The Existential Playbook: How to Make Sense of Your Life | Dr. Steve Heine

What does it mean to live a meaningful life? Dr. Steve Heine, cultural psychologist and author of Start Making Sense, joins us in exploring why existential anxiety is rising and how we can cultivate deeper connections in a disconnected world. He breaks down the four pillars of a meaningful life (relationships, community, work, and spirituality), and why they’ve faced some difficult pushback in recent generations.

We discuss the surprising ways our brains rationalize life choices, the role of storytelling in shaping our identity, and the existentialist idea that embracing uncertainty is the key to fulfillment. Dr. Heine introduces us to the “meaning audit” and how using practical tools can help us assess and strengthen the different dimensions of meaning in our lives.

Whether you’re searching for purpose, rethinking your career, or simply looking for ways to feel more connected, this episode offers insightful strategies rooted in psychology and philosophy. Plus, Tim manages as always to turn the conversation towards music, and we learn how the Talking Heads almost influenced the title of Steve’s book.

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