Food, Farm, and Family: How to Cultivate a Life of Pure Joy

Food, Farm, and Family: How to Cultivate a Life of Pure Joy

In this episode, we sit down with former Gourmet magazine chef Ian Knauer to explore his inspiring transition from a high-stress Wall Street career to how he and his wife are creating a soulful, slower pace of life at the Roots to River Farm. Ian shares how he and his family transformed a sudden career setback into a flourishing community hub centered on sustainable farming, world-class cooking classes, and the simple joy of a shared meal. Listeners will discover how to recognize your own "lucky moments," embrace the tenacity needed for a major pivot, and find a deeper sense of zest by doing what you truly love.

Desperately Alone At the Top: Why Leaders Need a Bridge to Joy, Not Just a Ladder

In this episode, seasoned leadership coach and former CEO Alison Godfrey explores the profound isolation often felt at the executive level and why the relentless climb up the corporate ladder can lead to a disconnect from one's true identity. You’ll discover how to move beyond the "archaeology" of the past to build an architectural bridge toward your future, using self-regulation and body awareness to navigate high-pressure environments without losing your zest. Coach Alison shares how to integrate your professional and personal worlds into one fulfilling life, proving that the ultimate goal of leadership isn't just a title—it’s finding the joy that makes getting out of bed every morning worthwhile.

Questioning Presidents, Learning from Sons: Ben Feller on Finding Ultimate Perspective

In this episode, former Associated Press White House correspondent Ben Feller shares how he traded the high-pressure world of presidential reporting for a more grounded, fulfilling life as a strategic consultant and author. He explains how a simple question from his young son, Sam, inspired a children’s book and completely reframed his understanding of "big problems versus little problems" in both business and parenting. Through a candid discussion on vulnerability and identity, Ben offers seasoned professionals a roadmap for finding peace beyond the corporate grind and rediscovering joy in the moments that truly matter.

Sensibility and Strategy: Discovering Joy through Jane Austen, the Law, and Legos

What does a well-respected lawyer have in common with a 19th-century novelist and a thousand-piece Lego set? As it turns out, quite a lot. In this episode of Zest for More, hosts Alison Woo and Gwynne Oosterbaan sit down with Paul Savidge, a true "Renaissance man" who has spent his career navigating the complex world of healthcare law while simultaneously cultivating a rich "passion list." If you’ve ever felt like your identity is too wrapped up in your job title, Paul’s story is a masterclass in how to build a life that is as strategically sound as it is joyful.

Zest for More Podcast Trailer

Hosts Alison Woo and Gwynne Oosterbaan welcome listeners to Season One of the Zest for More: Finding Joy Beyond Your Job podcast. They provide an overview of some of the season's first set of guests.