Pursuing the Excellent Life

Season 2

March 25, 2024

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 di…
March 11, 2024

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 la…
Feb. 26, 2024

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 n…
Feb. 12, 2024

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 me…
Jan. 29, 2024

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 episod…
Jan. 15, 2024

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 compl…
Jan. 1, 2024

Small Acts of Courage

Ever pondered on the potency of tiny pledges of bravery? The promise is simple - small, consistent acts of courage can transform your life, leading to personal growth and ethical evolution. Dare to diverge from the tradition…
Dec. 25, 2023

Leveraging Holidays for Community, Reflection, and Renewal

Embrace a unique lens to view the power of special days. Tune in and find out how celebrating holidays and special days can enhance our lives, not just religiously, but also through fostering community, self-reflection, and …
Dec. 18, 2023

The Power of Perspective

In this deeply thought-provoking episode of Live Well and Flourish, I, Craig Van Slyke, present a compelling narrative that explores the profound connection between perspective and our subjective reality. Want to learn how t…
Dec. 11, 2023

Appalachian Wisdom: What cannot be cured must be endured

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 profou…
Dec. 4, 2023

Finding Wisdom: Developing a Wisdom Mindset

Imagine there's a vast well of wisdom around you, just waiting to be tapped into. That's the premise we explore in today's episode of Live Well and Flourish. Guided by the mantra 'See your Possibilities, not your Limitations…
Nov. 27, 2023

Why I Thank ChatGPT: Muscle Memory for Virtue

What if being polite to a chatbot could improve your own habits? Imagine if even your smallest interactions with AI could lead to personal growth! Welcome to an unconventional exploration of AI and habits in Live Well and Fl…
Nov. 20, 2023

Creating Your Personal Manifesto: A Guide to Aligning Life's Purpose, Goals, and Intentions

What if there was a tool so powerful it could transform your life, providing clarity around your virtues, values, beliefs, and purpose? Welcome to this episode of 'Live Well and Flourish', where Craig guides you through the …
Nov. 13, 2023

Progress, Not Perfection

Striving for perfection might seem like an exercise in futility, but what if the pursuit itself holds the key to a fulfilling life? This thought-provoking discussion peels back the layers on our relentless quest for perfecti…
Nov. 6, 2023

Grace: Virtue in Action

Promising to shed light on an aspect of virtue often overlooked, I, Craig Van Slyke, invite you to join me on a journey to uncover the power of grace. This episode serves as a compass to guide you through the intersection of…
Oct. 30, 2023

You can't control the cards you're dealt

Ever wondered how you could shift your perspective to navigate life's challenges? This episode might just have the answers. Craig dives into the wisdom behind the saying, "You can't control the cards you're dealt, only how y…
Oct. 23, 2023

Stoicism: Not Just for Bros

Ready to debunk the misconceptions about Stoicism? Often associated with the aggressive, competitive 'bro culture', Stoicism is in fact a philosophy that champions tranquility, virtue, and reason. Craig demystifies Stoicism …
Oct. 16, 2023

The Journey is the Reward (Five-Minute Flourishing)

Ever found yourself tangled in the stress of life, fretting over things beyond your control? Then you'll want to hear about my life-altering trip to Aruba and the unexpected wisdom it bestowed upon me. I learned to embrace t…
Oct. 9, 2023

From Me to We: Concentric Circles of Community

Discover ancient wisdom wrapped in modern relevance as we explore Hieroclese's concentric circles of community. I promise, by the end of this episode, you'll understand how this philosophy, steeped in a duty to others, can e…
Sept. 25, 2023

Attention: Your Most Valuable Resource

Do algorithms control your attention? Wander no further, as Craig peel back the curtain on the unseen battle for your most precious resource - your attention. Discover why attention, not time, is your true currency, and lear…
Sept. 18, 2023

The Kindness Dividend (5MF)

What if the world could be transformed by a simple act of kindness? Imagine a chain reaction of generosity and empathy sparked by one considerate gesture. In today’s enlightening episode, we examine the profound power and ri…
Sept. 11, 2023

The Duality of Impermanence: From Dread to Deeper Meaning

Have you ever contemplated the fleeting nature of life, and the unsettling yet profound truth of impermanence? There's a saying in Stoicism: 'Memento Mori', remember that you will die. It's not meant to dishearten us, but ra…
Sept. 4, 2023

Practical Wisdom: The Key to Unlocking an Excellent Life

Imagine you're standing at a crossroads, with infinite paths before you. Do you know which route aligns best with your core values, purpose, and leads to enduring fulfillment? Craig dives into the concept of Practical Wisdom…
Aug. 28, 2023

Lies We Tell Ourselves: The Risks and Benefits of Self-Delusions

Do you harbor an illusion of control? Or perhaps you feel like an imposter, despite your proven competence? Are you aware of the stories you tell yourself that might not be entirely true, and yet, they shape your reality? Th…