In this episode, Britta is joined by recurring guest Michael McDonald for a deceptively simple distinction that can fundamentally change how problems are approached, understood, and often dissolved: physics vs. engineering.
They explore the difference between “how do I fix this?” conversations and the more upstream question of “how does this actually work?” — and why so many problems persist not because we need better tactics, but because we’re operating from unexamined assumptions about how life, thought, and experience function.
Together, they unpack why our most successful strategies eventually become our biggest limitations, how suffering can act as a signal that something untrue is being believed, and why real change often comes not from effort or control, but from clearer seeing. They also look at when it’s useful to stay practical and take action — and when continued “how-to” thinking is actually keeping us stuck.
This conversation offers a grounded framework for knowing when to stop engineering solutions — and when it’s time to look upstream at the physics instead.
About Michael:
Michael McDonald is a transformational coach for visionary entrepreneurs, executives, and mentoring other coaches. With a style that’s part Mr. Rogers, part Inception, he helps leaders shift from conceptual to actual, from empowered to awakened, and from complexity to simplicity. His life’s work is to help humanity align with spiritual truth, one conversation at a time.
“Something awesome is trying to happen, and your job is to allow it.”
Website: authenticintegrity.com
Email: michael@authenticintegrity.com
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Britta: brittakristin.com
Kevin: kevinhasfun.com
