The Weekend University

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Martha Beck, a Harvard-trained sociologist, and bestselling author who is widely regarded as the world’s leading life coach. Martha has written six New York Times bestsellers and is currently working on her new book, "The Pyramid and the Pool," which explores the collapse of hierarchical social structures and what might replace them. In this conversation, we explore: — Why Martha gave up everything in her twenties to create space for a more authentic life — The surprising relationship between “stuckness” and transformation — Martha's vision of a society that functions like a pool rather than a pyramid — How her experience raising a child with Down syndrome transformed her views on intellect and happiness — The relationship between integrity, intuition, and evolving consciousness And more. You can learn more about Martha's work, books, and coaching programs at https://marthabeck.com. --- Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She has spent a lifetime offering powerful, practical, and entertaining teachings that help people improve every aspect of their lives. Martha holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha’s published works include several self-help books and memoirs, including New York Times and international bestsellers Finding Your Own North Star, The Joy Diet, and Expecting Adam. She has also published over 150 magazine articles, including almost two decades of monthly columns for O, The Oprah Magazine. Martha is a passionate and engaging speaker, known for her characteristic blending of science, spirituality, and humor. As “the best-known life coach in America” (NPR, USA Today), she has spoken to audiences around the world on stage and on The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, and many other television programs. International nature-based retreats are also a big part of Martha’s work. Seminar participants travel from all over the world to attend her annual retreats in South Africa and Costa Rica. The rest of the time she lives in the Pennsylvania woods with her family and other assorted creatures. Her passions include nature, pajamas, and YouTube videos of unlikely animal companions. Martha’s recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her latest non-fiction book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, was an instant New York Times Best Seller. --- Interview Links: — Dr. Beck’s website: https://marthabeck.com — Dr. Beck’s book: https://amzn.to/44KbdMc

In this episode, Niall speaks with Yannick Jacob, an existential coach, philosopher, and educator with over 15 years of coaching experience. Yannick helps people explore the deeper philosophical questions behind everyday life. His approach blends existential philosophy with practical coaching to develop what he calls “existential resilience.” In this conversation, they explore: — How big existential questions are always at work beneath the surface of our lives — How building “existential resilience” helps us face life’s inevitable challenges — Why avoiding depth and complexity may feel comfortable but leaves us unprepared — The value of coaching as a space to courageously face yourself — How presence is something AI can never truly replicate in coaching relationships And more. You can learn more about Yannick’s work at https://www.coachingandmediation.net or explore his resources for coaches at https://rocketsupervision.com. — Yannick Jacob is an existential life and leadership coach, coach-trainer & supervisor, positive psychologist, and mediator whose work combines existential philosophy, positive psychology, and leadership development. He has led academic programs (including being Programme Leader of the MSc Coaching Psychology at University of East London), designs and trains ICF-accredited courses and supervises coaches globally. His focus is on helping individuals re-think what success, happiness, and purpose look like, through coaching, supervision, and philosophical reflection. You can learn more at https://www.coachingandmediation.net. --- Interview Links: — Yannick’s website: https://www.coachingandmediation.net — Resources for coaches at https://rocketsupervision.com.

Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, author, and a leading expert on ancient Stoic philosophy and its modern applications. Originally from Scotland and now based in Canada, he has spent his career examining how ancient philosophy can help address modern psychological challenges. In this episode, Niall speaks with Donald about his book: “How to Think Like Socrates” and the continued relevance of Socratic philosophy for modern life and mental wellbeing. In this conversation, they explore: — Why Socrates was a “street philosopher” who brought philosophy into everyday life — How Socratic questioning can build cognitive flexibility and soften rigid thinking — The link between wisdom and emotional wellbeing that underpins cognitive therapy — Why clarifying values matters for living a meaningful life — How ancient philosophical practices can be applied to modern psychological challenges And more. You can learn more about Donald’s work at http://donaldrobertson.name. — Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist and trainer. He is one of the founding members of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit, and the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre nonprofit in Athens, Greece. Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and known as an expert on the relationship between modern evidence-based psychotherapy and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. His work is highly interdisciplinary, combining philosophy, history, and psychology. He was born in Irvine, Scotland, and grew up in Ayr. He worked as a psychotherapist for about twenty years in London, England, where he had a clinic in Harley Street, and ran a training school for therapists. He emigrated to Canada in 2013 and began focusing more on writing and consultancy. He now divides his time between Greece and Canada. Donald is an experienced public speaker. His therapy practice specialised for many years in helping clients with social anxiety and self-confidence issues. His work, and that of his colleagues, has often featured in the media of different countries, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, etc. --- Interview Links: — Donald’s website - http://donaldrobertson.name — Donald's books - https://amzn.to/4bwfdUY

Dr. Sherif Darwish Abdalla is a consultant psychiatrist and addiction therapist. He is the Co-Founder of Recovery Egypt, one of the leading treatment and rehabilitation centres in North Africa. He has publications in many international Journals, including the European Journal of Psychiatry. In this conversation, we explore: — Dr Darwish’s radical approach to recovery and how it goes against many of the norms of mainstream psychiatry — How Dr Darwish and his colleague built their recovery centre from scratch and his advice to others who are interested in undertaking similar projects — Why community and connection need to be at the heart of a holistic recovery plan And more. Learn more about Recovery Egypt by going to: https://recoveryegypt.com. --- Dr. Sherif Darwish Abdalla is a consultant psychiatrist and addiction therapist from Egypt. His main area of focus in both work and research is addiction rehabilitation. He is a co-founder of the Recovery Centers for Addiction and Recovery, a prominent treatment and rehabilitation chain in Egypt. Dr. Darwish has published in many international journals, including the European Journal of Psychiatry. He will discuss the motivational challenges that therapists commonly face with their patients, and strategies for early identification and effective management. --- 3 Books Dr Darwish Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment - and How to Get Help That Works - Anne M Fletcher - https://amzn.to/45A1Xbg — Addictive Thinking: Understanding Self-Deception - Abraham J Twerski - https://amzn.to/3M5dZT0 — Motivational Interviewing, Fourth Edition: Helping People Change and Grow - William R Miller - https://amzn.to/45vSodv

Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author of "High Functioning." As the lead researcher behind the world's first peer-reviewed study on high-functioning depression, Dr. Judith’s work focuses on helping people recognize and address depression before it leads to breakdown. In this conversation, we explore: — What high-functioning depression is and why it often goes unrecognized — How trauma and overworking are connected to hidden depression — Why joy is our "birthright" as humans and how to reclaim it — The biopsychosocial approach to understanding your unique happiness blueprint — Dr. Judith’s five V's framework for cultivating joy: validate, vent, values, vitals, and vision And more. You can learn more about Dr. Judith’s work and book at https://drjudithjoseph.com. — Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, is a globally-recognised, board-certified psychiatrist, researcher and media contributor. She is the founder and chief investigator at Manhattan Behavioural Medicine, assistant professor in child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU and chair of the Women in Medicine Board at Columbia University. Dr. Judith is a regular contributor to ITN in the UK and appears frequently in international media including Forbes, CNN, Men's Health, Oprah Daily and Apple TV. A trusted voice on mental health, trauma and emotional resilience, she brings clarity and compassion to conversations that matter. Dr. Judith has over 625k+ followers across TikTok and Instagram, where her mental health videos have reached over 50 million viewers. --- Interview Links: — Dr Juditht's website - https://drjudithjoseph.com — See her Today show interview to learn of Judith’s personal journey and her work in mental health - https://www.today.com/video/dr-judith-joseph-talks-book-high-functioning-reclaiming-joy-235854405618 — Watch her interview on YouTube with Mel Robbins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQu-Ct9-6dg — Listen to her interview with Dr. Sharon - https://podcasts.apple.com/bb/podcast/high-functioning-and-hidden-depression-ft-dr-judith-joseph/id1839332301?i=1000739097190 — And on the ZOE podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJYdI_gdfvs