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Live Greatly


Aug 2, 2022

The world is noisier today than it ever has been before, and we're left trying to process this excess of information! Kristel Bauer sat down with Leigh Marz & Justin Zorn on this Live Greatly podcast episode to chat about the power of silence. Leigh & Justin are the authors of their new book, Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise. The same techniques that Justin and Leigh have taught to US Congress, NASA, Harvard and Google can help you reclaim the presence of silence in your life. Tune in to learn about why silence is important, how you can find silence in the busyness of life, how to navigate information overload and so much more!

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • What are the benefits of silence
  • How to find silence in the midst of hectic days
  • Why is all of this excess noise potentially harmful
  • How to get comfortable with silence
  • Insights from the book GOLDEN: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise

In their book GOLDEN: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise (HarperWave; on sale: May 17, 2022), Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz invite us to rethink our definition of silence—not just as the absence of noise, but as a presence that can bring us energy, clarity, and deeper connection. The world is louder than ever. It’s not just the noise in our ears, but the noise on our screens and in our heads. With the average person sending/receiving 125 emails a day and with the WHO ranking noise pollution as second only to air pollution in its impact on human wellbeing, it’s clear that modern society has lost its connection to silence. While mindfulness can help us cope with the onslaught of noise, research shows that few people maintain a meditation practice over time. We need more accessible and enduring ways of finding clarity and renewal. Now, the same techniques Zorn and Marz have taught to the U.S. Congress, NASA, Harvard, and Google can help us reclaim the presence of silence in our lives. In GOLDEN, the authors illuminate how through their wide-ranging expertise and moving storytelling, including: • The economics and psychology of why our world is so noisy • The science of why silence is essential for our bodies and minds • Why virtually all the world’s spiritual traditions honor silence as a path to truth • Practical approaches to finding “little moments” of silence as well as deeper immersion • How to find renewing silence in families, among friends, and in workplaces • Building a society that honors silence—including the values of rest and deep listening

About Justin Talbot Zorn:

Justin has served as both a strategist and a meditation teacher in the US Congress. A Harvard-andOxford-trained specialist in the economics and psychology of human thriving, he has written for the Washington Post, The Atlantic, Harvard Business Review, Foreign Policy, and other publications. Justin is the coauthor of Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise, published by HarperCollins in the US, Penguin/Random House in the UK, and globally in 11 other languages. He is cofounder of Astrea Strategies, a consultancy that bridges contemplation and action, helping leaders and teams envision and communicate solutions to complex challenges. Justin lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife and three children.

About Leigh Marz:

Leigh is a collaboration and leadership coach for major universities, corporations, and federal agencies as well as a longtime student of pioneering researchers and practitioners of the ritualized use of psychedelic medicines in the West. She has led training programs to promote an experimental mindset among teams at NASA and a decade-long crosssector collaboration to reduce toxic chemicals in products, in partnership with Green Science Policy Institute, Harvard University, IKEA, Google, and Kaiser Permanente. Leigh is the coauthor of Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise, published by HarperCollins in the US, Penguin/Random House in the UK, and globally in 11 other languages. She is the cofounder of Astrea Strategies. Leigh lives in Berkeley, California, with her husband and daughter.

Buy the book! Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise

LinkedIn: Justin Talbot Zorn

LinkedIn: Leigh Marz

Justin Zorn's website

Leigh Marz's website

About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer:

Kristel, the Founder of Live Greatly, is on a mission to help people thrive personally and professionally. Kristel is a corporate wellness expert, Integrative Medicine Fellow, Top Keynote Speaker, TEDx speaker & contributing writer for Entrepreneur. 

Kristel brings her expertise & extensive experience in Corporate Wellness, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Mindset, Resilience, Self-Care, and Stress Management to in-person and virtual events as Professional Keynote Speaker.  If you are looking for a female motivational speaker to inspire and empower your audience to reclaim their well-being, inner motivation and happiness, Kristel’s message will leave a lasting impression. Kristel would be happy to discuss partnering with you to make your next event one to remember! Speaking Topics can be tailored to fit the needs of your group.

To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here.

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To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here.

Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations.  They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statments made by guests.  Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content.  Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.