It can feel overwhelming when we have little to no control over things going on around us. I try to find the small things I do have control over and then with the stuff I have no control over, I focus on how I let it impact my life and wellbeing. Over this past year or so I have tried to be a more deliberate on what content I take in. I am a podcast and audio book junkie. I don't do well with too much silence and I spend a lot of time alone during the day so my earbuds are constantly in my ears with something playing. I have found quite a few people in the advocacy, science, and mental health world that fascinate me and I tend to go down the rabbit hole of all their work. I just love what they are putting out into the world.
I am fascinated by people and why we do the things we do and why we are who we are. Some of these doctors and speakers I discovered through my favorite weekly podcast, Experts on Expert with Dax Shepard. I have been keeping a list of who I like to follow and what I like to listen to or read by them. These are people who I find I have to stop and take notes when they speak, people who have greatly impacted my life this year. Here they are in no particular order…
· Dr. Nina Vasan – Clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Stanford University. Wrote the book Do Good Well: Your Guide to Leadership, Action and Social Innovation. She is the founder and Executive Director of Brainstorm: The Stanford Lab for Mental Health. I can't wait to see what she does for the world of mental health!
· Dr. Laurie Santos – Cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab Podcast. I completed her online 10 week course, The Science of Wellbeing: Psychology of Happiness. I HIGHLY recommend it!
· Brené Brown – Social Scientist, host of The Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead podcasts. I will read, listen to and consume everything put out by Brené!
· Rachel Cargle – Writer, activist and founder of The Love Land Foundation. I am highly anticipating her upcoming book, I Don’t Want Your Love and Light. I highly recommend following her instagram @rachel.cargle and become a Patreon subscriber because she is brilliant!
· Adam Grant – Organizational psychologist, host of Work of Life podcast, is able to back up observations with his uncanny ability to know the science, data, and studies that support his observations. I could listen to him debate any issue.
· Glennon Doyle – Author of Untamed, Love and Warrior, and Carry On. She speaks my language and a joy on social media.
· Sam Harris – Neuroscientist, host of the Making Sense Podcast. I don't always agree with Sam Harris and the way he thinks but I love to listen to him speak and the way he thinks about things. He challenges me to question my own beliefs and I, for the most part, am unchanged but willing to think differently and I am more analytical of why I think the way I do about certain things.
· Malcom Gladwell – Canadian journalist, speaker, and podcast host of Revisionist History is just a joy and fantastic story teller.
· Simon Sinek – Leadership speaker, host of A Bit of Optimism Podcast gives me hope for the future of leadership and organizations.
· Yuval Noah Harari – Author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. I can't wait to get my hands on his new graphic novel of Sapiens!
· Tal Ben-Shahar – Harvard professor, author in the area of positive psychology, organizational psychology and leadership. I recommend his book, The Pursuit of Perfect: How to Stop Chasing Perfection and Start Living a Richer, Happier Life. I recommend going down the rabbit hole of his work and interviews.
· Dr. Rahul Jandial – MD. and Ph.D, brain surgeon and neuroscientist, considered the “real Dr. McDreamy’ making huge strides in the neuroscience and cancer research world.
· BJ Fogg – Social scientist and author of Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything, discusses habit building by stating, “after I blank, I will do blank.” This book has made a huge impact on my wellbeing this year!
· Dr. Jamil Zaki – Director of the Stanford Neuroscience Lab. Studies human empathy and connection. Wrote the book The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World. In another life I would love to go to Stanford!
· Marshall Rosenberg – Psychologist and author of Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion. I just finished this book this weekend and my mind has been blown and should be required reading and I may just go listen to it again because I have a lot to learn here. Great book!
I am constantly adding to this list and I’m sure I am missing some key people I have come across, whose work I admire. I actually enjoy when people challenge my thinking and behaviors. Improving my critical thinking skills is something I am trying to work on. I think we need to teach ourselves and the future generations how to be good listeners, critical thinkers, and knowledge seekers.
Who do you recommend, admire, and listen to? I'm always eager to learn more...