Living On The Edge of Chaos

ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/] Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/2134 Resources Referenced in Podcast * Book referenced in podcast: The Net and the Butterfly [https://www.amazon.com/Net-Butterfly-Practice-Breakthrough-Thinking/dp/1591847192] * Podcast 213: Tools, Totems, and Totalities [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/213-2/] Learn More & Connect: Learn more about Steven: www.TheSukha.co/media [https://www.TheSukha.co/media] Community: Join over 34K members at The Sukha [https://www.thesukha.co/] Instagram: @the_sukha_co [https://www.instagram.com/the_sukha_co/] Twitter/X: @stevenpuri [https://twitter.com/stevenpuri]   WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT This is not your typical education or leadership interview. This conversation has us chatting about: How Hollywood taught Steven the true art of collaboration The myth of “just work harder” and why outcomes and not hours matter most His “Two-Problem Creativity” strategy and what neuroscience reveals about ideas in the shower The power of having dedicated spaces and rituals to unlock deep work Why being bored is essential for creativity and how education might be missing this entirely What Transformers and middle school students have in common when it comes to learning environments Why the culture you build in teams, families, or classrooms matters more than any productivity app > “If you give someone one thing to work on, they’ll overthink it. But give them a second task and the creativity starts to breathe. It’s always about the other thing.” – Steven Puri (modified from the convo) WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS Steven brings a rare blend of technical depth, storytelling mastery, and raw honesty. He talks candidly about failure, what he learned from Hollywood burnout, and why he believes today's generation is at risk of having their lives stolen by the scroll. For educators, this episode offers real-world insight into how to design space for curiosity, not just content delivery. And for leaders, it's a reminder that trust, clarity, and mission-driven work beat micromanagement every time. If you're a teacher, creator, parent, or just someone navigating the chaos of modern work and life this episode will shift how you think about focus, learning, and growth. RESOURCES MENTIONED The Sukha – https://www.thesukha.co [https://www.thesukha.co] Join The Sukha community [https://www.thesukha.co] – 34K+ members and counting Book: The Net and the Butterfly [https://www.amazon.com/Net-Butterfly-Practice-Breakthrough-Thinking/dp/1591847192] by Olivia Fox Cabane and Judah Pollack Related Episode: Podcast 213: Tools, Totems, and Totalities [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/213-2/] Follow Steven: Instagram: @the_sukha_co [https://instagram.com/the_sukha_co] Twitter/X: @stevenpuri [https://twitter.com/stevenpuri] Media + bio: www.thesukha.co/media [https://www.thesukha.co/media] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:01] Steven’s Hollywood-to-tech origin story [00:09] Why creativity is never “on demand” and how boredom fuels innovation [00:15] The “two-problem” rule for creativity & the neuroscience of distraction [00:22] Designing remote teams around flow, not control [00:30] Culture, mission, and what makes people actually show up [00:38] How education and corporate systems both crush curiosity and what we can do about it ONE FINAL THOUGHT > “Productivity isn’t about squeezing more out of your day—it’s about creating space for what really matters. Including your life.” – Steven Puri (modified from the convo)

What We Talk About: Why “technology” means more than just tools The role of totems in identity (think: cars, smartphones, fashion tech) How totalities define entire systems in education and society The enchantment of technology—and how it competes with human connection AI as artificial “ignorance” and the narrowing of imagination The lost art of boredom and its role in creativity What convivial design looks like in daily life (yes, the family dinner table!) Practical takeaways for teachers, parents, and anyone seeking digital balance Key Takeaway: This episode is a reminder to educators and humans alike: if we want deeper learning, richer relationships, and authentic joy, we must intentionally create space for boredom, presence, and human connection. * Technology is more than tools as it also shapes identity and entire systems. * Conviviality (connection and community) is a powerful counterforce to tech hegemony. * Educators should challenge assumptions that students are digital natives. * We must create space for boredom, listening, and authentic face-to-face human interaction. * AI may reduce imagination by boxing in our thinking and we must stay aware of its limitations. * Reflection and reconnection found as time around a dinner table or time in nature can reset our human values. Buy the book Tools, Totems, and Totalities and explore the deeper social and cultural dimensions of technology. Reach out to Dr. Batteau at a.batteau@wayne.edu for further conversation.   Dr. Allen Batteau Bio: Allen W. Batteau, PhD is a cultural anthropologist, professor at Wayne State University's Department of Anthropology, and former director of the University's Institute for Information Technology and Culture. He is the author of The Anthropology of Aviation and Flight Safety (2001), Anthropological Approaches to Culture, Aviation, and Flight Safety (2002, and numerous other books and articles including Technology and the Common Good in a Democratic Society (2020). A certified private pilot, his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the US Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-ministration, and numerous other corporate and international bodies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/] Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/212/ YOUTUBE TAKEAWAYS Authentic learning is about process, not polish. Messy work is real work. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to reconnect with what matters in learning. Students need to see themselves in their work and communities. Teachers are not meant to be the sole experts—bring in community voices. There’s power in learning “out loud” and sharing what we don’t know. Start with tiny experiments and let curiosity lead. Real change in schools begins with relationships and relevance. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro to Laura Williams and Authentic Learning 04:38 - What Does “Authentic” Really Mean in Education? 08:22 - Lessons from Educator Partnerships 12:10 - Connecting Students with Community Experts 16:55 - Project-Based Learning Without Perfection 21:43 - Barriers to Authenticity in School Systems 26:02 - Starting with Tiny Experiments 29:11 - The Role of Curiosity and Student Voice 33:45 - Bringing the Public into the Classroom 37:19 - Tools, Frameworks, and First Steps for Teachers 42:00 - Final Reflections and Where to Learn More RESOURCES Authentic Learning Alliance [http://www.authenticlearningalliance.org/] Join the Network [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXe9SSzaG6Fh7Yq_kQZS7TRI66dOGW9q1vATw7H0Wv5Ugp9w/viewform] Her book, The Improvement Game [https://www.theimprovementgame.com/] Follow Laura: @mrswilliams21c [https://www.instagram.com/mrswilliams21c/] on IG, X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok

ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/] Direct Link to This Episode:  YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.be TAKEAWAYS Focus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness. ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation. Productivity must include mental health, not come at the cost of it. Transitions—into university, new careers, or independent learning—can be overwhelming without support systems. Reflective practices, safe spaces, and collaborative environments are essential for real learning and growth. Understanding the why behind distraction helps build better habits and not just guilt cycles. Psychologically informed practices help students and professionals reclaim autonomy in high-demand environments. Burnout often stems from mismatched expectations and lack of recovery. Compassionate teaching starts with giving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and realign. CHAPTERS 00:00 Alicia’s Journey into Psychology and Education 06:00 Applying content from Tiny Experiments into her practice 12:30 Focus & Excitement for Learning, 14:00 Power of Vulnerable Spaces and Moving Into Education Spaces 17:30 Procrastination? 20:00 Burnout in High-Pressure Academic and Workplace Settings 24:55 Building Systems That Align With Wellbeing 31:00 Cell Phones In Classrooms 36:00 Less Tolerance For Boredom 39:00 Final Thoughts and Ideas Worth Sharing 43:00 Misconceptions of Engaged vs. Learning and the Perception of Either   RESOURCES Alicia Peña Bizama Website [https://aliciapenabizama.com] Tiny Experiments [https://nesslabs.com/book] * Podcast 210 [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/210/] where I speak with author of Tiny Experiments and founder of Ness Labs Upcoming Sessions with Alicia Understanding ADHD and Strategies to Improve Focus and Productivity Friday 09.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK time Monday 12.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK time Check Eventbrite or her website for registration [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-adhd-strategies-to-improve-focus-and-productivity-tickets-1323890434929?aff=oddtdtcreator] Aaron’s Full Podcast Archive [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/]

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/] Direct Link to This Episode: www.coffeeforthebrain.com/210 YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0arJOqDbE  TAKEAWAYS Linear goal-setting can trap us in burnout and a deficit mindset. Learning and growth are nonlinear—curiosity and experimentation create deeper impact. Traditional definitions of success often limit creativity and autonomy. Tiny experiments help reclaim control, joy, and discovery in our personal and professional lives. The education system can benefit from embracing experimentation over rigid outcomes. Community and conversation are powerful tools for mental health and learning. Neuroscience helps explain why curiosity and self-compassion are crucial for sustainable progress. Instead of obsessing over perfection, we can focus on consistent iteration and playful learning. Self-defined success leads to healthier productivity and long-term well-being. Educators and knowledge workers alike need safe, brave spaces to question norms and try new paths. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome + Introduction of Anne-Laure 03:10 Linear Thinking vs. Nonlinear Exploration 06:15 Anne-Laure's Shift from Corporate Life to Purpose-Driven Curiosity 10:50 The Origins of Tiny Experiments 14:20 Power of Community and Learning in Public 2o:45 Neuroscience of Learning and Curiosity with Plus, Minus, Next 26:00 The Beauty of New Learning With Published Book 30:30 How to Start a Tiny Experiment Today Educators as Explorers, Not Just Executors RESOURCES Ness Labs Community [https://community.nesslabs.com/feed] Tiny Experiments: A Book by Anne-Laure Le Cunff [https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Experiments-Freely-Goal-Obsessed-World/dp/0593715136] * Book website [https://nesslabs.com/book] Anne-Laure’s Keynote at SXSW [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCIT1L5muoQ&t=1002s] Anne-Laure on Twitter/X [https://x.com/neuranne] Aaron’s Full Podcast Archive [https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/] *