Just before I knocked on the door of Jonathan Field’s Manhattan studio, I did one last Google to refresh my sense of who he was; the feel and intention of his podcast The Good Life Project; the reason I’d travelled to New York City. What I saw was a stunning array of fascinating people in conversation, and me about to join their ranks. Huzzah!

Every week, we share inspirational, intimate and disarmingly-unfiltered conversations about living a fully-engaged, fiercely-connected and purpose-drenched life. From iconic world-shakers like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown, Sir Ken Robinson, Seth Godin and Gretchen Rubin to everyday guests, every story matters.

In this wide-ranging chat, we cover a lot of ground. Writing and creativity; pirates and Al Capone’s favourite hiding spot; the rich humility in how much we don’t understand; the significance of a perfect bowl of French onion soup on a chilly day, enjoyed solo, while listening to the hum of people all around. As I did moments before knocking on that door, vibrating with the gravity of the formidable company I’d be in.

Even in the biggest darkness, there are small joys. As we learn to tame the dragons of grief and trauma, we find more and more joy. I walked away from this conversation wondering if it was too much to say I love the heat of my anger — my dragon — but I do. We all may as well. There’s no way around it. Only through.

There was a lovely moment in our conversation as we swam in what felt like bottomless water, talking about the mystery of being alive. Of love, loss, and the wonderful and important deliciousness of darkness. He said, “People can’t see you, but it’s so interesting that you’re smiling.” We had a laugh. And a big exhale. It’s one of my biggest hopes. That in my writing, you can sense it. That I’m smiling. Thanks for seeing that, Jonathan.

Please listen, and share! This one’s a big hit for the book, and Jonathan’s voice and thoughtfulness and spark are such a delight. Love love love!