Podcast
The Greg McKeown Podcast
Hosted by Greg McKeown · EN
Design a life that really matters. I’m your host, Greg McKeown, author of New York Times bestsellers "Effortless" and "Essentialism" and I’m on mission to help you advocate and negotiate your way to remarkable results without burning out. Come with me on this journey every Tuesday and Thursday as we examine the most essential areas of our lives. Learn more about my books and courses at https://GregMcKeown.com.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Harvard Psychologist: The Reason Your Arguments Always Fail (Do This Instead) - Dr. Julia Minson
4w ago01:44:53Tap to summarizeMost 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/
Transcribe →Stop Caring About What Doesn’t Matter - Melani Sanders
Feb 1700:52:48Tap to summarizeMelani 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.
Transcribe →370. The Dangerous Cost of Not Understanding Each Other - William Doherty
Jan 601:23:48Tap to summarizeWilliam 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.
Transcribe →369. We've Declared War on Kindness Around the World - Jamil Zaki
Jan 101:36:46Tap to summarizeToday’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.
Transcribe →368. NFL LEGEND: If You Keep Loving Like This, Every Relationship Will Fail
Dec 1601:36:17Tap to summarizeNFL 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.
Transcribe →367. Poems, Prayers, and the Courage to Believe with Matthew McConaughey
Oct 601:18:10Tap to summarizeWhat 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.
Transcribe →366. Ward Clapham on The Secret Weapon for Solving Crime
Sep 801:36:20Tap to summarizeWhat 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.
Transcribe →365. The Systems Leader with Robert Siegel
Jun 1001:02:19Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →364. The Power of Being Shameless, Selfish, and Nosy with Jenny Wood
May 20, 202501:01:40Tap to summarizeWhat 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.
Transcribe →363. Maximal Fitness with Minimum Time with Ben Greenfield (Part 2)
Mar 25, 202500:42:13Tap to summarizeGreg 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 WebsiteJoin my weekly newsletter.Learn more about my books and courses.Join The Essentialism Academy.Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
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