From Achievement to Awe: A Conversation on the "Vad Mer?" Podcast
In one of the most secular countries in the world, spirituality is often a conversation held in the quiet corners of our lives. We are a culture built on logic, empirical proof, and the relentless drive of achievement. But beneath that surface, there is a growing hunger for something more—a search for meaning that science alone cannot always satisfy.
I recently had the profound pleasure of stepping into this conversation on the podcast Vad mer? (What Else?), hosted by Caroline Norbelie and Daniel Bäckström. As the sister production to the long-standing Prestationspodden, this show explores the territory beyond achievement: the realm of the spirit, the intuitive, and the unseen.
A Bridge for the Secular Soul
My work has always been about holding two worlds at once. For decades, I have moved through the corridors of research institutes and strategic leadership, valuing the rigor of data and the clarity of logic. Yet, my soul is rooted at the edge of the Arctic, in the whispers of the runes and the symbolic language of the tarot.
On the podcast, we discussed why this bridge is more vital now than ever. As technology and AI expand, the human ability to tap into a "collective knowing" and train our intuition becomes our greatest strategic advantage. We spoke about tarot not as a tool for prediction, but as an intellectually robust instrument for self-regulation and reflection.
The Service of Kindness
During our recording, we paused to draw a card from the Northern Lights Strength Deck. The card that appeared was Kindness.
In the framework of positive psychology, kindness is a strength within the virtue of Humanity. It is defined as a deep concern for the welfare of others and a willingness to be present for their experiences without judgment. To me, this was the perfect reflection of the space Caroline and Daniel are creating. Their podcast is an act of kindness to the Swedish listener—providing a generous, safe harbor where we can explore "the sacred" without needing to explain or prove it.
Listen to the Episode
I invite you to listen to our conversation below. We move between the measurable and the mythic, discussing the science of consciousness, the practical application of tarot, and the liberation that comes when we finally give ourselves permission to experience the unknown.
Featured Deck: Northern Lights Strength Deck
Featured Card: Kindness (Virtue: Humanity)
Symbolism: Blueberry (Arctic folklore)
Tarot Reflection: Queen of Cups
✧ Whether you are a fellow seeker or a skeptic standing at the edge of the bridge, I hope this conversation offers you a new way to listen to your own inner voice.
