Mind the Gap
By: Michael Comyn
Language: en
Categories: Education, Self Improvement, Business, Health, Fitness, Mental, Management
Welcome to “Mind the Gap,” the podcast where ancient wisdom and modern emotional intelligence converge. I’m Michael Comyn, and with nearly 40 years of experience in emotional intelligence, I’m excited to bring you this exploration of how Stoic philosophy can illuminate our contemporary challenges. You might also recognise my voice from a different context—I’ve been the one reminding passengers to “Mind the Gap” on public transport across Ireland for the past 25 years. It’s a phrase that has taken on a new meaning in this podcast, as we explore the gap between our emotions and reality. In each episode, we’l...
Episodes
Living in Permanent Alert Mode
Jan 10, 2026Why do so many people feel exhausted even when nothing obvious is wrong?
In this opening episode of Season 4 of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores what it means to live in permanent alert mode, a state of constant urgency driven by 24-hour news cycles, notifications, and global uncertainty.
This episode looks at how the human nervous system reacts to modern life, why being informed is not the same as being emotionally overloaded, and how chronic low-grade stress quietly shapes our thinking, relationships, and leadership.
Drawing on emotional intelligence, psychology, and neuroscience, Michael...
Duration: 00:09:48Coming Soon Season 4
Jan 02, 2026Season Four moves beyond reaction and into reflection. It explores what sits beneath our emotions, how we make sense of experience, and why understanding our inner world matters in everyday life and leadership.
No quick fixes.
No noise.
Just thoughtful conversations grounded in emotional intelligence and lived experience.
Mind the Gap. Season Four begins soon.
Duration: 00:00:38The Pause Between Years
Dec 06, 2025In this special December episode of Mind the Gap, Michael reflects on the emotional landscape of the holiday season. For many, December is joyful and full of celebration. For others, it carries sadness, memory, and the quiet ache of missing someone who was here last year but is not here this year. Both experiences deserve space.
Through the simple ritual of putting up and taking down decorations, Michael explores the silence that appears in early January, a silence that offers honesty, clarity, and a gentle emotional reset for the year ahead. Drawing on insights from emotional intelligence...
Duration: 00:08:22The Emotional Recession
Nov 29, 2025In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael reflects on a small moment in a bank queue that reveals a much larger shift in how we connect. As more organisations encourage us to use apps and digital services instead of speaking to real people, something subtle is happening beneath the surface.
Drawing on recent research from almost seventeen thousand young adults, a global dataset of twenty-eight thousand people across one hundred and sixty-six countries, and long-term trends in emotional intelligence studies, Michael explores what experts are now calling an emotional recession. The conversation looks at how declining...
Duration: 00:09:17The Stories Others Tell About Us
Nov 22, 2025In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores how the stories others place on us can quietly shape the direction of our lives. A simple comment, a casual label, or a reputation formed years ago can become a route we follow without ever stopping to question whether it was ours to begin with.
Using the quiet landscape of Limerick Junction as a metaphor for moments of choice, Michael reflects on how emotional intelligence and Stoic thought can help us pause, reconsider our direction, and choose a story that truly fits who we are today.
...
Duration: 00:09:11Hearing What Is Never Said
Nov 15, 2025In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the hidden layers of communication that sit beneath the words we speak. Tone, timing, silence and posture often tell the true story long before language ever arrives.
Drawing inspiration from the first chapter of his upcoming book Between the Lines, Michael invites us to notice the subtle signals that shape our conversations and influence our relationships.
This episode asks an important question. Are we responding to the words someone uses or to the meaning they are trying to express underneath? When we slow down and listen...
Duration: 00:09:52Hanlon’s Razor: It’s Probably Not About You
Nov 08, 2025We’ve all done it — assumed the worst about someone else’s actions.
The colleague who doesn’t reply, the driver who cuts across, the friend who forgets. It’s easy to think they meant to hurt or ignore us. But what if most of it isn’t personal at all?
This week, Michael Comyn explores Hanlon’s Razor, the simple rule that reminds us not to attribute to malice what can be explained by misunderstanding, distraction, or human error. Drawing on Stoic wisdom, emotional intelligence, and his own experience in live broadcasting, Michael reflec...
Duration: 00:10:42The Barriers in the Tunnel: How Limiting Beliefs Hide the Light Ahead
Nov 02, 2025There is a moment on every journey when the light fades and the world outside disappears. The train slips into a tunnel, and for a few seconds, it feels as if everything has stopped. Yet even in the dark, the train keeps moving.
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn delves into the quiet power of limiting beliefs, those inner convictions that tell us what we cannot do or who we cannot be. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence, he examines how these beliefs take hold, how they narrow our vision, and...
Duration: 00:10:20The Faces We Wear
Oct 25, 2025In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn continues the journey through his book The Next Station Is… — turning from the tickets we carry to the masks we wear.
At any given moment, each of us plays a role: the Hero chasing the next challenge, the Caregiver holding everything together, the Ruler keeping control, or the Seeker searching for something just beyond reach. Drawing on Carl Jung’s concept of archetypes, Stoic philosophy, and emotional intelligence, Michael explores how these faces shape our choices — and how they can quietly keep us from stepping off when life offers a...
Duration: 00:11:09Season 3, Episode 1: “The Ticket We Carry”
Oct 18, 2025In the opening episode of Season 3, Michael Comyn introduces The Next Station Is… — a new season of Mind the Gap inspired by his latest book.
Standing on a railway platform one winter morning, Michael reflects on how so many of us travel through life on tickets written long before we learn to choose our own destinations. Drawing on the work of psychiatrist Eric Berne and the Stoic wisdom of Epictetus, he explores the “life scripts” we inherit — the quiet rules and expectations that shape our choices, our confidence, and the stops we miss along the way.
This epi...
Duration: 00:10:25From Half-Arsed to Whole-Hearted
Sep 14, 2025Why do so many people start their working lives with energy and enthusiasm, only to end up doing the bare minimum? Cabin crew once said they loved meeting people. Nurses spoke of healing. Teachers dreamed of inspiring. Yet, years later, many are drained, disengaged, and doing what appears to be half-hearted work.
In this episode of Echoes from the Margin, Michael Comyn asks what really happened. Is it laziness, or is it the natural response to poor leadership, lack of psychological safety, and systems that grind people down? Drawing on Stoic thought, Daoist wisdom, Confucian duty, and...
Duration: 00:11:59“When Trust Becomes a Trap”
Sep 13, 2025Even the sharpest minds can be fooled — not because we are careless, but because con artists know how to pull the emotional levers that make us human. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores how scams old and new trick us into lowering our guard, from the classic infomercials that promised six-packs in six weeks to today’s deepfakes that use familiar faces and voices to convince us to click.
You’ll hear why trust can become a trap, how urgency, flattery, and hope can override logic, and why emotional intelligence is one of our best t...
Duration: 00:10:12When the Centre Doesn’t Hold: Finding Steadiness in a Divided World
Sep 06, 2025In a world that demands you choose sides, what happens when you no longer recognise the middle ground?
In this month’s Echoes from the Margins, the monthly companion to Mind the Gap (now in its second season), Michael Comyn reflects on life when the centre no longer holds — in politics, in community, and within ourselves.
From Yeats’ haunting words to ancient Chinese philosophy, from Arabic wisdom to modern psychology, this episode explores how binary thinking has pushed us apart, and why nuance and balance have become rare. Michael invites you to step away from the no...
Duration: 00:08:04Faithful or Traitor? Understanding Betrayal in Work and Life
Sep 06, 2025Betrayal cuts deep, whether it’s a colleague taking credit for your work, a promised promotion that never arrives, or the quiet exclusion from a team. Inspired by the hit television series The Traitors, this episode of Mind the Gap explores how we respond when trust is broken.
Michael Comyn unpacks the sting of betrayal in both personal and professional life, weaving together insights from philosophy, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence. Are we too quick to label others as traitors? And what does it really mean to be faithful in a world where loyalty is tested daily?
... Duration: 00:11:51Bonus Episode: Michael Comyn on The Late Lunch with Gerry Kelly
Aug 31, 2025In this special bonus edition of Mind the Gap, you’ll hear Michael Comyn in conversation with Gerry Kelly on LMFM’s The Late Lunch. Together, they discuss the book that now accompanies the podcast, how it came to life, and the ideas it explores.
The book Mind the Gap gathers many of the themes shared here each week, blending philosophy, emotional intelligence, and personal reflection in a way that invites you to pause and think differently.
Tune in to this behind-the-scenes conversation and discover how the book and podcast work hand in hand.
`T...
Duration: 00:19:43Why We Slow for Blue Lights but Stop for Our Values
Aug 30, 2025Why do we ease off the accelerator when we spot a Garda car, but never dream of driving home after a few pints? One is the fear of punishment. The other is a shift in values. That contrast is the difference between power and influence.
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores why power bends behaviour only in the moment, while influence reshapes belief for the long term. From speed limits to the cultural transformation around drink driving, the discussion weaves together Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power, the wisdom of the Stoics, and in...
Duration: 00:13:08The Mask We Wear at Work
Aug 23, 2025Episode Summary:
Every workplace has its masks. For some, it’s the “work face” we put on each morning to look confident or composed. For others, it’s much deeper — hiding a class background, a sexual orientation, or a neurodiverse identity to feel safe.
In this episode, Michael Comyn explores the hidden cost of wearing masks at work. Drawing on the idea of emotional labour from sociologist Arlie Hochschild, he reflects on the difference between surface acting and deep acting, the pressures created by DEI policies, and how authenticity and emotional intelligence can help us cr...
Duration: 00:11:05You’re Not the Weather
Aug 16, 2025Your emotions are real, but they are not you. In this episode, Michael Comyn explores the difference between what we feel and who we are, and how to notice emotions without letting them take over.
Drawing on emotional intelligence, psychology, and coaching insights, Michael reflects on the brain’s tendency to react before we think, and how to step back, see the bigger picture, and remember that moods pass — like weather across the sky.
It’s a conversation about presence, perspective, and the calm that comes when we remember that we are more than the moment...
Duration: 00:08:07Mind the Gap – A Minor Mood
Aug 09, 2025Episode Summary:
There’s a certain kind of silence that lives in a classical music studio — not the absence of sound, but the presence of feeling. In this episode, Michael reflects on his years as a classical music presenter and the quiet, emotional truths that lie within music.
From the grief and beauty of Barber’s Adagio for Strings to the joy of Mozart’s Horn Concerto, the cosmic uplift of Holst’s The Planets, and the playful delight of Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, this episode explores how music helps us access, regul...
Duration: 00:09:12Kindness Is a Leadership Skill
Aug 02, 2025In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the often misunderstood virtue of kindness, not as a soft option but as a core leadership skill.
Drawing on emotional intelligence and real-world leadership experience, Michael challenges the notion that kindness is a sign of weakness.
Whether it means offering honest feedback with compassion, setting boundaries without hostility, or treating ourselves with gentleness during difficult times, kindness reveals strength, not fragility. It fosters trust, earns respect, and creates an environment for others to thrive.
You’ll hear how kindness can be decisive, discerning, an...
Duration: 00:11:11Season Two Begins: From the Stoics to Emotional Intelligence
Jul 26, 2025In this pivotal episode of Mind the Gap, host Michael Comyn marks the beginning of Season Two with a thoughtful shift in focus, from the ancient wisdom of the Stoics to the modern science of Emotional Intelligence.
Why pivot now? Because life is constantly changing, so should our perspective.
Stoicism offered a powerful foundation, emphasising perception, control, and resilience. Emotional Intelligence builds on that with tools for navigating today’s fast-paced, emotionally complex world.
Michael revisits his discovery of Stoicism while running fear-of-flying courses, and connects that experience to the early science of Em...
Duration: 00:08:56Stoic Portraits: Musonius Rufus, the Practical Philosopher
Jul 25, 2025Known as the teacher of Epictetus, Musonius Rufus was much more than a footnote in Stoic history. In this bonus Stoic Portrait, we meet a voice of quiet rebellion. Exiled more than once by emperors, Musonius insisted that philosophy must be lived, not just spoken. He taught that self-discipline builds strength, that discomfort trains the soul, and that women deserve an equal education in reason and virtue.
This five-minute reflection examines how Musonius applied Stoic principles to everyday life, including food, marriage, work, and hardship. His lessons remain startlingly modern and deeply humane.
What...
Duration: 00:02:51Stoic Portraits: Cleanthes, the Boxer Philosopher
Jul 25, 2025He carried water by night and wisdom by day. In this bonus Stoic Portrait, we meet Cleanthes, the second head of the Stoic school and a man who believed action mattered more than eloquence. A former boxer and labourer, Cleanthes lived the Stoic life long before he taught it. His quiet endurance, devotion to learning, and hymn to the rational order of the universe offer a reminder that Stoicism is not about prestige, but persistence.
This short episode offers a reflection on how discipline, silence, and steadfast character shaped a philosopher we rarely quote, but should never...
Duration: 00:03:04Bonus Episode: Letters to the Living – Seneca
Jul 20, 2025How do you live wisely in a world that rewards ambition but punishes honesty?
In this five-minute reflection, Michael Comyn explores the contradictions and clarity of Seneca, the Roman statesman who advised emperors, amassed wealth, and still warned us not to waste a single moment.
Through his letters, Seneca teaches not perfection, but progress. Not isolation, but inward retreat. His message is clear: life is short, not because of time, but because of how we spend it.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll get to that later,” this episode is your gentle r...
Duration: 00:03:57The Case for Stoicism: Beyond the Stereotypes
Jul 19, 2025Is Stoicism just a cold refusal to feel? A productivity trend for tech bros? A philosophy of passive acceptance? In this thoughtful and personal episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn tackles the most common criticisms of Stoicism and shares the story of how he first discovered it while helping people overcome their fear of flying.
From the turbulence of anxious minds to the quiet clarity of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, Michael explores what Stoicism offers: not detachment, but steadiness. Not indifference, but dignity. And certainly not an excuse to do nothing.
Drawing on ancient...
Duration: 00:11:43Bonus Episode: The Emperor’s Journal – Marcus Aurelius
Jul 18, 2025Mind the Gap: Stoic Portraits – Season One
What does a Roman emperor write to himself when no one else is meant to read it?
In this five-minute episode, Michael Comyn reflects on the inner world of Marcus Aurelius—Stoic philosopher, reluctant ruler, and author of Meditations, a private diary that became a timeless guide to clarity, calm, and self-command.
As the world around him unravelled, Marcus turned inward, not to escape, but to anchor. This portrait reveals how his quiet discipline speaks across centuries, offering strength not through dominance, but through restraint.
Fo...
Duration: 00:03:50Bonus Episode: Stillness in Shackles – Who was Epictetus?
Jul 15, 2025Mind the Gap: Stoic Portraits – Season One
What can a man born into slavery teach us about inner freedom?
In this five-minute reflection, Michael Comyn explores the life and legacy of Epictetus—the Stoic philosopher who had no control over his body, his birthplace, or his master… but refused to surrender his mind.
From radical acceptance to the discipline of emotional clarity, this episode distils Epictetus’ most powerful ideas and shows how they apply to the noise, stress, and uncertainty of modern life.
Whether you’re facing frustration, doubt, or just a crowded...
Duration: 00:04:40Contact Isn’t Connection
Jul 12, 2025We live in a world of constant pings, notifications, and endless scrolls. Yet for many, the phone doesn’t ring, the inbox is quiet, and the silence can feel heavy.
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the difference between contact and connection, weaving in Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology to understand why so many feel lonely even while surrounded by people or devices.
Michael shares reflections on why he rarely feels lonely, the difference between solitude and loneliness, and how age, gender, and relationship status can shape the experience of lo...
Duration: 00:09:55The Power Beneath the Silence
Jul 11, 2025In this special bonus episode, we share the debut of Echoes from the Margin here on Mind the Gap.
We turn down the noise to tune in more deeply, exploring the quiet strength found in humility, restraint, and presence. Drawing from Stoic thought, Indigenous wisdom, and timeless traditions from East and West, we reflect on what it means to lead, to influence, and to live—not through force, but through quiet clarity.
Because sometimes, the most powerful truths aren’t shouted. They’re simply lived.
In this episode:
• Why true wis...
Duration: 00:10:10“Always On: The Tyranny of Instant Response”
Jul 05, 2025Have you ever felt chained to your phone, answering every message, every call, every ping—immediately? Michael shares a personal revelation on how the demand for instant replies has become a modern tyranny, shaping our anxiety, our relationships, and even our sense of self-worth.
From missed calls that led to €300 fines to the quiet fear of being unreachable when someone needs us, this episode explores why we struggle to pause, and what the Stoics, emotional intelligence, and modern thinkers might teach us about reclaiming our time.
Because sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is wait...
Duration: 00:11:19Letters Never Sent
Jul 03, 2025In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we share a reflective conversation from our companion series, Echoes from the Margins.
Have you ever drafted a message you never sent, or replayed words you never spoke aloud? This episode, Letters Never Sent, explores the unspoken truths we carry: the letters tucked away, the messages deleted, the conversations rehearsed but left unspoken.
Through gentle storytelling, Stoic insights, and reflections on modern psychology, we explore why some words remain unspoken, why some truths wait for the right moment, and how silence can be an act of wisdom, boundary...
Duration: 00:11:02Quiet Pride: The Cost of Belonging
Jun 29, 2025In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we step into the reflective space of our companion series Echoes from the Margins to explore Pride—not just as a parade, but as a quiet, daily act of presence and truth.
We look at how Pride is celebrated, resisted, and quietly held across the world, from cities where flags wave freely to places where truth can be dangerous. We also pause to honour older LGBTQ+ voices who paved the way for today’s freedoms, yet often find themselves overlooked at the edges of the rainbow.
This episode weav...
Duration: 00:14:51The Myth of Balance: Why Life Is Never in Perfect Equilibrium
Jun 28, 2025In a world full of stress management workshops and resilience toolkits, are we missing the point of what it truly means to endure?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael challenges the quick-fix culture that tells us to seek “work-life balance” as the ultimate goal, and instead invites us to discover a deeper, Stoic approach to living with composure and purpose, even when life doesn’t give us easy options.
With insights from ancient philosophy and the quiet courage of voices like Etty Hillesum, this conversation will leave you questioning the myth of balance, explor...
Duration: 00:12:15"Shadowed by Insecurity: Navigating a Boss Who Fears Your Talent"
Jun 21, 2025Have you ever worked under a boss who micromanages, takes credit for your work, and treats your talents as threats? In this insightful episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the dynamics behind bosses driven by insecurity, envy, and fear. Drawing on timeless Stoic wisdom, modern psychology, and the latest insights from emotional intelligence experts, this episode offers powerful strategies for navigating challenging workplace relationships while protecting your emotional health and professional integrity.
You'll learn how to recognise and manage these difficult dynamics, build authentic allies, and maintain clarity and resilience in the face of adversity...
Duration: 00:09:19The Fear of Being Ordinary
Jun 14, 2025In a culture obsessed with legacy, status, and standing out, what happens when we begin to question whether being seen is the same as being fulfilled?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael shares the story of a man who stepped away from a high-powered career expecting freedom, only to find himself face-to-face with a deeper fear: the fear of being ordinary. Through this lens, the episode examines the hidden cost of deferring joy, the weight of unspoken expectations, and the quiet dignity of a life well-lived without applause.
With reflections from Stoic thinkers...
Duration: 00:06:50When Life Pauses Without Our Permission
May 31, 2025What do we learn about ourselves when life brings everything to a stop, not by choice, but by circumstance?
In this reflective episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores a deeply human moment: lying on a hospital trolley, waiting for a bed.
He speaks to the universal experience of sudden stillness, the kind that exposes our fears, confronts our control, and asks us to find strength in vulnerability.
Drawing on the wisdom of the Stoics, especially Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Musonius Rufus, Michael considers how stillness isn’t failure, but a kind of re...
Duration: 00:09:57“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
May 10, 2025In Praise of the Slow Song: Finding Meaning in Sadness
In this reflective episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the quiet, necessary role of sadness in our lives. While the world urges us toward constant positivity and quick fixes, this episode makes a case for slowing down and listening to what sadness might be trying to say.
Drawing on Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael invites you to consider sadness not as something to escape, but as something to learn from. Along the way, he weaves in wisdom from...
Duration: 00:09:38“Best Of: Wisdom That Stuck”
May 03, 2025In this special Best Of edition of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn reflects on the journey through the first 33 episodes — revisiting the ideas, quotes, and stories that stayed with listeners long after the episodes ended.
From Stoic wisdom to emotional intelligence, from regret and recovery to noble goals and impostor feelings, this episode is a chance to pause and gather what has truly mattered.
You’ll hear:
What sparked the podcast on a rainy afternoon in July 2024Listener favourites and recurring themesMemorable quotes from Marcus Aurelius, Viktor Frankl, and SenecaA heartfelt reflection on the valu... Duration: 00:09:57Delegated or Dumped On? The Fine Line of Responsibility
Apr 26, 2025Description:
Have you ever found yourself solving a crisis you didn’t create? Taking on tasks you never agreed to? You’re not alone. In this episode, Michael explores the subtle but powerful difference between being trusted with a responsibility and being taken advantage of under the guise of delegation.
With the help of Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and classic leadership thinking (including the legendary “Who’s Got the Monkey?” article from Harvard Business Review), we unpack how and why we end up carrying burdens that aren’t ours. And more importantly, how to stop.
... Duration: 00:10:15“Your Call Is Important to Us”
Apr 19, 2025Rethinking Time in a World That Wastes It
“You’re on hold—the music loops. The voice says your call is important. But is your time?”
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn reflects on a moment we’ve all experienced — twenty-five minutes on hold, listening to polite apologies and pan-pipe music — and uses it to explore a deeper question: how much of our time is quietly being taken from us?
Drawing on Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and a modern tool known as the Boston Matrix, this episode is a calm but pointed me...
Duration: 00:13:17The Confident Fool and the Quiet Expert: How the World Rewards the Wrong Kind of Certainty
Apr 12, 2025Why do the loudest voices so often rise—while the most capable hesitate in the shadows?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the strange tension between Impostor Syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger Effect. One causes deeply competent people to question their worth, while the other leads the unskilled to overestimate theirs. Somewhere in between is the path to real confidence.
Drawing from Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael unpacks the stories we tell ourselves about competence—and why society often rewa...
Duration: 00:11:13When Knowledge Threatens: The Paradox of Being Judged
Apr 05, 2025Have you ever felt judged—not for your mistakes or flaws—but for your strengths, education, or even how you speak? In this thoughtful and introspective episode, Michael Comyn explores the uncomfortable reality of being judged for having "too much" of something good.
He explores the hidden biases that shape how we perceive each other, whether based on age, gender, accent, intelligence, race, or class. Drawing insights from psychology, Stoic philosophy, and Jungian thought, Michael examines the subtle and obvious ways we judge and are judged.
Highlights include:
Understanding top-down discrimination (structural bias... Duration: 00:08:56Talking to Yourself, Wisely...
Mar 29, 2025You know that voice in your head that won’t stop replaying awkward conversations or predicting disaster before you’ve even begun? We all have it. But what if you could teach it to speak differently instead of trying to silence that voice?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the surprising science behind self-talk — the silent, internal dialogue that shapes how we think, feel, and act.
Drawing on the work of psychologist Ethan Kross, ancient Stoic philosophy, and the principles of emotional intelligence, we unpack practical tools to help you shift from inner...
Duration: 00:12:49Procrastination: Why We Delay and How to Start Moving
Mar 22, 2025In this episode of Mind the Gap, we dig deep into the human habit of procrastination—what it is, why we do it, and how we can finally move from delay to action.
Drawing from Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael explores how fear, perfectionism, and emotional avoidance often lie beneath our tendency to put things off. With references to Marcus Aurelius, Viktor Frankl, and leading researchers like Dr. Piers Steel, this conversation offers insight and practical strategies—from the Two-Minute Rule to the viral 'Scary Hour' technique.
If you've ever told yourself, "I'll...
Duration: 00:11:57The Propaganda Playbook: How to Spot It and Resist It
Mar 15, 2025How do we separate truth from manipulation in a world where information moves faster than ever?
Propaganda isn’t just a relic of history—it’s alive and well, shaping how we think, vote, and engage with the world. From political campaigns to corporate spin, propaganda exploits psychological biases, repetition, and emotional appeal to control the narrative. And the scariest part? It often doesn’t look like propaganda at all.
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn breaks down the propaganda playbook—where it came from, how it’s used today, and why figu...
Duration: 00:16:28Gatekeepers and Champions: The Leadership Dilemma
Mar 08, 2025Not all leaders are created equal. Some open doors, while others keep them firmly shut. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the two fundamental leadership styles we all encounter in the workplace—the Gatekeeper, who resists change and stifles innovation, and the Champion, who fosters growth and clears the way for progress.
How do you work with these different types of leaders? How can you navigate resistance, build influence, and ensure you don’t become a Gatekeeper yourself?
Drawing on insights from Stoicism, modern psychology, and emot...
Duration: 00:10:24The Value of a Hug: Physical or Virtual, Recognition in the Digital Age
Mar 01, 2025In a world where connection is just a click away, why do so many of us still feel alone? We send messages, react with emojis, and even say “virtual hug”—but can digital connection ever replace the warmth of human touch?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the deeper meaning of a hug—whether physical or virtual—and its role in human recognition. From the science of touch to cultural perspectives on personal space, we’ll dive into why hugs matter, how technology changes how we connect, and whether virtual alternatives...
Duration: 00:11:46The Deference Trap – When Respect Becomes Submission
Feb 22, 2025Respect for institutions and leadership is essential in a republic. But when does deference cross the line into blind submission? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between respect and obedience, exploring how deference can stabilise governance and how it can be exploited to stifle dissent and critical thinking.
From historical examples to modern leadership challenges, we examine the psychological and societal forces that encourage deference and the risks of allowing it to go unchecked. Drawing from philosophy, emotional intelligence, and political thought, we ask:
When does deference serve the greater good, and when does... Duration: 00:10:37No, Without Guilt: The Philosophy and Psychology of Refusal
Feb 15, 2025Why is saying no so hard? From childhood conditioning to cultural expectations, many struggle to refuse requests without feeling guilt, fear, or pressure to justify themselves.
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the philosophy and psychology behind no—why it’s difficult, how different cultures approach refusal, and why reclaiming this simple word is essential for self-respect and well-being.
Drawing on Stoic wisdom, emotional intelligence, and real-world strategies, this episode will help you rethink saying no as a tool for empowerment. Whether you're navigating work demands, social pressures, or personal boundaries, this episod...
Duration: 00:08:55The Good Old Days Were Complicated: A Truthful Look at Nostalgia
Feb 08, 2025We all love to reminisce—simpler times, kinder people, and a world that made more sense. But were the “good old days” really as good as we remember, or has nostalgia softened the rough edges of reality?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the nature of nostalgia, its power, pitfalls, and why we crave it most in times of uncertainty. We use Stoicism, emotional intelligence, and psychology to understand why we long for the past and how we can embrace its lessons without losing sight of the present.
Expect reflections from <...
Duration: 00:10:59Ubuntu, Confucius, and Brehon Law: Redefining Leadership
Feb 01, 2025Leadership isn't just about power and strategy but values, wisdom, and connection.
However, Western corporate and military traditions have shaped leadership models for too long. What happens when we step beyond that framework?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore leadership teachings from cultures and traditions often overlooked in modern discourse.
From the collective decision-making of Indigenous governance to the Confucian ideals of moral duty, from the African philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—to the decentralized and justice-driven leadership of Brehon Law in early Ireland, we uncover alternative pers...
Duration: 00:08:47The Myth of Certainty: How to Navigate Life’s Unpredictability
Jan 25, 2025We all crave certainty—it makes life feel safe, predictable, and in control. But what if our need for certainty is limiting us? What if embracing the unknown is the key to resilience, growth, and better decision-making?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore certainty's psychological, philosophical, and emotional side—why we seek it, how it shapes our thinking, and what happens when we learn to let go. We dive into insights from existentialist philosophy, modern psychology, emotional intelligence, and Viktor Frankl's paradoxical intention, showing how our obsession with control can sometimes worsen fear...
Duration: 00:11:55No Regrets, Just Lessons: Rethinking Our Biggest Mistakes
Jan 18, 2025We all make mistakes—some small, some life-changing. But what if we stopped seeing them as failures and started viewing them as lessons?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore how to rethink mistakes through the lens of Stoicism, emotional intelligence, modern psychology, and spiritual wisdom.
From wrong career moves to poor financial decisions and failed relationships, we unpack how setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones.
You’ll also hear real-life examples of famous figures who turned their biggest failures into their biggest comebacks.
Because mistakes don’t define...
Duration: 00:10:22The Noble Trap: Rethinking Goals That Aren’t Truly Ours
Dec 31, 2024As we approach 2025, the pressure to set new goals and resolutions begins to build. But how often are those goals indeed ours?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, host Michael Comyn explores the concept of noble goals and the hidden traps that can undermine even the most well-intentioned aspirations.
Drawing on Robert Kegan’s groundbreaking work on Immunity to Change and the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy, Michael unpacks why some goals inspire us while others leave us feeling stuck. Are your goals too big, too small, or even imposed by someone else? How ca...
Duration: 00:10:13Building Inner Strength: The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Society
Dec 14, 2024We all need resilience, but who is responsible for building it? In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the shared responsibility of fostering resilience in the next generation.
Drawing on the wisdom of Stoicism, the practical tools of emotional intelligence, and the insights of modern psychology, he examines how parents, educators, and society shape our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of life’s challenges.
As we approach the holiday season—a time filled with joy but often burdened by unrealistic expectations—Michael offers thoughtful reflections on embracing imperfection, supporting others, and st...
Duration: 00:11:50The Courage to Be You: Beyond the Illusion of Safety
Dec 07, 2024Conformity often feels like a safe choice—it promises comfort, belonging, and ease. But is that safety real, or is it an illusion?
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the hidden costs of conformity and the courage it takes to break free from the false self we create to fit in.
Drawing from personal experiences, Stoic philosophy, and modern psychology, Michael uncovers how conformity silences our voices, stifles individuality, and distances us from our true selves.
He shares actionable insights to help you recognise where conformity is holding you ba...
Duration: 00:10:41Emotion in the Machine: AI Meets Emotional Intelligence
Nov 29, 2024In this episode of Mind the Gap, I welcome Jack, an advanced AI developed by OpenAI, as our special guest.
Together, we explore the fascinating interplay between human emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence. What does it mean to feel, and how do machines navigate the emotional landscapes that define humanity?
Join us as we discuss:
The concept of emotional labour and its parallels in AI interactions.How AI mimics human emotions to create more natural conversations.The ethical questions surrounding AI’s role in shaping human emotional experiences.The contrast between AI’s logical preci... Duration: 00:14:39The Weight of Pride, the Sting of Humiliation
Nov 23, 2024How do pride and humiliation shape how we see ourselves and interact with the world? In this episode of Mind the Gap, we delve into the complex interplay between these two powerful emotions.
At its best, pride can fuel achievement and self-respect, but when unchecked, it can close our eyes to growth. Humiliation, however, can cut deep—leaving us stuck in shame—or, if reframed, teach us resilience and humility.
Drawing on insights from Stoicism, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence, we explore how to find balance. What happens when pride becomes a prison? Can the stin...
Duration: 00:10:32Losing the Role, Not Yourself: Navigating Life Transitions
Nov 16, 2024When a job ends, whether through redundancy, retirement, or another life change, it can feel like you’re losing more than just a role—you’re losing a part of yourself.
How do we hold onto our sense of self when the titles we’ve relied on disappear?
This Mind the Gap episode explores navigating these transitions with grace and resilience. Through the lenses of Stoicism, Emotional Intelligence, and Modern Psychology, we’ll uncover practical ways to rebuild self-esteem and rediscover who you are beyond external labels.
What We’ll Discuss:
- Why do we oft...
Duration: 00:11:41The Pendulum of Power: Why We Seek Strength in Times of Uncertainty
Nov 06, 2024In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore a powerful question: Why do we so often gravitate toward strong, polarising leaders in times of crisis, even when they seem to reject compassion, emotional intelligence, and thoughtful leadership?
Drawing from historical cycles, psychology, and philosophical insights, we’ll explore the reasons behind this recurring tendency and why intellectuals and academics—though often dismissed—provide the guidance we need to weather turbulent times.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing your reflections, leaving a review, or joining us on social media.
Duration: 00:13:02Facing Regret: Lessons from Sinatra and the Stoics
Nov 02, 2024In this episode of Mind the Gap, we delve into the powerful, timeless themes of Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way,” uncovering the hidden conversation on regret and resilience woven throughout the song. By blending Sinatra’s unapologetic life philosophy with insights from Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, we explore how to confront and ultimately embrace our regrets without letting them define us.
Listeners will discover how the Stoics viewed regret—not as a burden to carry but as a stepping stone to a more prosperous, more self-aware life. We’ll discuss techniques such as premedita...
Duration: 00:08:51"The Eternal Child at Work: A Guide to Handling Immature Leaders"
Oct 26, 2024In this episode of Mind the Gap, we tackle a workplace challenge that many face but few talk about: handling the “Eternal Child” in leadership. Based on Carl Jung’s archetype, the Eternal Child refers to a leader who clings to childlike behaviours, avoids responsibility, seeks constant praise, and reacts impulsively to challenges. And while this may often be called the “Man Child,” it’s not limited by gender—Eternal Children can be male or female.
Join us as we break down this complex dynamic through the lenses of Jungian psychology, emotional intelligence insights from Daniel Goleman, and timeless S...
Duration: 00:13:48Righteous Anger: Finding Your Temper in a World of Self-Censorship"
Oct 19, 2024Episode Description: In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore righteous anger—a form of anger that isn't destructive but constructive, thoughtful, and intentional. We explore how this type of anger can serve as a powerful alternative to self-censorship and blind outrage, especially in today's social media-driven world where people are quick to take offence.
Drawing from Stoic philosophy, modern psychology, and emotional intelligence, we'll discuss how to find, rather than lose, your temper. We'll also look at how to process anger when faced with incompetence, particularly in leadership, and why self-censorship in the fa...
Duration: 00:05:17Forgiveness Unlocked: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology
Oct 12, 2024Episode Overview: In this episode of Mind the Gap, host Michael Comyn unlocks the transformative power of forgiveness by exploring its roots in ancient Stoic philosophy and how modern psychology adds practical tools to make it a reality. Forgiveness is one of our toughest emotional challenges, but it also holds the key to emotional freedom. Join us as we release anger, resentment, and guilt to achieve a lighter, more peaceful life.
Duration: 00:11:13"From Intention to Action: Why We Fall Short and How to Change That"
Oct 05, 2024In this episode, we explore why we often need help to follow through on our goals. Using insights from Robert Keegan’s Immunity to Change, Daniel Goleman’s work on focus, and ancient Stoic philosophy, we explore how hidden beliefs, distractions, and emotional barriers keep us from aligning our intentions with our actions. Learn practical strategies to uncover these obstacles and finally start closing the gap.
Key Takeaways:
Uncover hidden commitmentsStrengthen focus with mindfulnessFace discomfort with Stoic resilienceSuggested Actions:
Reflect on Competing Commitments: After listening, journal to iden... Duration: 00:08:00The Ethics of Joy: Why It's Okay to Be Happy Now
Sep 28, 2024Ever feel guilty for being happy when the world seems upside down? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions of joy and guilt, exploring why we often must apologise for our happiness. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, modern emotional intelligence, and Brené Brown’s insights on vulnerability, we unpack why joy isn’t a betrayal of empathy but a powerful act of resilience. 🎙️✨
Tune in as we explore how to embrace happiness without shame, find balance in a chaotic world, and discover the true strength of allowing yourself to feel joy—even now.
🎧 Li...
Duration: 00:10:09"Rage and Reflection: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Outbursts."
Sep 21, 2024In today’s episode, we explore the nature of anger and its impact on our lives, drawing connections between the ancient wisdom of the Stoics and our challenges in our modern world. From road rage to social media spats and the polarising voices of talk radio, we explore how anger manifests today and why it often feels like we’re living in a perpetual state of outrage.
We’ll unpack key insights from Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, who viewed anger as one of the most dangerous emotions. This temporary madness distorts reason and causes...
Duration: 00:12:06Anxious on a 'plane and it wasn't the flying!
Sep 08, 2024In this episode of Mind the Gap, we dive into the unexpected sources of anxiety that creep up in the most unlikely places. Using the story of feeling anxious on an aeroplane—where the anxiety wasn’t about flying at all—we explore the more profound, often hidden, triggers that fuel our stress in everyday life. Whether it’s the constant hum of background worry, social pressure, or the noise of negative thoughts, sometimes the natural turbulence is happening inside our minds. Tune in as we unpack how to recognise and address these underlying anxieties, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy...
Duration: 00:14:21"Beyond Resilience Cupcakes: How Joy Fuels our well-being"
Aug 31, 2024This episode explores why quick fixes like "Resilience Pizza" and boxes of fruit fall short regarding employee wellness and why a more thoughtful approach is needed. Drawing on modern research, Stoic philosophy, and Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of motivation, we discuss how focusing on joy and meaningful wellness programs can create a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce.
Key Points Covered:
1. The Problem with Quick Fixes:
- Superficial solutions like free pizza or fruit boxes don't address deeper, systemic issues in the workplace.
- According to Herzberg's Two-Factor Theo...
Duration: 00:09:28"The Allure of Rumors: Why We Prefer Gossip Over Truth"
Aug 24, 2024Show Summary:
This thought-provoking episode explores the fascinating and sometimes troubling world of rumours. Why are we often drawn to gossip and rumours rather than actively seeking the truth? Understanding our inclination toward rumours is more critical than ever in an age dominated by social media, where true and false information spreads at lightning speed.
Michael delves into the psychological, philosophical, and scientific reasons behind our fascination with rumours. We draw insights from three key areas:
Stoic Philosophy:
The ancient Stoics had much to say about living a... Duration: 00:10:44Mind that Gap!
Aug 22, 2024“Hello, and welcome to ‘Mind the Gap’—the podcast where ancient wisdom meets modern emotional intelligence. I’m Michael Comyn, and with 38 years of experience in this field, I’m thrilled to guide you through exploring how we can bridge the gap between our emotions and reality.
Each episode delves into the profound teachings of Stoic philosophers, offering insights that have stood the test of time. We’ll connect these timeless lessons with contemporary strategies for managing feelings, building resilience, and enhancing self-awareness. Whether you’re grappling with stress, seeking clarity, or simply curious about how ancient wisdom can infor...
Duration: 00:24:43