104 episodes

If you’re ready to think beyond material and external success, if you’re ready to take control of who you are and the kind of life you live, if you’re ready to flourish, this podcast is for you. The topics I cover help you understand what it means to live a flourishing life, a life of meaning, satisfaction, and enduring happiness.(Formerly known as the Rational Ignorance Podcast.)Contact us at rationalignorance@pm.me, on Twitter @TheRIpodcast, or on Mastodon @rationalignorance@mastodon.social.

Live Well and Flourish Craig Van Slyke

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 15 Ratings

If you’re ready to think beyond material and external success, if you’re ready to take control of who you are and the kind of life you live, if you’re ready to flourish, this podcast is for you. The topics I cover help you understand what it means to live a flourishing life, a life of meaning, satisfaction, and enduring happiness.(Formerly known as the Rational Ignorance Podcast.)Contact us at rationalignorance@pm.me, on Twitter @TheRIpodcast, or on Mastodon @rationalignorance@mastodon.social.

    Understanding and Overcoming Allostatic Overload: Navigating Stress for a Healthier Life

    Understanding and Overcoming Allostatic Overload: Navigating Stress for a Healthier Life

    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 discussion. Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as we unearth the buried mechanisms of stress and its staggering toll on our health.

    The journey from understanding stress to mastering its effects requires patience, insight, and the right tools. We navigate through the nuances of episodic versus chronic stress and how the latter can lead to a state of incessant irritability and exhaustion. Recognizing the signs and implementing strategies to mitigate stress are paramount, and I offer actionable advice to help you lighten your allostatic load. By the end of our discussion, you'll not only grasp the significance of allostatic load but also be equipped to tackle it head-on. Embrace this opportunity to recalibrate your life and thrive, because when it comes to stress, knowledge truly is power.


    The Ask Ralph Podcast
    https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

    Episodes mentioned:
    Stress trifecta:  https://www.livewellandflourish.com/stress-trifecta-uncertainty-isolation-and-overload/
    Power of small things: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/the-power-of-small-things-the-small-wins-strategy-of-change/
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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, hazel.crossler@gmail.com.
    Production assistant - Paul Robert

    • 17 min
    Being Smart Doesn't Mean Being Wise

    Being Smart Doesn't Mean Being Wise

    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 larger conversation. We tackle the misconceptions surrounding intelligence, often mistaken for wisdom, and explore how various types of smarts, whether it’s bookish intellect or street savvy, don't inherently lead to wise decisions. This episode peels back the layers of what it truly means to be wise, contrasting it with the raw power of intelligence through real-life anecdotes that demonstrate the perilous gaps where knowledge alone falls short.

    As we shift toward a vision of living a good life, we draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Maya Angelou, whose insights remain a beacon for personal growth. The focus turns to the transformative power of knowledge and the personal commitment to use it for leading a fulfilling life, free from commercial pressures. Listeners are encouraged to not just absorb but share the wisdom gleaned today, as we conclude with a guiding light toward resources that support a journey of flourishing. Join in for a heartfelt conversation that promises to leave you with more than just food for thought—it's an invitation to grow, share, and ultimately, live well.
    ------
    Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/
    The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, hazel.crossler@gmail.com.
    Production assistant - Paul Robert

    • 16 min
    From Rational Ignorance to Practical Wisdom: Reflections on 100 Episodes

    From Rational Ignorance to Practical Wisdom: Reflections on 100 Episodes

    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 not only shaped this podcast but also my personal path to flourishing. This centennial celebration is more than a milestone—it's a testament to the transformative power of combining philosophy and psychology to navigate life's ups and downs.  Whether you're a long-time listener or new to our community, this episode is imbued with thoughtful reflections and actionable advice designed to guide you on your own journey to a life well-lived.

    Episodes mentioned:
    45 - https://www.livewellandflourish.com/comfort-is-the-enemy-five-minute-flourishing/
    23 - https://www.livewellandflourish.com/living-a-life-of-purpose/


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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, hazel.crossler@gmail.com.
    Production assistant - Paul Robert

    • 13 min
    Are You a Good Person? 10 Questions to Consider

    Are You a Good Person? 10 Questions to Consider

    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 means to be good, exploring the internal characteristics and external behaviors that embody a life led by virtue and reason. From personal anecdotes to the wisdom of ancient philosophers, we navigate the pursuit of personal betterment and its significance in our lives and the communities we are part of.

    Capturing the essence of Marcus Aurelius's wisdom, this conversation goes beyond mere talk, urging you to take action and live out the virtues we discuss. As I guide you through ten introspective questions designed to assess your own path to goodness, you’ll discover the rewards of living with integrity—increased satisfaction, stronger relationships, resilience in adversity, and an enduring legacy. Join me in this exploration of flourishing, untethered by sponsorships or financial motivations, as we seek to elevate the human experience together.

    Ten questions:
     In what ways did I practice self-reflection and mindfulness today and how has this influenced my thoughts and actions?How did I demonstrate (or fail to demonstrate) empathy and compassion in my daily interactions with others? How well did my actions and decisions today reflect my core values and the virtues I seek?What new ideas and possible adjustments to my assumptions or beliefs did I consider today?How well have my actions reflected my true self and my core beliefs and virtues?What were the moments today when I consciously decided to act according to my virtues, and how did I navigate situations in which my virtues were challenged?How well did my actions demonstrate responsibility and reliability today?In what specific ways did I practice kindness or generosity today without expecting anything in return? How did I stand up for justice and fairness today? How did I contribute to the well-being and harmony of my community today and what were the effects of these actions?------
    Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/
    The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, hazel.crossler@gmail.com.
    Production assistant - Paul Robert

    • 13 min
    Deconstructing Failure: The 3A's Pathway to Growth

    Deconstructing Failure: The 3A's Pathway to Growth

    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 episode of Live Well and Flourish. We'll unravel the intricate relationship between failure and success, and I'll share my own experiences to show you that failure isn't the end road—it's a critical part of the journey towards achieving your dreams.

    This conversation will reframe your perception of setbacks, equipping you with the mindset needed for resilience and learning. We explore how embracing failure is not just beneficial, but essential for personal growth and accomplishment. Forget what you've been told about failure being a negative outcome; it's time to see it as a stepping stone to greatness. And for those still on the hunt for their purpose, I'll give you a nudge back to episode 23 for an extra dose of inspiration. Let's break the cycle of fear and disappointment—join me and learn how to make every stumble count on your path to success.
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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, hazel.crossler@gmail.com.
    Production assistant - Paul Robert

    • 13 min
    You're an Adult with Agency: Taking Charge of Your Flourishing

    You're an Adult with Agency: Taking Charge of Your Flourishing

    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.
    ------
    Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/
    The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, hazel.crossler@gmail.com.
    Production assistant - Paul Robert

    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

Mxsandy12 ,

Wonderful pod!

Such a fresh and great listen!

UncleSaggio ,

Great Show!

I just listened for the first time today and I will be adding this show to my list of must hear shows. Very practical advice provided in an excellent format with actionable steps for implementation. Great work Craig!

David Jackson ,

Wisdom Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

I found this show so refreshing. At the end, the host insn't trying to sell you anything. He just wants you to tell a friend if you found it useful (it was). No fluff, right to the good stuff. This is my goto "Walk around the block" podcast.

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