care task such as brushing your teeth. Nita describes how at 49, being overweight and depressed she went from “couch to 5k” and how it changed her life. Another challenge Nita was able to overcome was the negative voices in her head that filled her with negativity and self-doubt, making her constantly second-guess her decision to improve. She narrates how she was able to defeat those voices and how to keep them from spoiling your drive and motivation. The co-hosts share some of their experience with running (and with pups) and how it benefited them, as well as their take on trail running versus road running. Listen to the episode to find out how you too can go from “couch to 5k”, become a marathon runner and overcome depression, anxiety, self doubt and even flourish along the way.

Visit Nita’s website: https://nitasweeney.com/

All things Nita: https://linktr.ee/nitasweeney

Check out Nita’s books:

Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running With My Dog Brought Me Back From the Brink
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1642500135

https://nitasweeney.com/about-the-book/

Free eBook: Three Ways to Heal Your Mind

You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1642502553

Nita Sweeney’s Bio

Nita Sweeney is the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving. A certified meditation leader, mental health advocate, ultramarathoner, and former assistant to writing practice originator Natalie Goldberg, Nita founded the groupsMind, Mood, and Movement to support well-being through meditation, exercise, and writing practice, and The Writer’s Mind, to share using writing practice to produce publishable work. Nita also publishes the writing resource newsletter, Write Now Columbus. Nita lives in central Ohio with her husband, Ed, and their yellow Labrador retriever, Scarlet. Download your free copy of Nita’s eBook Three Ways to Heal Your Mind.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Grief comes from loss. But gratitude should accompany grief. Listen as Craig reflects on the puzzling relationship between grief and gratitude, and how a deeper understanding of how they interact can help you deal with grief, and prepare for future grief.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert