The Year of Magical Learning cover art

The Year of Magical Learning

The Year of Magical Learning

By: Chris Sears and Trieu Nguyen
Listen for free

About this listen

365 Books + 365 Lessons for Life

Join Us on Magical Learning Adventure with Chris Sears and Trieu Nguyen as they explore topics on life, values, purpose, and meaning one book at a time.

The Gist -

Chris loves to read, write, and share. Luckily for him he met Trieu who was open to listening.

In this magical learning adventure, Chris reads a book, writes a reflection based on what he learned and how it has been applied to his life, and then shares it with Trieu. After that, the fun ensues as Chris and Trieu discuss the ideas presented.

We hope you can learn with us and apply some of these lessons to your own life.

You can read the reflections on our blog here - https://www.clubany.org/blog

Thank you from Chris and Trieu

2025 Chris Sears and Trieu Nguyen
Career Success Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences Spirituality Tennis
Episodes
  • Episode 190: Wherever You Go, There You Are - Conscious Living vs. Conscious Doing
    Dec 5 2025

    Discussion Topic: Let it Go! (Conscious Living vs. Conscious Doing)

    Book Title: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Your Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Part 2 of 2)

    Join us for a deep dive into the concepts of conscious living and conscious doing as we reflect on insights from the book 'Wherever You Go, There You Are.' In this second part of our discussion, we explore the balance between mindfulness, meditation, and meaningful actions aligned with our core values. We also delve into the complexities and challenges of living in the present moment, grappling with anxiety, and the struggle between doing and simply being. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to reflect on your own approach to life and mindfulness.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:30 Recap of 'Wherever You Go, There You Are'

    01:25 Concept of Conscious Doing

    03:30 Conscious Living vs. Conscious Doing

    04:35 The Value of Just Being

    08:23 Reflections on Pain and Meditation

    16:36 Flow State and Balance

    22:36 Contemplating the Afterlife and Religion

    23:18 The Concept of Conscious Doing

    24:43 Stress and Conscious Actions

    26:04 The Flow State and Balance

    30:10 The Art of Living vs. Just Existing

    35:26 Understanding Different Perspectives

    41:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    Read the Reflection: Let it Go! (Conscious Living vs. Conscious Doing)

    Buy the Book

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Episode 189: Wherever You Go, There You Are - Making My Peace with the Here and Now!
    Dec 4 2025

    Discussion Topic: Making My Peace with the Here and Now!

    Book Title: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Your Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of YOML, the hosts discuss the concept of mindfulness through John Kabat-Zinn's 'Wherever You Go, There You Are,' emphasizing the importance of being present in daily life. Chris shares his personal journey of balancing future goals and present moments, including reflections on how mindful meditation, breathing exercises, and other challenges shaped his understanding of life balance. The conversation elaborates on the 'molecule of more' (dopamine) and 'here and now' molecules (oxytocin, serotonin), urging listeners to find a harmony between striving for future achievements and enjoying present experiences for true well-being.

    00:00 Introduction to the Episode

    00:23 Book Introduction: Wherever You Go, There You Are

    00:50 Reflection on Mindfulness and Balance

    02:46 The Importance of the Here and Now

    04:37 Balancing Dopamine and Mindfulness

    06:54 Mindfulness and Personal Values

    10:22 Balancing Future Goals and Present Moments

    24:38 The Pendulum of Mindfulness and Future Planning

    25:33 Facing the Atomic Bomb of Life

    26:45 Finding a Way Out

    27:42 Embracing the Present Moment

    30:00 The Power of Flow State

    33:02 Unlocking Creativity and Freedom

    34:24 Mindfulness vs. Flow State

    44:46 Concluding Thoughts on Mindfulness

    Read the Reflection: Making My Peace with the Here and Now!

    Buy the Book

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Episode 188: The Purpose Driven Life By Rick Warren - Living for 2...My Purpose!
    Dec 3 2025

    Discussion Topic: Living for 2 - My Purpose Driven Life

    Book Title: The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? By Rick Warren

    In this episode of the 'Year of Magical Learning,' the hosts discuss the book 'The Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren, its impact, and how it resonates with their personal beliefs despite its religious themes. One of the hosts shares his journey of personal growth after the loss of his daughter, Amelia, and how he started living a purpose-driven life by reflecting on books he read with her. The conversation touches on the essence of purposeful living, building one's own culture, and finding meaningful work and relationships. Join the discussion on finding your purpose and living meaningfully.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:19 Discussing 'The Purpose-Driven Life' by Rick Warren

    01:29 Personal Reflections on Purpose and Faith

    03:06 The Beginning of a Purpose-Driven Journey

    04:56 Living for Two: A Journey of Healing and Learning

    06:19 Writing Reflections and Sharing the Journey

    09:29 The Significance of Purpose and Experience

    09:50 Philosophical Musings on Life's Journey

    17:20 The Role of a Soul Teacher

    18:33 The Journey Over the Destination

    19:04 Meaningful Work and Relationships

    20:08 The Influence of Culture

    21:57 Building Your Own Culture

    24:35 The Importance of Self-Identity

    30:23 Work vs. Play

    33:35 Final Reflections and Sign-Off

    Read the Reflection: Living for 2 - My Purpose Driven Life

    Buy the Book

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.