This Undivided Life
This Undivided Life
This Undivided Life
This Undivided Life Podcast will give you real advice to help make life whole again. Join Troy Mclaughlin, co-host Scott Perkins and guests as we talk real life. We bypass simple platitudes and the generic “just love yourself” gibberish, and dive headlong into the challenges pulling us a million different directions. Life is fractured; from your calendars chocked full of commitments, to the black hole of entertainment in the palm of your hand, and the constant buzz of iPhone alerts. For most of us, the hum of anxiety is always present. You struggle to keep up with life’s frenetic pace, social media’s comparison game, or the far-fetched promises of our consumer culture. You feel divided, out of sorts, maybe even broken because of past experiences. Here’s the good news, we’ll talk about ways to combat those feelings; things you can do, habits to break or create, and practices to put in place. If you’re looking for gurus, quick fixes, or hacks, this is not the show for you. If you’re looking for fellow sojourners, people on a similar journey, you’ve found your show.
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Jan. 13, 2026

Nervous Systems:Sara Billups #232

Nervous Systems:Sara Billups #232
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Season 6

In my conversation I speak with author Sara Billups about her new book, 'Nervous Systems,' which explores the intersection of anxiety, caregiving, and spirituality. We discuss the importance of presence in everyday life, the beauty found in ordinary moments, and the interconnectedness of suffering and joy. Sara shares her insights on self-kindness, the challenges of caregiving, and the need for compassion in a divided world. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, writing, and the pursuit of love and acceptance as essential elements of living a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

The importance of presence in enjoying meals and life experiences.
Anxiety is a common experience, even for those who don't identify with it.
Caregiving can be both challenging and beautiful, offering moments of presence.
Finding beauty in ordinary moments can lead to deeper appreciation of life.
Suffering and joy are interconnected, providing a fuller understanding of life.
Practicing mindfulness can help us slow down and appreciate life.
Self-kindness is essential for personal well-being and kindness to others.
Learning to lose can foster compassion and understanding in relationships.
The pursuit of love and acceptance is a fundamental human desire.
Writing can transcend time and connect us with others' experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Billups and Her Work
02:58 The Impact of Food and Presence
05:53 Navigating Anxiety and Caregiving
11:52 The Role of Care in Life's Challenges
15:07 Finding Beauty in Ordinary Moments
20:19 Desire, Control, and Acceptance
25:36 The Importance of Letting Go
28:16 Learning to Lose in a Divided World
30:35 Raising Compassionate Kids
31:38 Historical Context of Division
32:31 The Beauty of Grace in Sports
35:19 The Power of Words and Writing
38:58 Finding Connection Through Literature
41:11 The Role of Fiction in Understanding
43:15 The Illusion of Wellness
45:29 The Quest for Dignity
48:28 Practicing Kindness
52:10 Embodiment and Spirituality
53:16 Living an Integrated Life