Thrivology Lab: The science, philosophy, and practice of thriving

#29 Dealing with the Winter Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Title: Dealing with the Winter Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Date: 2/4/26 Name of podcast: Thrivology Lab Episode title and number: #29 Dealing with the Winter Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Brief summary of episode: In this episode we talk about the winter blues, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We discuss how common it is, as well as how it differs by location and gender. We also review evidence-based treatments for SAD. Bullet points of key topics + chapter markers Topic #1 [0:00] Intro. Topic #2 [1:30] Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Topic #3 [8:00] How common is SAD? Topic #4 [13:40] Evolutionary root of SAD? Topic #5 [22:00] Comorbidity of SAD with other mental health issues Topic #6 [23:00] Circadian rhythm and SAD Topic #7 [28:00] Bright Light Therapy Topic #8 [37:00] Exercise and SAD Topic #9 [41:00] Reflection challenge References & Resources: - https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/research/clinics-and-programs/winter-depression/ [https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/research/clinics-and-programs/winter-depression/] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003552120300832 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003552120300832] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987704004013?via%3Dihub [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987704004013?via%3Dihub] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab] Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab [https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab] Email us: ThrivologyLab@gmail.com [ThrivologyLab@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]

#28 Is Mindful Democracy the Solution? An interview with Jeremy Engels

Title: Is Mindful Democracy the Solution? An interview with Jeremy Engels Date: 11/26/25 Name of podcast: Thrivology Lab Episode title and number: #28 Is Mindful Democracy the Solution? An interview with Jeremy Engels Brief summary of episode: In this episode we talk with scholar Jeremy Engels about his forthcoming book, On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of Interdependence to Mind a Fractured World. Could it be the solution to the democratic dysfunction we see around us? Tune in to find out! Bullet points of key topics + chapter markers Topic #1 [0:00] Intro. Topic #2 [2:30] What is Mindful Democracy? Topic #3 [8:00] What inspired you to write this book now? Topic #4 [10:00] The politics of resentment and blame Topic #5 [14:00] Make good use of your suffering, No mud No lotus Topic #6 [21:00] The only way out is in. How do we manage this difficult time? Topic #7 [27:00] Five agreements to ground us when talking about controversial issues Topic #8 [34:00] Civic education: what is needed? Topic #9 [40:00] Friendship vs Enemyship Topic #10 [48:00] Your connection with Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village? References & Resources: https://cas.la.psu.edu/people/jeremy-engels/ [https://cas.la.psu.edu/people/jeremy-engels/] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/804671/on-mindful-democracy-by-jeremy-engels/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/804671/on-mindful-democracy-by-jeremy-engels/] https://plumvillage.org/ [https://plumvillage.org/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab] Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab [https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab] Email us: ThrivologyLab@gmail.com [ThrivologyLab@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]

#27 What is Tai Chi? Interview with Daniel Chadud

Title: What is Tai Chi? Interview with Daniel Chadud Date: 11/12/25 Name of podcast: Thrivology Lab Episode title and number: #27 What is Tai Chi? Interview with Daniel Chadud Brief summary of episode: In this episode we talk about Tai Chi (Taiji) and QiGong with Daniel Chadud, South America Regional Director for Yang’s Martial Arts Association. Daniel is a disciple of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, one of the foremost international experts on Chinese Martial arts and Qigong. Tai Chi (Taiji) is a nature-based philosophy and movement practice. Bullet points of key topics + chapter markers Topic #1 [0:00] Intro. Topic #2 [4:00] What is Tai Chi (Taiji)? Tai Chi as nature-based philosophy. Topic #3 [15:00] What is Ying-Yang and what is the connection with Tai Chi? Topic #4 [20:00] Free from the matrix: Four stages to freedom Topic #5 [32:50] The archer Topic #6 [39:00] Listen and follow Topic #7 [48:50] Learn to feel the yin, the yang, and the balance References & Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@NewendaoYMAA [https://www.youtube.com/@NewendaoYMAA] https://www.newendao.com [https://www.newendao.com] https://ymaainternational.com [https://ymaainternational.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab] Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab [https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab] Email us: ThrivologyLab@gmail.com [ThrivologyLab@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]

#26 Chinese Qigong: Interview with Qigong Master David Silver

Title: Chinese Qigong: Interview with Qigong Master David Silver Date: 10/15/25 Name of podcast: Thrivology Lab Episode title and number: #26 Chinese Qigong: Interview with Qigong Master David Silver Brief summary of episode: In this episode we talk Chinese Qigong with Qigong Master David Silver. Qigong is a Chinese form of meditation that is also practiced as part of Tai Chi. Bullet points of key topics + chapter markers Topic #1 [0:00] Intro. And the Lou Reed Story Topic #2 [11:55] What is QIgong? Topic #3 [17:00] Qigong’s relationship with Buddhist Mindfulness practices and science Topic #4 [25:00] Qigong vs Tai Chi (Taiji) Topic #5 [34:00] Meeting Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming Topic #6 [41:00] A step-by-step Qigong practice: Four Gates Qigong Topic #7 [50:00] Learning to feel Chi and deepening your practice References & Resources: https://ymaa.com/publishing/app/tai-chi-qigong [https://ymaa.com/publishing/app/tai-chi-qigong] https://ymaa.com/articles/history/history-qigong [https://ymaa.com/articles/history/history-qigong] https://ymaa.com/publishing/book/tai-chi-qigong-hardcover [https://ymaa.com/publishing/book/tai-chi-qigong-hardcover] https://ymaa.com/articles/qigong-meditation/definition-qi [https://ymaa.com/articles/qigong-meditation/definition-qi] https://ymaa.com/publishing/book/qigong-meditation-embryonic-breathing-foundation-internal-elixir-cultivation-2nd-ed [https://ymaa.com/publishing/book/qigong-meditation-embryonic-breathing-foundation-internal-elixir-cultivation-2nd-ed] https://www.holdenqigong.com [https://www.holdenqigong.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab] Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab [https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab] Email us: ThrivologyLab@gmail.com [ThrivologyLab@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]

#25 Finding Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Title: Finding Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience Date: 9/10/25 Name of podcast: Thrivology Lab Episode title and number: #25 Finding Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience Brief summary of episode: In this episode we talk flow, the psychology state of optimal experience. What is it and how do you find it? Bullet points of key topics + chapter markers Topic #1 [0:00] Intro. Topic #2 [4:00] What is Flow? Topic #3 [14:00] Activities that promote flow Topic #4 [23:00] Benefits of the flow state Topic #5 [27 :00] The flow cycle and the necessity of struggle Topic #6 [36:00] Why deliberate practice and skill development are needed for flow References & Resources: Maslow, Abraham. (1962). Lessons from the peak-experiences. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2(1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/002216786200200102 [https://doi.org/10.1177/002216786200200102] Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66354.Flow [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66354.Flow] Keller, J., & Landhäußer, A. (2012). The flow model revisited. In S. Engeser (Ed.), Advances in flow research (pp. 51–64). Springer Science + Business Media. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1007/978-1-4614-2359-1_3https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2359-1_3 [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2359-1_3] Kotler, S. (2021). The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer. New York: Harper Wavehttps:// [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50209348-the-art-of-impossible]www.goodreads.com/book/show/50209348-the-art-of-impossible [http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50209348-the-art-of-impossible] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivologyLab] Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab [https://rss.com/podcasts/thrivologylab] Email us: ThrivologyLab@gmail.com [ThrivologyLab@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563253955910&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thrivologylab?igsh=MXB0cmhkYWM4cXB2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]