In this episode, Luke Burgis explores the question, “Are your desires really yours?” and how to recognize and reclaim what you truly want. He discusses how to tell the difference between “thin desires (fleeting, imitated wants) and “thick desires” (the deeper longings that bring lasting fulfillment), and why discerning between the two can change the direction of your life. Luke also shares practices for uncovering your true hierarchy of values, creating alignment between what you want and who you want to be. Explore how to pivot from “I don’t want to” to “I do want to, I just dono’t feel like it” and how to feed the desires that lead to meaning instead of comparison or regret.

Exciting News!!!

Coming in March, 2026, my new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!

Key Takeaways:

Exploration of the concept of mimetic desire and its origins in the work of René Girard.
Discussion on how desires are often imitative and influenced by others rather than being inherently personal.
The importance of discerning between beneficial and harmful desires in one’s life.
The parable of the two wolves as a metaphor for the internal conflict between positive and negative desires.
Differentiation between “thin desires” (fleeting and influenced by external factors) and “thick desires” (deeply rooted in personal values and identity).
The role of self-reflection and narrative in understanding one’s desires and motivations.
The significance of establishing a hierarchy of values to guide decision-making and desire cultivation.
The impact of social interactions on shaping desires and the responsibility individuals have in influencing others.
The concept of “stalking your greatest desire” as a means to align personal desires with one’s life mission.
The importance of having a trusted partner for exploring and communicating desires, emphasizing the value of attentive listening.

For full show notes, click here!

Connect with the show:

Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Follow us on Instagram

If you enjoyed this conversation with Luke Burgis, check out these other episodes:

How to Find Zest in Life with Dr. John Kaag

Finding Zen in the Ordinary with Christopher Keevil

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

Persona Nutrition delivers science-backed, personalized vitamin packs that make daily wellness simple and convenient. In just minutes, you get a plan tailored to your health goals. No clutter, no guesswork. Just grab-and-go packs designed by experts. Go to PersonaNutrition.com/FEED today to take the free assessment and get your personalized daily vitamin packs for an exclusive offer — get 40% off your first order.

Grow Therapy – Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. (Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plans. Visit growtherapy.com/feed today!

Delivering the WOW; Check out Richard Fain’s new book, a behind-the-scenes look at how he transformed Royal Caribbean into a world-class company through culture, innovation, and intentional leadership. Available now on Amazon and wherever you get your books.

AGZ – Start taking your sleep seriously with AGZ. Head to drinkag1.com/feed to get a FREE Welcome Kit with the flavor of your choice that includes a 30 day supply of AGZ and a FREE frother.

Smalls – Smalls cat food is protein-packed recipes made with preservative-free ingredients you’d find in your fridge… and it’s delivered right to your door. For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/FEED! No more picking between random brands at the store. Smalls has the right food to satisfy any cat’s cravings.

LinkedIn: Post your job for free at linkedin.com/1youfeed. Terms and conditions apply.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are Your Desires Really Yours? How to Recognize and Reclaim What You Truly Want with Luke Burgis

The One You Feed