Martha Beck

Martha Beck is an American sociologist, writer and coach whose work pairs practical self-inquiry with a warm, nature-loving spirituality. She holds three Harvard degrees, including a doctorate in sociology, and for many years wrote a monthly column for O, The Oprah Magazine. Her books include Finding Your Own North Star, Expecting Adam, Steering by Starlight and The Way of Integrity, an Oprah's Book Club pick that uses Dante's journey through the underworld as a map for returning to one's own truth.

She created Wayfinder Life Coach Training, which has trained coaches in many countries, and with her partner Rowan Mangan runs Wilder, an online community for people who feel out of step with ordinary culture. Her teaching leans on stillness, body awareness, imagination, humour and time outdoors, and she often speaks of an essential self that lies beneath social conditioning. Each week she hosts the Gathering Room, a live conversation on spirit and personal growth that is also shared as a podcast and on YouTube. She leads small retreats at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa and weekend programmes at Omega in Rhinebeck, New York, and lives in rural Pennsylvania.