Best Mindful Agile Mastery Podcasts (2025)

1
The Flexible Mindset: How Mental Agility Builds Emotional Intelligence with Elaine Fox PhD 35:43

2d ago35:43

35:43

How open are you to new experiences? Have you found that with age comes a fear of learning new things? Research finds that being willing to admit that we may be wrong about truths we previously held while maintaining confidence is a central tenet of resilience. The inherent capacity for neuroplasticity within our brains means that even with age, ou…

1
How Listening Shapes Peacemaking and Global Communication: A Conversation with the Nobel Peace Center 30:48

8d ago30:48

30:48

Listening is a fundamental tool for learning from one another and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world. By truly hearing and understanding others, we lay the groundwork for effective communication and peacemaking. When we actively listen, we validate others' experiences and perspectives, which builds trust and empathy. This creates an en…

1
#136 Hope Is Not a Strategy: Leading Culture Change That Works with Anna Lavrova 44:13

10d ago44:13

44:13

n this reflective and insightful episode, Jim is joined by organizational coach Anna Lavrova to unpack her talk at the Scrum Master Summit and dive into the real mechanics of organizational culture. They discuss why people often feel "off" in their roles—not because of the work, but because of the culture—and how leaders can make sense of multicult…

1
Well-Being Science: From Despair to Hope and Happiness with Carol Graham, PhD 34:48

15d ago34:48

34:48

Are people with more discretionary income happier than those who live paycheck to paycheck? Maybe some, but not all. As it turns out, more is not always better or the prescription for a happy life. Ultimately, it seems that attainable dreams and hope are the true keys to long-term well-being and happiness, regardless of income level, because it's t…

1
Fearless Conversations and Essential Connections: An Indigenous Perspective with Tyson Yunkaporta PhD 32:32

22d ago32:32

32:32

Attempting to gain dominance over others rarely benefits everyone involved. Instead, embracing diversity as a superpower — not as a tool to enforce artificial equity, but as a genuine celebration of varied strengths and perspectives — can unlock a quiet joy. This joy comes from the natural harmony that arises when differences are valued for their u…

1
#135 Mastering the Mind: Mental Fitness, Meaning, and the Inner Game with René de Leijer 46:04

24d ago46:04

46:04

“Mental fitness is like going to the gym—but for your mind.” In this insightful episode, Jim welcomes René de Leijer—Agile Coach, Scrum Master, and co-creator of The Inner Game—to explore what it truly means to help people, teams, and organizations grow. René shares his philosophy on being “strategically lazy,” the importance of psychological safet…

1
#134 From Gut to Great: Smarter Group Decisions in Agile with Tobi Mende 40:33

28d ago40:33

40:33

In this thought-provoking episode, Jim sits down with Tobias -Tobi- Mende, engineering leadership consultant and speaker at the upcoming Online Scrum Master Summit from June 17-19 to explore the real challenges of decision-making in agile teams. Drawing from 15+ years of experience, Tobi shares how poor visibility, lack of strategy, and fear of fai…

1
Medicine of Mind: Advocating Mental Health and Wellness for Caregivers with Dr. Jessi Gold, MD 36:24

29d ago36:24

36:24

The demanding nature of their work often puts the well-being of caregivers at risk. Just as it offers healing, therapy can be a vital medicine for professional healthcare providers and direct caregivers, providing them with a safe space to process their experiences and maintain a healthy mind. Medical training often minimizes self-care, but priorit…

1
Deciphering AI; Debunking Snake Oil and Finding the Truth with Sayash Kapoor 31:38

1M ago31:38

31:38

There are many misconceptions and overblown promises when it comes to AI. The reality is that Artificial Intelligence is a useful tool that’s here to stay. When it’s done right, AI seamlessly becomes part of our everyday life systems but when poorly programmed or intentionally misused by human intelligence, it easily becomes the ‘snake oil’ of our …

1
#133 Kumbaya Won't Save You - Facing Resistance, Building Growth, and Leading Without the Fluff with Martijn Versteeg 1:13:34

1M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

"The people stuff is hard. It always is" Get ready for a powerful conversation on Mastering Agility where hosts Jim and Sander sit down with Martijn Versteeg — tech entrepreneur, leadership facilitator, and former rowing coach. We dive deep into the real challenges of leadership, change resistance, and personal growth. From building peer groups for…

1
Managing Political Discord: Morality, Fighting, and the Path to Understanding with Kurt Gray, PhD 33:59

1M ago33:59

33:59

Many people in the US have grown weary of the non-stop political discord that permeates every aspect of their lives. Some of the information is so polarized that it begs to be agreed with or opposed to, often leading to online fighting and further fracturing societal cohesion. Managing this pervasive tension requires understanding the underlying fr…

1
Peacemaking with Our Minds: Soothing Pesky Voices with Britt Frank LCSW 31:40

2M ago31:40

31:40

We live with a symphony of inner voices. Some are critics, and others are cheerleaders. The chatter in our minds is not adversarial, even though it might feel that way at times. The diverse aspects of our personality equip us with compassion in times of need and offer different perspectives for problem-solving. Achieving internal harmony hinges on …

1
#131 Drawn to Agility: Creating Clarity with Every Line with Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder 52:54

2M ago52:54

52:54

"If you're going to write about Agile, you better work Agile." In this special live episode, hosts Jim and Sander chat with Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder, the creative duo behind The Visual Agile Coach Playbook, at the ScanAgile 25 conference in Helsinki. They share the origin story of their book, their collaboration journey, and the power of visua…

1
Brain Boosting Happiness: Chemistry, Technology, and Well-Being with TJ Power 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

To effectively unwind from the demands of modern life, we can tap into our body's internal chemistry. Overcoming the fatigue induced by constant technological stimulation is achievable by recognizing our need for rebalancing and actively changing our habits. The solution lies in getting a daily dose of nature, whole foods, physical exercise, and mi…

1
Addiction Treatment: Humanistic Models of Harm Reduction and Healing with Dr. Stephanie S. Covington PhD 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

A lack of emotional literacy often lessens our ability to face life's storms. As a result, many women resort to self-medicating behaviors to cope. In a more compassionate world, addiction recovery would nurture human needs and prioritize genuine healing. As many global strategies are evolving beyond abstinence, in the US, it is time to recognize th…

1
SEL: Social-Emotional Learning for Stronger IQ and Relationships with Dr Steven Baron PsyD 28:53

2M ago28:53

28:53

Feeling purposeful is a fundamental driver of self-worth and a powerful antidote to despair at any age. To increase a sense of purpose, children and adults can leverage strength-based interventions to significantly reshape learning behaviors in a variety of situations. And, considering the pervasive mental health challenges in the United States tod…

1
#130 Slides, Science, and Shaping the Future: Building Brave Cultures from Playgrounds to Boardrooms 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

"Let people twist, turn, and break your product a little — that's where the magic happens." In this special ScanAgile 25 edition, hosts Jim and Sander sit down with Linda Liukas — renowned author, educator, and playground designer — for a rich conversation about creativity, risk, resilience, and the future of learning and public spaces. Linda share…

1
Caregiving: A Journey of Selflessness, Responsibility and Love with Sarah Cart 32:02

3M ago32:02

32:02

At some stage in life, most people will be charged with caring for someone else. During a health crisis, caregivers, especially those with children, face intense demands on time and personal resources. If you are tasked with a caregiving role, prioritizing self-care is vital for your well-being and ability to provide care. If someone you love is a …

1
#129 Building Resilience and Embracing Change: The Path to Agile Success with Tricia Broderick 56:55

3M ago56:55

56:55

"Resilience isn’t about avoiding change; it’s about learning to thrive within it." Join us for a special live episode of the Mastering Agility Podcast, recorded at the ScanAgile Conference 2025! Our guest, Tricia Broderick, is a leadership expert, coach, and passionate advocate for building high-performing and resilient teams. In this insightful co…

1
World Happiness: Reporting on Life Satisfaction and Well-Being with Lara Aknin, PhD 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

In 2025, the United States is experiencing a troubling downward trend in its ranking on The World Happiness Report. This is a significant departure from its usual position within the top 20 globally. The exact causes are complex, but emerging evidence suggests that various psychosocial stressors are leading to a decrease in life satisfaction among …

1
#128 Starry Nights and Soulless Office: Jim and Sander on Van Gogh, Corporate Dementors, and the Art of Mastery 58:43

3M ago58:43

58:43

"I don’t like the phrase 'meet people where they are.' If you only do that, it’s too easy for everyone to settle. Instead, I try to meet them a half-step ahead—and take them on a field trip to what’s possible." In this episode, Jim and Sander talk about the pursuit of mastery, how to inspire growth, and why being too comfortable can kill progress. …

1
Bias and Equality: Social Justice Impacting Mental Health with Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

The United States ranked 43rd out of 146 countries for gender equality in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. In addition to that staggering result, the current administration is eliminating DEI efforts to further erode progress toward social justice for women. How can we empower girls and women to ensure their voices are hear…

1
Secular Mindfulness: Magic for Peace of Mind with Susan Kaiser Greenland, JD 33:32

3M ago33:32

33:32

Navigating the emotional challenges of modern secular living can be eased by cultivating inner peace of mind. Mindfulness practices, though sometimes challenging to adopt, can ground us in gratitude. How can we actively seek out the everyday magic and truly appreciate each mindful moment as a source of relief? To explore strategies that increase ou…

1
#127 Rowing in the Same Direction: Strategic Agility with Co-Founder and CEO of Dragonboat Becky Flint 54:50

3M ago54:50

54:50

"We don't do the thinking for you—we surface signals out of the noise." In this episode of Mastering Agility, Sander and Jim sit down with Becky Flint, CEO and Co-Founder of Dragon Boat, to discuss the importance of strategic agility and value-driven product management. Becky shares her journey from working at PayPal to founding Dragon Boat, a prod…

1
Grounded in Nature: Sacred Search for Spiritual Awakening with Dr. John Philip Newell PhD 32:50

4M ago32:50

32:50

Nature offers a profound secular and sacred sanctuary that presents a landscape of opportunities for spiritual awakening beyond traditional walls. The divine exists within the cathedral of the earth, sea, and sky. It is at the core of every human soul. It is not confined to the walls of a physical structure, nor does it exist under the guise of any…

1
#126 Agile: Alive and Evolving with Arie van Bennekum 37:00

4M ago37:00

37:00

"When people say Agile is dead, most of them have never seen it really working." In this insightful episode, Sander sits down with Arie van Bennekum, one of the co-authors of the Agile Manifesto, to discuss the current state of Agile, common misconceptions, and the evolving nature of agile practices in modern organizations. Arie shares his thoughts…

1
Mastering Motivation and Productivity: Exploring the Roots of Procrastination with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona PsyD 35:01

4M ago35:01

35:01

Benjamin Franklin's "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today" sounds simple, yet for many, it's a monumental challenge. Well-intentioned individuals often find their to-do lists perpetually lingering, not from laziness or a lack of motivation, but from a more complex, underlying struggle. This persistent inaction isn't a matter of willpo…

1
#125 From Pivotitis to Product Perfection: Fighting Product Diseases with Radhika Dutt 1:00:59

4M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Radhika Dutt, the mind behind Radical Product Thinking. Radhika challenges the conventional wisdom of product development, explaining why big, vague visions, shallow strategies, and blind iteration often lead teams astray. She introduces us to the Radical Product Thinking framework, which helps teams av…

1
Positive Perspective and Habit Breaking: How to Positively Change Your Mind with Nicole Vignola, MSc 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

Humans inherently have a negativity bias. Our brains prioritize negative stimuli as compared to positive stimuli. And while it may have served us well in the past, today, it only serves to increase anxiety and worry. Research shows that we can rewire our brains to acknowledge the negative and change our perception of it, but it takes practice. To g…

1
#124 Survival, Strength, and Saving Lives: Arjan Erkel on 607 Days in Captivity and Rescuing Girls from Exploitation 1:24:29

4M ago1:24:29

1:24:29

In this gripping episode, Sander and Jim sit down with Arjan Erkel, who shares his harrowing experience of being kidnapped and held hostage for 607 days in Dagestan. Arjan walks us through the terrifying moment of his abduction, the psychological battles he faced in captivity, and the resilience that helped him survive. He also discusses his remark…

1
Navigating Next Steps: A Journey of Soul Discernment with Emily P. Freeman 34:09

4M ago34:09

34:09

Sometimes, navigating our next steps can be complicated, and discernment is not always easy. Approaching problems from a different perspective can help us to gain clarity on a situation and when done so with intention, can become a sacred journey of self-discovery. Through discernment, we listen to the desires of the soul, allowing them to guide us…

1
#123 Curiosity and Crust: What Sourdough Teaches About Agile with Tammy Gretz 59:42

4M ago59:42

59:42

In this episode, Jim sits down with Tammy Gretz, an Agile and Design Thinking coach based in Central Ohio. They dive deep into the nuances of coaching, the value of curiosity and partnership, and how these concepts relate to agile methodologies and design thinking. They also touch on topics like personal growth, learning through experimentation, an…

1
Decoding Fear and Doubt: The Science Behind Procrastination and Productivity with Britt Frank LCSW 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

The weight of mounting tasks and looming responsibilities of modern life often leave us feeling overwhelmed and under-equipped. Many of us put burdensome chores on the back burner and choose instead to do nothing because the task seems so big that we don’t know where to begin. This avoidance, however, only serves to amplify the feelings of overwhel…

1
Healing Loneliness: Learn to Love Yourself with Dr. Margaret Paul PhD 30:05

5M ago30:05

30:05

Healing the loneliness epidemic requires much more than bringing humans together. It is likely that you have felt disconnected from others even when in a crowded place. That disconnection comes from within ourselves. By nurturing our inner world we can create a strong foundation for building meaningful connections with others, and help us find cont…

1
Self-Confident Modern Love: Romance, Connection, and Well-Being with Amanda Gesselman PhD 34:41

5M ago34:41

34:41

In our increasingly isolated world, online dating has become a prevalent avenue for finding romance. While self-confident individuals often leverage these platforms to strategically navigate potential partnerships, others may use them, and related platforms such as cam sites, as a means to develop the emotional and social skills necessary for offli…

1
The Happiness Tuneup: Recipes for the Good Life with Stephanie Harrison MA 33:16

5M ago33:16

33:16

Consider that everything you’ve been told about happiness is wrong. Happiness isn’t a new car, changing an insurance provider, or a crystal clear cellphone connection. Those are marketing messages designed to make us feel the choices we’ve made aren’t good enough. There is no one-size-fits-all for happiness. Happiness is about living our truth and …

1
#122 Anchors, Bold Moves, and Flies on Urinals: The Subtle Power of Behavioral Science with Phill Agnew 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

💡 Description: In this thought-provoking episode of Mastering Agility, Jim and Marge sit down with Phil Agnew, host of the UK’s #1 marketing podcast, Nudge. Together, they explore the fascinating world of behavioral science, revealing how subtle nudges shape our decisions, from marketing campaigns to everyday life. Discover the psychology behind wh…

1
Sorcery of Scapegoating: The Hocus Pocus of Human Nature and Xenophobia with Phillips Stevens Jr PhD 29:08

5M ago29:08

29:08

Magic and witchcraft are integral aspects of the human nature. Cultural beliefs are rooted in human cognition and psychology and shape our social behaviors. By acknowledging the inherent power of nature and seeking similarities within it, humans attempt to gain a sense of control and meaning in an unpredictable world. For a clearer understanding of…

1
#121 Wise bees, optimized Learning and acceptable Discomfort: Mastering Agility Hosts and Ryan Brook Reflect on 2024 1:08:01

5M ago1:08:01

1:08:01

In this reflective and inspiring year-end episode of Mastering Agility, hosts Sander Dur and Jim Sammons are joined by "Solving For Value" co-author and "evil twin" Ryan Brook, along with editor extraordinaire Marge Scheuerer, for a conversation about leadership, agility, and the ever-elusive definition of success. From personal growth in 2024 to t…

1
What is Mindfulness ? 6:10

5M ago6:10

6:10

In this section, we will discuss: -Definition and science of mindfulness -Myths vs. realities of mindfulness in the workplace -How mindfulness supports productivity and creativity Need mindfulness for you or your team? [email protected] Mindful Agile Mastery

1
#120 From Critique to Connection: The Path to Growth and Connection through feedback with James De Mulder 1:13:41

6M ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Description: In this episode, Sander and Jim dive deep into the art and science of feedback. Joined by James De Mulder, they explore the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, its role in personal and team growth, and the challenges that come with it. Learn how principles from Nonviolent Communication (NVC) can transform feedback into a powerful…

1
Listening: The Art of Peacemaking and Diplomacy with The Nobel Peace Center 31:31

6M ago31:31

31:31

Listening to diverse perspectives offers a medium for us to learn from each other and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious world. From a young age, many people are frustrated because they feel their voices are not seen, heard, or understood. It has become a common practice to defend a position before truly understanding another’s point of v…

1
Aging Boomers Pursuing Lust, Love, and Relationships with Dr Regina Koepp PsyD 36:09

6M ago36:09

36:09

With increasing divorce rates among older adults, many are rediscovering their sexuality and seeking new romantic and sexual experiences. Sex can offer comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of intimacy, regardless of age. It is time to acknowledge the diverse sexual experiences of older adults. Why is this important aspect of aging so often overlooked …

1
#119 Solving for Value with Ryan Brook and Sander Dur 1:01:46

6M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

In this conversation, Jim talks to Sander, and Ryan about their book 'Solving for Value', exploring its motivations, tone, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in consultancy. They delve into the complexities of work relationships, the significance of critical thinking, and the shared struggles many face in their professional lives. The d…

1
Freedom of Thought: Emotional Sanity Amidst Chaos with Andy Norman PhD 28:53

6M ago28:53

28:53

The widespread adoption of smartphones over the past two decades has created new avenues for remote influence and manipulation, reducing freedoms many took for granted. The extent of the emotional chaos this causes may only be partially understood. Is it possible to restore equanimity during chaos? For tips on finding inner peace and calm amidst tu…

1
Get Grounded: Peacemaking for Stressed People in a Crazy World with Danny Penman PhD 32:56

6M ago32:56

32:56

The fast pace of today’s world can make people feel frantic and disconnected from experiences. It has become too easy to focus on the expectations of others and succumb to fear-based motivations. Do simple tools exist to make us feel grounded and bring us back to peace-of-mind? Or, does everything have to be a struggle? To understand how people can…

1
Healing Trauma and Building a Legacy of Resilience with Dr Mariel Buqué PhD 27:23

7M ago27:23

27:23

What some people consider minor stressors can trigger and overwhelm those whose biological and psychological makeup is foundationally built upon intergenerational traumas. These are familial events inherited by generations, affecting their descendants like second-hand smoke. Those with intergenerational traumas can be predisposed to heightened emot…

1
Civic Engagement: Empowered Citizens Shaping a Better Government with Dan Jasper 35:27

7M ago35:27

35:27

With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and …

1
Human Connection: The Soul of Our Social Architecture with Allison Pugh PhD 32:58

7M ago32:58

32:58

The media paints AI as a universal solution,but the spark of human connection,our life force or soul,defies machine replication.As we navigate this new era,the question of human-machine coexistence looms. For a deeper dive into the soul of our social architecture,Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Professor of Sociolo…

1
Psychology of Healthy Attachment: Satisfying Relationships in an Uncertain World with Ann Kelley PhD 40:48

7M ago40:48

40:48

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding our individual attachment styles. However, becoming self-aware of what is at the core of our disconnection can provide us with valuable insights into relationship patterns and help us build healthier connections and more satisfying relationships. For deeper insights into the psychology of atta…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mindful Agile Mastery Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide