Flourishing Leaders Podcast

Scott Parsons
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Self-Improvement

The Flourishing Leaders Podcast Character. Leadership. Human Flourishing. Join Dr. Scott Parsons—retired Army officer, character development leader, and founder of The Flourishing Leaders Academy—for inspiring weekly conversations with influential thinkers, leaders, and changemakers psychology, philosophy, sports, business, and the arts—united by one goal: exploring how we can all lead with character and live flourishing lives. Each episode explores how to lead with character, make ethical decisions, build antifragile teams, and live a flourishing life. Guests share actionable insights on leadership development, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, moral courage, and practical wisdom—essential traits for today’s purpose-driven professionals. Join us as we dive into timeless wisdom and cutting-edge science to uncover strategies for ethical leadership, virtue cultivation, and living with purpose. Guests include Brian Johnson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Sean Casey, Caroline Adams Miller, Kristján Kristjánsson, and many more. Perfect for coaches, educators, executives, healthcare leaders, and lifelong learners, The Flourishing Leaders Podcast is your go-to resource for cultivating strong values, navigating complexity, and unlocking human potential. Listen every week to grow as a leader—and help others flourish too. #Leadership #LeaderDevelopment #CharacterDevelopment #CharacterEducation #PositivePsychology #Flourishing #VirtueEthics #Virtue #Areté #Arete #Phronesis #PracticalWisdom #Wisdom #Coaching #EthicalLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Heroic #Antifragile #Antifragility #Purpose #GrowthMindset #WellBeing #Well-Being

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 65: “Ignite the Grand Passion: Experience, Character, and Learning to Flourish” with Professor Pete Allison

    How do our experiences become sources of wisdom, character, and human flourishing? In this inspiring episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons welcomes Professor Pete Allison, Associate Professor of Values and Experiential Learning at Penn State University, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, education, service, adventure, compassion, and the winding paths through which people grow. Pete shares his remarkable personal journey from leaving a school that failed to engage him to becoming a university professor devoted to understanding how people learn in classrooms, communities, wilderness environments, and everyday life. Together, Scott and Pete explore: • Why flourishing leadership is relational, reflective, gentle, and often egoless  • Why life and human development rarely follow a linear path  • Kurt Hahn’s belief that education should “train the imagination”  • The educator’s responsibility to “ignite the grand passion” and then get out of the way  • How Outward Bound develops character across diverse cultural contexts  • The five educational levers that shape character development  • Why meaningful service can move people from pity to compassion  • How habits of service strengthen individuals and communities  • The difference between feedback and developmental “feed-forward”  • Why compassion requires action  • How curiosity helps us learn from people who see the world differently  • The restorative and reflective power of wilderness, expeditions, and nature  • The character-building framework of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Pete reminds us that education is not merely preparation for employment. At its best, it helps people imagine the lives they want to lead, the people they hope to become, and the communities they want to help create. The path to flourishing may zigzag—but every meaningful experience, relationship, act of service, and moment of reflection can help us continue moving forward.  Connect & Learn More Outward Bound International - Strengthening Character Through Outdoor Experiential Learning – John Templeton Foundation funded, multi-year global research initiative  Executive Summary Program Video (4 minutes)   The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA Website Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  2. Jul 28

    Episode 64: “The Lost Art of Dying... and Living Well” with Lydia Dugdale, MD

    What if thinking about death could actually help us live more meaningful lives? In this deeply moving episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with physician, medical ethicist, and Columbia University professor Dr. Lydia Dugdale to explore one of life's most universal—and often avoided—topics. Drawing from her acclaimed books Dying in the Twenty-First Century and The Lost Art of Dying, Lydia explains how modern medicine has become remarkably good at prolonging life, while often forgetting the equally important work of helping people prepare for death. Together they discuss: • Why healing is different from curing • The ancient Ars Moriendi ("Art of Dying") • Why community matters at the end of life • Character formation across a lifetime • Medical ethics, healthcare leadership, and virtue • Why remembering our mortality helps us live with greater gratitude, purpose, and love The conversation begins with a remarkable personal connection: both Scott and Lydia's grandfathers flew B-17 bombers over Germany during World War II, leading to a powerful discussion about courage, legacy, and becoming the kind of person others remember. This isn't a conversation about death. It's a conversation about living wisely. Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  3. Jul 21

    Episode 63: “Practical Wisdom: Why Flourishing Is About Becoming, Not Just Achieving” with Professor Blaine Fowers

    What does it really mean to live a good life? Is flourishing simply about happiness, achievement, or well-being… or is it something much deeper? In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Professor Blaine Fowers, one of the world's leading scholars on virtue, practical wisdom (phronesis), courage, and flourishing. Together they explore why modern life often emphasizes techniques and effectiveness while overlooking the importance of character and practical wisdom. They discuss Aristotle's enduring influence, the role of moral courage in leadership, the science of virtue, flourishing measurement, and why becoming a flourishing leader begins with becoming the right kind of person. Whether you're a leader, educator, healthcare professional, coach, researcher, or simply someone seeking to live wisely, this conversation offers timeless insights into what it means to flourish. In this episode you'll discover: Why practical wisdom matters more than technique The difference between physical courage and moral courage What flourishing measures often miss How virtue science is reshaping psychology Why relationships are central to leadership How character is cultivated over a lifetime Flourishing isn't simply something we measure. It's something we practice. Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  4. Jul 14

    Episode 62: “Becoming More Fully Yourself: Vertical Development, Courage, and Flourishing Leadership” with Liz Walker & Dr. Alison Maitland

    What if the greatest barrier to flourishing isn't a lack of talent... ...but believing you need to become someone else? In this inspiring episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Liz Walker and Dr. Alison Maitland, co-founders of Becoming International, for a conversation about leadership, identity, courage, and authentic human growth. Together they explore why flourishing begins not by fixing ourselves, but by becoming more fully who we are uniquely created to be. In this episode you'll discover: Why vertical development transforms leaders from the inside out The difference between adding more skills and growing deeper roots Why courage often comes before confidence How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) informs leadership development The role of curiosity, values, and psychological flexibility in flourishing Why discomfort is often the doorway to meaningful growth How leaders create environments where people flourish rather than simply perform This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about perfection. It's about continual becoming. Whether you're an executive, educator, coach, entrepreneur, student, or lifelong learner, you'll leave encouraged to embrace growth, not by becoming someone different, but by becoming more fully yourself.   Connect & Learn More Becoming International Liz Walker Dr. Alison Maitland Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  5. Jul 7

    Episode 61: “Living Wisely: Stoicism, Character, and the Art of Flourishing” with Professor Massimo Pigliucci

    What does it truly mean to live a flourishing life? In this thought-provoking episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with internationally renowned philosopher Professor Massimo Pigliucci to explore timeless questions about wisdom, character, leadership, and the pursuit of a life well lived. Drawing from Stoicism, Aristotelian virtue ethics, and modern philosophy, Massimo explains why philosophy was never intended to remain inside classrooms or books… it was always meant to help ordinary people live extraordinary lives. Together they discuss: • Why philosophy is a way of life, not simply an academic discipline • The enduring wisdom of Stoicism  • Practical daily habits that cultivate character and flourishing • The Stoic practice of evening reflection • Why true friendship helps us become better people • Purpose, meaning, and living a eudaimonic life • Practical wisdom and leadership • Healthy skepticism, science, and intellectual humility • Why our teachers should inspire us—but never become our masters Whether you're a leader, educator, coach, student, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers practical wisdom you can begin applying today. Because flourishing isn't something we stumble upon... It's something we practice. Connect & Learn More ·       Massimo Pigliucci ·       Massimo writes the Figs in Winter newsletter over at Substack ·       Massimo publishes a regular column in Philosophy Now entitled “The Art of Living” Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  6. Jun 30

    Episode 60: “Noble Purpose: Craft, Character, and the Work That Helps Us Flourish” with Professor Garrett W. Potts

    What if leadership isn't primarily about influence, but about becoming the kind of person who helps others flourish? In this thought-provoking episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Professor Garrett W. Potts for a rich conversation exploring virtue ethics, meaningful work, moral injury, and what it truly means to flourish. Drawing on the philosophy of Aristotle and Alasdair MacIntyre, Garrett challenges many of today's assumptions about leadership and success. Rather than viewing work simply as a means to achievement or personal fulfillment, he argues that our professions can become powerful practices of character formation; Places where we learn to pursue excellence while serving the common good. Together, Garrett, Jason, and Scott explore why flourishing is fundamentally relational, how empathy differs from compassion, why leadership requires care for the whole person, and how communities shape both our character and our capacity for wise leadership. Whether you're leading a business, serving in education, healthcare, government, the military, or simply striving to become a better human being, this conversation offers timeless wisdom for navigating today's complex world. In this episode you'll discover: • Why flourishing is always relational, not merely individual • How work can become a practice of character formation • What Alasdair MacIntyre teaches us about excellence and virtue • The relationship between empathy, compassion, and honest care • Why leaders must care for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit • How moral injury extends beyond the battlefield into everyday organizations • Why community is essential for developing character • How vocation differs from career and why purpose matters • Practical wisdom for becoming the kind of leader who helps others flourish If you've enjoyed conversations with Tom Morris, Michael Lamb, Marvin Berkowitz, Nancy Sherman, Donna Hicks, or Stephen M. R. Covey, you'll love this inspiring discussion with Professor Garrett Potts. Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  7. Jun 23

    Episode 59: “Becoming Better: Character, Moral Growth, and the Future of Higher Education” with Dr. Jennifer Rothschild

    What does it mean to become a better person? And what responsibility do colleges and universities have in helping students develop not only knowledge and skills, but character? In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Dr. Jennifer Rothschild, Executive Director of the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), philosopher, virtue ethicist, and leading voice in character education. Jennifer shares her journey from philosophy to character education, reflects on the influence of Martha Nussbaum and Candace Vogler, explores Aristotle's vision of virtue, and explains why moral growth is ultimately a story of integration and wholeness. The conversation also dives into the exciting future of character education through ECI's Communities of Impact and Character Commons initiatives, which aim to connect educators, institutions, and practitioners around a shared commitment to human flourishing. In this episode: ✅ What flourishing leadership means ✅ The unity of the virtues and moral growth ✅ Aristotle, virtue ethics, and character formation ✅ Why character is always a social story ✅ Hospitality as a leadership practice ✅ The mission of the Educating Character Initiative ✅ Communities of Impact and Character Commons ✅ The future of character education in higher education Whether you are an educator, leader, student, coach, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers profound insights into what it means to grow in wisdom, virtue, and humanity. Learn more about The Educating Character Initiative Learn more about The Program for Character and Leadership  Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

  8. Jun 16

    Episode 58: “Healing the World: Character, Leadership, and the Common Good” with Professor Marvin Berkowitz

    What does it mean to lead a flourishing life rooted in character, purpose, and service? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Professor Marvin Berkowitz, one of the world's foremost scholars in character education and moral development. Drawing on more than forty years of research and leadership, Marvin shares insights from his groundbreaking work on the PRIMED framework, the role leaders play in shaping organizational culture, and why flourishing must extend beyond happiness and effectiveness toward a deeper commitment to the common good. Together, they explore: ✅ What flourishing leadership really means ✅ The Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("healing the world") ✅ Why noble purpose is essential for leadership ✅ How leaders shape the moral culture of organizations ✅ The six principles of the PRIMED framework ✅ Why adult culture matters before student programming ✅ The importance of voice, relationships, and servant leadership ✅ Common mistakes leaders make when implementing character initiatives ✅ Why character and citizenship cannot be separated Whether you're an educator, healthcare leader, military professional, coach, parent, or organizational leader, this conversation offers timeless wisdom about building cultures where people can truly flourish. Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey. Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

See All (66)

Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Flourishing Leaders Podcast Character. Leadership. Human Flourishing. Join Dr. Scott Parsons—retired Army officer, character development leader, and founder of The Flourishing Leaders Academy—for inspiring weekly conversations with influential thinkers, leaders, and changemakers psychology, philosophy, sports, business, and the arts—united by one goal: exploring how we can all lead with character and live flourishing lives. Each episode explores how to lead with character, make ethical decisions, build antifragile teams, and live a flourishing life. Guests share actionable insights on leadership development, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, moral courage, and practical wisdom—essential traits for today’s purpose-driven professionals. Join us as we dive into timeless wisdom and cutting-edge science to uncover strategies for ethical leadership, virtue cultivation, and living with purpose. Guests include Brian Johnson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Sean Casey, Caroline Adams Miller, Kristján Kristjánsson, and many more. Perfect for coaches, educators, executives, healthcare leaders, and lifelong learners, The Flourishing Leaders Podcast is your go-to resource for cultivating strong values, navigating complexity, and unlocking human potential. Listen every week to grow as a leader—and help others flourish too. #Leadership #LeaderDevelopment #CharacterDevelopment #CharacterEducation #PositivePsychology #Flourishing #VirtueEthics #Virtue #Areté #Arete #Phronesis #PracticalWisdom #Wisdom #Coaching #EthicalLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Heroic #Antifragile #Antifragility #Purpose #GrowthMindset #WellBeing #Well-Being

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Parsons
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Flourishing Leaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    Flourishing Leaders Podcast

You Might Also Like