Ep. 4: How does our productivity focused culture affect our bodies, mental health and relationships? with Kim Bender, PhD, MSW

Listen to this episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube

If you find yourself answering "so busy" when people ask how you are doing, this episode is for you - and it's SUCH a good one! Join us in our thought-provoking conversation with Kim Bender, professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Kim shares about her recent sabbatical and work as a Fullbright scholar in Taiwan. We talk about the differences in culture and mindset between the Taiwanese and Americans, particularly in terms of work-life balance, community support, and the value placed on growth and productivity. 

We dive deep into the impacts of our productivity-based culture and society - on our mental health, bodies, relationships, and the planet. We talk about what it means to belong, and the different cultural barriers that get in the way of this innate need for humans. 

We also talk about: 

-mutual aid

-values based living 

-the importance of ease + need for spontaneity 

-how to stay in relationship with others when we inevitably judge each other

-the concept of "awe"

Connect with Kim:

https://socialwork.du.edu/about/gssw-directory/kimberly-ann-bender

Jane mentioned: Four Thousand Weeks; Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Learn More:

arewehappyyetpodcast.com

alchemytherapyandwellness.com

grittherapy.com


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Ep. 5: What does it mean to live a values-aligned life? with Audrey Bristol LCSW

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Ep. 2: Could tapping into our creativity boost our mental health? with Joy Roulier Sawyer