The show delves into profound concepts, such as the idea that "good, bad, right or wrong are after the fact", inviting listeners to notice the "beautiful experience that's happening" before judgment. Danny encourages listeners to embrace life's unpredictable "switchbacks," recognizing that the next step often reveals itself only when you arrive at it. A central theme is the importance of "slowing down and recognizing where we are in the moment" as the path to self-awareness. The podcast introduces the concept of "perfect thirst," taught by Danny's mentor Michael Neil, which highlights that "the water that you need is inside of you," encouraging listeners to look inward for what they need instead of externally."Climbing the Summit" also offers a unique view on the ego, suggesting that when "in the right space," our ego "is here to serve us," contrary to the common belief that it should be eliminated. It differentiates between fleeting "happiness," which is "after form" or tied to external conditions, and a more profound, more enduring "underlying joy" that exists before happiness. The podcast encourages finding this joy by "noticing" one's experiences and patterns. Ultimately, this podcast is not about providing direct advice, but about helping listeners realize "You're exactly where you need to be," and to find their way forward through self-awareness and grace, rather than self-recrimination.

The provided podcast transcript, "Climbing the Summit," emphasizes **self-discovery** and **personal growth** as ongoing journeys. The host, Danny, encourages listeners to **focus on the present moment** and let go of past regrets or future anxieties, asserting that many self-critical thoughts are not based in reality. He suggests two core takeaways: to **question negative self-talk** and to **embrace the belief that one is inherently "good"** despite challenges or desires for improvement. The discussion also touches on parenting, emphasizing providing children with **emotional resilience** rather than strict control.

In this episode, we sit down with Mimi—yoga studio owner, mother, and lifelong student of the practice—as she shares the story of how yoga became not just a physical outlet, but a transformative journey into self-healing and inner clarity. From navigating back pain in her early years to discovering the power of meditation and silence at an ashram, Mimi opens up about what it means to meet your edge, soften into your truth, and stay teachable in the face of life’s hardest moments. This conversation is a reminder that the mat is just the beginning, and the real practice is how we show up in our lives—one breath, one insight at a time.

The "Climbing the Summit" podcast features an interview with Mimi, a yoga studio owner, who shares her personal journey into motherhood and its profound impact on her understanding of self-discovery and personal growth. Mimi discusses how parenting became her greatest spiritual teacher, challenging her preconceived notions and highlighting the difference between theoretical knowledge and embodied understanding. She emphasizes the difficulty of breaking ingrained samskaras (imprints or habits) from childhood and the importance of creating new, healthier patterns, even when it feels uncomfortable. Mimi also recounts her struggle with prioritizing her children over her own well-being, ultimately realizing the necessity of self-care to be a more effective parent, much like monks who prioritize self-work before service. The episode concludes with Mimi's relocation from a cramped Los Angeles apartment to Colorado in pursuit of more living space, symbolizing her continued journey toward personal fulfillment.

In this deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Mimi — yoga studio owner, mother, and third-generation Sivananda yogi — to explore her extraordinary path to healing and self-discovery.

At just 16, Mimi faced severe spinal degeneration that left her in chronic pain and feeling disconnected from her body. A breast reduction surgery led her to yoga, where she experienced a radical transformation: physically growing four inches, losing 80 pounds, and, more importantly, finding a profound sense of inner peace.

While the physical benefits drew her in, it was the mental clarity and emotional stability that kept her on the mat. Mimi shares how yoga became not just a practice but a way of life — a physical expression of her mental and spiritual journey.

She opens up about her time living at an ashram, her lineage to Swami Shivananda, and how a once-dreaded silent meditation retreat became a gateway to deep healing. From ego battles on the mat to finding grace in stillness, Mimi’s story is a moving reminder of what it means to listen, to learn, and to lead with an open heart.

We know what to do when our kids catch a cold — but what do we do when they lose their emotional footing?

This episode is about what it means to parent, teach, and love from the inside-out. Danny shares a tender moment from a weekend concert and how it reminded him of something timeless: you’re not broken — just human. If you've been trying too hard to fix everything, this one’s a reminder to soften, stay close, and trust the deeper intelligence at work in all of us.

This week, Danny opens up about a parenting moment that taught him more about love than any success ever could.

A subtle behavior from one of his kids showed up over the summer, and instead of falling into old patterns, he tried something new.

It's a story about presence, growth, and the real meaning of trying. Inspired by Michael Neill, Rob Bell, and the quiet wisdom of Star Wars.

In this final episode of our series with Levi Jacobs, we explore the raw and reflective terrain of fatherhood. Levi opens up about his favorite memory as a parent, the complexity of male bonding, and the emotional weight of being a dad on the road. We talk about the unspoken beauty of brotherhood, the challenges of presence in motion, and the metaphor of gifting a surfboard—not just to ride the ocean, but to navigate the waves of emotion.

Levi’s wisdom as a parent is deeply intertwined with his storytelling. If you’ve resonated with his voice, dive deeper into his worlds through his books:

📖 Daughter of Flood and Fury – A fierce, f/f epic fantasy about power, freedom, and identity (Book 1 of the Tidecaller Chronicles)

📖 Son of Storm and Silence – The second thrilling installment of the Tidecaller Chronicles

This conversation invites us to slow down, reflect, and remember that sometimes the best gift we can give our kids… is the ability to ride the storm.