The One You Feed | Personal Growth, Emotional Resilience & Purpose

Eric Zimmer
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

Build resilience. Cultivate self-compassion. Live with purpose. The One You Feed brings conversations with leading thinkers — James Clear, Susan Cain, Tara Brach, and more — to help you navigate life’s challenges and feed your good wolf. No perfection, just direction, insight, and the small, consistent actions that make a meaningful life.

  1. 1 HR AGO

    How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Transformation in Your Life with Eric Zimmer

    In this special solo episode, Eric Zimmer shares five powerful insights from his book How a Little Becomes a Lot. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface-level advice, Eric explores the deeper mechanics of real, lasting change. He unpacks why small, consistent actions outperform bursts of motivation… how to shift from self-judgment to skill-building… and why the stories we tell ourselves shape everything from our habits to our happiness. You’ll also learn a practical, compassionate approach to working with your inner critic, not by silencing it, but by understanding it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by your inability to follow through, this episode offers a grounded, actionable path forward, one small step at a time. Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Small actions create big change; if they’re low resistance and consistent. Real transformation isn’t about intensity. It’s about doing what you can actually sustain over time. Change is not a character trait, it’s a skill. If something isn’t working, it’s not because you’re broken. It’s because you haven’t found the right strategy yet. Most of our struggles happen at “choice points.” The tension between what we want now and what we want most determines the direction of our lives. Your mind is constantly creating meaning, and it’s often wrong. Learning to question your interpretations can dramatically reduce unnecessary suffering. The inner critic isn’t the enemy, it’s a misguided protector. When you learn to relate to it with curiosity instead of resistance, it loses its power. The language you use shapes your emotional reality. Extreme language (“always,” “never,” “this is unbearable”) intensifies distress more than the situation itself. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Eric Zimmer, check out these other episodes: Why Willpower Isn’t Enough: The Tiny Habits Method Explained with Dr. BJ Fogg How to Make Lasting Changes with John Norcross By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at rocketmoney.com/feed. Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai David Protein bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to www.davidprotein.com/FEED Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Long Game Playbook: Persistence, Patience, and Purpose in a Fast-Paced World with Dorie Clark

    In this episode, Dorie Clark explains her long-game playbook about persistence, patience, and purpose in a fast-paced world. She explores the challenges of prioritizing long-term goals over daily distractions, the cultural obsession with busyness, and strategies for sustained motivation. Dorie also shares things that include saying no to good opportunities, embracing failure as a delay rather than a dead end, and breaking big goals into manageable steps. Exciting News!! My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is now available!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: The contrast between short-term thinking and long-term goals. The cultural perception of busyness as a status symbol. Strategies for managing time and prioritizing meaningful work. The parable of two wolves representing good and bad impulses. The importance of making conscious choices in life and work. The challenge of saying no to good opportunities. Goal-setting techniques and the value of pursuing interesting choices. The role of persistence and resilience in achieving long-term objectives. Learning from failure and viewing setbacks as temporary. The significance of maintaining motivation through small, actionable steps. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Dorie Clark, check out these other episodes: The Search for Meaningful Work with Bruce Feiler Purposeful Living: Strategies to Align Your Values and Actions with Victor Strecher By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: David Protein bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to www.davidprotein.com/FEED Shopify – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed. Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 3min

  3. 31 MAR

    How a Little Becomes a Lot: A Conversation with Eric Zimmer and Sahil Bloom

    In this special episode, Eric Zimmer is interviewed by Sahil Bloom, as they discuss Eric’s new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Their conversation explores how small, consistent actions, not dramatic moments, lead to lasting transformation. Eric shares personal stories of addiction and recovery, discusses the complexity of motivation, and introduces practical frameworks like the SPAR method. They emphasize self-compassion, resilience, and the importance of aligning actions with values, while critiquing the pressure to be extraordinary. The episode offers actionable strategies and thoughtful insights for building positive habits and embracing change with kindness. Exciting News!!!  My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is out now! Key Takeaways: Behavior change and its complexities The role of motivation and willpower in personal transformation The significance of small, consistent actions leading to meaningful change The distinction between values and desires in decision-making The importance of self-compassion in the process of change Practical frameworks for behavior change, including the SPA method The impact of social media and comparison culture on self-perception Strategies for visualizing consequences to aid in decision-making The concept of “still points” for cultivating new habits of thought The balance between striving for improvement and practicing acceptance in life For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Eric Zimmer and Sahil Bloom, check out these other episodes: Redefining Wealth: The Truth About Money & Happiness with Sahil Bloom Why Willpower Isn’t Enough: The Tiny Habits Method Explained with Dr. BJ Fogg By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠David Protein bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to www.davidprotein.com/FEED Shopify – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed. Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit helloalma.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 1min

  4. 27 MAR

    How a Little Becomes a Lot: A Real Coaching Session on Small Changes That Stick

    In this special episode, Eric coaches a listener named Birgit as she rebuilds her daily routine after a long-term illness and her children leaving home. Together, they explore practical strategies for habit formation, focusing on starting with a consistent healthy habits. Using frameworks like SPAR and RENEW, they discuss breaking habits into small steps, planning ahead, and responding compassionately to setbacks. The conversation highlights the importance of structure, self-kindness, and progress over perfection, offering listeners actionable advice for building sustainable routines during life transitions. Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Rebuilding life after a long-term illness and navigating changes in daily structure. Establishing a consistent morning routine, focusing on a healthy breakfast habit. The importance of specificity and simplicity in habit formation. Strategies for reducing decision fatigue and avoiding procrastination. The SPA framework: Specificity, Prompts, Alignment, and Resilience for habit building. The RENEW framework for resetting habits after setbacks: Recognize, Embrace your Why, Neutralize emotional drama, Extract the lesson, and Walk forward. The role of self-compassion and positive self-talk in maintaining habits. The significance of small, manageable actions to overcome resistance. The impact of environmental setup on habit formation and behavior. Emphasizing progress over perfection in the journey of habit change. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, check out these other episodes: Why Willpower Isn’t Enough: The Tiny Habits Method Explained with Dr. BJ Fogg How to Create Elastic Habits that Adapt to Your Day with Stephen Guise By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠Shopify⁠ – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed. ⁠Pebl⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠hipebl.ai⁠ ⁠Brodo Broth⁠: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to ⁠Brodo.com/TOYF⁠ for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. ⁠Alma⁠ is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit ⁠helloalma.com⁠ to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  5. 24 MAR

    From Comfort Zones to Adventure Zones: The Journey of Personal Exploration with Alex Hutchinson

    In this episode, Alex Hutchinson discusses moving from comfort zones to adventure zones and the journey of personal exploration. He delves into the human nature of exploration and fulfillment. Alex also explains how to find the balance between contentment and the drive to seek new experiences, the psychological benefits of embracing challenge, and the explore-exploit dilemma. He shares insights from his book “The Explorer’s Gene,” offering practical rules for meaningful exploration and emphasizing the importance of risk, effort, and play in leading a fulfilling life. The conversation encourages listeners to actively pursue novelty and growth, regardless of age or circumstance. Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Exploration as a theme in both physical and metaphorical contexts. The balance between contentment and the desire for new experiences. The concept of the “explore-exploit dilemma” in decision-making. The impact of age on the tendency to explore and seek novelty. The importance of meaningful exploration and active engagement. The psychological benefits of effortful and challenging activities. The role of environmental factors in shaping attitudes toward risk and exploration. The significance of play in fostering creativity and exploration. Strategies for minimizing regret in decision-making. The influence of personal experiences and choices on the capacity for exploration. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Alex Hutchinson, check out these other episodes: Navigating Life’s Disruptions: Insights on Adapting and Thriving with James Patterson How To Cultivate Excellence in a Chaotic World with Brad Stulberg By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: Shopify – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed. Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit helloalma.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 1min

  6. 20 MAR

    Embracing Emotional Sobriety: Small Choices for Big Healing from Heartbreak and Anxiety with Laura McKowen

    In this episode, Laura McKowen discusses embracing emotional sobriety and small choices for big healing from heartbreak and anxiety. Laura talks about her 11-year sobriety journey and her personal journal of navigating heartbreak. She delves into the daily choices that foster healing and emotional well-being. Laura also shares insights on the non-linear nature of recovery, the importance of small, consistent practices, and the role of relationships and self-compassion in emotional sobriety. Together, they explore how healing is an ongoing process, shaped by vulnerability, connection, and the willingness to embrace both pain and growth. Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Personal journey of sobriety and its challenges Managing anxiety and heartbreak after a significant relationship The non-linear nature of emotional healing and recovery The parable of the two wolves and its relevance to personal choices Importance of daily practices for mental health maintenance Concept of emotional sobriety and its distinction from mere survival The role of relationships in emotional well-being and healing Understanding attachment dynamics and their impact on relationships The interplay between trauma, addiction, and relational patterns Emphasizing self-forgiveness, compassion, and community support in healing processes For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Laura McKowen, check out these other episodes: Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen A Journey to Self-Discovery and Sobriety with Matthew Quick By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠Pebl⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠hipebl.ai⁠ ⁠Brodo Broth⁠: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to ⁠Brodo.com/TOYF⁠ for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. ⁠Alma⁠ is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit ⁠helloalma.com⁠ to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  7. 17 MAR

    Navigating Life's Disruptions: Insights on Adapting and Thriving with James Patterson

    In this episode, James Patterson discusses navigating life’s disruptions and shares insights on adapting and thriving in life.. He also discusses managing negative thoughts and balancing ambition with contentment. James shares insights from his writing career, co-authoring experiences, and personal life, including parenting and the importance of prioritizing family, health, friends, and spirit. The conversation blends practical advice, engaging stories, and reflections on adapting to change, offering listeners inspiration and tools for navigating both personal and professional challenges. Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: Discussion of James Patterson’s new book, Disrupt Everything and Win: Take Control of Your Future. Exploration of how individuals and organizations can adapt to change and leverage disruption. The metaphor of the “two wolves” representing positive and negative qualities within individuals. Insights into Patterson’s writing process and creative journey. Reflections on co-writing experiences with various collaborators. The balance between ambition and contentment in personal and professional life. The importance of storytelling and practical tools in business and self-help contexts. Patterson’s early career in advertising and its influence on his writing and approach to disruption. The significance of maintaining balance in life, using the metaphor of juggling five balls. Personal anecdotes and reflections on travel, parenting, and life philosophy. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with James Patterson, check out these other episodes: How to Find Real Life in Stories with George Saunders Life Transitions with Bruce Feiler By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Visit helloalma.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min

  8. 13 MAR

    The Best Path to Authentic Happiness: Embracing Spiritual Minimalism with Light Watkins

    In this episode, Light Watkins explores the best path to authentic happiness and embracing spiritual minimalism. Light defines spiritual minimalism and delves into the importance of leaving every place better than you found it. The conversation explores authenticity, happiness, stress, embracing discomfort, and the value of consistent, small actions. Light also shares personal stories and practical wisdom on finding freedom in limitations, giving what you want to receive, and focusing on process over outcomes to create a more meaningful, present, and fulfilled life. Take our quick 2-minute survey and help us improve your listening experience: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: The parable of the two wolves and the importance of choosing the “good wolf” or authentic self. The concept of spiritual minimalism and its principles, including leaving places better than found. The significance of final impressions in interactions and their lasting impact. The relationship between happiness, income, and stress, emphasizing internal versus external sources of fulfillment. The paradox of motivation and the importance of consistent effort for personal growth. The idea of finding freedom within limitations and the power of acceptance in challenging situations. The principle of “give what you want to receive” and its role in fostering community and connection. The importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and stepping outside comfort zones. The value of being process-oriented and focusing on the journey rather than just outcomes. The significance of consistent effort and incremental change in achieving lasting transformation. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Light Watkins, check out these other episodes: How to Embrace Mindfulness on the Path to Personal Growth with Dan Harris How to Let Go of Expectations and Transform Disappointment into Growth with Christine Hassler By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠Hello Fresh⁠⁠⁠ – Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. ⁠⁠⁠David Protein⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.davidprotein.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Shopify⁠⁠⁠ – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed. ⁠⁠⁠Pebl⁠⁠⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠⁠⁠hipebl.ai⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min
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Build resilience. Cultivate self-compassion. Live with purpose. The One You Feed brings conversations with leading thinkers — James Clear, Susan Cain, Tara Brach, and more — to help you navigate life’s challenges and feed your good wolf. No perfection, just direction, insight, and the small, consistent actions that make a meaningful life.

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