This was a really cool and practical conversation with Dr Pam King, who is a Professor of Applied Development Science and Director of the Thrive Centre.

Most of us are chasing happiness, meaning, and purpose, yet many feel lost in a sea of conflicting advice—what if the key is rooted in ancient wisdom wrapped in modern science?

In this episode, Dr. Pam King and I explore the profound connection between spirituality, resilience, and thriving through life's hardships. Discover the Thrive Centre’s innovative framework that guides us toward a flourishing life, no matter our beliefs or background. You'll learn practical, research-backed steps to cultivate joy, build resilience, and find a sense of belonging in a fractured world.

Key Takeaways
The connection between spirituality and psychology
The Thrive Centre’s approach to thriving in complex contexts
Distinction between religion and spirituality
The concept of functional spirituality and its components
The role of virtues, habits, and community in well-being
Impact of adversity and hardship on personal growth
The importance of love, trust, and relationships
Practical steps to find purpose and joy in life

 

00:00 Pam King's Journey: From Faith to Psychology

02:50 The Thrive Centre: Bridging Research and Real Life

05:56 Spirituality vs. Religion: Understanding the Distinction

08:58 Functional Spirituality: A New Approach to Meaning

11:55 The THRIVE Model: Keys to Flourishing

14:56 The Role of Community in Spirituality

17:58 The Crisis of Meaning in Modern Society

20:56 Navigating Purpose in a Secular World

23:52 Finding Joy: Practical Steps to Meaning

27:04 The Importance of Values and Relationships

29:51 Resilience Through Hardship: The Power of Meaning

32:05 Finding Meaning Through Hardship

33:09 The Five Rs of Resilience

39:09 The Role of Relationships in Resilience

42:43 Finding Purpose in Tragedy

46:48 The Power of Gratitude

54:31 The Importance of Love and Connection

 

Resources

Podcast: With and For hosted by Dr. Pam King

With & For bridges psychology and spiritual wisdom to help you thrive. Hosted by developmental psychologist and ordained minister Dr. Pam King.
https://play.megaphone.fm/98lslc0crcc7cpmf21jd3g 
https://play.megaphone.fm/smnfur3csbexbzu4d8ovza

Some other resources from Pam
Spiritual Health PDF
Secular Age Paper on our website news page
Love Centered Religion & Spirituality blog
What does Thriving mean?

https://www.instagram.com/drpamking/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-ebstyne-king-1a495ab/

https://thethrivecenter.org/

 

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

This was a really cool and practical conversation with Dr Pam King, who is a Professor of Applied Development Science and Director of the Thrive Centre.
Most of us are chasing happiness, meaning, and purpose, yet many feel lost in a sea of conflicting advice&mdash;what if the key is rooted in ancient wisdom wrapped in modern science?
In this episode, Dr. Pam King and I explore the profound connection between spirituality, resilience, and thriving through life's hardships. Discover the Thrive Centre&rsquo;s innovative framework that guides us toward a flourishing life, no matter our beliefs or background. You'll learn practical, research-backed steps to cultivate joy, build resilience, and find a sense of belonging in a fractured world.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li>The connection between spirituality and psychology</li>
<li>The Thrive Centre&rsquo;s approach to thriving in complex contexts</li>
<li>Distinction between religion and spirituality</li>
<li>The concept of functional spirituality and its components</li>
<li>The role of virtues, habits, and community in well-being</li>
<li>Impact of adversity and hardship on personal growth</li>
<li>The importance of love, trust, and relationships</li>
<li>Practical steps to find purpose and joy in life</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
00:00 Pam King's Journey: From Faith to Psychology
02:50 The Thrive Centre: Bridging Research and Real Life
05:56 Spirituality vs. Religion: Understanding the Distinction
08:58 Functional Spirituality: A New Approach to Meaning
11:55 The THRIVE Model: Keys to Flourishing
14:56 The Role of Community in Spirituality
17:58 The Crisis of Meaning in Modern Society
20:56 Navigating Purpose in a Secular World
23:52 Finding Joy: Practical Steps to Meaning
27:04 The Importance of Values and Relationships
29:51 Resilience Through Hardship: The Power of Meaning
32:05 Finding Meaning Through Hardship
33:09 The Five Rs of Resilience
39:09 The Role of Relationships in Resilience
42:43 Finding Purpose in Tragedy
46:48 The Power of Gratitude
54:31 The Importance of Love and Connection
&nbsp;
Resources
Podcast:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.megaphone.fm/57fu1ni0t1ahoocpu7fzrw">With and For hosted by Dr. Pam King</a>
With &amp; For bridges psychology and spiritual wisdom to help you thrive. Hosted by developmental psychologist and ordained minister Dr. Pam King.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://play.megaphone.fm/98lslc0crcc7cpmf21jd3g" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://play.megaphone.fm/98lslc0crcc7cpmf21jd3g&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775812036859000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QcWn--uUD6qfbgpSVrseN">https://play.megaphone.fm/98lslc0crcc7cpmf21jd3g</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://play.megaphone.fm/smnfur3csbexbzu4d8ovza">https://play.megaphone.fm/smnfur3csbexbzu4d8ovza</a></li>
</ul>
Some other resources&nbsp;from Pam
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thethrivecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Revision-2-2026-THRIVE-Spiritual-Health-Framework-PDF.pdf" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thethrivecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Revision-2-2026-THRIVE-Spiritual-Health-Framework-PDF.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775812036859000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rnyNbOO6dVJw_F8WW9g2d">Spiritual Health PDF</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thethrivecenter.org/news/spiritual-health-in-a-secular-age-perspectives-from-developmental-and-positive-psychologies/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thethrivecenter.org/news/spiritual-health-in-a-secular-age-perspectives-from-developmental-and-positive-psychologies/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775812036859000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0U8M0eMzcTdj8jn5Bn2F5P">Secular Age Paper on our website news page</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thethrivecenter.org/the-role-of-religion-and-spirituality-for-thriving/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thethrivecenter.org/the-role-of-religion-and-spirituality-for-thriving/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775812036859000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0nQiTCqOjxRbp9FJT8UstU">Love Centered Religion &amp; Spirituality blog</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thethrivecenter.org/what-does-thriving-mean/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thethrivecenter.org/what-does-thriving-mean/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775812036859000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3TlGImntNVE5qfgth5Dvyy">What does Thriving mean?</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drpamking/">https://www.instagram.com/drpamking/</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-ebstyne-king-1a495ab/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-ebstyne-king-1a495ab/</a>
<a href="https://thethrivecenter.org/">https://thethrivecenter.org/</a>
&nbsp;
Support the Podcast
If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self. 

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.&nbsp;

The Thrive Framework: 8 Pillars of a Flourishing Life, with Dr Pam King

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/5d3f31e6-0b56-4282-af9b-b427009960de/transcript