Welcome to another episode of Live Well and Flourish. Today, Craig discusses Axiom for Flourishing #5: “Flourishing is a journey.” Drawing from his own experience of training for and running the Walt Disney World Marathon, Craig shares how achieving big goals can leave us feeling lost or empty if we…
In this thought-provoking episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig discusses the transformative power of purpose as a cornerstone of a flourishing life. Craig opens with the wisdom, "If you don't know where you're going, you'll never get there," illustrating how a clear sense of purpose serves as our guiding…
Welcome to Live Well and Flourish with Craig Van Slyke In this insightful episode, Craig explores the third foundational axiom for living a flourishing life: “Virtue lies in balance.” Using both personal stories and timeless wisdom, Craig examines why finding the golden mean, or the middle ground, is essential for…
In this heartfelt and thoughtful episode, host Craig Van Slyke shares a transformative life philosophy rooted in his own challenging experience—learning to control what you can, and letting the rest go. Drawing from the painful journey of his first wife’s diagnosis and battle with late-stage cancer, Craig explores the deep…
Live Well and Flourish – Episode 132: Agency Defines Character Host: Craig Van Slyke In this thought-provoking episode, Craig kicks off a new series presenting his personal collection of 35 axioms for living a flourishing life. Today’s focus: “Agency defines character.” What You’ll Learn: • Craig shares a personal story…
Excellence isn't something you achieve—it's something you live. After 120 episodes exploring what it means to flourish, I've distilled the core insights into The Flourishing Manifesto, a philosophy of life built on agency, virtue, mindfulness, and purpose. This manifesto emerged while planning my upcoming book, Live Well and Flourish: Axioms…
[Note: This is an updated version that corrects the audio file.] Patience serves as a formidable act of rebellion against the pervasive demands of our hyperconnected world, which incessantly encourages immediate gratification. In this discourse, we delve into the notion that cultivating patience is not merely beneficial for individual well-being,…
What if I told you that true resilience isn't about climbing mountains or weathering storms, but about handling the countless paper cuts that life deals us every day? In this episode, we're diving into an unexpected source of wisdom about resilience: the Grateful Dead's "Touch of Grey." Together, we'll explore…
At the heart of today's conversation is a simple but powerful idea: logic alone isn't enough to live a truly excellent life. The most important decisions we face require more than just logical thinking—they need to be guided by our virtues, our sense of purpose, and our connections with others.…
The salient point of this discussion revolves around the assertion that the choices we make, both trivial and significant, fundamentally shape our existence and ultimately dictate our capacity to flourish. As I delve into the complexities of life’s overwhelming nature, I invite listeners to contemplate how their own decisions influence…
Doom scrolling represents a pervasive phenomenon that imperils our quest for flourishing and well-being. In this discourse, I elucidate the insidious nature of doom scrolling, detailing how it infiltrates our lives and undermines our mental health. I share personal experiences that illustrate the detrimental effects of mindlessly consuming negative content…
The episode addresses the pressing issue of a mental health epidemic, a phenomenon that appears to be pervasive across various demographics within our society. Craig Van Slyke articulates the alarming statistics that indicate a significant rise in mental health challenges, with adult mental illness rates escalating from 19.1% in 2018…
To live an excellent life, one must understand the foundational pillars that support true virtue, reason, purpose, and connection. In this discourse, we delve into these four fundamental elements that collectively foster a life of extraordinary significance. By exploring how these pillars interrelate, we illuminate the path toward not merely…
Feeling overwhelmed by your daily tasks? In this episode, Craig Van Slyke introduces the PITA Matrix, a practical tool designed to help you identify and manage stress-inducing activities. Many of us continue with tasks that drain our energy simply because we think they're essential. Learn how to use this simple…
What does it mean to live an excellent life? While many equate excellence with achievements and productivity, this episode challenges these conventional notions of success. Through personal reflection and insight, we explore a transformative perspective on excellence that goes beyond the superficial metrics celebrated in today's society. Many individuals, despite…
The revival of *Live Well and Flourish* is predicated upon the profound realization that the pursuit of an excellent life is not merely a matter of planning, but rather an emergent process that unfolds organically. I have returned to this podcast after a hiatus, motivated by a rekindled desire to…
Welcome to Live Well and Flourish, the podcast that helps you use practical wisdom to live an excellent life. In this episode, Craig challenges today's hustle culture, which seems to value the constant busyness over true excellence. He discusses the negative impacts of nonstop work and draws on timeless wisdom…
In this episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig explores the profound connection between music and philosophy. He digs into the idea that music has the power to trigger deep thoughts and contemplation, effectively leading to the practice of philosophy in our daily lives. He also give his take on…
Whether it's paying thousands of dollars for a generator or a few dollars on an escape hatchet, preparation can pay considerable physical and psychological dividends. Yes, being prepared is a wonderful thing; it can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty. But focusing too much on preparation can have the opposite effect,…
When life threw its harshest curveballs at me, from health crises to the heart-wrenching loss of those closest to my heart, I found myself grappling with the very philosophies I've long championed. In this intimate sharing, I peel back the layers of my journey, revealing how the wisdom of Stoicism,…
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,…
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…
