You are pouring yourself out every single day. But into whose cup?

In this powerful conversation inspired by Derek Thompson, Justin and Kylie explore a simple metaphor that will stop you mid-scroll: every morning you wake with a full jug of water. By night, it’s empty. The only question that matters is where it went.

Work. News. Regret. Netflix. Anxiety. Group chats. Your kids. Your marriage.

Attention never lies. It reveals what we truly value.

If you’ve been feeling depleted, resentful, stretched thin — this episode will gently realign you with what actually matters.

Because tomorrow morning?
The jug refills.

KEY POINTS
The “Cup Game” metaphor and why you’re playing it whether you realise it or not
Why attention is your most honest measure of values
The hidden cost of pouring into cups that don’t matter
Why good things can still drain you
A simple end-of-day question that changes everything
How to reset — even if you’ve been “losing” the game for years

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Attention never lies. It reveals what we truly value.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Derek Thompson Substack article: Whose Cup Are You Filling?
Stephen Covey – “The things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
At the end of today, ask: Whose cup did I fill?
Notice one cup that received too much water.
Choose one relationship that gets first pour tomorrow.
When you feel depleted at 4pm, take one small intentional step toward connection.
Remember: the jug refills in the morning.

You are pouring yourself out every single day. But into whose cup?
In this powerful conversation inspired by Derek Thompson, Justin and Kylie explore a simple metaphor that will stop you mid-scroll: every morning you wake with a full jug of water. By night, it&rsquo;s empty. The only question that matters is where it went.
Work. News. Regret. Netflix. Anxiety. Group chats. Your kids. Your marriage.
Attention never lies. It reveals what we truly value.
If you&rsquo;ve been feeling depleted, resentful, stretched thin &mdash; this episode will gently realign you with what actually matters.
Because tomorrow morning? The jug refills.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;Cup Game&rdquo; metaphor and why you&rsquo;re playing it whether you realise it or not</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why attention is your most honest measure of values</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden cost of pouring into cups that don&rsquo;t matter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why good things can still drain you</li>
<li aria-level="1">A simple end-of-day question that changes everything</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to reset &mdash; even if you&rsquo;ve been &ldquo;losing&rdquo; the game for years</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Attention never lies. It reveals what we truly value.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.derekthompson.org/p/whose-cup-are-you-filling">Derek Thompson Substack article: Whose Cup Are You Filling?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Stephen Covey &ndash; &ldquo;The things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">At the end of today, ask: Whose cup did I fill?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Notice one cup that received too much water.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one relationship that gets first pour tomorrow.</li>
<li aria-level="1">When you feel depleted at 4pm, take one small intentional step toward connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remember: the jug refills in the morning.</li>
</ol>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Whose Cup Are You Filling? [R]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/fec27304-55d3-4008-aed5-b47b00b211a2/transcript