The Spacemakers is all about making space to slow down, reclaim your time, and focus on what truly matters. Hosted by award-winning author Daniel Sih, along with fellow productivity expert Matt Bain, this podcast explores practical ways to build habits for an intentional and meaningful life. More than a podcast, this pod-course invites listeners on a journey to unlock a better life, one season at a time—from retraining our fractured attention to resetting in mid-life, and more. Find Spacemakers…
People matter. Our lives are shaped by the relationships around us. But for many of us, the quiet work of seeking approval is also the root of our exhaustion. We tie our worth to what others think, replay conversations, and never quite feel like we’re truly enough. In this Season 4 finale of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore how to love people deeply without letting their opinions…
Being rich isn’t the same as being wealthy. One increases your bank balance; the other expands your freedom, joy, and contentment. In this second part of a two-part episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain turn from theory to practice, unpacking seven money-mindset practices — from noticing what’s already in your hands, to beating upgrade-it is. Our real-world practices can help you live well today…
We’re told that a better life is found when we earn “just a bit more.” Yet the dilemma of money is that the more we have, the more we tend to want. When we pin our future happiness on financial independence, we drift into a cycle of dissatisfaction, overwork, and debt — always chasing, never quite arriving. In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore how our money…
Goals can make us miserable. They promise happiness and fulfillment in the future, yet leave us restless, always chasing what’s next. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore how to move toward a better future while staying grounded in the present. They unpack the idea of Kairos moments—those meaningful interruptions in time that offer direction and purpose when we pay attention. When we…
AI promises to save us time. So why are we busier than ever? In this bonus episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih and Paul Matthews introduce key concepts from their new book, Wise AI: Using Powerful Technology in a Deeply Human Way. They explore why time-saving technologies don’t always save time, how to guide AI with organic intelligence, and the four rhythms of Wise AI: deep work, deep…
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make an impact — but too often, our desire to leave a legacy can leave us exhausted and dissatisfied, chasing the wrong things, and neglecting those we truly love. In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel and Matt explore why we crave significance, how to do big things without tying our self-worth to our legacy, and what it really means to “leave a dent in…
We all cling to something — success, approval, comfort, control. But the more we hold on, the more we suffer. In a world that tells us to want more, how do we loosen our grip and find rest in enough? In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore the concept of attachment — why we chase what we don’t have, how desire fuels discontent, and what it means to release unhealthy wants. Drawing on…
How much is enough? And when have I done enough? It’s a question saints and mystics have wrestled with for millennia. As humans, we often set high standards for ourselves and fail to attain and maintain them. Perhaps even more unnervingly, if you haven’t done enough, maybe you aren’t ‘good’ enough. Finding a satisfactory answer to these questions is critical to help us avoid overload, exhaustion,…
Your health is important. But there’s a dark side to the wellness industry. We're asked to do more, be more, and still never feel like we’re enough. The result? An endless treadmill of self-help and wellbeing that can leave us exhausted and dehumanised, even when our intentions are good. In this episode, Matt Bain and Daniel Sih explore the health paradox: how to invest in your wellbeing without…
Our lives are short—really short. And there’s never enough time. That’s the challenge: not enough time, but more choices than we can imagine. No wonder so many of us feel anxious about the years ahead. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore how we think about time, how we use it, and how to make peace with our limits. They also introduce the AWARE framework to help you make progress…
Do you ever feel worn down by the need to be better? We’re told to optimise everything — our health, our relationships, our finances, even our productivity. But beneath the green smoothies and gratitude journals lies the same exhausting pressure: do more, be more… you’re not enough. As one of our clients put it, “All this self-help is killing me.” In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain step off…
How much is enough — and why are we so exhausted by the need to improve ourselves? We’re told to do more, be more, and measure our progress. Over time, that quiet pressure adds up, leaving us worn out rather than fulfilled. Season 4 of The Spacemakers explores a deeper question in our self-help-obsessed culture: What if true happiness isn’t found in more… but enough? Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain…
Most people don’t actually know what they want. We chase goals—career success, financial security, personal milestones—only to feel underwhelmed once we get there. Why? Because we rarely stop to ask, “What’s the goal of the goal?” In the final episode of Season 3, we unpack this powerful concept (popularised by Dan Heath) and explore how the thing we think we need to get unstuck might not be the…
Who are you becoming—and who is shaping you along the way? In this episode of The Spacemakers , Matt and Daniel explore why personal change is rarely a solo journey. From habits to health to mindset, we’re deeply shaped by the people we spend time with. Behaviour is contagious—we mimic what we see, not just what we hear. Which means the fastest way to change yourself is to travel alongside others…
How do you spend your time? Does your calendar reflect the person you aspire to be? Do you design your days around what you truly value? In this episode of The Spacemakers , Matt and Daniel delve into the surprising benefits of time-blocking. This simple yet powerful practice isn’t just about managing your schedule—it's about crafting the life you want. Whether it’s rekindling relationships…
Action unlocks change. When we choose to act, we build momentum, gain confidence, and receive invaluable real-world feedback. But what happens when you feel overwhelmed, defeated, or uncertain about your next steps? Can action lead to new forms of thinking and help you get unstuck? In this episode, Matt and Daniel explore the transformative power of tiny habits and the crucial importance of…
We all know the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' But is that always true? While grit and determination are important, willpower alone isn't sufficient to achieve your goals and get unstuck. Enter Snyder's Hope Theory and his concept of Pathways Thinking, or Way Power. This innovative approach will help you discover new paths and develop novel solutions to persistent problems. Instead…
Did you know that people who focus on their strengths tend to be happier, feel more alive, and achieve greater success? Many of us obsess over fixing our blind spots and overcoming weaknesses. But what if the key to overcoming adversity is, counterintuitively, focusing on what is right about ourselves and others, rather than what is wrong? In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel and Matt…
Bad is stronger than good. Research shows that bad parents, bad feedback, and bad events impact us more than good ones. We're often driven to avoid pain and fix our weaknesses—rather than harness our strengths. Yet, dwelling on problems can worsen them, while celebrating our strengths can lead to a breakthrough. In this episode, Daniel and Matt explore the science of strengths and argue for…
As humans, we often try to solve our problems by adding rather than subtracting. This unconscious bias leads us to pile on excessive projects, clutter our homes, and push our limits—consistently adding more instead of opting for less. We need a different way of thinking to make space and get unstuck. In this episode, Matt and Daniel of The Spacemakers delve into the science of subtraction,…
Life is a trade-off. You cannot be highly successful in one area of life without negatively impacting others. Similarly, feeling stuck in one domain often affects the rest because life is holistic and interconnected. By accepting the reality—that we cannot have it all—we can make creative shifts in how we use our time and prioritise our responsibilities. Join Matt and Daniel in this episode of…
We all get stuck at some point in life—whether it's a broken relationship, money issues, ill health, a stale career, or a lack of purpose. Getting stuck isn't fun, but it’s often the catalyst we need to find a new direction. In fact, when we feel like we're losing, we might actually be just where we need to be, preparing the way for a better second half. Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain as they…
We all get stuck at some point in life—whether it's a broken relationship, money issues, ill health, a stale career, or a lack of purpose. Getting stuck isn't fun, but it’s often the catalyst we need to find a new direction. In fact, when we feel like we're losing, we might actually be just where we need to be, preparing the way for a better second half. Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain in the latest…
Almost everyone, at some point, will encounter suffering—be it through a relational breakdown, illness, an unexpected event, or other hardships. But how do we make space to grow through grief and find purpose in our suffering? In this insightful interview, Dr. Julia Verdouw shares her personal journey through profound loss following the sudden death of her husband, which she explores in her new…
Almost every woman will face the experience of menopause and the impacts of declining oestrogen levels in midlife. This 'reset' brings profound biological consequences affecting muscle strength, brain function, mental health, sleep, sex drive, heart health, body composition, and more. In this episode with menopause expert Dr. Amy Edler, we delve into the lived experiences of women navigating this…
It's easy to blame technology for our distractions, but the story is more nuanced. Join us for a special interview with Nir Eyal, best-selling author and tech-habits expert, as we delve into the psychology of habit-forming technologies. Discover insights from his best-selling books, Hooked and Indistractable , which have sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Nir challenges the idea that technology…
In this final episode of Season 2, we explore the role of spirituality in the mid-life squeeze. While the first half of life often focuses on the outward journey, the second turns inward, shifting from certainty to a more generous unknowing. Join us as we delve into the three stages of faith and uncover how questioning our beliefs can pave the way for a richer inner life. Matt Bain and Daniel Sih…
Money shapes more than just our finances—it impacts our decisions in each stage of life. In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore the “mid-life money reset,” inspired by The Ant and the Grasshopper .” When is delayed gratification wise, and when does it hold us back? When should we shift from saving to ‘dissaving’? And how do we balance preparing for tomorrow with…
One common piece of career advice is to “follow your heart”—that is, pursue what you love and chase your passions. While this may be great advice at 40, it can be downright misleading at 20, as what works in one season of life may not apply in the next. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain continue their exploration of career resets as the years go by. We’ll discuss the importance of building…
You are never too old to change your career. The average Australian changes jobs 13 times in their lifetime, with many taking up study or starting businesses in their 40s. While career resets are challenging at any age, they are particularly so in mid-life. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore why we need habits of “set and reset” to navigate a career transition. We also hear from…
Our culture is obsessed with staying young and living for as long as possible, doing everything we can to slow down ageing and cheat death. Yet, despite our best efforts, we all face physical decline with age. So, what does it mean to let go of old health and fitness habits and establish new, age-appropriate ones? How can we exercise smarter, not harder? In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain…
If you could make one life-changing choice to lead a better life, what would it be? The answer doesn't lie in personal achievements or material success, but in the quality of our relationships—including our friendships. Research shows that our health, happiness, and longevity are profoundly influenced by our connections. However, maintaining and sustaining healthy friendships is often a challenge…
What does it truly mean to be productive and accomplish the right things? The answer evolves with age. In our 20s, embracing new experiences and saying "yes" often helps build skills and confidence. However, by our 40s, the focus shifts towards saying "no" more frequently, prioritising our limited time and energy on what truly matters. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain dive into the…
Research clearly demonstrates that age plays a significant role in determining our happiness. Generally, we start and end our lives feeling happier, with a noticeable dip during our mid-40s and 50s. It's common in mid-life to feel dissatisfied and to grapple with regret, questioning if there's more to life. In this episode, Daniel and Matt unpack the science of the happiness curve, offering…
There are well-documented stages in a well-lived human life. While everyone's journey is unique, the ups and downs experienced at different ages are common to many. In this episode, Matt and Daniel delve into the science behind life's stages. We'll help you identify the key landmarks associated with each stage, highlighting the types of habits to consider both now and into the future. Resources:…
We all know the adage, 'Live every day as if it’s your last.' But is this truly wise advice? If we live for today, what happens tomorrow? Conversely, if we delay gratification for the future, might we overlook the joys of the present? This episode delves into compelling research that reveals how our life decisions are shaped by our perceptions of time. We'll introduce the overarching theme for…
Thank you for joining us for the second season of The Spacemakers – “ How to Make Space for Life's Inevitable Resets .” Hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain will explore a simple yet profound idea: the habits and practices that fuel success in our 20s and 30s can become barriers to maturity in our 40s and 50s. To navigate this, we need the humility and wisdom to unlearn old habits and embrace new ones.…
While we value our individuality, our habits often mirror our surroundings. Echoing Dan and Chip Heath's insight that "behaviour is contagious", this episode explores the power of shared space-making. We'll explore environments that enhance focus and consider strategies to influence the attention within our families, workplaces, and communities. Our Spacemakers Daniel and Matt take a moment to…
Like a muscle, focus is strengthened with routine practice - it's all about Doing The Reps. In this episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain delve into the power of habits to boost focus and attention; looking at How To Broaden Focus Muscles With Deliberate Practice. Our Spacemakers have a chat with Jess Crowley from Bulk Nutrients about deep work, focus and attention. They also have more practical ways…
Our Spacemakers, Daniel and Matt look at the topic of Digital Declutter, and how to dumb down your smartphone. Willpower alone isn’t enough to overcome the distractions vying for our attention. This episode of The Spacemakers is about reclaiming mental space by tackling digital environments head-on. We share practical steps to help you alter your digital environment, dial back notifications, and…
Staying focused at work can be tough. Microsoft's 2023 data reveals that workers spend so much time chatting on tools like MS Teams and Slack that they're struggling to find time to actually 'do' their work. In this episode of The Spacemakers , Daniel Sih is joined by Tim Hynes to share observations about email and Teams in the workplace. As usual they also offer practical strategies to help you…
In this episode of The Spacemakers , hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain look at the topic of Making Space For Quiet In A Loud World. Blaise Pascal once wrote: “All human evil comes from man's inability to sit still in a room”. While perhaps an overstatement, it speaks to the importance of silence, deep thought, and self-reflection. Without space, we become frantic, caught up in meaningless busywork,…
Our attention is as rare as it is precious, and curating it carefully is key. In this episode of The Spacemakers , we explore the difference between bottom-up and top-down attention, and the impact of our environment on self-regulation. Our practical challenge is about making space to reflect on what's truly important, cutting through the noise, to embrace a greater 'yes!' GET YOUR FREE LIFEPLAN…
As we make our way through this 10-part series, The Spacemakers Daniel Sih and Matt Bain continue to help us reclaim our fractured attention. In this episode, they talk with Dr. Julia Verdouw about her experience with Tinnitus and what it can teach us about maintaining focus. In an attention economy, sharpening our focus is key. This episode, we chat with Dr. Julia Verdouw about her journey with…
In this episode of The Spacemakers , host Daniel Sih talks with Aussie Rules Footballer Jack Riewoldt, about Gameday Focus, and what Productivity looks like from an elite athlete’s point of view. Former Richmond Tiger player, Jack Riewoldt, is a three-time premiership Vice Captain, Coleman Medalist, and All-Australian. In this episode, we hear about Jack's productivity habits on and off the field…
In this second episode of The Spacemakers 10-part series, hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain will look at the topic of How The Internet Is Changing Your Brain. The average Australian adult spends 65 hours a week on screens – that’s a lot of ‘internet practice.’ Our habitual engagement with social media and short-form video scrolling, among other attention-sapping practices, is fundamentally rewiring…
This inaugural season of The Spacemakers , delves into the The Fracturing of Our Attention and How To Reclaim Your Focus. In this first episode of a 10-part series, hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain will look at the topic of Why Can't I Focus Like I Used To? Our attention is waning as a society. The more we swipe a screen, the more we struggle to concentrate. In this episode Daniel and Matt delve…
This inaugural season of The Spacemakers , delves into the “ The Fracturing of Our Attention and How To Reclaim Your Focus" Over a 10-part series, hosts Daniel Sih and Matt Bain will look at topics such as: Why can't we watch a movie without grabbing our phones? What's pushing us toward burnout? What do tinnitus suffers have to teach us about the power of the mind, and how is the internet…
