In this deeply reflective episode, Luke sits down with author, teacher, and compassion advocate Gissele Taraba to unpack the layers of conditioning that shape our self-worth, and how to break free from them.

From the relentless pressure to achieve, to the silent scripts we absorb in childhood, this conversation dives into what it truly means to feel worthy, loved, and enough, just as we are. Gissele shares powerful insights from her book Reimagining Work, as well as her upcoming documentary on how compassion can transform even the most extreme conflict.

They explore the ways we talk to ourselves, why our culture rewards burnout, and how learning to meditate, feel, and forgive can help us rewrite the story we've been handed. Luke also opens up about his own battle with overachievement and unworthiness, making this a vulnerable and empowering episode that will hit home for many.

Key Takeaways:
• How childhood conditioning wires us to seek worth externally

• Why even billionaires don’t feel “enough”

• What happens when we finally stop overworking for validation

• Practical strategies to interrupt spirals of self-doubt

• The truth about narcissism vs. healthy self-love

• Why boys are conditioned to suppress emotion, and the damage it causes

• Meditation, the “void,” and finding safety within

• Healing through curiosity, not shame

• How compassion transformed a white supremacist, and can heal the world
Guest Bio:

Gissele Taraba is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, professor, and founder of the Love and Compassion Podcast, which reaches listeners in over 45 countries. She’s currently producing a documentary titled Courage to Love: The Power of Compassion, highlighting stories of people who have chosen forgiveness in the face of deep pain.

Originally from Lima, Peru and now based in Canada, Gissele holds master’s degrees in Epidemiology and Social Work, and has spent over 20 years in nonprofit leadership. Her first book, Reimagining Work, explores how to create a more loving and spiritually aligned life. She’s now co-authoring Reimagining Education with her daughter, challenging how our current school system prepares children for a rapidly changing world.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.
For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast