<![CDATA[Idle & Blessed: A Podcast about Being Human]]>When we never have enough time, how can we make a better use of time?

When there is too much to do, what do we do then?

When the new and better answers seem to be failing us, where do we turn?

Join Courtney and David as they walk together down some surprising and unexpected conversational paths, to the center of the labyrinth, and home again.

Their intention is create the kind of conversations that help you remember what matters—and somehow, from there, better work, and a wilder, more natural life, will inevitably follow.

]]>www.thesewildhumans.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:47:04 GMTSat, 27 Jun 2026 16:49:08 GMT60David & Courtney<p>When we never have enough time, how can we make a better use of time?</p><p></p><p>When there is too much to do, what do we do then?</p><p></p><p>When the new and better answers seem to be failing us, where do we turn?</p><p></p><p>Join Courtney and David as they walk together down some surprising and unexpected conversational paths, to the center of the labyrinth, and home again. </p><p></p><p>Their intention is create the kind of conversations that help you remember what matters—and somehow, from there, better work, and a wilder, more natural life, will inevitably follow.</p><p></p>episodicDavid & Courtneydavid@davidfirth.comno<![CDATA[Navigating Decision Exhaustion]]>In this episode, Courtney and David explore how organizations can navigate exhaustion and uncertainty by adopting simple, strategic frameworks like the ladder model to create clarity, purpose, and energy in their work.

Keywords leadership, strategy, organizational change, mental models, productivity, team alignment, offsite planning, mental health, resilience, future planning

key topics

  • The importance of vision and purpose in energizing teams
  • Using the ladder model to set achievable steps toward big goals
  • Adding a 'best' step to enhance clarity and motivation
  • The impact of mental models on organizational behavior
  • Strategies to reduce decision fatigue and burnout
  • The role of offsite meetings in strategic alignment
  • The significance of incremental progress and accountability
  • How to incorporate human authenticity into communication
  • The importance of stability and structure in turbulent times
  • Practical tools for leaders to foster resilience and innovation

Sound Bites

  • "Good work is energizing in itself"
  • "Envision what the best looks like before we get to the 'to'"
  • "If you see exhaustion around you, it's a warning sign"

 Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Navigating exhaustion and uncertainty

02:11 The search for energizing work in hard times

03:59 The need for control, ease, and efficiency

06:53 Introducing the ladder model for goal setting

10:11 The 'best' step: Envisioning the ideal future

13:00 From to and adding the 'best' for clarity

17:14 Overcoming meeting fatigue with new questions

21:56 The future ladder: Visualizing the end goal

25:46 Aligning team efforts with a shared vision

29:48 The importance of stability and incremental progress

33:08 Closing thoughts: Simplicity and hope

 

]]>048be32c-1b66-468e-b448-8742aa1af5b8Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:10:23 GMT<p>In this episode, Courtney and David explore how organizations can navigate exhaustion and uncertainty by adopting simple, strategic frameworks like the ladder model to create clarity, purpose, and energy in their work.</p><p><b><strong>Keywords </strong></b>leadership, strategy, organizational change, mental models, productivity, team alignment, offsite planning, mental health, resilience, future planning</p><p><b><strong>key topics</strong></b></p><ul><li>The importance of vision and purpose in energizing teams</li><li>Using the ladder model to set achievable steps toward big goals</li><li>Adding a 'best' step to enhance clarity and motivation</li><li>The impact of mental models on organizational behavior</li><li>Strategies to reduce decision fatigue and burnout</li><li>The role of offsite meetings in strategic alignment</li><li>The significance of incremental progress and accountability</li><li>How to incorporate human authenticity into communication</li><li>The importance of stability and structure in turbulent times</li><li>Practical tools for leaders to foster resilience and innovation</li></ul><p><b><strong>Sound Bites</strong></b></p><ul><li>"Good work is energizing in itself"</li><li>"Envision what the best looks like before we get to the 'to'"</li><li>"If you see exhaustion around you, it's a warning sign"</li></ul><p><b><strong> Chapters</strong></b></p><p>00:00 Introduction: Navigating exhaustion and uncertainty</p><p>02:11 The search for energizing work in hard times</p><p>03:59 The need for control, ease, and efficiency</p><p>06:53 Introducing the ladder model for goal setting</p><p>10:11 The 'best' step: Envisioning the ideal future</p><p>13:00 From to and adding the 'best' for clarity</p><p>17:14 Overcoming meeting fatigue with new questions</p><p>21:56 The future ladder: Visualizing the end goal</p><p>25:46 Aligning team efforts with a shared vision</p><p>29:48 The importance of stability and incremental progress</p><p>33:08 Closing thoughts: Simplicity and hope</p><p> </p>no00:33:27Navigating Decision Exhaustionfull<![CDATA[Introducing David Firth]]>In these two episodes, we take turns to interview each other as if we were guests on our own podcast! We hope to share some of our background and what brought us together in this collaboration, both for these podcasts, and in the consulting engagements and retreats we offer. In this episode, David takes his turn!

]]>f72945b9-6511-42c7-9c91-0246f4c57836Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:54:49 GMT<p>In these two episodes, we take turns to interview each other as if we were guests on our own podcast! We hope to share some of our background and what brought us together in this collaboration, both for these podcasts, and in the consulting engagements and retreats we offer. In this episode, David takes his turn! </p>no00:34:11Introducing David Firthfull<![CDATA[Introducing Courtney Feider]]>In these next two episodes, we take turns to interview each other as if we were guests on our own podcast! We hope to share some of our background and what brought us together for this collaboration, both in the podcasts and in the consulting engagements and retreats we offer. In this episode, Courtney gets to go first!

]]>9a28e326-b74c-421e-9fb0-f86d462794acTue, 08 Sep 2026 16:52:19 GMT<p>In these next two episodes, we take turns to interview each other as if we were guests on our own podcast! We hope to share some of our background and what brought us together for this collaboration, both in the podcasts and in the consulting engagements and retreats we offer. In this episode, Courtney gets to go first!</p>no00:39:51Introducing Courtney Feiderfull<![CDATA[Rethinking Offsites Part2]]>Courtney & David continue their conversation about transforming Offsites from an 'event in time' to something that catalyzes business performance through the whole year.

]]>974fdc91-acf0-4861-927d-4e4e1aa6c404Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:07:32 GMT<p>Courtney &amp; David continue their conversation about transforming Offsites from an 'event in time' to something that catalyzes business performance through the whole year.</p>no00:27:28Rethinking Offsites Part2full<![CDATA[Rethinking Offsites Part 1]]>Reinvent the gathering as the start of a year-long trajectory — not a temporary escape from ‘the real world.’

]]>6a94235b-c6f6-4cc8-82d6-4606b71fd215Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:04:18 GMT<p>Reinvent the gathering as the start of a year-long trajectory — not a temporary escape from ‘the real world.’</p>no00:29:36Rethinking Offsites Part 1full<![CDATA[A Conversation with Melissa Yamaguchi]]>

In this episode, Melissa Yamaguchi shares her journey from intuitive childhood to becoming an expert in Feng Shui and Chinese astrology. She discusses how understanding and owning your energy can transform your life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Keywords

Feng Shui, Chinese Zodiac, Energy Management, Personal Development, Intuition, Epigenetics, Life Balance

Key topics

The role of intuition and energy in personal life

How Feng Shui and Chinese astrology influence well-being

The importance of owning and managing your energy

The history and significance of the Chinese zodiac

Practical applications of energy work in daily life

Takeaways

Owning your energy is key to owning your life.

Your birth date and time reveal your natural energy patterns.

Balance in environment and body is essential for well-being.

Stories and metaphors make complex energy concepts accessible.

Respect and understanding of others' energy foster better relationships.

Sound bites

"Own your energy, own your life."

"Respect your energy and others' energy."

"Stories and metaphors make energy concepts accessible."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Melissa Yamaguchi

01:21 Melissa's early life and intuitive gifts

05:01 How Melissa discovered Feng Shui and Chinese astrology

08:02 The importance of daily energy management

11:51 Melissa's work with individuals and corporations

15:46 Owning and understanding your energy patterns

20:10 The role of respect in relationships and life

24:53 The history and stories behind Chinese zodiac signs

29:57 Practical applications of energy awareness in daily life

35:10 Compatibility and energy dynamics in relationships

39:59 The impact of energy on health, wealth, and happiness

44:46 Lessons from Melissa's family and cultural roots

50:05 The importance of self-awareness and continuous growth

54:55 Moving through grief and life's challenges with energy tools

59:46 Final thoughts and advice for listeners

Contact Melissa Yamaguchi at:

Instagram

]]>6a45c49e-899a-4b4d-b02b-6851dbbf4df9Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:15:05 GMT<p></p><p>In this episode, Melissa Yamaguchi shares her journey from intuitive childhood to becoming an expert in Feng Shui and Chinese astrology. She discusses how understanding and owning your energy can transform your life, relationships, and overall well-being.</p><p></p><p>Keywords</p><p>Feng Shui, Chinese Zodiac, Energy Management, Personal Development, Intuition, Epigenetics, Life Balance</p><p> </p><p>Key topics</p><p>The role of intuition and energy in personal life</p><p>How Feng Shui and Chinese astrology influence well-being</p><p>The importance of owning and managing your energy</p><p>The history and significance of the Chinese zodiac</p><p>Practical applications of energy work in daily life</p><p> </p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Owning your energy is key to owning your life.</p><p>Your birth date and time reveal your natural energy patterns.</p><p>Balance in environment and body is essential for well-being.</p><p>Stories and metaphors make complex energy concepts accessible.</p><p>Respect and understanding of others' energy foster better relationships.</p><p></p><p>Sound bites</p><p>"Own your energy, own your life."</p><p>"Respect your energy and others' energy."</p><p>"Stories and metaphors make energy concepts accessible."</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Melissa Yamaguchi</p><p>01:21 Melissa's early life and intuitive gifts</p><p>05:01 How Melissa discovered Feng Shui and Chinese astrology</p><p>08:02 The importance of daily energy management</p><p>11:51 Melissa's work with individuals and corporations</p><p>15:46 Owning and understanding your energy patterns</p><p>20:10 The role of respect in relationships and life</p><p>24:53 The history and stories behind Chinese zodiac signs</p><p>29:57 Practical applications of energy awareness in daily life</p><p>35:10 Compatibility and energy dynamics in relationships</p><p>39:59 The impact of energy on health, wealth, and happiness</p><p>44:46 Lessons from Melissa's family and cultural roots</p><p>50:05 The importance of self-awareness and continuous growth</p><p>54:55 Moving through grief and life's challenges with energy tools</p><p>59:46 Final thoughts and advice for listeners</p><p> </p><p>Contact Melissa Yamaguchi at:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/melissayamaguchi?igsh=MWlram00ZWxqdnFmYQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </p><p></p>yes01:04:0818A Conversation with Melissa Yamaguchifull<![CDATA[A Conversation with Nicola Biscardo]]>The human lessons from a lifetime of being in the business of wine.

Join us as we explore the art and science of winemaking with Nicola Biscardo, a family-owned winery expert from Verona. Discover the nuances of artisanal versus commercial wine, the importance of time in wine aging, and the deep cultural traditions behind Italy's wine heritage.

Key topics

  • The difference between artisanal and commercial wine production
  • The importance of time and aging in wine flavor development
  • The role of human ingenuity and nature in winemaking
  • Family heritage and generational influence in wine business
  • The US three-tier system and direct importation strategies
  • The significance of wine bottles and labels in wine identity

Chapters

00:00Introduction to the podcast and guest Nicola Biscardo

01:23Nicola's background and family winery in Verona

03:17How Nicola and David met and their long-standing friendship

05:56The importance of family and generational influence in wine

12:06The family story of the 35 wineries and distilleries

16:56Differences between artisanal and commercial wine production

21:15The science and art of winemaking

26:48The role of time in wine aging and flavor development

33:56Proper wine decanting and serving techniques

40:54The significance of bottles and labels in wine culture

47:27Lessons from Italian traditions and the importance of time

50:42Final thoughts on enjoying wine and cultural insights

Resources
Guest links
]]>1316a501-fdfd-4dc8-8e33-32ab819cafb8Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:56:44 GMT<p>The human lessons from a lifetime of being in the business of wine.</p><p></p><p>Join us as we explore the art and science of winemaking with Nicola Biscardo, a family-owned winery expert from Verona. Discover the nuances of artisanal versus commercial wine, the importance of time in wine aging, and the deep cultural traditions behind Italy's wine heritage.</p><p></p><p><b>Key topics</b></p><ul><li>The difference between artisanal and commercial wine production</li><li>The importance of time and aging in wine flavor development</li><li>The role of human ingenuity and nature in winemaking</li><li>Family heritage and generational influence in wine business</li><li>The US three-tier system and direct importation strategies</li><li>The significance of wine bottles and labels in wine identity</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p><b>00:00</b>Introduction to the podcast and guest Nicola Biscardo</p><p><b>01:23</b>Nicola's background and family winery in Verona</p><p><b>03:17</b>How Nicola and David met and their long-standing friendship</p><p><b>05:56</b>The importance of family and generational influence in wine</p><p><b>12:06</b>The family story of the 35 wineries and distilleries</p><p><b>16:56</b>Differences between artisanal and commercial wine production</p><p><b>21:15</b>The science and art of winemaking</p><p><b>26:48</b>The role of time in wine aging and flavor development</p><p><b>33:56</b>Proper wine decanting and serving techniques</p><p><b>40:54</b>The significance of bottles and labels in wine culture</p><p><b>47:27</b>Lessons from Italian traditions and the importance of time</p><p><b>50:42</b>Final thoughts on enjoying wine and cultural insights</p><h5><b>Resources</b></h5><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nicolabiscardo.com/" target="_blank"><b>Nicola Biscardo Wines</b></a></li></ul><h5><b>Guest links</b></h5><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolabiscardoselections?igsh=MWxhNnJ0eXhjbjQ5YQ==" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li></ul>yes00:55:0217A Conversation with Nicola Biscardofull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Our Welcome]]>Join David and Courtney as they explore the depths of human connection, time management, and the art of being more human in a fast-paced world. This episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to uncovering stories, insights, and practical wisdom to live more intentionally.

Keywords

human connection, time management, mindfulness, leadership, personal development, podcast series

Key topics

The importance of slowing down and being present

How busyness masks deeper human needs

The role of storytelling and poetry in understanding life

Inviting diverse perspectives to explore human experience

The significance of intentional communication and empathy

Takeaways

Slowing down helps us reconnect with our humanity.

Busyness is often a badge, but it can obscure what truly matters.

Poetry and storytelling can inspire us to live more intentionally.

Diverse perspectives reveal common truths about life and work.

Being more human involves empathy, communication, and self-awareness.

guest name

David and Courtney

Soundbites:

"Tell me what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

"The future is not faster, it's more human."

"Taking moments to slow down can shape your stress and impact."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the series and core themes

00:30 Balancing seriousness and playfulness in work and life

01:19 The origin story of the podcast and its informal beginnings

02:12 Reframing busyness and the perception of time

03:07 The importance of understanding what underlies our actions

04:04 The challenge of too much to do and limited time

05:01 The role of humanity and connection in a changing world

06:27 Effective communication as a tool for authenticity

07:21 The value of structure and mental models in life and work

08:14 Stories and mastery from diverse life experiences

09:09 The courage to be more human and empathetic

10:03 Mary Oliver’s poem and the question of life’s purpose

11:30 The future is more human, not faster

12:24 The impact of slowing down on stress and well-being

13:20 Inviting diverse voices and stories to inspire change

14:45 The vision for the podcast and call for guest stories

15:41 Closing thoughts and excitement for the series

Resources

Mary Oliver's Poem - The Summer Day - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/the-summer-day

Guest links

Website - https://www.thesewildhumans.com/

]]>0079b02d-490a-4e54-a620-d0c46bb771eeWed, 15 Jul 2026 17:27:48 GMT<p>Join David and Courtney as they explore the depths of human connection, time management, and the art of being more human in a fast-paced world. This episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to uncovering stories, insights, and practical wisdom to live more intentionally.</p><p></p><p>Keywords</p><p>human connection, time management, mindfulness, leadership, personal development, podcast series</p><p></p><p>Key topics</p><p>The importance of slowing down and being present</p><p>How busyness masks deeper human needs</p><p>The role of storytelling and poetry in understanding life</p><p>Inviting diverse perspectives to explore human experience</p><p>The significance of intentional communication and empathy</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Slowing down helps us reconnect with our humanity.</p><p>Busyness is often a badge, but it can obscure what truly matters.</p><p>Poetry and storytelling can inspire us to live more intentionally.</p><p>Diverse perspectives reveal common truths about life and work.</p><p>Being more human involves empathy, communication, and self-awareness.</p><p>guest name</p><p>David and Courtney</p><p></p><p>Soundbites:</p><p>"Tell me what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"</p><p>"The future is not faster, it's more human."</p><p>"Taking moments to slow down can shape your stress and impact."</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the series and core themes</p><p>00:30 Balancing seriousness and playfulness in work and life</p><p>01:19 The origin story of the podcast and its informal beginnings</p><p>02:12 Reframing busyness and the perception of time</p><p>03:07 The importance of understanding what underlies our actions</p><p>04:04 The challenge of too much to do and limited time</p><p>05:01 The role of humanity and connection in a changing world</p><p>06:27 Effective communication as a tool for authenticity</p><p>07:21 The value of structure and mental models in life and work</p><p>08:14 Stories and mastery from diverse life experiences</p><p>09:09 The courage to be more human and empathetic</p><p>10:03 Mary Oliver’s poem and the question of life’s purpose</p><p>11:30 The future is more human, not faster</p><p>12:24 The impact of slowing down on stress and well-being</p><p>13:20 Inviting diverse voices and stories to inspire change</p><p>14:45 The vision for the podcast and call for guest stories</p><p>15:41 Closing thoughts and excitement for the series</p><p></p><p>Resources</p><p>Mary Oliver's Poem - The Summer Day - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://poets.org/poem/summer-day" target="_blank">https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/the-summer-day</a></p><p></p><p>Guest links</p><p>Website - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thesewildhumans.com/" target="_blank">https://www.thesewildhumans.com/</a></p><p></p><p></p>no00:16:1211Episode 1: Our Welcomefull<![CDATA[The Enneagram Conversations Part 1: An Introduction]]>Courtney and David explore the wonderful complexity, depth and insights available from using The Enneagram as of the central tools for being human.

]]>ae7b10f6-9699-4adb-a708-94b62cbb0c49Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:26:43 GMT<p>Courtney and David explore the wonderful complexity, depth and insights available from using The Enneagram as of the central tools for being human.</p>no00:24:365The Enneagram Conversations Part 1: An Introductionfull<![CDATA[Open Space: What is it, and why does it matter?]]>A profoundly different way of having the conversations that matter, and translation that into shared purpose and action.

]]>becfb7a6-5b3e-490c-84c3-ee9d39139badWed, 08 Jul 2026 14:18:04 GMT<p>A profoundly different way of having the conversations that matter, and translation that into shared purpose and action.</p>no00:28:236Open Space: What is it, and why does it matter?full<![CDATA[Where are the Humans in Change?]]>A provocative conversation that challenges the received wisdom that people don't do well with change.

"Do we really, really, really need 'Change Management'?"

]]>4cdfe116-da2c-43f0-bc14-a9a31747d5d5Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:51:41 GMT<p>A provocative conversation that challenges the received wisdom that people don't do well with change.</p><p></p><p>"Do we really, really, really need 'Change Management'?"</p>no00:14:414Where are the Humans in Change?full<![CDATA[Why Are We Missing Trust?]]>When we know trust is so critical, but also so hard to build, and so easy to break - what do we do then?

A different perspective on trust in action.

]]>bb705963-7fb9-41cc-bb86-c8289f9664a3Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:43:50 GMT<p>When we know trust is so critical, but also so hard to build, and so easy to break - what do we do then?</p><p></p><p>A different perspective on trust in action.</p>no00:13:383Why Are We Missing Trust?full<![CDATA[The Five What Ifs]]>David and Courtney share five questions - in the form of 'What if we..?' - that can transform how we design human gatherings.

]]>a5a49c04-969d-4764-95ea-4ca0eb50bf11Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:52:05 GMT<p>David and Courtney share five questions - in the form of 'What if we..?' - that can transform how we design human gatherings.</p>no00:19:4112The Five What Ifsfull