The Greg McKeown Podcast

A CIA Hacker's Take on Fixing Your Brain - Dr.Eric Cole 01.06.2026 1год 2хв

Dr. Eric Cole has worked in cybersecurity for over 30 years, helping organizations protect their data. He started as a CIA hacker who could access any internet-connected computer. Using this expertise, he built companies focused on defense. Dr. Cole has worked with Lockheed Martin, McAfee, and consulted globally for clients like Saudi Aramco, Nouryon, utility companies, nuclear sites, financial institutions, and healthcare. He secures the Gates family and was a commissioner for President Obama, continuing to advise on security. Get a copy of his new book "Digital Danger: AI, Cybersecurity, and the Fight for Our Future" here: https://amzn.to/4vqWaSS New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" https://amzn.to/3EkZycH "Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most" https://amzn.to/3EAkADZ "The Essentialism Planner: A 90-Day Guide to Accomplishing More by Doing Less" https://amzn.to/42CAsA3 Stay in touch with me: Instagram / gregorymckeown LinkedIn / gregmckeown X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

Harvard Psychologist: The Reason Your Arguments Always Fail (Do This Instead) - Dr. Julia Minson 05.05.2026 1год 44хв

Most of us walk into disagreements armed with arguments, ready to persuade, but Harvard behavioral scientist Dr. Julia Minson's research reveals that persuasion is actually the goal you're least likely to achieve. In this episode, she unpacks the hidden science of receptiveness: why the most influential people in any room aren't the loudest voices, but the best listeners. Julia Minson is a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a behavioral scientist with extensive research experience in conflict, communication, negotiations, and decision-making. Her work has been published in top academic outlets and covered by CNN, TIME, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Get her book How to Disagree Better here: https://amzn.to/3QFUypd New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show. Get more stuff from me: Join 200K+ subscribers on my FREE weekly newsletter: https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/ Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most The Essentialism Planner: A 90-Day Guide to Accomplishing More by Doing Less Stay in touch with me: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregorymckeown/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/ X https://x.com/GregoryMcKeown Hire me to speak: https://gregmckeown.com/keynote/

Stop Caring About What Doesn’t Matter - Melani Sanders 17.02.2026 52хв

Melani Sanders is a digital creator and the fearless founder of the We Do Not Care Movement™. Her viral WDNC reels and posts capture the humor, heart, and chaos of perimenopause and menopause, midlife in general, motherhood, and real life. Get a copy of her book The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook: A Hot-Mess Guide for Women in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond Who Are Over It Greg McKeown is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, and has spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. His clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. He hosts The Greg McKeown Podcast, ranked in the Top 5 of all Self Improvement podcasts (and Top 10 in Educational podcasts on Apple Podcasts. Guests have included Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Matthew McConaughey, Maria Shriver, John Hope Bryant, and Ariana Huffington. His work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been featured on NPR, NBC, FOX, and multiple times on The Steve Harvey Show.

370. The Dangerous Cost of Not Understanding Each Other - William Doherty 06.01.2026 1год 23хв

William J. Doherty is an educator, researcher, therapist, speaker, author, consultant, and community organizer. He is Professor and Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program in the Department of Family Social Science, College of Education and Human Development, at the University of Minnesota, where he is also an adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Buy the Book: Take Back Your Marriage by Jamil Zaki Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

369. We've Declared War on Kindness Around the World - Jamil Zaki 01.01.2026 1год 36хв

Today’s conversation is an invitation to recover a lost technology—the discipline of real understanding. We explore why our confidence in “getting” other people is often the very thing blocking connection, and how a more humble, rigorous form of empathy can change the quality of our relationships, our leadership, and even our society. This episode is about becoming less wrong—on purpose—and discovering why listening may be the most essential skill we’ve underestimated. Buy the Book: The War for Kindness by Jamil Zaki Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

368. NFL LEGEND: If You Keep Loving Like This, Every Relationship Will Fail 16.12.2025 1год 36хв

NFL legend Steve Young joins The Greg McKeown Podcast to discuss his book "The Law of Love," exploring a pivotal moment when Stephen Covey helped him shift from a transactional, self-focused mindset to one centered on unconditional love during his difficult early years replacing Joe Montana. The conversation delves into how reducing "transactional noise" in relationships—the need to be special, acclaimed, or right—unlocks deeper connection and abundance in business, family, and all aspects of life. Young argues this principle is universal and "undefeated," supported by science, mathematics, and wisdom traditions alike. Buy the Book: The Law of Love⁠ by Steve Young Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

367. Poems, Prayers, and the Courage to Believe with Matthew McConaughey 06.10.2025 1год 18хв

What do we do when logic isn’t enough? Greg sits down with Matthew McConaughey to explore poems, prayers, and the disciplined choice to believe—over cynicism, doubt, and apathy. Together they read new pieces from Poems & Prayers and unpack how language, rhythm, and ritual can metabolize suffering into meaning and forward motion. Buy the Book: Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠.

366. Ward Clapham on The Secret Weapon for Solving Crime 08.09.2025 1год 36хв

What if policing could move from reacting to crime to building trust before it begins? In this episode, I speak with Ward Clapham, the former Police Chief in Richmond, Canada, who pioneered the “positive ticketing program.” This simple idea—rewarding positive behavior instead of only punishing negative—transformed community trust and dramatically reduced crime. At the heart of Ward’s leadership was listening. Not just hearing, but listening with empathy, which shaped his career and even influenced policing worldwide. This isn’t just about policing. It’s about the universal power of listening-led leadership—in families, businesses, and communities. The invitation is clear: listen deeply, and watch what changes. Visit Ward's Website Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠.

365. The Systems Leader with Robert Siegel 10.06.2025 1год 2хв

In this conversation, I’m joined by Robert E. Siegel, author of The Systems Leader, to unpack the essential mindset shifts leaders must make in a complex, fast-moving environment. We explore the tensions leaders face—like balancing innovation with execution, and strength with empathy—and how the most effective leaders navigate these paradoxes with clarity and purpose. Drawing from real stories of leaders like Jeff Immelt of GE and Michael Dowling of Northwell Health, Robert shares why systems thinking, strong relationships, and the ability to adapt are no longer optional—they're essential. If you want to lead with greater clarity in the chaos, this episode is for you. Buy Robert's Book ⁠"⁠The Systems Leader"⁠ Visit Robert's ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ Follow Robert on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Join my weekly ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠. Learn more about my ⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠. Follow me on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠.

364. The Power of Being Shameless, Selfish, and Nosy with Jenny Wood 20.05.2025 1год 1хв

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you truly want is the courage to begin? In this episode, I speak with Jenny Wood—former Google executive and author of Wild Courage—about what it means to pursue the essential with boldness. Jenny shares how she walked away from a high-powered role to write the book she felt called to create. We explore the power of being shameless, curious, and even a little reckless when the moment demands it. You’ll hear how she faced down fear, navigated imposter syndrome, and embraced the uncomfortable path toward growth. This is a conversation about clarity, action, and living with wild courage—the kind that leads you not just to success, but to meaning. Buy Jenny's Book ⁠"Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It"⁠ Visit Jenny's ⁠Website⁠ Follow Jenny on LinkedIn Join my weekly ⁠newsletter⁠. Learn more about my ⁠books and courses⁠. Join ⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠. Follow me on ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠.

363. Maximal Fitness with Minimum Time with Ben Greenfield (Part 2) 25.03.2025 42хв

Greg and guest Ben Greenfield continue in this Part 2 conversation about endurance training strategies, focusing on preparing for Ironman triathlons. Ben shares insights on pacing, nutrition, and psychological resilience, offering tips from the trenches for race day success. They explore the challenges of juggling athletic goals with personal life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships alongside intense training. The conversation also touches on building community and male friendships, with Ben revealing his ongoing efforts to invest more in these areas. Buy Ben's Book "Boundless" Visit Ben's Website Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

362. Maximal Fitness with Minimum Time with Ben Greenfield (Part 1) 18.03.2025 40хв

Greg chats with Ben Greenfield, a trailblazer in health and human optimization, about unlocking potential and redefining personal limits. We put a magnifying glass onto Ben's journey from novice to Ironman, and discover two key breakthroughs: a time-efficient high-intensity training method and a game-changing nutrition strategy for optimal endurance. Gain insights into sustaining high performance and recovering from setbacks. Whether you're an athlete or pursuing personal growth, this conversation with bestselling author Ben Greenfield offers invaluable guidance on pushing boundaries and achieving excellence. Buy Ben's Book "Boundless" Visit Ben's Website Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

361. The Journal as a Superpower with Derek Sivers 11.03.2025 58хв

Greg speaks with Derek Sivers, an entrepreneur and thinker, exploring the power of perspective in shaping life's outcomes. They explore the concept of "useful, not true," emphasizing the flexibility and mindset required to break away from limiting narratives. Sivers shares personal insights on journaling as a tool for processing thoughts and decision-making, highlighting its role in enhancing clarity and agency. The conversation also touches on using AI for personal growth and the importance of understanding diverse worldviews to stretch and evolve one's thinking. Buy Derek's Book "Useful Not True" Visit Derek's Website Reach out to Derek Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

360. What's Essential: The Disciplined Pursuit of Home with Drew & Linda Scott (Replay) 25.02.2025 48хв

Drew and Linda Scott go into detail on their vastly different upbringings, and how their parents and families have molded them into the people they are today. Greg, Drew and Linda discuss how the world can be changed for the better, and the individual steps it takes each person along the way to create an effective and lasting change. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

359. Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want with Courtney Carver 18.02.2025 44хв

Greg speaks with Courtney Carver, author of the upcoming book "Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want," exploring practices for simplicity and rest in a complex world. They discuss the crucial concept of resting first, creating personal rituals like Little Saturday, and using the metaphor of a circle to prioritize what is truly sacred. They also explore cultivating radical gratitude, managing emotions with poise, and gently navigating life’s pressures. Discover practical steps to protect your peace and enhance well-being. Buy Courtney's Book Follow Courtney on LinkedIn Check out Courtney's Website Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

358. Inside the Mind of a CIA Operative with Jeffrey Sanow 11.02.2025 1год 1хв

Greg engages with Jeffrey Sanow, a former CIA senior intelligence officer, to explore the nuances of decision-making under pressure and the art of interpersonal communication. Jeffrey shares insights from his career, highlighting strategies for effective manipulation and persuasion, the importance of understanding others, and the balance between professional skills and personal relationships. Follow Jeffrey on LinkedIn Check out Jeffrey's Website Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

357. The Art of Listening with Anna McKeown 03.02.2025 52хв

Greg and Anna McKeown discuss the art of listening, exploring its transformative power in relationships. They discuss a pivotal moment from their dating history where effective listening shifted their connection and emphasized how empathic communication fosters understanding. Drawing insights from Carl Rogers' listening techniques, they share personal anecdotes about applying these principles in family dynamics and their marriage. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

356. Becoming the Family Hero: Revolutionary Ideas for Legacy Building with Moses Kagan 27.01.2025 54хв

Join Greg and Moses Kagan as they dive into an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, intergenerational wealth, and the power of gratitude. Moses shares his journey from a tech startup to founding Adaptive Realty, emphasizing the importance of ownership and relationships. The conversation explores narrative, legacy, and the pivotal role of recognizing one's ancestors' struggles and successes. Learn how adopting an intergenerational perspective can impact personal and professional growth, and how stories define both individual lives and broader cultures. Follow Moses on LinkedIn, and X Check out Moses' Blog Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

355. How to Find Your Purpose and Master Essentialism with Tim Ferriss 20.01.2025 1год 33хв

Greg and Tim Ferriss dive into the art of prioritizing meaningful relationships and self-transcendence in this reflective conversation. They explore the concept of focusing on essential connections, sharing insights on setting priorities, fostering secure attachments, and tackling life's distractions. Tune in to discover how these thought leaders prioritize the "thousand X" relationships that matter most while navigating modern life's challenges and distractions. Follow Tim on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube Check out Tim's Blog Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

354. Anti-Time Management with Richie Norton (Part 1) (Replay) 17.12.2024 45хв

In Part 1 of my conversation with Richie Norton, we discussed his countercultural but transformational approach to time management, program stacking and how they can help you generate huge results. In today's episode, Richie and I are picking up where we left off to talk about the importance of changing how you are paid. Listen in for the stories and actionable advice that will help you revolutionize your time and your day-to-day life. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.