The Spacemakers

Work or life? Keeping pace or making space?

What if choosing one is part of the problem?

Modern life feels increasingly complex. We want to build meaningful careers and care for our families. Stay relevant and protect our wellbeing. Plan for the future and respond to what needs us today.

These tensions rarely disappear. But learning to hold them differently can open up new possibilities.

Welcome to Season 5 of The Spacemakers, a pod-course exploring the power of both-and thinking.

In this opening episode, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain unpack...

Modern life keeps asking us to choose: work or life, career or wellbeing, keeping pace or making space.

But what if the answer isn’t either/or, but both-and?

Season 5 of The Spacemakers explores how both-and thinking can help us navigate the tensions of an increasingly complex world.

Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain for this practical and thought-provoking pod-course about being busy and rested, online and offline, planned and spontaneous, and caring for others and ourselves.

This short trailer offers a glimpse of what’s ahead.

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What if the beliefs holding you back aren’t actually true?

In this bonus episode of The Spacemakers, Daniel Sih is joined by New York Times bestselling author Nir Eyal to explore ideas from his new book, Beyond Belief. They unpack why knowing what to do isn’t always enough to create change, and why our beliefs may be the missing piece between intention and action.

Nir explores how our beliefs shape what we see, feel and do, the difference between limiting and liberating beliefs, and why changing the way we think about ourselves can chan...

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 define us. They discuss and critique Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory, summarise the AWARE framework, and offer a glimpse of what’s coming in Season 5. It’s a rich a...

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 rather than postponing happiness for a future that never quite arrives. It’s about being able to look in the mirror and honestly say, “I have enough.”

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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 mindsets shape our wellbeing, and why contentment has more to do with desire than income. They share practical ways to constrain our wants, appreciate what we alrea...

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 look for Kairos moments, we find a gentler way forward—one where presence matters more than progress, and enough is already here.

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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 thought, deep rest, and deep relationships. Plus, an invitation to download a pre-order Wise AI toolkit.

Find out more about Daniel and Paul's new bo...

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 the universe.” Because maybe our true legacy isn’t what we achieve, but who we become — and the people we love along the way.

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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 ancient wisdom and modern psychology, they unpack practical ways to find peace, freedom, and contentment in a culture of constant craving.

You ca...

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, and the endless treadmill of self-help. Today, we dive into deeper questions about where we find a self-identity that is uncoupled from what we do where you can honestly and...

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 tying your identity to how you look.

We’ll unpack the inner stories that shape our health behaviours and share practical tips to help y...

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 without adding more—or battling against the time you have left.

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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 the self-help treadmill and ask: What if you don’t need to improve? What if being content—and being enough—is the most radical thing you can do?<...

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 in this reflective pod-course about making space for a life that is truly enough.

This short trailer offers a glimps...

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 thing we truly want. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 4. It’s a fitting finale to help you make space for a s...

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 who are heading where you want to go. Whether it’s forming accountable relationships, finding your ‘right tribe,’ or simply being brave enough to go first and...

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 through regular date nights, setting aside time for financial planning, or ensuring consistent exercise, time blocking proves to be an incredibly versatile skill for anyone wanting to live an intentional life. Don’t...

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 turning talk into action. We feature a segment with Osher Günsberg, who overcame obesity by simply walking between telegraph poles—a tiny decision that eventually catapulted him into a highly successful career in rad...

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 of merely relying on motivation or working harder with the same old strategies, Way Power invites us to adopt a fresh approach to tackling life's challenges.

Join Matt and Daniel as they...

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 continue their exploration of the science of strengths. They explore how to find your "fun lane" and share counterintuitive strategies like 'bending' and 'partnering' to overcome weaknesses. Are you ready to...

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 focusing on what works, not what’s wrong. We challenge the traditional focus on fixing weaknesses and offer practical frameworks to help you focus on your strengths, particularly when the going gets...

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, explaining why 'less' is often the secret to moving forward. Sharing personal experiences of their own challenges, they introduce three critical strategies—bundling, trading, and eliminating—to help you make small...

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 Spacemakers as they explore the Four Burners Theory of work-life balance and introduce The Five Capitals, a reflective framework to help you invest your time in what truly matters for your...

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 explore the concept of chiasma—a beginning, middle, and new beginning—and unveil the SHIFT framework to help you get unstuck...

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 season of The Spacemakers as they explore the concept of chiasma—a beginning, middle, and new beginning—and unveil the SHIF...

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 book, "Valley of the Shadow." We discuss her experiences of confronting finality, and the critical importance of not 'wasting' our suffering. Dr. Verdouw’s candour and courage will leave you both inspired and hope...

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 transition, discuss options like hormone replacement therapy, and highlight the importance of support from others. This episode provides essential insights not only for women but also for men seeking to understand and support the significant women in their...

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 is the villain and offers strategies to reclaim focus. He also addresses Johann Hari’s controversial portrayal of him in Stolen Focus, arguing against the notion that we are mere victims of tech. This interview is essential for anyone aiming to enh...

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 wrap up the season with reflections on key lessons learned and a preview of what's to come.

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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 living fully today? Join us for insights into money, meaning, and mindset in mid-life.

The financial information in this podcast is general information only. It should not be taken as pr...

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 career capital through deliberate practice and the value of “actively doing nothing” to uncover your life’s meaning.

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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 Gustav Lammerding from Banjo’s Bakery Cafe’s about his experiences in helping migrants start their own businesses.

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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 will guide us in rethinking our health and fitness strategies for mid-life. They’ll provide practical advice to help us make space for a healthier lifestyle as...

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 as we navigate the mid-life squeeze.

Join Daniel Sih and Matt Bain as they discuss ways to overcome the friendship recession and strengthen relationships through life's inevitable resets.

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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 science of productivity, drawing from over a decade of global coaching and consulting experience. They’ll share valuable insights on how to shed outdated habits and make space for what truly ma...

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 practical strategies to help you prepare for, and navigate this inevitable life reset.

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SPACEMAKERS TRAINING

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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.

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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 this season and invite you to journey with us to navigate life’s inevitable resets.

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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.

Join Daniel and Matt for this 10 part series of the The Spacemakers - because along the journey of life’s many resets, a little m...