Have you ever been in a scenario where you felt your idea wasn't perfect enough to be shared? Felt a heavy weight on your chest when the outcome of your efforts couldn't match up to your expectations? Let us help you unravel the paradox of perfection in this soul-stirring conversation. We kick off the episode with raw and personal anecdotes about our struggles with the idea of perfection and the expectations that tag along with it.

Master the art of balancing the exploration of self-expression through creativity and the primal human instinct to fit in. We'll guide you through the process of understanding the crucial role of creativity in our lives and its relationship with perfection. We also delve into the conversation of how our ego can sometimes stifle creativity and how to navigate this. Don't miss out as we shed light on the importance of transcending our egos to ensure creativity becomes a liberating experience, rather than a pressure cooker.

Finally, we embark on a profound exploration of life's purpose, the role of our ego in achieving it, and creativity's ability to help us transcend beyond our physical existence. This episode is not just about introspective discussions; it also focuses on the benefits of community connection. Being part of something bigger than oneself can help manage anxiety and depression. Tune in and let us help you navigate the balance between your ego and your community, allowing you to present the best version of yourself.

Join us as we discuss our favorite strategies and philosophies around anxiety and depression.

Can you be addicted to anxiety?

We use Judson Brewer's book Unwinding Anxiety and Johann Hari's book Lost Connections as a guide to navigating depression, anxiety, and more. Here are the seven of the root causes and solutions discussed in the episode:

Disconnection from:

1. Meaningful work
2. Other people
3. Meaningful values
4. Childhood trauma
5. Status and respect
6. Disconnection from the natural world
7. Hopeful or secure future

In this episode, Tony and Brian interview Lexi and Nico about their experience thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. They discuss how their dream became a reality as well as:

How to Pursue a Passion

Learning from Obstacles and setbacks

How to persevere in situations where most people quit

How to find balance in times of stress

How to find a community even when you’re in the middle of the woods

The importance of finding others who will push you to reach your goals

How long does it take to hike the entire Appalachian Trail?

Are there any dangerous animals on the Appalachian Trail?

How to deal with sleeping on the ground for long periods of time