Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
In this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Leah Smart welcomes bestselling author Bruce Feiler to discuss his research on navigating major life transitions, what he calls “lifequakes.” These are the transformative disruptions that shake up our lives, whether voluntary or involuntary, and they can impact everything from careers and relationships to identity and beliefs.
Bruce explains why the expectation of a linear, predictable life creates unnecessary stress and why embracing the reality of a non-linear life is key to navigating these challenges. Together with Leah, they explore the three phases of change: the long goodbye, the messy middle, and the new beginning – and how hope, even when it feels irrational, can be a skill to help us move forward.
This inspiring conversation offers tools and insights for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed, reminding us that change is not only inevitable but also an opportunity for reinvention.
#linkedinnews #everydaybetter #lifetransitions #IrrationalHope
00:00 - Introduction
05:17 - What are lifequakes?
09:36 - Linear vs. Nonlinear lives
13:03 - The myth of the midlife crisis
16:26 - Identifying lifequakes
20:36 - Irrational hope in uncertain times
23:48 - Phases of life transitions
28:50 - Creativity in the messy middle
34:18 - Rewriting your life story
38:49 - The power of rituals
42:01 - Rebuilding connection through rituals
46:33 - Closing reflections
In this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Leah Smart welcomes bestselling author Bruce Feiler to discuss his research on navigating major life transitions, what he calls “lifequakes.” These are the transformative disruptions that shake up our lives, whether voluntary or involuntary, and they can impact everything from careers and relationships to identity and beliefs.
Bruce explains why the expectation of a linear, predictable life creates unnecessary stress and why embracing the reality of a non-linear life is key to navigating these challenges. Together with Leah, they explore the three phases of change: the long goodbye, the messy middle, and the new beginning – and how hope, even when it feels irrational, can be a skill to help us move forward.
This inspiring conversation offers tools and insights for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed, reminding us that change is not only inevitable but also an opportunity for reinvention.
#linkedinnews #everydaybetter #lifetransitions #IrrationalHope
00:00 - Introduction
05:17 - What are lifequakes?
09:36 - Linear vs. Nonlinear lives
13:03 - The myth of the midlife crisis
16:26 - Identifying lifequakes
20:36 - Irrational hope in uncertain times
23:48 - Phases of life transitions
28:50 - Creativity in the messy middle
34:18 - Rewriting your life story
38:49 - The power of rituals
42:01 - Rebuilding connection through rituals
46:33 - Closing reflections
