LightWork: Conversations in Well-Being https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com LightWork: Conversations in Well-Being, is a podcast where science meets soul,
and everyday conversations become opportunities for growth, meaning, and hope.

I’m Professor Jim McAlhaney, M.A., psychology professor, lifelong learner, and fellow traveler on the path toward flourishing.

Here on LightWork, we explore what it truly means to live well—not just surviving, but thriving.

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 13:03:09 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Science:Social Sciences 1440 episodic Jim T. McAlhaney Jim T. McAlhaney No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21819628/LightworkLogo.png LightWork: Conversations in Well-Being https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com 144 144 Contemplative Education and Student Wellbeing Contemplative Education and Student Wellbeing https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/contemplative-education-and-student-wellbeing/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/contemplative-education-and-student-wellbeing/#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 13:03:09 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/2e36c579-47ca-3601-97ce-281eb5a79715 In this episode, I explore how contemplative education can support student wellbeing in an age of stress, distraction, and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from positive psychology, mindfulness research, and reflective teaching practices, we discuss how attention, presence, and meaning making can deepen both learning and personal flourishing. This conversation invites educators and students alike to rethink education not only as information transfer, but as a pathway toward wholeness, resilience, and authentic human development.

]]> In this episode, I explore how contemplative education can support student wellbeing in an age of stress, distraction, and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from positive psychology, mindfulness research, and reflective teaching practices, we discuss how attention, presence, and meaning making can deepen both learning and personal flourishing. This conversation invites educators and students alike to rethink education not only as information transfer, but as a pathway toward wholeness, resilience, and authentic human development.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 827 17 full Spiritual Formation and Mental Health Spiritual Formation and Mental Health https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/spiritual-formation-and-mental-health/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/spiritual-formation-and-mental-health/#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 16:04:06 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/fe775912-8041-3598-a84c-a8f716621dea In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between spiritual formation and mental health in a world shaped by stress, distraction, and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from both contemplative Christianity and modern psychology, we discuss how practices like silence, reflection, gratitude, and mindful attention can help cultivate inner peace, resilience, and wholeness. This conversation examines how our habits, attention, and identity are constantly being formed—and how intentional spiritual practices can support emotional wellbeing and authentic flourishing. If you’ve been longing for a deeper sense of peace and groundedness, this episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful invitation to slow down and reconnect with your inner life.

]]> In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between spiritual formation and mental health in a world shaped by stress, distraction, and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from both contemplative Christianity and modern psychology, we discuss how practices like silence, reflection, gratitude, and mindful attention can help cultivate inner peace, resilience, and wholeness. This conversation examines how our habits, attention, and identity are constantly being formed—and how intentional spiritual practices can support emotional wellbeing and authentic flourishing. If you’ve been longing for a deeper sense of peace and groundedness, this episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful invitation to slow down and reconnect with your inner life.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 759 16 full Identifying the True Self Through Contemplation Identifying the True Self Through Contemplation https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/identifying-the-true-self-through-contemplation/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/identifying-the-true-self-through-contemplation/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:20:21 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/9f9bdac2-55af-3965-9fdf-3e4c95d77f71 This episode explores a question that sits at the center of both psychology and contemplative spirituality: Who am I… really?

Not just what I do, what I’ve achieved or how others see me.

But beneath all of that—who am I? And more importantly…

How do we come to know that?

]]> This episode explores a question that sits at the center of both psychology and contemplative spirituality: Who am I… really?

Not just what I do, what I’ve achieved or how others see me.

But beneath all of that—who am I? And more importantly…

How do we come to know that?

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 850 15 full The Spiritual Psychology of Suffering The Spiritual Psychology of Suffering https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/the-spiritual-psychology-of-suffering/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/the-spiritual-psychology-of-suffering/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:11:35 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/4c95bdc5-9638-3083-aa1b-8c0da9421292 In today's episode of LightWork, I explore one of the most difficult- and most universal-dimensions of the human experience" Suffering!

Not how to avoid it or how to eliminate it, but how to understand it...and perhaps, how to relate to it differently.

]]> In today's episode of LightWork, I explore one of the most difficult- and most universal-dimensions of the human experience" Suffering!

Not how to avoid it or how to eliminate it, but how to understand it...and perhaps, how to relate to it differently.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 717 14 full Awe: Quieting the Self, Expanding Perspective Awe: Quieting the Self, Expanding Perspective https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/awe-quieting-the-self-expanding-perspective/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/awe-quieting-the-self-expanding-perspective/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:38:13 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/41e4ea77-81ef-3987-8c32-1097963f99af Here is Episode 4 in my series: The Contemplative Mind - Psychology & Spiritual Wisdom for Flourishing. The topic of Episode 4 is "Awe: Quieting the Self, Expanding Perspective"

]]> Here is Episode 4 in my series: The Contemplative Mind - Psychology & Spiritual Wisdom for Flourishing. The topic of Episode 4 is "Awe: Quieting the Self, Expanding Perspective"

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 686 13 full Attention: The Currency of the Mind Attention: The Currency of the Mind https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/attention-the-currency-of-the-mind/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/attention-the-currency-of-the-mind/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:24:32 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/1b62a876-0b03-35ac-86f2-cbd2aa56cd67 Attention is the currency of the mind—what we focus on shapes our experience, identity, and overall well-being. In a world designed to fragment our attention, learning to intentionally direct and protect it becomes essential for clarity, presence, and meaningful living. By cultivating awareness and returning our attention to what truly matters, we begin to live more fully and deliberately.

]]> Attention is the currency of the mind—what we focus on shapes our experience, identity, and overall well-being. In a world designed to fragment our attention, learning to intentionally direct and protect it becomes essential for clarity, presence, and meaningful living. By cultivating awareness and returning our attention to what truly matters, we begin to live more fully and deliberately.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 759 12 full Silence as Psychological Medicine Silence as Psychological Medicine https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/silence-as-psychological-medicine/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/silence-as-psychological-medicine/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:46:41 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/a7d7577a-a9d6-34d5-a349-aa5092f8ddcd In today's episode of LightWork, I discuss how moments of silence help our mental health in a noisy world.

]]> In today's episode of LightWork, I discuss how moments of silence help our mental health in a noisy world.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 365 11 full The Contemplative Turn in Psychology The Contemplative Turn in Psychology https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/the-contemplative-turn-in-psychology/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/the-contemplative-turn-in-psychology/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:01:27 -0300 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/47a56c85-6204-37e0-be3f-747119e43f6c An introduction into a new series examining the intersection of psychological science and contemplative spirituality.

]]> An introduction into a new series examining the intersection of psychological science and contemplative spirituality.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 494 10 full Contemplation & Silence in a Noisy World Contemplation & Silence in a Noisy World https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/contemplation-silence-in-a-noisy-world/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/contemplation-silence-in-a-noisy-world/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:29:59 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/68d3e259-15c2-3b7a-a274-80d71cbfea44 In this episode of LightWork: Conversations in Well-Being, I discuss the importance of setting aside time for Contemplation & Silence in a Noisy World. 

]]> In this episode of LightWork: Conversations in Well-Being, I discuss the importance of setting aside time for Contemplation & Silence in a Noisy World. 

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 896 9 full Building Authentic Confidence through Emotional Intelligence Building Authentic Confidence through Emotional Intelligence https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/building-authentic-confidence-through-emotional-intelligence/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/building-authentic-confidence-through-emotional-intelligence/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:32:57 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/46702c3d-a9ac-3404-a3dd-4e604d8b14c4 In today's episode we cover how to build Authentic Confidence through Emotional Intelligence. 

]]> In today's episode we cover how to build Authentic Confidence through Emotional Intelligence. 

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 766 8 full Why High Achievers Are Often Miserable Why High Achievers Are Often Miserable https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/why-high-achievers-are-often-miserable/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/why-high-achievers-are-often-miserable/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:05:48 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/89cb5fa3-4cae-31ef-85e5-c1badb80f872 We are exploring a topic that feels especially relevant in our culture. Why are high achievers often miserable.

]]> We are exploring a topic that feels especially relevant in our culture. Why are high achievers often miserable.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 638 7 full PERMA Reflection Meditation with Professor Jim PERMA Reflection Meditation with Professor Jim https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-reflection-meditation-with-professor-jim/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-reflection-meditation-with-professor-jim/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:42:13 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/fb5ef4c7-ed4c-3bf9-a26a-db3a1eb7e4be In this episode, I invite you to join me in meditating on the 5 pillars of the PERMA Model of Well Being. This is one you can use regularly and I hope it helps you to grow in your well being.

]]> In this episode, I invite you to join me in meditating on the 5 pillars of the PERMA Model of Well Being. This is one you can use regularly and I hope it helps you to grow in your well being.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 589 6 full PERMA Theory of Well Being: Accomplishment PERMA Theory of Well Being: Accomplishment https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-accomplishment/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-accomplishment/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:55:27 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/2665b883-702e-31f7-92a9-fd8ceac09fa5 Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the fifth and final Pillar.......Meaning.

]]> Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the fifth and final Pillar.......Meaning.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 560 5 full PERMA Theory of Well Being: Meaning PERMA Theory of Well Being: Meaning https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-meaning/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-meaning/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:27:19 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/41e8d8ec-3f8d-305c-827d-b2f22c7f970a Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the fourth Pillar.......Meaning.

]]> Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the fourth Pillar.......Meaning.

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 469 4 full PERMA Theory of Well Being: Relationships PERMA Theory of Well Being: Relationships https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-relationships/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-relationships/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:07:32 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/05dcdb9c-3951-342c-991d-570451b781d2 Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the third Pillar.......Relationships

]]> Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the third Pillar.......Relationships

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 504 3 full PERMA Theory of Well Being: Engagement PERMA Theory of Well Being: Engagement https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-engagement/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-engagement/#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:49:37 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/6339b262-d9bd-39c4-8d84-8707bf7c4041 Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the second Pillar.......Engagement

]]> Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the second Pillar.......Engagement

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 685 2 full PERMA Theory of Well Being: Positive Emotions PERMA Theory of Well Being: Positive Emotions https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-positive-emotions/ https://jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/e/perma-theory-of-well-being-positive-emotions/#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:19:00 -0400 jimtmcalhaney.podbean.com/0f79bd35-3f35-3890-9daf-538e14edeb14 Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the first Pillar.......Positive Emotions

]]> Exploration of the PERMA Theory of Well Being:  This Episode focuses on the first Pillar.......Positive Emotions

]]> Jim T. McAlhaney false No 1029 1 full