Blinkist Podcast - Interviews | Personal Development | Productivity | Business | Psychology
Self-Improvement
About
Simplify is a podcast for anyone who’s taken a look at their habits, their happiness, their relationships, or their health and thought, “There’s got to be a better way to do this.” Join Caitlin Schiller and Ben Schuman-Stoler for conversations with authors and thinkers you know—and some you might not, yet—that sit at the intersection of reading, thinking, and daily life. Simplify is independently owned and produced by Caitlin Schiller & Ben Schuman-Stoler.
Episodes
- Dr. Arielle Schwartz: Your Body Knows Before Your Brain Does
This episode features clinical psychologist Dr. Arielle Schwartz discussing somatic therapy, explaining polyvagal theory, and exploring how early life experiences influence our lifelong sense of bodily safety.
- Angela Natividad: Meet The God Inside Capitalism
This episode features Angela Natividad, a mythologist and writer, discussing her book "Remember His Name: Unmasking the Faceless God of the West." Natividad argues that capitalism is not merely an economic system but a religious one, shape…
- Nani Jansen Reventlow: How To Actually Change The World
Caitlin speaks with human rights lawyer Nani Jansen Reventlow about her book Radical Justice, exploring systemic change, justice, and imagining a different world. Reventlow shares insights on reframing success and the long arc of change, e…
- Guy Winch: First Aid for Your Work Life
Psychotherapist Guy Winch discusses his book "Mind Over Grind" on the Blinkist Podcast, focusing on practical, science-backed strategies for managing workplace stress and recovering from burnout.
- David Richo: Better Than Revenge
Psychotherapist David Richo joins Caitlin on the Blinkist Podcast to discuss his book 'Sweeter Than Revenge.' The episode examines why people seek revenge as an avoidance of grief, touching on the neuroscience of retaliation and offering p…
- Christabel Mintah-Galloway: The Relational Skill Nobody Taught You
This episode of Simplify features relational skills teacher Christabel Mintah-Galloway discussing the difficulty and importance of relational repair and accountability. The conversation delves into how rage can clarify values and strengthe…
- Jane Borden: Cults and The American Monomyth
Journalist and author Jane Borden joins Caitlin Schiller to discuss how cult dynamics are deeply ingrained in American culture, influencing its history, politics, consumerism, and self-help movements. They examine the American attraction t…
- Seth Godin: Make Better Plans (and How to Beat AI) 00:0041:29
Seth Godin joins Caitlin Schiller to discuss his book "This Is Strategy," redefining strategy as a philosophy of becoming rather than rigid plans or tactics. They explore the necessity of tension in strategy and its connection to pricing,…
- Elinor Cleghorn: The Sacrifices Behind Women's Health
Feminist cultural historian Dr. Elinor Cleghorn joins Caitlin Schiller to discuss the history of women's health, addressing myths and the historical policing of women's bodies. The episode examines the relevance of this history to current…
- Jessica DeFino: Beauty Beyond the Bottle
The Blinkist Podcast features beauty reporter Jessica DeFino, discussing her critical work on the beauty industry, exposing mass marketing manipulations and consumerism. She aims to reform the industry while acknowledging beauty as a human…
- Dhiraj Mukherjee: Optimism Defines the Future
This episode features Dhiraj Mukherjee, co-founder of Shazam and impact investor, discussing how to create the future rather than predict it. He emphasizes investing in mission-driven companies, trusting instincts, and the significance of…
- Cole Kazdin: Health is Not a Size
Cole Kazdin, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, discusses her book "What's Eating Us," which examines the diet industry and body anxiety. The episode highlights disordered eating as a significant mental health crisis and emphasizes focusing…
- Acquired's David Rosenthal: 3 Secrets of the World's Most Successful Businesses
David Rosenthal from Acquired discusses patterns in successful businesses, focusing on three key lessons regarding customers, products, and collaborations. The episode also touches upon insights into quality, connection, and authenticity a…
- Amy Key: Romance Isn't Everything
In this episode, author Amy Key discusses her memoir "Arrangements in Blue," which uses Joni Mitchell's album "Blue" as a framework to explore how to create a meaningful life without a romantic partner. Key shares insights on navigating lo…
- Steven Petrow: Get Old With Grace
Steven Petrow, an award-winning journalist, shares insights from his book on aging with grace, wisdom, humor, and hope. The episode explores internalized ageism and intergenerational friendships, concluding that understanding individuals b…
- Katherine Morgan Schafler: Perfectionism is a Gift
Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler reframes perfectionism, arguing against the common advice to eliminate it. In her book and this interview, she introduces five types of perfectionists and how to leverage their inherent strengths,…
- Minaa B: Heal Through Connection
Licensed social worker Minaa B. discusses how to heal holistically by embracing connection and community care, drawing on her book "Owning Our Struggles" and focusing on shared emotional experiences.
- Gustavo Razzetti: Adapt and Succeed in a Hybrid Workplace
Gustavo Razzetti discusses the shift towards hybrid workplaces, drawing from his book "Remote, Not Distant." He outlines steps and mindset shifts for leading and thriving in hybrid environments, addressing psychological safety, work-life b…
- Elise Hu: Beauty is Personal and Political
Journalist Elise Hu shares research from her book "Flawless," examining the impact of technology and consumerism on beauty standards. The episode discusses the political, economic, and social aspects of appearance, and advocates for bodily…
- Vanessa Gennarelli: Survive Change at Work
Vanessa Gennarelli, author of "Surviving Change at Work," shares insights on essential skills for organizational success beyond technical expertise. The discussion focuses on anticipating change and proactively shaping career trajectories.
- Daniel Maté: Normal Is a Myth
Daniel Maté joins Caitlin to discuss the concept that societal systems often require denying pain and trauma, leading to increased suffering. They explore how cultural norms contribute to illness and trauma, and discuss potential steps tow…
- Tawny Lara: Get Sober Curious
In this episode, Tawny Lara, author of the forthcoming book Dry Humping, joins Caitlin to discuss the societal norm of using alcohol for courage, particularly in dating and sex. Lara shares insights on evaluating one's relationship with al…
- Michael Bungay Stanier: Build Brave Work Relationships
Michael Bungay Stanier joins Caitlin to discuss what makes the best working relationships, emphasizing bravery and deep conversations. The episode covers the sweet spot between safety and bravery, making colleagueships more vital, defining…
- Stephanie Chandler: How to Get Your First Book Published
Stephanie Chandler, founder of the Nonfiction Authors Association and author, shares insights on the book publishing process. The episode explores the assets and liabilities of traditional and self-publishing, and the motivations behind wr…
- Natalie Lue: Finally Stop People Pleasing
Author Natalie Lue discusses identifying and overcoming people-pleasing habits, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and exploring the
- Bob Glazer: Build 4 Capacities for Success
Robert Glazer, author of 'Elevate Your Team', explains four essential capacities for outstanding team performance. The episode covers working smarter, intentional time allocation, and aligning with core values.
- Valerie Fridland: Use Bad English, Get Good Results
Linguist Valerie Fridland explores speech habits, such as the use of "um" and "like," arguing for their value. The discussion also covers why women are linguistic trend-setters, societal prejudices tied to certain words, and the social fun…
- Rick & Forrest Hanson: Mythbusting The Mind
Rick and Forrest Hanson discuss common misconceptions in mental health and self-growth, such as the notion that one must love oneself before being able to love others. They also differentiate between self-esteem and self-worth, and explore…
- Thrive in 2023 with Tiffany Dufu, Ken Page, and Liz Fosslien
This Blinkist Podcast episode offers simplified approaches for focusing on self, relationships, and work in 2023, drawing from popular past episodes with guests Tiffany Dufu, Ken Page, and Liz Fosslien. A New Year's tool is available via B…
- Bonus episode with Ken Page: Meet Your Inner Mentor
This bonus episode features psychotherapist Ken Page guiding listeners through The Inner Mentor Process™, a meditation designed to connect with personal wisdom and overcome the inner critic. It includes an excerpt from the Simplify intervi…
- Tiffany Dufu: Do What You Do Best, Drop The Rest
Tiffany Dufu, author of "Drop the Ball," discusses the concept of letting go of unrealistic expectations and delegating tasks to focus on what is most important. She encourages listeners to identify what matters most and release the rest t…
- Erica Dhawan: Master Your Digital Body Language
Erica Dhawan, author of Digital Body Language, discusses how to reduce digital anxiety and optimize communication. She explains that misunderstandings often arise in digital communication due to the absence of non-verbal cues and offers st…
- Ken Page: Respect Your Gifts to Find Real Love
Psychotherapist Ken Page explains that the parts of ourselves we try to hide are actually our most valuable gifts for finding and keeping intimacy. He also discusses the biggest saboteur of healthy love and how people unconsciously flee fr…
- Natalie Lue: Your Boss is Not Your Parent
This episode features Natalie Lue discussing how to set boundaries at work, addressing why individuals may struggle with them, and offering methods to alter unhealthy behaviors. It also includes a Q&A session covering anxiety, expectations…
- Kathryn Mannix: How to Die Well
Palliative care physician Kathryn Mannix shares insights on death and dying, drawing from her experience. She explains what happens as death approaches, offering guidance on practical and mental preparation for the end of life, and how to…
- Diana Chapman: Take Radical Responsibility
Diana Chapman explains the concept of radical responsibility, encouraging listeners to own 100% of their experiences to reduce drama and suffering. She relates this to Karpman's Drama Triangle and the principles in "The 15 Commitments of C…
- Jim Dethmer: You're Allowed to Be Scared
This episode features Jim Dethmer discussing how acknowledging and accepting all emotions, including fear, is fundamental to becoming a more conscious and authentic leader. It is the first part of a series on "The 15 Commitments of Conscio…
- Tina Payne Bryson: What Your Kid Needs Most is You
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson explains a neuroscience-based approach to parenting that helps parents understand their child's developing mind to manage tantrums and meltdowns, drawing on her books like "The Whole-Brain Child."
- Erik Fisher: Get the Right Work Done
Productivity expert Erik Fisher discusses principles for achieving goals and doing your best work, drawing on his experience hosting the "Beyond the To-Do List" podcast. The episode highlights that true productivity involves more than just…
- Farai Chideya: You’re More Than Your Job
Farai Chideya, author of The Episodic Career, offers a perspective on career paths for navigating job market volatility. The discussion emphasizes separating self-worth from employment, allowing for easier recovery from job loss or career…
- Trailer: Simplify Season 7
This is a trailer for Season 7 of the Simplify podcast. The season will cover topics including career pivots, productivity, parenting, and how to have a good death, featuring guests such as Tiffany Dufu, Ken Page, Farai Chideya, and Kathry…
- Sebastian Klein: Change Your Behavior, Change Your Business
Psychologist Sebastian Klein shares insights on how minor behavioral shifts can drive major organizational changes. The discussion covers creating people-centered businesses, the empowerment of roles over titles, assessing an organization'…
- Sonya Renee Taylor: Love Yourself, Save the World
Sonya Renee Taylor explains on the Blinkist Podcast how body image and language affect personal well-being and historical societal harm. She advocates for radical self-love as a path to individual and systemic change.
- Randolph Nesse: It’s Not You— It's Evolution
Caitlin asks Randolph Nesse about the evolutionary origins of negative emotions like depression, anxiety, and grief. Nesse, a Professor and Founding Director at Arizona State University, explains how these emotions, while often maladaptive…
- Ingrid Fetell Lee: Make Your Own Joy
Ingrid Fetell Lee, a joy researcher and former IDEO designer, explores how transforming our physical spaces can positively impact our wellbeing and create joy. The episode discusses practical applications, such as using color to revitalize…
- Johann Hari: Depression’s Not (Just) In Your Head
Journalist Johann Hari discusses cultural causes of depression in this episode, arguing it stems from factors like loss of connection to meaningful work and relationships, rather than solely being an internal issue. He shares stories of pe…
- Susan Cain: It's Okay To Be Quiet
Susan Cain, author of "Quiet," explores the different reactions of introverts and extroverts to stimulation. She suggests that allowing introverts to be themselves can unlock their potential, and that schools and workplaces can adapt envir…
- Amanda Siebert: It's Just a Plant
Caitlin interviews cannabis journalist Amanda Siebert on the Simplify podcast. They discuss the history of cannabis demonization and its potential benefits, challenging common stereotypes about cannabis users.
- Robin DiAngelo: Think Impact, Not Intention
In this episode, Racial Justice Educator Robin DiAngelo explains the concept of whiteness and its impact. She encourages white individuals to examine their biases and engage in more productive conversations about systemic racism, drawing f…
- Jen Sincero: Believe Better Stories
Jen Sincero, author of "You Are a Badass," shares strategies for overcoming self-defeating beliefs and transforming one's life by changing personal narratives. The discussion covers negative thinking, harnessing "source energy," and the ch…