The Observing I Podcast

In this episode, I’m talking about a trip to the Tate Modern, how art can be a powerful tool in our wellbeing kit, and what I learned about staring at an apple for half an hour. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m talking about the art of doing nothing, borrowing heavily from the Italians, and about being present, considered, mindful, and deliberate in doing nothing. Please also enjoy the subliminal jazz. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m talking about the benefits of consistency in our personal and professional lives, things we can do to cultivate consistency and discipline, and some of the things that I struggle with when it comes to discipline. There are 3 questions I pose in this episode that I’ll invite you to think about - here they are for easy reference: * How has consistency played a role in your past successes or failures? * Can you think of a time when being inconsistent held you back from achieving a goal? * What habits or routines can you adopt to increase consistency in your life? Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

Happy new year you beautiful lot! In this episode, I’m talking about how to get out of our comfort zone. It’s a challenging space, pushing ourselves beyond the boundaries of what we’re used to. It can be unsettling, leave us uneasy. But it’s in this space that we truly grow as a person, and in this space that we can really learn about ourselves. Join me this year as I take on the mantra “get comfortable being uncomfortable”, and let’s see where it leads us. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.substack.com/

In this episode, I’m talking all about how we can take charge of our own wellbeing. I’ll be covering how self-care isn’t selfish, the importance of boundaries, engaging some self compassion, and how the physical is just as important as the mental when it comes to managing how we’re feeling. Thank you for being a part of this journey. I'm grateful for each and every one of you 🙏 Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m diving into the Greek philosophy of Stoicism and how it can help us to exercise gratitude in our daily lives. There’s talk of the Dichotomy of Control (stop worrying about the external and start focusing on your responses to the external), a dig at “individualism”, and how actively being engaged in the bigger construct than ourselves is good for our perspective. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m talking about personal wellbeing, its commoditization in the wellness industry, and the concept of toxic wellbeing. It's like everyone and their grandma is trying to sell you the secret to eternal happiness. But here's the thing, wellbeing isn't something you can buy off a shelf. It's a journey, a process, and sometimes, a downright rollercoaster ride. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m drawing on a lot of philosophies and religions to find what it is that constitutes self-discipline. From Confucius, to the Stoics, to Kant and the Existentialists, what has philosophy got to teach us about the importance of discipline and how to maintain it? Turns out, quite a lot, as you’ll discover. Much love, David In case you missed it, we’re now on YouTube, so if you want to check out a new place to listen and for some extra video content, go take a look at https://www.youtube.com/@TheObservingI Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m diving into the fascinating world of liminal spaces. Existing in the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimension, liminal spaces are these in-between zones that exist in our lives. They're not quite here, not quite there, and in those spaces, neither are we. They can be physical, like that weird hallway between two buildings, or emotional, like the feeling you get when you're on the cusp of a big life change. We'll explore different examples of liminal spaces, and I’ll give you some thoughts on how best to navigate them. Don’t forget to give this a share if you think it’ll be interesting for someone else! Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode of “The Observing I”, we’re getting into the Christmas spirit and exploring the different personality archetypes of Santa Claus. What do the archetypes tell us about ourselves, what are their potential downfalls, and how do they impact the wider cultural unconscious? I want to wish you all a fabulous holiday, and to thank you for all of your support. It’s now been one year of running this podcast and both the experience and the feedback have been amazing. There’s much more to come next year, with new things on the horizon and something very special in the works (which I am hugely excited about, so watch this space). Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I'm talking with Ralph Sutton. Ralph is a TV and radio veteran, the host of the goodsugar podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/7FA0fRRZlfCw5agB0ZoLuA) alongside Marcus Antebi (founder of the health and wellness platform "Juice Press"), and the SDR Show (https://open.spotify.com/show/2R3t1OUn4zTaNV3m8Mi8wb) . He's also the founder of the Gas Digital Network, and you can find him online at www.iamralphsutton.com (https://www.iamralphsutton.com) and on Instagram at @iamralphsutton (https://www.instagram.com/iamralphsutton) . Ralph shares his wellbeing journey with us, offers some sound advice on living a healthy life, and opinions on the current state of the wellbeing industry. Do what's right for you, and watch out for guru b******t. This is from a podcast I created a few years back called “The State of Mind", so it’s not the usual format that you’ve come to expect from The Observing I. As it’s the Christmas break, I wanted to give you some good content whilst still getting some rest time in for myself. Hoping that you’ve all had a restful break yourselves, and usual transmissions will resume next week. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m exploring the world of critical thinking. What it is, how it enables us to approach a problem or idea more pragmatically, and what all of us can do to try and improve our critical thinking skills. Plus, we'll talk about why knowing yourself and really listening to others is key to being a great critical thinker. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, we’re continuing with the theme of supporting your resolutions this year. As part of that, I’m delving into the transformative power of having your own personal manifesto. A manifesto is designed to articulate our fundamental values, beliefs, and ambitions. I’ll give you some guidance on how to create one yourself, what you could include in it, and I go through my own manifesto to give you some ideas and inspiration. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

A warm welcome to all curious minds. I'm David, the voice behind "The Observing I" podcast. My hope is that this is more than just a podcast. It's an exploration into the heart of the human experience. Each episode is designed to delve into those questions that intrigue us. From the teachings of philosophy and religion to the reflective pools of modern psychology, I aim to help you along the path of self-discovery and understanding.

In this episode, we're going to be discussing the art of listening, a very important and very powerful skill that all of us can learn. I'm going to be explaining what makes a good listener, and I'm going to give you some techniques and tools to improve your listening skills. Be that at home, at work, with friends, family, colleagues, whomever, we're going to make you an effective listener. Much love, David If you’ve got any thoughts on the art of listening, or want to ask me anything about any of the content in this episode, drop me a comment on Substack - I’m always happy to talk. Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m exploring identity. What is it that shapes who we are, and how does that impact our reality? Is it fixed, or does it constantly change? And how much agency do we have to change it? Much love, David Don’t forget to follow on Instagram for the latest updates, artwork, audio clips, and videos at https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/. Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of hedonism and its impact on happiness. We explore how consumer culture and capitalism fuel a cycle of desire and dissatisfaction, with the pursuit of material wealth and status often seen as the key to happiness. Practicing gratitude can counteract this, allowing us to appreciate the present and find contentment in simple joys. So step off the hedonic treadmill, get grateful, and experience a deeper, more sustained sense of happiness. Much love, David Don’t forget to follow on Instagram for the latest updates, artwork, audio clips, and videos at https://www.tiktok.com/@theobservingi Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the whole meaning vs. revenue dilemma in our work lives. I want to stress that money is important, no doubt. But it shouldn't be the only thing that drives us. We need to find that sense of purpose in our work, something that truly gives us meaning. That's what makes it all worthwhile. I also want say a big thank you to all you awesome listeners out there. Seriously, your support means the world to me. And if you want to connect with me, feel free to reach out on any of the platforms I'm on. Let's keep the conversation going! Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

I am amazed that it’s been a year since I started the Observing I. In this episode. and in honour of that, I’m taking a moment to breathe it in and reflect on what we’ve done, and where we’re going. Much love, David Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

It’s been a minute. I’m back from my two week hiatus, fully charged and raring to go. In this episode, I’m talking all about rest. Why it’s important, the nature of quality rest over quantity, and what I gained from downing tools for a fortnight. Much love, David PS it’s been a year but I’ve finally gotten around to setting up some socials. We’re on Instagram now, so go and give us a follow for extra content. You can find us @theobservingi (https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/) . Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m talking about where consistency turns up across all sorts of philosophy, from Aristotle and Epictetus, to Kant and Nietzsche. How these philosophical frameworks can help us improve our consistency, and the power of consistency in fostering motivation and self discipline. Much love, David Don’t forget you can follow me on Instagram now for all sorts of ad hoc updates. musings, and previews of the latest content. Find it at https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/ Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m talking all about framing our human experience in the cosmic perspective, our intrinsic need to be connected to the numinous. and how these two things are deeply interconnected. Much love, David Don’t forget to follow on Instagram for the latest updates, artwork, audio clips, and videos at https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/. Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

Are you constantly doubting your abilities, attributing your success to luck, or fearing you'll be exposed as a "fraud" at work? You're not alone; Imposter Syndrome affects approximately 70% of people at some point in their lives. Including me. In this episode, I explain what it is, the psychological indicators that inform it, and explore some strategies on how to beat it. Much love, David Don’t forget to follow on Instagram for the latest updates, artwork, audio clips, and videos at https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/. Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

We’re embarking on a two-part series exploring a topic that may seem fringe but has broader implications than you might think: The Cult Mindset. In Part 1, I’ll be talking about the origin of the cult mindset, and the psychological tools that are used by cults to suck people in. Much love, David Don’t forget to follow on Instagram for the latest updates, artwork, audio clips, and videos at https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/. Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.

In this episode, I’m talking about free will. The red pill or the blue pill. What are the different takes on whether we have free will or not, what;s been done to prove that we both do and don’t have it, and why is it such a challenging thing to discern in the first place. Much love, David Don’t forget to follow on Instagram for the latest updates, artwork, audio clips, and videos at https://www.instagram.com/theobservingi/. Get full access to The Observing I at https://theobservingi.com/subscribe.