116: Jacob Nordby | Rethinking Freedom: Purpose, Ritual, and the Value of Being

04/16/25 • 75 min

In this conversation with author and speaker Jacob Nordby, we explore the paradox of freedom in modern life. Is it simply doing whatever we want—or does real freedom require something deeper?

While many consider freedom to be about doing whatever they want without constraints, Jacob challenges this perception. "A lot of people assume that freedom means the ability to do whatever they want," he reflects, "but we're learning that most of what we think and believe happens pretty unconsciously." True freedom, it seems, requires the difficult work of self-awareness and introspection.

Jacob challenges common ideas about success, self-determination, and meaning. Together, we dive into how societal norms shape our values, why unpaid or “unproductive” work (like parenting or crafting) is deeply meaningful, and how rituals in everyday life can reconnect us to purpose. Jacob shares tools for navigating difficult times and reclaiming inner freedom.

“The great victory isn’t avoiding difficulty—it’s knowing we can respond with resilience.”

🎁 Get Jacob’s free journaling tools at https://instituteforcreativeliving.org/creative-self-journal-program

🔗 Connect with Jacob Nordby
Website: https://www.jacobnordby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobnordby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.jacobnordby
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobnordby/

📚 Books mentioned:
Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer
Modern Man in Search of a Soul – Carl Jung
Prometheus Rising – Robert Anton Wilson
🗓️ Recorded April 16th, 2025. 📍Vienna, Austria

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text

In this conversation with author and speaker Jacob Nordby, we explore the paradox of freedom in modern life. Is it simply doing whatever we want—or does real freedom require something deeper?

“The great victory isn’t avoiding difficulty—it’s knowing we can respond with resilience.”

🎁 Get Jacob’s free journaling tools at https://instituteforcreativeliving.org/creative-self-journal-program

Support the show

Previous Episode

115: Yasmin & Andy | Beyond Boundaries: One Family's Journey from England to Jungle Living in Belize

Send us a text

Yasmin and Andy left a comfortable life in the UK to join a small off-grid community in the jungles of Belize.

Fifteen years after cycling through Central America, Yasmin and Andy returned—this time with three kids and a desire for a different kind of life. What began as a plan to visit intentional communities in Europe shifted during the pandemic, eventually landing them in a small permaculture community in Belize.

They describe the emotional and practical steps behind leaving the UK, the grief of letting go, and the clarity that comes from recognizing how little time we have. Loneliness in early parenthood, especially within the isolation of the nuclear family, sparked a deeper search for connection. Now, they live alongside five other families where support is built into everyday life.

This isn’t a story about escaping—it’s about building. From self-directed education to shared celebrations and infrastructure, Yasmin and Andy reflect on what it takes to live more freely and cooperatively.

To learn more about Yasmin, Andy, and Sattvā Land or plan a visit, check the links below.

🔗 Learn more about Yasmin, Andy and SattvaLand

🗓️ Recorded April 5th, 2025. 📍 Somewhere in France, on a highway heading towards Monaco

Support the show

Next Episode

117: Dr. Cam Caswell | Why Control Fails and Connection Works with Teens

Send us a text

Dr. Cam joins us to discuss parenting teenagers and why efforts to control them often create more distance. She explains how control can undermine trust and why focusing on connection leads to better results.

We discuss the difference between respect and obedience, and how letting teens say “no” builds confidence and self-trust. Jesper shares his shift from being a “parenting by volume” dad to being more present and connected, and how time made the biggest difference.

Dr. Cam describes how many dads step back from parenting teens because they feel disconnected or uncertain about how to relate. She talks about why focusing on influence, not authority, helps parents stay close to their teens even in moments of conflict.

We also talk about how small moments—like asking about your teen’s interests instead of their grades—can rebuild connection when time is limited.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Cam
Website: https://www.askdrcam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell/
Dr. Cams podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teens-with-dr-cam/id1524209790

🗓️ Recorded April 23th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary

Support the show

Self Directed - 116: Jacob Nordby | Rethinking Freedom: Purpose, Ritual, and the Value of Being

Transcript

Jesper Conrad00:00:10.399

Today we're together with Jacob Nordby and , first of all , super good to see you again , jacob . How have you been since last time ?

Jacob Nordby00:00:19.199

Oh , it's so good to see both of you too , and I've been well . I've had some big changes in my world and I feel really honored to be invited back . Thanks for having me back on .