Life Lab

Mastering the balance between emotions, impulses, and behaviors requires more than simple self-control—it’s about finding ways to stay intentional while navigating life’s complexities. In this episode, Zach and David discuss how to maintain individuality, avoid over-correction, and embrace personal growth in a world filled with societal expectations. They share stories, insights, and practical strategies to help you act with purpose and confidence. Join us as we explore Self-Regulation.

Competition drives progress and innovation, pushing individuals and organizations to strive for excellence. But where does healthy rivalry end and unnecessary conflict begin? How does competition shape our personal and professional lives? Join us as we explore the dynamics of competition and its role in fostering growth and achievement.

Government influences almost every aspect of our lives, from the laws we follow to the institutions that shape our society. Some government is a necessity, but what is its ideal role? Where's the line between the government promoting safety vs giving powerful interests control? What's to be said of efficiency with our money? Join us as we discuss Government.

Striving for excellence means pushing beyond the ordinary to achieve something remarkable. Whether in academics, sports, art, or personal growth, the pursuit of excellence drives us to improve, innovate, and surpass our limits. What motivates individuals to seek excellence? How do different cultures and societies define and celebrate it? Join us as we explore the various facets of excellence and what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success.

Stories, plays, books, movies, games, sports, toys, hobbies... the list goes on. There are many things we seek provide us amusement. Is there a difference between passive and interactive forms? Are we seeking escape, inspiration, or something else? Join us as we discuss entertainment.

In this episode, we take a journey takes us through the “finer things” and their historical evolution and its varied meanings across cultures. We probe the allure of luxury, examining how it can symbolize success and artistry, but it can also aggrandize consumption. Join us as we dissect the layers of luxury, challenging ourselves to understand its role in our lives and society, and recognizing that true luxury may lie in balanced, meaningful experiences.

What does it feel like to see the world through the eyes of a child? To have a sense of wonder, and pure joy in newly experiencing the simplest of things? In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to our own childhoods, exploring the memories and experiences that shaped us. We reflect on how we get the unique opportunity to revisit this world of wonder anew as parents, witnessing our children as they encounter life's marvels for the first time. Join us as we revisit the magic of being a kid..

What does it mean to truly connect with another person on a deeper level? How does deep connection manifest in our relationships, and how can it lead us towards a path of self-discovery and mutual understanding? In what ways does exploring this connection enrich our lives and the bonds we share with others? Join us as we discuss intimacy.

Is there life beyond our planet? When we gaze up at the vast expanse of the universe, the question lingers in our minds: Are we alone? The concept of extraterrestrial life has fascinated humans for centuries, igniting our imaginations and driving scientific inquiries. It's like a cosmic puzzle, waiting for the pieces to fall into place. Dive deep with us as we explore the mysteries and possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

Right now as you sit reading this, are you fully giving your attention to reading it? Where are you? Who are you with? Is there something else taking part of your attention? Another task? Something else you’re watching or listening to? A thought about something you did, or something you have yet to do? Join us as we discuss presence.

It's everywhere. Coming at you from your computer. From TVs everywhere. The radio. Have you heard about it? Do you believe it? I can't believe what they said about it. What is your opinion of it? Join us as we discuss the news.

Why do we procrastinate? If we know we should do something, why not just do it? Sometimes it’s because there’s a feeling. A negative feeling when we think of the thing that needs doing. It works like the force between two magnets with the same pole facing each other to push us away. Where does that force come from? Join us as we discuss resistance.

Many consider history to bee unimportant. Maybe it would be if it were just memorization of dates and events. But humans love stories and story-telling, and the best stories are at least rooted in the truth.  “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  - George Santayana“History doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes.” - Mark TwainJoin us as we discuss History

We believe humans long ago lived in groups, or tribes. Tribes still exist, but today they’re much different. They’re groups where you get your identities, beliefs, and emotions. You have loyalty to your groups, and hold them higher than the others you’re not a part of. Today we can be part of many tribes. We can belong to sports tribes, political tribes, religious tribes, geographical tribes, tribes tied to our identity, and others. Have you stopped to think about the tribes to which you belong? What about the conflict between your tribes and others? Join us as we discussed tribes.

When you have anxiety your heart rate will increase, tension builds in your muscles, and you may even hold your breath. Mainstream sociologists have said we live in one of the safest times in known history, so why are anti-anxiety medication sales at all time highs? Join us as we discuss Danger.

One of the great lessons of life as told by Spider Man is that with great power comes great responsibility. If that’s true, then how does it apply to all of our lives and the power we hold over ourselves? Join us as we discuss personal responsibility.

Stories are a powerful, uniquely human way of communicating. They bring order and meaning to our chaotic and nonsensical world. We're always looking for patterns and relationships to compare what we've experienced to what we have not, and stories give us that for new events and situations. It's curious how much we want others to hear our stories, to share our meaning, and to share our beliefs on the stories of events we haven't personally experienced. Join us as we discuss narrative.

We all want freedom for ourselves and others, right? Perhaps not unbounded freedom. If not unbounded then with what constraints? Who chooses those constraints? How are they enforced? Do you want everyone to have more or less ability to act, speak, or think without constraint? Join us as we discuss freedom.

Aware of it or not, we all benefit when we can find "a moderate course between extremes, a dynamic between knowledge and doubt, a sufficient detachment from the problem at hand". How can we find those things when our emotions and thoughts are anything but? Join us as we discuss wisdom.

Do you know anyone who seems to always be full of energy? Full of physical strength and mental vigor? Are you envious of them, or do you have it too? What feeds that drive? Join us as we discuss Vitality.