An evening with me and Simon - waiting list here: stevenbartlett.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=12d7331c8fadafd64f7122bb9&id=99f0722744

In 2017, the night before my surgery for a broken ankle, my husband of 27 years and my best friend in the world, had me listen to Simon Sinek. He had been reading "Leaders Eat Last." We had so many conversations about meaningful work! He had been a pilot in the Marine Corps, was an amazing husband and father, and was inspired by Simon's words. In November 2018 he tragically and suddenly died of an aortic dissection at the age of 51. During the past four years I have been working to be strong and resilient for my children. And now, I feel he is speaking to me through Simon's words, inspiring me to be more vulnerable, to really listen, to just sit in the mud, and hold space... sharing struggles... deepening relationships... thank you both.

I am 69 years old and when I was in early 20’s, I experienced loneliness. I read many self help books to understand what I was feeling but still felt lonely. At night the loneliness was unbearable. I put pictures of universe on the ceiling of my bedroom and kept telling telling my self that compare to universe I am smaller than a speck of sand. Then one day I started to talk to my loneliness as if it is a human and ask to be my friend. I accepted and embraced it. As time went on I stopped being lonely. To this day I don’t feel lonely. I guess the loneliness became a part of me.

This interview made me so emotional because I am a woman in my 50s with no kids and no partner therefore I get lonely all the time. I won't say that I have a terrible life but sometimes I don't like being lonely. In these times I am so grateful to my siblings who all keep in touch with me. There are so many key takeaways in this conversation. Thanks to Simon and Steven..

I'm struggling no family, lost my son, husband it's been the worse time in my life. Isolation, 100% I never go out unless it to food shop or doctors appointment. At 69yrs old it's extremely very hard. No friends here we moved and then my husband passed away. My prayers for anyone that reads this may the Lord bless you.🙏❤️

I’m a therapist and if everyone had a friend like these two men, I would be out of business. Everything discussed is great therapy for self and others. Therapist sit in the mud too! Such a great description! I actually ask my clients if they are wanting to vent or want to fix. Sometimes when I’m in the mud (with my own issues), I pause, then I get up and do something even if it’s wrong, it still feels better.

From now on I'll stop trying to fix people and be a better listener. Such a powerful message.

"Serve those who serve others" really resonated with me, such a deep message. How I wish to get friends who feel the same.

I experienced a very late diagnosis of ADD and ADHD at almost 40 years old. Simon’s comment about “mourning the past” really resonated with me.

The Diary of a CEO has become my best friend so far ... The guests and their vulnerability are legendary. You've restored my faith in humanity again. Thank you so much, Steve !

Simon’s authenticity and willingness to be honest about his inefficiencies… Has given me another level of respect for him. Something we should all admire

0:28: 😔 Simon Sinek discusses his shift away from public speaking and his focus on mental fitness. 13:44: 💔 Loneliness is feeling misunderstood, not being seen or heard, and struggling to communicate or present oneself. 20:50: 💔 Loneliness and the need for companionship and empathy in times of struggle. 39:46: 💡 Building trust is essential in managing chaos and making decisions in high-pressure situations. 41:23: 🗣 Feedback and self-awareness are crucial in building healthy relationships and improving communication skills. 53:13: 😔 The design of the modern world has added a layer of complication to finding and keeping love, and dating apps have made it feel like shopping for partners. 1:01:34: 💑 Being vulnerable and sharing struggles with your partner can deepen the relationship. 1:11:12: 💑 The key to a great relationship is having intellectual, emotional, and sexual compatibility, along with favorable circumstances. 1:21:43: 💔 Heartbreak teaches us about the nature of being human and the importance of co-creation in relationships. 1:29:20: 🌟 Simon measures success by momentum, not by achievement, and feels a sense of meaning and purpose in contributing to a better world. 1:38:35: 💪 The speaker reflects on their experience in a war zone and realizes that the true purpose in life is to serve those who serve others. 1:48:38: 💪 Simon reflects on the importance of serving those who serve others and the personal cost that comes with it. Recap by Tammy AI

Any else see the BIG problem with this talk? His methods rely largely on FRIENDS... A LOT of people who are alone have NO FRIENDS.

I love this so much. I know what it is like to feel lonely at times. I would sit in the mud with you Simon. One of my favorite quotes is from A.A. Milne. Very profound. "Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh. There was a pause. "Do you want to talk about it?" asked Piglet. "No," said Pooh after a bit. "No, I don't think I do." "That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend. "What are you doing?" asked Pooh. "Nothing, really," said Piglet. "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either. "But goodness," continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you. And I'll always be here for you, Pooh." And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…he thought that his best friend had never been more right." A.A. Milne

This interview was solid gold, wrapped in gold, shipped in a gold box, with a gold bow on it. 24K gold interview hands down.

This CD has three separate relaxation/meditation sessions on it kzfaq.infoUgkxzpa8CIfZcihW4Z0F_ja0QF3W9KIatrsq guided by a very pleasant and direct male voice. Unlike so many other products of its type, this CD does not have bad synthesizer music, does not feature a phony or affected style of narration, and does not make any bogus claims to be subliminal or to re-train the brain or any of that balderdash. What you get is 1. a guided meditation for getting into a pleasantly relaxed state of body awareness while taking a stroll (superb for those easing back into a fitness routine slowly after an illness or injury) 2. A nice long breath-awareness relaxation session that if followed diligently can put you into very deep states of full-body relaxation and mental calmness, and 3. a buddhist-inspired meditation session designed to help you develop and maintain feelings of loving kindness toward not just yourself and your friends, but toward people you don't even like. The CD makes no claims to be designed for advanced meditators or for buddhists or hindus/yoga practitioners looking for very deep and esoteric stuff. It is geared more toward the average person who just wants to develop the habit of relaxation and stress relief through natural, healthy means. him, if you happen to be reading this, keep up the good work fella, and I love your accent. I would also like to note that I have never fallen asleep while listening to this product. I would like to kindly suggest to the reviewer who said this CD makes him fall asleep, that he might want to get checked to see if he has a sleep disorder, or if he is simply not setting aside ample time for restful sleep at night. A healthy person getting adequate rest at night should be able to go into deep states of mental relaxation without dozing off, if not all the time, then most of the time.

I’m 19 years old about to turn 20 and the part where Simon talked about just sticking with something and not worrying about arbitrary numbers really spoke with me

What an honour it was to have Simon come on the podcast and be so open and vulnerable with me, thank you Simon! If you enjoyed this conversation do me a favour and like the video, it helps us understand exactly what type of conversations you enjoy. Thanks! 🙏🏽

I always say, "I love you," after every conversation when speaking to someone I feel that for. It's a form of gratitude for the friendship and all received through it. Even friends who felt awkward by that now are so open and return the words from such a sweet place. When I feel alone....I am single and near 60....I ask myself, "Who can i help today?" The feeling of alone begins to fade, and the gratitude of being able to help replaces it.

I have been answering that question, as well as "are you okay?", with a no, nope, a side to side head shake. Everyone walks away. Leaves me ALONE! YAY!

My wise father said that loneliness was the biggest affliction in the world. He was right. Thank you for a spot on podcast.

"We live in a world where most people are not equipped on how to be there for a friend" that hit like a ton of bricks! Sadly, I am finding this out the hard way. My closest friends didn't know my mom was in the last stages of her illness. I didn't feel like reaching out. No one was really asking anyway. When I announced that my mom passed, I was so disappointed in the lack of support from my so-called best friends. A mear text, a message. I am still in shock on how unaware people are. Each person seems to be living in their own bubble. I can't wrap my head around this. Sad to say the least and feeling lonely as ever.

Dear Simon, Thank you for helping me realize I’m not broken. I literally relate to 100% of everything you said in this interview. Conclusion: Surround yourself with people who make you feel heard. Remember that “wait” is not “never”. Lots of things worth waiting for, take time. ❤

Absolutely love this conversation, listening to two men discussing the human condition is not only heartwarming but enormously reinforcing for those of us that battle loneliness and full understanding and integration of all of our parts.....the power of love and connection with self and others.....🙏

I feel exactly the same. (Like, I even got an ADHD diagnosis at 31). This is the first thing on this topic I've managed to listen to since I finally sank in quicksand due to loneliness. Really resonates with me. Thank you

You possess exceptional interviewing skills, as evidenced by the way your guest opened up to you like never before. Your ability to connect with and understand people is truly remarkable.

I feel so moved with this episode, it seemed to me it wasn't intended to get that far and deep until Simon took the courageous step to open totally and completely. Nobody is fully done with their own personal work, and yet is so inspiring to me, to see role-models of self aware men. The story of finding meaning in the middle of a panic was very powerful. Simon is a deep thinker with a great purpose and a mission. I wish more of those examples in our society.

This is by far the best episode I’ve seen in your channel and learned so much from your interaction and stories shared. Wow, thank you both!

Steven, you are amazingly skilled in creating space for guests to be truly authentic. I love your interviewing abilities and the guests that you attract. Thank you for what you do !❤

I love Simon! Showing everyone you can be a powerhouse even with ADHD. Such a great guest.

I learned the "sitting in the mud" communication by just doing that with my wife and noticed that every time after this conversations she thanked me and was grateful. That was the moment I truly understood the value of just listening. It was literally a big positive shift in our marriage, when I, on a regular basis, implemented just conversation evenings. So thanks for this amazing episode.

This entire podcast touched me and taught me. When Simon got to the part where he was talking about being on the plane when the flag draped casket was brought aboard had tears running down my face. Thank you for being open, honest and vulnerable with us. 🙏

Such an authentic conversation.. thank you. I love the idea of asking my friends to just sit in the mud with me, no judgement, no solutions, just being there.

The 3+1 philosophy about partnership made me realize alot of why many of my dating experiences have failed to work. And the way he transforms the idea of meditation to train to be a better listener is just amazing. Lots of love to anyone reading this, who takes his time scrolling through the comment section and also to simon and steven for providing the content.

This is the most powerful podcast I have listened to ever. It brought me to tears several times. The current greatest frustration in my life is that at the age of 69 and significant physical limitations, I feel I am not of service to anyone.

Steve you have an unimaginable way to let people open up to you. Lots of same people I've listened to in other podcasts, never shown their shadows as openly as with you. And this is why we love you and your work. And we love Simon!

I have listened to this more than once. I cry every time. Such a wonderful message. Walking alongside and holding space, even sitting in the mud,, truly amazing ❤ I celebrate your tenacity

"I'm struggling to communicate or present myself in a way that people will get who I'am". my life, so relatable Simon

I'm not a man of many tears.. but the end story was great. "Serve those who serve others" and "go on; were with you" 🤗

This is a great podcast as are many on this channel. Often sitting in the mud IS the solution. Being heard can be an incredible antidote to loneliness.

Simons honesty and vulnerability is so inspiring. Thank you both for this conversation

I'm 68 with ADHD and finally just understanding how this has effected all my relationships...and yes, there is a period of mourning that I have been going through that is not easy. Not only are these feelings difficult, explaining these feelings are difficult.

I love him. He’s a genuine person. I would feel lucky to have him as a friend.

One of my favorite sayings I've heard- "If you cannot see the light, I will sit with you in the dark".❤

I find it amazing how you get so much emotion out of these interviews i really havent seen anyone else actually get that out of guests the way you do. It really is amazing, you have a wonderful skill. Keep up the great work.

I listened to this during work and there were a few times when I felt like crying. Steven was born to do this. The more guests he interviews, the more aware he becomes of himself and his thoughts and better questions to ask. What is really meaningful in life. Not to have all the money in the world, but to have enough to help yourself and others while serving those in need. I started listening to Steven in 2020. I had moved to the UK just a few months before that and I was soaking up all his knowledge through the podcast. I love the book, bought the journal too and literally can't wait to go on a live show. This has to be my favourite episode. At the end I felt like nothing can surpass this. It's like when you finish reading a good book and you don't know what to do next because it left you speechless. Well, this conversation has left me with so many emotions and thoughts. Steven and the crew are amazing for doing these episodes and I really wish this never ends, because the lessons learned here are priceless. Thank you Steven and DOAC team❤

I must start by saying that, this is a deep s**t conversation. It shows that we are human beings, no one is perfect and neither is life. Regardless of our status in life, we all share the same emotions, thoughts, feelings and mud. Why not, at the end of the day, we are human beings and we are all vulnerable. Another great conversation, Steven. 💙

Found this by chance while having a really bad day. Definitely cried my way through the entire video but what a great and insightful conversation. I feel like my entire circle of friends have been struggling with how we can show up for each other that we tend to immediately redirect each other to therapists instead of rly being a supportive presence. definitely will look into this more purposefully. thank you!

Thank you for this gift, for allowing us to see you so open and vulnerable, and at the same time giving us poweful tools🥰

Finally shared with friend recently and family member last year that I've had such feelings of loneliness. Family said nothing and friend told me all the reasons I shouldn't feel lonely. It helps to know that it's not that they don't care but that they don't have the skills to sit with me as a lonely person...

I absolutely love this episode with Simon. I even shed some tears when he was talking about his friend in the army being so vulnerable with him and saying "i love you".

This was an absolutely incredible experience, listening! I thank you from the bottom of my toes for your dedication to this work and being here with me tonight. My hope is that you feel the gratitude that stems from your mercy and grace.

Oh boy, listening to Simon brought me to tears. That's because I hadn't had to people to connect/converse with about such matters for a while. I dare say humbly, his experiences and words touched on thoughts and feelings I've had covered up for a while. After watching this interview, I learned I'm definitely guilty of stone walling. I have to learn to let people in. I always felt like an ATM machine that never got money deposits so to speak. Always feeling emotionally exhausted and drained in relationships (friends, family & partners) and now I know why. Giving and receiving is something I need to practice. Thank you both for this interview!

11 minutes in and I am fighting tears and don’t know why. I really felt that. ❤

What a man, a leader, humble. Just adore him.

This whole conversation was profound. It connected a lot of dots inside of me I didn’t know needed connecting. Holding space with someone, truelly holding that space is a whole different way of communicating. And I love it.

I listen to so many podcasts, but can honestly say that was the most amazing one I have ever seen. I have saved it, I have copied it, even took a photo of the screen, and I’m going to print it out because I am going to be watching this one over and over again. Just wow.

I relate to a lot of Simons philosophy on sitting in mud or dark tunnel but still having that positivity and know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I relate to the loneliness because of my similar stonewalling behavior. I am direct and stoic but also very sensitive and cry alone. My last relationship ended and i just wish i wasn’t neurodivergent. I didn’t realize i wasn’t showing her how much love and enthusiasm i had internally. I know there’s a lot of benefits to having the type of brain that i have but after so much pain and love lost, i just wish i was somebody else. i feel lost and displaced. i know i’m a genuine good person and all i want is to walk this earth every single day with a heart/mind/body full of love. i’m just constantly stuck. After listening to Simon, I do feel faith in humanity. I realize right now i need to find a life coach or therapist

"There's no greater honour than being able to serve a friend in need." I had a close friend who needed me to just sit in the mud with her yesterday, and I went into full fixer mode.I see that I should've dialed it down a bit. I know better now. Thank you for the great conversation, as always. 🙏❤

Absolutely MAGNIFICENT! Simon has an incredible way of putting feelings into words and painting a picture! Thank you for the gift of this talk!

This is one of the powerful conversations I’ve ever listened to! I hope Simon finds a loving relationship with the right woman one day! Many blessings for using your heart and mind to the work you do for people! ❤️

I love this and am reminded of when I was a teenager, and went through a series of bereavements, I wrote the words "Flowers never grow if they just have sun, they need the rain too". I forgot those words for many, may years and am grateful that you've had Simon on the show to remind me.

I watched this 4x. I have all Simon's books. I love him more now that I see this vulnerable part of him. It resonated with me. It is very difficult for me to find love as it seems there is no one I am compatible with. I understand the struggles of loneliness. Thank you for this wonderful journey.

This episode tugs on the heart. Yes, we have to go on and be a part of the mission- to serve those who serve others. ❤❤❤

feeling lonely is top of the list for me too. I find that when you move into the loneliness and sit with it it’s not so intense and lifts slightly. We shouldn’t worry about our vulnerability. Covid has left many off us with less friends and family and the world has been turned absolutely upside down. We are raising our vibration and we are all learning that being HUMAN is key to success and vulnerability is nothing to be scared of but to know that we all feel the same things and we can celebrate that now like never before. Celebrate quietly and know you know it all already and then you have the energy to hold space for others. Im single, a middle aged woman Simon if your ever in London and fancy a date!!’ 😂❤😅😮

This Podcast has been the best birthday gift I received in my 47 years on this earth. You guys made me cry, you made me laugh, make me think about why I still do not trust men after my divorce. I have built a wall around me and I have my own mudhole, but know I can start working on myself so that I'm not so alone.. All the best for you from South Africa.

Absolutely the best podcast ive ever listened to! Service is the essence of purpose! Will listen again for sure

What an excellent conversation! I sent it to my 2 closest friends, because this is the kind of conversation we have on the phone, whenever we can. It makes life worth living. Thank you

Dear Simon, This might sound hyperbolic and somewhat dramatic, but it isn’t. This was the most authentic conversation I’ve ever heard. What you said about ‘sitting in the mud’, about listening and NOT trying to ‘fix’ things, about practising meditation to empower ourselves to listen respectfully has brought about a paradigm shift in my understanding of close relationships. I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was truly cathartic. I know now what I’ve been doing wrong. Clearly, empathy works like nothing else does. Truly truly grateful for all those insights…for being brave enough to be vulnerable. My prayers for you to find happiness in your personal space. Much love and regards come your way… P.S. Thanks Steve for enabling that engaging conversation. You bring out the real person you talk to, each time.

It's amazing that a man with so much success and impact has the exact same problems as the rest of us. Great podcast.

This moved me to tears specifically parts of the discussion. That as an unbelievably powerful conversation. That's as authentic, honest, raw, emotional and as good at serving as it can get on a podcast. I mean you both Simon and Steven you do not just share information and giving great advice which is definitely there but you go a step further showing your own vulnerability and where you are in this journey of life. That makes all the difference. Truly thank you -

This is an interview I can watch and listen to over and over and over and over.

You should never cry alone?! Dude I cry when I listen to a good song. Crying is like therapy, you let it flow when it needs too. You don't ask the tears to wait while you see if your friend is available. Anyway, each to their own.

This guy is so inspirational , so emotionally strong. What a man 💪🏻

Really felt for Simon. I admire him so much and have been following his work for years. I feel lonely too. I send my love your way, and as one of my favourite things to think about, spring always comes after heavy winters. ♥️ Steven your interview skills are on a different level. You always offer space and get the best out of your guest speakers!

One of the most soulful conversations I've heard in a long time. It almost never happens that I feel such admiration for someone, but I'm at awe of Simon right now. Thank you Steven for touching "uncomfortable subjects" outside of the scope of business and creating an atmosphere where a person can open up like this. The vulnerability, self awareness and accountability that Simon displays is truly remarkable. Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking I'm the only one that values meaning over profit (although profit is necessary to provide good service), the joy of service, of being a witness to another person's "mud", or the painful feeling when a close friend can't be present with my mud. It helps (I'm on the other side of the planet) to hear people who have achieved so much, articulate those same needs with this level of candor, and also enthusiasm and hope. I'm taking it all in and saving it for when I forget!

I really felt the part when he said, young people feel they're wasting their time when they take a gap or have a bad boss. It's really challenging for me not to feel I'm achieving remarkable goals, like every day I'm not giving 200% from myself, I feel like a looser.

What a powerfully real and honest discussion, vulnerable, human to the core. Serving those who serve others ❤️

The thing l love the most abt your channel is , we get to see these amazing highly successful people who seem untouchable and get insight into their real lives and then we actually see that we are all human, we suffer the same things and can also achieve great things. Truly inspiring. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience this Steve!

This is why we love Simon Sinek, mind you this is the second time seeing Simon anywhere, but I now understand. What a truly inspirational and outstanding human.

Life changing conversation. So raw and full of another level wisdom. I believe everyone of us who has watched/listened this episode will be a better human going forward. Saying million "thank you" does not show even a fracture of my gratitude to both of these men ❤

What an incredible episode! Love Simon and his authenticity and vulnerability. I also love how well he can articulate and express himself. So much self awareness on his behalf its beautiful to see! Thank you 🙏

Loved this chat, thanks for sharing a lot of topics that aren't usually talked about unless you're in therapy. So much respect for both of you.

That is one of the most top notch conversations I've heard in decades between 2 men talking life and relationships. Kudos n standing ovation. Also the body changes are very profound. Sounds like holistic inner healing to make for superb alterations. Many blessings n boons.

What a rollercoaster this episode was. Loved Simon Sinek for a long time but such honesty and his emotion is absolutely refreshing! Thank you

This is one of the most moving and influential episodes of any podcast I’ve had the privilege of hearing and sharing. Especially the last part about his experience with the military. Thank you.

I am so glad i listened to it over an hour just out of instinct and it gave me more answers than questions. I left my loneliness aside for a moment and focused on your conversation and that lonely feeling disappeard. Really thank you for that. Now i know, the answer is sometimes right in front of you, you have just to set your expectations aside for that moment and you shall find what you need more or you will just get over it, so that's a win win for me honestly.

This is one of the best things I watched this entire year. I'm a huge fan of Simon and his work. His words often finds ways into changing my mind and vision about things and therefore allowing new ways for me to act and change myself to be better. I'm brazilian and really hope to someday meet him to thank or at least listen to on person. Thank you for sharing this conversation and many others thru your channel. Can't wait to see another brilliant episode with him in the future.

I didn't expect this conversation to be this enriching, real and vulnerable. It's making me cry and smile at the same time. 💖

I've been trying to hold back my tears since seeing short snips of this video on IG but ended up crying like a baby multiple times throughout the video. Thank you both!

I’m profoundly impacted at the depth this conversation went. I’ve always had the utmost respect for Simon and what he stands for. This conversation has been such an incredible learning experience for me. Thank you this conversation.

This conversation is like two besties having deep conversation.... It's so vulnerable and sensitive and intellectual... Sooo good❤

This is arguably the best conversation yet. The deep vulnerability and relatability on so many levels and topics is unmatched. Thank you for allowing us to partake. We are all better for it.

What an overdue & emotionally supportive dialogue. Simon is a breath of fresh air! We all need this immensely!Thank you so so much Simon.

Oh my gosh, this is so relatable. How many of us have put our careers first and now sit lonely and wondering how do we change now. But won't go swiping for many reasons. Thank you for being so open with your true feelings.

thank you for bringing up simon sinek again, this man truly made me feel seen and heard, changed my perception and enlightened my soul. it’s also thanks to you for bringing up wonderful questions on where all of us can reflect back to :)

That crushed me as I didn't expect to be invited into Simons inner world. Thank you so much to letting us join that conversation which draw me to tears so that I wanted to hug to provide him comfort. you both are truly amazing in the way you talk. keep on

Thank you soooo much for this honest conversation from both of you. You both were vulnerable and ready to open up about your own personal experiences and struggles and ready to share it with us. I am honoured to have listened to this.

This spoke to me so hard I cried!!!! God bless this channel. You are helping me through a dark period in my life. Emotionally that is....

Wow, such a great conversation. It's so great to know that there are men out there who actually want to talk about the things that you both do. I've been single for many years. Not through lack of trying to find someone. I'm too picky i suppose, and have pretty much given up on finding a man who is capable of the kind of communication skills that you both have. This gives me hope. Sending love from Nova Scotia, Canada.