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PODCAST

Mind the Gap

Welcome to “Mind the Gap,” the podcast where ancient wisdom and modern emotional intelligence converge. I’m Michael Comyn, and with nearly 40 years of experience in emotional intelligence, I’m excited to bring you this exploration of how Stoic philosophy can illuminate our contemporary challenges. You might also recognise my voice from a different context—I’ve been the one reminding passengers to “Mind the Gap” on public transport across Ireland for the past 25 years. It’s a phrase that has taken

education self-improvement

All Episodes

00:09:55

Contact Isn’t Connection

Mind the Gap ·

2025/07/12

We live in a world of constant pings, notifications, and endless scrolls. Yet for many, the phone doesn’t ring, the inbox is quiet, and the silence can feel heavy. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the difference between contact and connection, weaving in Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology to understand why so many feel lonely even while surrounded by people or devices. Michael shares reflections on why he rarely feels lonely, the difference

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00:10:10

The Power Beneath the Silence

Mind the Gap ·

2025/07/11

In this special bonus episode, we share the debut of Echoes from the Margin here on Mind the Gap. We turn down the noise to tune in more deeply, exploring the quiet strength found in humility, restraint, and presence. Drawing from Stoic thought, Indigenous wisdom, and timeless traditions from East and West, we reflect on what it means to lead, to influence, and to live—not through force, but through quiet clarity. Because sometimes, the most powerful truths aren’t shouted. They’re simply

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00:11:19

“Always On: The Tyranny of Instant Response”

Mind the Gap ·

2025/07/05

Have you ever felt chained to your phone, answering every message, every call, every ping—immediately? Michael shares a personal revelation on how the demand for instant replies has become a modern tyranny, shaping our anxiety, our relationships, and even our sense of self-worth. From missed calls that led to €300 fines to the quiet fear of being unreachable when someone needs us, this episode explores why we struggle to pause, and what the Stoics, emotional intelligence, and modern thinkers

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00:11:02

Letters Never Sent

Mind the Gap ·

2025/07/03

In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we share a reflective conversation from our companion series, Echoes from the Margins. Have you ever drafted a message you never sent, or replayed words you never spoke aloud? This episode, Letters Never Sent, explores the unspoken truths we carry: the letters tucked away, the messages deleted, the conversations rehearsed but left unspoken. Through gentle storytelling, Stoic insights, and reflections on modern psychology, we explore why some words remain

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00:14:51

Quiet Pride: The Cost of Belonging

Mind the Gap ·

2025/06/29

In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we step into the reflective space of our companion series Echoes from the Margins to explore Pride—not just as a parade, but as a quiet, daily act of presence and truth.We look at how Pride is celebrated, resisted, and quietly held across the world, from cities where flags wave freely to places where truth can be dangerous. We also pause to honour older LGBTQ+ voices who paved the way for today’s freedoms, yet often find themselves overlooked at the edges

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00:12:15

The Myth of Balance: Why Life Is Never in Perfect...

Mind the Gap ·

2025/06/28

In a world full of stress management workshops and resilience toolkits, are we missing the point of what it truly means to endure? In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael challenges the quick-fix culture that tells us to seek “work-life balance” as the ultimate goal, and instead invites us to discover a deeper, Stoic approach to living with composure and purpose, even when life doesn’t give us easy options. With insights from ancient philosophy and the quiet courage of voices like Etty

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00:09:19

"Shadowed by Insecurity: Navigating a Boss Who Fears...

Mind the Gap ·

2025/06/21

Have you ever worked under a boss who micromanages, takes credit for your work, and treats your talents as threats? In this insightful episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the dynamics behind bosses driven by insecurity, envy, and fear. Drawing on timeless Stoic wisdom, modern psychology, and the latest insights from emotional intelligence experts, this episode offers powerful strategies for navigating challenging workplace relationships while protecting your emotional health and

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00:06:50

The Fear of Being Ordinary

Mind the Gap ·

2025/06/14

In a culture obsessed with legacy, status, and standing out, what happens when we begin to question whether being seen is the same as being fulfilled?In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael shares the story of a man who stepped away from a high-powered career expecting freedom, only to find himself face-to-face with a deeper fear: the fear of being ordinary. Through this lens, the episode examines the hidden cost of deferring joy, the weight of unspoken expectations, and the quiet dignity of

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00:09:57

When Life Pauses Without Our Permission

Mind the Gap ·

2025/05/31

What do we learn about ourselves when life brings everything to a stop, not by choice, but by circumstance?In this reflective episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores a deeply human moment: lying on a hospital trolley, waiting for a bed. He speaks to the universal experience of sudden stillness, the kind that exposes our fears, confronts our control, and asks us to find strength in vulnerability. Drawing on the wisdom of the Stoics, especially Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Musonius Rufus,

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00:09:38

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light...

Mind the Gap ·

2025/05/10

In Praise of the Slow Song: Finding Meaning in SadnessIn this reflective episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the quiet, necessary role of sadness in our lives. While the world urges us toward constant positivity and quick fixes, this episode makes a case for slowing down and listening to what sadness might be trying to say. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael invites you to consider sadness not as something to escape, but as

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00:09:57

“Best Of: Wisdom That Stuck”

Mind the Gap ·

2025/05/03

In this special Best Of edition of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn reflects on the journey through the first 33 episodes — revisiting the ideas, quotes, and stories that stayed with listeners long after the episodes ended.From Stoic wisdom to emotional intelligence, from regret and recovery to noble goals and impostor feelings, this episode is a chance to pause and gather what has truly mattered. You’ll hear: What sparked the podcast on a rainy afternoon in July 2024Listener favourites and

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00:10:15

Delegated or Dumped On? The Fine Line of Responsibility

Mind the Gap ·

2025/04/26

Description:Have you ever found yourself solving a crisis you didn’t create? Taking on tasks you never agreed to? You’re not alone. In this episode, Michael explores the subtle but powerful difference between being trusted with a responsibility and being taken advantage of under the guise of delegation. With the help of Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and classic leadership thinking (including the legendary “Who’s Got the Monkey?” article from Harvard Business Review), we unpack

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00:13:17

“Your Call Is Important to Us”

Mind the Gap ·

2025/04/19

Rethinking Time in a World That Wastes It“You’re on hold—the music loops. The voice says your call is important. But is your time?” In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn reflects on a moment we’ve all experienced — twenty-five minutes on hold, listening to polite apologies and pan-pipe music — and uses it to explore a deeper question: how much of our time is quietly being taken from us? Drawing on Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and a modern tool known as the Boston

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00:11:13

The Confident Fool and the Quiet Expert: How the...

Mind the Gap ·

2025/04/12

Why do the loudest voices so often rise—while the most capable hesitate in the shadows?In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the strange tension between Impostor Syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger Effect. One causes deeply competent people to question their worth, while the other leads the unskilled to overestimate theirs. Somewhere in between is the path to real confidence. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael unpacks the

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00:08:56

When Knowledge Threatens: The Paradox of Being Judged

Mind the Gap ·

2025/04/05

Have you ever felt judged—not for your mistakes or flaws—but for your strengths, education, or even how you speak? In this thoughtful and introspective episode, Michael Comyn explores the uncomfortable reality of being judged for having "too much" of something good.He explores the hidden biases that shape how we perceive each other, whether based on age, gender, accent, intelligence, race, or class. Drawing insights from psychology, Stoic philosophy, and Jungian thought, Michael examines the

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00:12:49

Talking to Yourself, Wisely...

Mind the Gap ·

2025/03/29

You know that voice in your head that won’t stop replaying awkward conversations or predicting disaster before you’ve even begun? We all have it. But what if you could teach it to speak differently instead of trying to silence that voice?In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the surprising science behind self-talk — the silent, internal dialogue that shapes how we think, feel, and act. Drawing on the work of psychologist Ethan Kross, ancient Stoic philosophy, and the principles of

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00:11:57

Procrastination: Why We Delay and How to Start Moving

Mind the Gap ·

2025/03/22

In this episode of Mind the Gap, we dig deep into the human habit of procrastination—what it is, why we do it, and how we can finally move from delay to action. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology, Michael explores how fear, perfectionism, and emotional avoidance often lie beneath our tendency to put things off. With references to Marcus Aurelius, Viktor Frankl, and leading researchers like Dr. Piers Steel, this conversation offers insight and practical

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00:16:28

The Propaganda Playbook: How to Spot It and Resist It

Mind the Gap ·

2025/03/15

How do we separate truth from manipulation in a world where information moves faster than ever? Propaganda isn’t just a relic of history—it’s alive and well, shaping how we think, vote, and engage with the world. From political campaigns to corporate spin, propaganda exploits psychological biases, repetition, and emotional appeal to control the narrative. And the scariest part? It often doesn’t look like propaganda at all. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn breaks down the

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00:10:24

Gatekeepers and Champions: The Leadership Dilemma

Mind the Gap ·

2025/03/08

Not all leaders are created equal. Some open doors, while others keep them firmly shut. In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the two fundamental leadership styles we all encounter in the workplace—the Gatekeeper, who resists change and stifles innovation, and the Champion, who fosters growth and clears the way for progress.How do you work with these different types of leaders? How can you navigate resistance, build influence, and ensure you don’t become a Gatekeeper

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00:11:46

The Value of a Hug: Physical or Virtual, Recognition...

Mind the Gap ·

2025/03/01

In a world where connection is just a click away, why do so many of us still feel alone? We send messages, react with emojis, and even say “virtual hug”—but can digital connection ever replace the warmth of human touch?In this episode of Mind the Gap, we explore the deeper meaning of a hug—whether physical or virtual—and its role in human recognition. From the science of touch to cultural perspectives on personal space, we’ll dive into why hugs matter, how technology changes how we connect,

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