Ep. 84: Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman — How to Transcend Fear, Anxiety, and Uncertainty

My guest this week is psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, author of the brand new book, Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization (affiliate link). We spent a good bit of time thinking together about how the ideas from his terrific book apply to ongoing coronavirus crisis and the social distancing that’s affecting our lives in so many ways. (One effect is that our family members are home all the time, so you may hear some kid sounds during the episode.) Scott and I also talked about the intimate relationship between the sacred and the commonplace, and how self-actualization is not the least bit selfish. We touched on posttraumatic growth, the value in embracing our reality as fully as possible, and why therapists like me struggle with challenges just like everyone else does. I really like talking with Scott and am so glad to have gotten to know him in recent months. I hope you enjoy our conversation.