Finding Compassion Behind the Wheel: Life Lessons with Connie Warden

In this conversation, author and acupuncturist Connie Warden joins Cristina and Alex to talk about her book Speeding to Compassion—a project born from her surprising realization that her mindfulness practice didn’t extend to the driver’s seat. Connie shares candid stories of road rage, self-reflection, and the universal struggle of anger, showing how the car became her training ground for compassion. What starts as a book about driving quickly unfolds into a much bigger exploration of authenticity, inner critics, and how to process emotions without repressing them.

Together, they dive into the ways we invent stories about strangers on the road, the “fundamental attribution error” that makes us judge others more harshly than ourselves, and the small practices—like singing a song or reframing the moment—that can transform frustration into growth. This episode is equal parts humor and humanity, reminding us that compassion isn’t about being perfect. It’s about noticing our triggers, giving ourselves grace, and practicing empathy in everyday life—whether behind the wheel, with our kids, or in leadership.