In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Tina Schweiger, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling novel - that sense of having no precedent or experiencing something completely new. The conversation examines how novel differs from fear of the unknown, the importance of actively seeking novelty as we age, and how this childlike sense of wonder can contribute to innovation, creativity, and compassion. The hosts share personal examples of experiencing novelty and discuss how to cultivate this positive emotion in daily life.
Episode Highlights:
- Tina describes novel as a "childlike sense of wonder" that becomes harder to cultivate as we age and get stuck in patterns, emphasizing the importance of actively seeking new experiences to foster innovation and creativity
- Heather distinguishes between encountering novel moments unexpectedly (like seeing a wild animal on a hike) and deliberately seeking them out (like watching "Love on the Spectrum" to better understand autism after meeting a colleague on the spectrum)
- Michelle highlights the key distinction that novel is "the delight in the unfamiliar rather than the discomfort of the unfamiliar," noting how travel provides excellent opportunities for experiencing novelty through different architecture, culture, language, and food
- The hosts note that when you identify you're feeling novel, the recommended action is simply to pause and recognize the positive aspects of the moment - the delight and enlightenment happening within the unknown experience
- Tina connects novel to humor, explaining that something must be novel (catching us by surprise) to be funny, and emphasizes that novel is an emotion you want others to "catch" from you, promoting a mindset of compassion when experiencing this childlike wonder
Podcast theme music by
Dubush Miaw from
PixabayThis episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.
This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally.
https://www.feel-wise.com/Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform
Podcast theme music by
Dubush Miaw from
PixabayThis episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.
This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally.
https://www.feel-wise.com/Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform
