Bountifull Podcast

• Saying No: Dr. Sunita Sah on Defiance, Compliance, and the Psychology of Approval

  What if defiance wasn’t a flaw, but a skill? In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah—physician, behavioural scientist, and author of Defy—shares how reclaiming agency and redefining what it means to say “no” can change the trajectory of our lives. Raised to equate goodness with compliance, Sunita’s journey is a powerful reminder that being agreeable often comes at a cost: to our integrity, our well-being, and our sense of self.We explore the psychology behind why we say yes when we mean no, the invisible social pressures that shape our decisions, and why discomfort is a sign—not of weakness, but of wisdom. Sunita offers a practical five-stage framework for living in alignment with your values, and explains how simple tools like pausing before responding or speaking to yourself in the third person can help you make braver, truer choices.This conversation is a compassionate guide for people-pleasers, quiet rebels, and anyone who has ever struggled to hold their ground. A bountiful life, as Sunita reveals, isn’t lived without tension—it’s one where that tension is honoured, examined, and transformed into something meaningful.Episode HighlightsWhy defiance is essential to a meaningful lifeThe difference between compliance, consent, and true defianceHow to find and clarify your personal valuesThe hidden social pressures behind people-pleasing and “yes” cultureFive stages of ethical defiance (from tension to action)Quiet defiance, false defiance, and performative rebellionSaying no with grace—and without over-explainingGuest BioDr. Sunita Sah is a national bestselling author, an award-winning professor at Cornell University and an expert in organizational psychology. She leads groundbreaking research on influence, authority, compliance, and defiance. A trained physician, she practiced medicine in the United Kingdom and worked as a management consultant for the pharmaceutical industry. She currently teaches executives, leaders, and students in healthcare and business. Dr. Sah is a sought-after international speaker and consultant, advisor to government agencies, and former Commissioner of the National Commission on Forensic Science. Her multidisciplinary research and analyses have been widely published in leading academic journals and media entities including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review, and Scientific American. She lives with her husband and son in New York.The Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a purposeful, joyful life by connecting with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Each episode unpacks practical wisdom and real stories on themes like boundaries, saying no, psychological safety, compliance, consent, and living in alignment with your values.

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• The Power of Contribution with Dr Alia Bojilova

  What if the simplest acts of giving could transform your confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose? In this inspiring episode, resilience psychologist Dr Alia Bojilova shares why contribution—small acts of meaningful generosity—can profoundly shape our lives, communities, and well-being.Drawing from her diverse background—from a childhood in post-communist Bulgaria to her distinguished career as an Army Officer and Lead Psychologist with the elite New Zealand Special Air Service (1NZSAS), and now as a global resilience expert—Alia redefines contribution not as grand gestures, but as everyday actions that connect us deeply to others and ourselves. She reveals how contribution boosts self-worth, builds genuine resilience, strengthens relationships, and guides us toward purpose and meaning.Together, we explore the science behind why contribution matters, how even tiny gestures create powerful ripple effects, and how to integrate this practice into our daily lives. Alia reminds us that true abundance isn't about what we accumulate—it's about how generously we share our lives.✨ Episode Highlights: 🌱 Contribution Builds Identity – Small acts of giving offer immediate emotional feedback that reinforces your sense of worth, capability, and agency.✨ Excitement Is a Compass – Alia shares how fleeting moments of excitement have guided some of her most meaningful life decisions—and why listening to those sparks matters.🌦️ We Are Somebody’s Weather – Our emotional state affects everyone around us. Alia explores how being intentional about your presence can shape relationships and environments.⚖️ Equilibrium Is Essential – A bountiful life balances challenge and rest. Alia opens up about learning to say yes to pause, not just productivity.🌀 Purpose Emerges Through Action – Purpose isn't something you need to define before you begin—it grows out of contribution, curiosity, and consistent engagement.🧠 Awareness Fuels Resilience – Resilience starts with noticing how you feel and taking ownership of your state. Contribution is one of the most powerful tools for shifting it.🧃 Scarcity Can Spark Creativity – Alia’s upbringing taught her that limitations can lead to resourcefulness, joy, and deep connection—not deprivation.🤝 Contribution Creates Belonging – Belonging isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you generate through thoughtful action and care.⏳ Busyness Isn’t the Goal – Alia invites us to question what we’re actually busy with, and whether those efforts align with meaning and joy.🫶 Leadership Is Human, Not Heroic – Great leaders don’t perform—they notice, care, and contribute to the wellbeing of others in small, consistent ways.🔍 Curiosity Is a Daily Practice – In every context, from military to family life, curiosity helps us challenge assumptions and uncover what really matters.👶 Teach Contribution Through Doing – Alia’s daily practice with her son—doing something kind for someone else—offers a simple but powerful way to raise resilient, generous kids.👤 About Dr. Alia BojilovaDr Alia Bojilova is a Registered Psychologist with a focus on organizational, team, and individual resilience, leadership, and curiosity. Her extensive career includes serving as an Army Officer and Lead Psychologist with the elite New Zealand Special Air Service (1NZSAS) and the Counter Terrorist Tactics Group. Her operational experience spans Afghanistan, Syria, Israel, the wider Middle East, East Timor, and the Solomon Islands. She was awarded the NZDF Meritorious Service Medal and the United Nations Commendation for her leadership through critical incidents in Syria. Alia is also the author of The Resilience Toolkit, providing practical tools for lasting resilience and well-being.About the Bountifull:The Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful, resilient life. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to dive into personal growth, emotional wellness, and creativity.

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• Lessons from a NASA Scientist on Curiosity, Failure, and Staying the Course

  “So much of what’s meaningful about science is the process of discovering something that nobody else knew.”What can the universe teach us about being human? For astrophysicist and NASA program scientist Joshua Pepper, the answer lies in curiosity, contribution, and learning to sit with the unknown. In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we talk about exoplanets, randomness, and the emotional realities of life in science—from funding cycles and impostor syndrome to the joy of a good spreadsheet. Joshua reflects on the long arc of discovery, the privilege of asking big questions, and why we should make time to look up.This is an episode about wonder and meaning, but also one about endurance. Because sometimes a bountiful life isn’t about answers—it’s about the people you meet, the questions that stay with you, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.✨ Episode Highlights🌍 How Randomness Shapes Our Paths – From unplanned encounters to last-minute applications, Joshua talks about the role of luck, openness, and decision-making in his life and career.🛰️ What a NASA Program Scientist Actually Does – A behind-the-scenes look at Joshua’s role supporting researchers, managing grants, and helping guide missions like KELT and LEAP.🪐 Exoplanets, Time, and Big Questions – Why the search for planets beyond our solar system isn’t just scientific—it’s philosophical. Joshua explains what these distant worlds can teach us about scale, meaning, and hope.💭 The Emotional Reality of Science – We talk about mental health in academia, impostor syndrome, and what it takes to stay committed to long-term research that may not be recognised for decades.🧠 What Curiosity Feels Like – Joshua shares what lights him up about spreadsheets, problem-solving, and the joy of discovering something truly new.⏳ Living on a Longer Timeline – Reflections on working in a field where timelines stretch across generations—and why it’s still worth it.Guest Bio:Dr. Joshua Pepper is a NASA Program Scientist and Associate Professor of Physics at Lehigh University. He supports several major space science initiatives, including the TESS mission (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite), the Exoplanet Exploration Program, and NASA’s Open-Source Science Initiative. Josh co-founded the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) project, which has discovered more than two dozen exoplanets, and helped build the TESS Input Catalog guiding NASA’s search for new worlds. His work blends curiosity, discovery, and a deep commitment to exploring the universe through science.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful and joyful life through meaningful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. This week, Joshua Pepper, a NASA Program Scientist and astrophysicist, joins us to explore the intersection of curiosity, discovery, and resilience. From exoplanets to impostor syndrome, Joshua reflects on the emotional realities of life in science, the endurance it takes to keep asking big questions, and why sometimes a bountiful life isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about embracing the unknown and continuing the journey. This episode reminds us that meaning can be found in the questions we ask, the people we meet, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.

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• Letting Go of Shoulds and Building Confidence with Former Athlete Zara Davidson

  “I wanted more stuff that felt like it was mine.” Zara Davidson’s life has been defined by excellence — elite basketballer, top of her class, and a rising force in AI. But behind the accolades is a story of transition, questioning, and quiet reinvention. In this episode, she opens up about the intensity of her athletic and corporate years, the quarter-life unraveling that followed, and the slow, tender process of rediscovering joy through Pilates, friendship, and shell-painting on the beach. Zara reminds us that identity isn’t fixed — it’s shaped, stretched, and sometimes surrendered.Zara’s journey invites us to reimagine success not as achievement, but as ownership — of time, energy, and joy. She shows us that a bountiful life isn’t found in the grand gestures, but in the intentional details: planking in your living room, spotting bunnies on your morning walk, or making something with your hands just for the fun of it. Through her honesty and humour, she nudges us to let go of who we think we should be, and instead ask: What actually feels like mine?🎧 Episode Highlights – Zara DavidsonRedefining identity after high achievement Zara shares what it was like to step away from elite sport and a fast-paced tech career, and how she began to rediscover who she was beyond being “good” at things.From burnout to bunnies and Pilates She opens up about her quarter-life crisis, the slow process of creating space for joy, and how simple practices like outdoor walks and creative hobbies helped her reconnect with herself.“You never regret a swim.” Zara reflects on the healing power of nature, movement, and the outdoors — and why going for a swim is her go-to reset.Letting go of the ‘shoulds’ She discusses the pressure of external expectations, and how she’s learned to ask: “Do I want to do this, or do I just feel like I should?”The power of play, presence, and non-performance Whether it’s surfing, crafting, or Pilates, Zara now chooses activities that feel good — not ones she has to be great at. Her shift from performance to presence is a major theme in this conversation.Guest Bio: Zara Davidson is a high-performing technology sales professional and former professional athlete whose career bridges the worlds of elite sport and cutting-edge innovation. Zara is an accomplished technology Sales Executive with a track record of helping Fortune 500 companies leverage generative AI-powered solutions to achieve digital transformation. Her expertise lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centric technology, with a focus on selling innovative, impactful AI SaaS solutions that create engaging customer experiences.Most recently, she played a pivotal role at Soul Machines, where she closed the largest deal in company history and generated over 80% of total revenue in a single year. Known for her ability to connect across strategic, technical, and human dimensions, she’s collaborated with global leaders at Microsoft, AWS, Google, and more. Before entering the tech world, Zara represented New Zealand on the international basketball stage and competed at the NCAA Division I level. About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast is all about exploring how to live a joyful, purpose-driven life. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to dive into themes like personal growth, emotional wellness, and creativity. In this episode, Zara Davidson, former elite athlete and tech professional, opens up about her journey of reinvention. From navigating burnout and stepping away from the pressure of high achievement, Zara shares how she found joy in the simple, intentional details of life—like Pilates, nature walks, and creative hobbies. Her story reminds us that success isn’t just about performance, but about choosing joy, embracing change, and letting go of external expectations to reconnect with what truly matters.

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• Curiosity, Compassion, Cosmos: A NASA Engineer’s Story of Resilience

  “There isn’t one rote path that you have to take to reach a goal... it’s okay to meander a little bit and live life and kind of explore.”For Agnar Hall, the journey to NASA wasn’t linear—it was layered. In this episode, he opens up about stepping away from a PhD, working at Starbucks while healing from fibromyalgia, and embracing his identity as a transgender man. With gentle candour and sharp insight, Agnar talks about what it’s like to rewire your definition of success while still holding onto your dreams. We touch on space science, social dynamics, and the subtle bravery of taking the long way home.There’s something deeply relieving about Agnar’s outlook. He offers a map that doesn’t require urgency or perfection, only honesty and small acts of momentum. His story reminds us that meaning doesn’t arrive fully formed—it’s built through slow pivots, quiet reckonings, and friendships that feel like gravity. If you’ve ever questioned the plan you were handed or felt behind in your own timeline, this conversation is a balm.🎧 Episode Highlights Growing up in Houston with a dream to study space from age twoWhat a systems test engineer at NASA actually does Living with fibromyalgia while building a career in scienceLeaving a PhD program, working at Starbucks, and redefining “success”Exploring gender identity and transitioning during grad schoolThe emotional weight of names, myth, and kindnessFriendship, humour, and what really matters at the end of the dayWhy “titles” and urgency don’t define worth—and what doesWhat the universe can teach us about being humanThe value of speaking up when you finally have the power to be heardGuest Bio: Agnar Hall is a Systems Test Engineer at NASA and a cosmologist at heart. With a deep-rooted passion for the structure and origins of the universe, his research has spanned galaxy clusters, high-redshift gas structures, and feedback processes in distant galaxies. He holds a Master's degree from New Mexico State University and a B.A. in astronomy from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he worked on both optical and X-ray observational studies. Agnar has contributed to research at institutions like LASP and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and his current work involves testing the software systems that support human spaceflight.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores the power of purpose, personal growth, and living with intention through real stories and actionable wisdom. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds—from scientists and entrepreneurs to creatives and leaders—to dive into themes like identity, resilience, and the importance of embracing your unique path. This week, Agnar Hall, a NASA Systems Test Engineer, shares his remarkable journey of redefining success and building a life full of meaning through small steps and quiet courage. From battling fibromyalgia to transitioning during grad school, Agnar’s story reminds us that success doesn’t follow a straight line, and that purpose is often built through life’s twists and turns.https://bountifullworld.com/

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