The Other Side Of Potential

Episode 262: Living an Optimistic Life in a Pessimistic World with Mark Monchek

Sharon Spano Episode 262

Pessimism might feel like an appropriate response to the complexities of our world. But could there be a more constructive path that embraces realism too? During this episode, Mark Monchek returns to the Podcast to share some of his recent experiences in New Mexico in the context of hope. Our conversation explores the theme of drawing on inner wisdom and realistic perspective to find an optimistic approach in a world of pessimism. 

Sharing insights from his travels to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, Mark offers broad insights on making optimistic choices to build a better world, connecting to a larger life force, and rewarding and appreciating others for their service and help. Sharon and Mark explore the pessimistic state of global thought and why it isn’t in step with reality and imagine a better future for all as predicted by many thought leaders of our time. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation offering a new way to think and act as we work together to build a united and optimistic future. 


What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • Mark’s recent travels to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos.
  • Exploring different cultural traditions with respect.
  • His profound experience of visiting the Manhattan Project bomb site.
  • The pessimistic state of global thought and why it isn’t in step with reality.
  • What it means to make optimistic choices.
  • Using realistic optimism to guide decision-making and stay internally fortified. 
  • Drawing on inner wisdom to connect to a larger life force.
  • Rewarding and appreciating others for their service and help. 
  • Choosing how to initiate hope within yourself in order to give it to others.
  • Mark’s take on the complex dynamics of people in New York. 
  • An optimistic vision of world unity for the future.


Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Opportunity Lab: https://opplab.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmonchek/

X: https://twitter.com/MarkMonchek


Links Mentioned:

The Hours of the Universe: https://www.amazon.com/Hours-Universe-Reflections-Science-Journey/dp/1626984034#

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pierre-Teilhard-de-Chardin

Integral Christianity: https://www.amazon.com/Integral-Christianity-Spirits-Call-Evolve/dp/1557788006

Wade Davis: https://daviswade.com/

Victor Frankl: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Frankl


Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: sharon@sharonspano.com

X: twitter.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/