What if so much of our suffering comes from trying to become who we think we’re supposed to be? In this episode, I sit down with meditation teachers Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann for a wide-ranging, deeply practical conversation about mindfulness, creativity, neurodiversity, and how to let go of the societal “shoulds” that keep us disconnected from ourselves.

This conversation felt especially personal to me because so much of it mirrors what I’ve been exploring in my own life as an athlete, a mom, a coach, and now as a writer. We talk about identity transitions, performance-based striving, how endurance sport became a doorway into self-inquiry for me, and why mindfulness has to move beyond the meditation cushion if it’s actually going to change your life.

Jeff and Tasha bring warmth, honesty, and a refreshing lack of dogma to this conversation. We explore the tension between external pressure and internal truth, the role of creativity and joy in a meaningful life, and the practical skills of mindfulness: concentration, clarity, and equanimity.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things but still feel disconnected, if meditation apps feel shallow, or if you’re trying to find a more authentic way to strive, this conversation is for you.

Top 5 Takeaways

A lot of suffering comes from “shoulds”: External expectations can disconnect us from our actual nature and values.
Mindfulness has to move into real life: It’s not just about sitting on a cushion, it’s about how you return to the present in parenting, work, conflict, and creativity.
Neurodiversity can be a doorway, not a deficit: Different ways of thinking can challenge conformity and open new paths to self-acceptance.
Meditation builds trainable skills: Jeff and Tasha emphasize three core capacities: concentration, clarity, and equanimity.
Thriving is not about becoming perfect: It’s about becoming more authentic, more connected, and more able to stay with your experience as it is.

LINKS

Solo about the problem with should
Mindfulness in Action: Letting Go of Should
Check out Jeff and Tasha’s podcast Mind Bod Pod
Follow Tasha’s Substack Bodhi Savage

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The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.