
Getting Clear On What Is Truly At Risk In Pursuing What We Want w/ Connection Expert Ben Swire
From The Kevin Miller Podcast by Kevin Miller | YAP Media
May 25, 2026 · 1h 10m
About this episode
The episode discusses the risks associated with pursuing meaningful experiences and relationships, featuring insights from connection expert Ben Swire.
I don’t think we like to hear it, but there seems to be continual evidence that our culture is growing more risk averse, less willing to try new things, and as a result, becoming stagnant. Another data point on our reported, near all time low of subjective well-being. So I brought on an expert to discuss the issue. Ben Swire is an innovative thought leader on human connection and authentic living. Ben is an award-winning designer, writer, and former Design Lead at the iconic innovation firm IDEO, and he co-founded Make Believe Works where they help people build deeper relationships and discover their authentic purpose through creative activities. Ben has spent much of his time working with people and teams, helping them progress toward the things they really want. Ben says we all want inspiring experiences, meaningful work, and deep relationships. But those generally require risking vulnerability, inviting disappointment, and trusting others. So, we hesitate, settle to remain safe, and stay stuck. So he's worked to lessen the perceptions of risk, and this was why I had him on the show. Ben has a new book, SAFE DANGER: An Unexpected Method for Sparking Connection, Finding Purpose…
People in this episode
Host: Kevin Miller
Guest: Ben Swire
Topics covered
- risk aversion
- human connection
- authentic living
- vulnerability
- subjective well-being
Keywords
- risk aversion
- human connection
- authentic living
- vulnerability
- subjective well-being
- Ben Swire
- SAFE DANGER
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: IDEO, Make Believe Works
Books & works: SAFE DANGER: An Unexpected Method for Sparking Connection, Finding Purpose, and Inspiring Innovation
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