The Paul Taylor Podcast | Expert in Hardiness and Mental Fitness

In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor discusses key principles of the Japanese therapeutic approach called Morita Therapy to help manage difficult emotions. She emphasises the importance of shifting away from trying to control emotions and thoughts through sheer will, introducing concepts like 'Toraware' (mental preoccupation) and 'Arugmama' (allowing oneself to feel without judgment). By depicting how over-focusing on negative feelings amplifies suffering and how 'acceptance' and purposeful action can lead to emotional freedom, Carly offers valuable strategies for integrating these therapeutic principles into daily life, ultimately helping listeners flow like a river around their emotional obstacles. 00:00 Introduction to Mojo Monday 00:13 Understanding Emotional Control 01:45 Introduction to Morita Therapy 02:02 The Concept of Toraware 03:21 The Cycle of Suffering 04:30 The Gap Between Ideal and Reality 06:13 Avoidance Strategies 07:56 Embracing Arugamama: A New Perspective 10:53 Personal Reflections and Metaphors 13:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening podcast episode, I sit down with Natalie Kovarik a cattle rancher, to discuss the realities of cattle ranching versus its portrayal in popular media like 'Yellowstone'. Natalie shares her unique journey from Montana to Nebraska, illustrating the challenges and advancements in agriculture over the decades. They delve into her collaboration with dairy farmer Tara Vander Dussen on their podcast 'Discover Ag', which aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the origins of their food. Key topics include the impact of climate and market pricing on farming, the pros and cons of grass-fed versus grain-fed beef, misconceptions about methane production, and the often misleading nature of food labels. This episode offers a comprehensive look at modern agriculture, sustainability practices, and the importance of transparent, informed food production. What You'll Learn: Reality vs. Media: Understand how popular media can mislead public perceptions of farming and agriculture. Building Connections: Discover how Natalie and Tara use social media and their podcast to connect consumers directly with the farming world. Agricultural Realities: Learn about the technological advances and persistent challenges such as market pricing that impact modern farming. Debunking Myths: Gain insights into common misconceptions about "factory farming" and the scale of agricultural operations. Environmental Impact: Explore the nuanced discussion on agriculture's environmental role, particularly around methane production and sustainable practices. Key Takeaways: Media depictions often do not fully reflect the complexities of agriculture; Natalie provides an authentic look into farming life. Social media and platforms like Discover Ag foster direct consumer connections, opening dialogue about agriculture's realities. Challenges in farming extend beyond operations—the unpredictable nature and market factors are significant hurdles. Large-scale farming isn't inherently negative; many larger operations incorporate advanced sustainable practices. Educating consumers on agricultural processes fosters a more sustainable and understanding food system. Resources: Discover Ag Podcast: Listen weekly as Natalie and Tara discuss major topics within Western agriculture, addressing consumer concerns directly. Follow Natalie Kovarik: Catch up with Natalie on various social media platforms for insights into sustainable ranching. Discover Ag website Discover Ag Instagram Discover Ag YouTube Discover Ag TikTok Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform to spread this insightful discussion on agriculture. Share with friends or family interested in learning more about where their food comes from and the realities behind it. 02:13 Challenges in the Agriculture Industry 03:43 Discover Ag Podcast and TV Series 06:11 Debunking Myths in Agriculture 08:56 Sustainability in Cattle Farming 13:51 Monocropping and Soil Health 18:12 Feedlots and Beef Production 23:09 Food Labels and Consumer Awareness 28:55 Misleading Food Labels 30:35 Ultra-Processed Foods: The Hidden Dangers 31:47 The Organic Label Debate 32:27 The MAHA Movement and Food Manufacturing 36:29 Supermarket Shenanigans and Product Placement 39:26 Sustainability and Global Food Trade 41:53 Methane Reduction in Cattle 46:21 Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef 53:17 The Future of Farming  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the truth about protein and muscle building. Discover whether the type and timing of your protein intake really matter. Recent research suggests that total protein intake is more vital than spreading it out evenly across meals. Dive into comparisons of plant-based versus animal proteins, revealing surprising insights. This discussion could change your approach to protein recommendations and how you optimize your muscle health!

In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor shares a personal story about her daughter’s frustrating injury, exploring the importance of balancing painful emotions with gratitude. Carly emphasises the vital role of developing mental fitness in helping us respond to life's challenges rather than react. She discusses how acknowledging both pain and gratitude can provide emotional balance. Carly encourages us to practice mental flexibility by allowing all emotions to be present and finding space for gratitude without dismissing the hardships. 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration00:54 The Taylor Challenge: A Personal Story02:33 A Lesson in Gratitude03:42 Balancing Emotions: Frustration and Gratitude04:13 Mental Fitness and Flexibility05:14 Practical Tips for Navigating Challenges05:54 Conclusion and Weekly Sign-OffSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful conversation with Dr. Stan Beecham, a renowned psychologist and author of "Elite Minds," we explore the profound insights gained from confronting life's toughest challenges. Having faced acute leukemia and emerged with a renewed perspective on life, Dr. Beecham shares invaluable lessons on resilience, identity, and the power of acceptance. A Journey Through Adversity During the podcast, Dr. Beecham recounts his battle with acute leukemia, reflecting on the ways this life-altering experience informed his approach to living. He emphasises the importance of accepting life's randomness, turning an uncertain future into an opportunity for personal growth. Dr. Beecham's story serves as a testament to the power of acknowledging vulnerability and embracing the present moment. What You'll Learn: Facing Adversity: Discover how confronting life-threatening challenges can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and enhance appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Resilience and Stoicism: Learn about the role of stoic philosophy in overcoming adversity, including concepts like 'Amor Fati' and the acceptance of fate as a path to liberation from fear. Identity and Self-Reflection: Explore the dangers of tying identity too closely to professional accomplishments and the benefits of cultivating a sense of self beyond work. Focus and Intentional Living: Understand the importance of directing the "flashlight of attention" towards meaningful experiences and relationships.   Key Takeaways: Acceptance is vital: Embrace your circumstances as they are, using acceptance as a foundation to focus on what you can control. Cultivate curiosity and urgency: Approach life with a sense of curiosity about what's next and seize opportunities with urgency. Embrace simplicity: Find joy in daily routines and simple pleasures as a way to enrich your life and cultivate mindfulness. Contribute positively: Strive to give more than you take in interactions, fostering positive energy and enriching relationships. Be honest and seek truth: In relationships, tell the truth even when it's difficult, as transparency strengthens connections. Resources: For more insights from Dr. Stan Beecham, explore his book "Elite Minds" available on Amazon. Visit Dr. Stan Beecham's website for further information and resources. Connect with Dr. Stan Beecham: LinkedIn: Dr. Stan Beecham In embracing life's uncertainties, Dr. Stan Beecham reminds us that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and redefine our purpose Support the Podcast: If you found this conversation impactful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you meaningful discussions. Support and Share: Share this episode with those who might benefit from these insights—reflecting on life's challenges can inspire growth and resilience in the most unexpected ways. 00:39 Stan's Leukemia Diagnosis 01:53 Hospital Experience and Personal Resilience 04:24 Reflections on Life and Vulnerability 08:07 Paul's Open Heart Surgery 09:02 Stoic Philosophy and Facing Adversity 10:38 Embracing Fate and Life's Challenges 20:44 Identity Beyond Work 31:16 Survival Situations and Acceptance 34:46 Entitlement and Victim Mentality 35:56 Self-Worth and External Perception 37:52 Compassion and Truth-Telling 43:03 The Importance of Attention 47:45 Facing Mortality and Urgency 52:50 Lessons from Near-Death Experiences 59:47 Living with Purpose and Joy  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longevity Supplements: Do NMN and NR Actually Work?  Read on to find out what the research says. Overview:In this week's episode, we dive into the popular supplements NMN and NR that are touted to increase longevity and healthspan. We break down what these supplements actually are, what the research says about their effects on muscle and physical function, and whether you should spend your money on them. Key Takeaways: 0:45 - What are NMN and NR? Precursors to NAD+, which declines with age 2:30 - Animal studies show benefits, but what about humans?3:45 - Results of a systematic review of RCTs in older adults on muscle strength and physical function 5:00 - Studies sponsored by industry show benefits, but lower quality evidence6:30 - Are they worth spending your money on?  CTA: Dive into the research and decide for yourself - listen to the full episode now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode discusses the importance of connection as the fourth pillar of mental fitness. It explores how modern lifestyles and digital interactions have led to increased loneliness and less genuine human connection. Through personal anecdotes, carly emphasises the value of real-life interactions over digital connections and encourages listeners to actively seek out 'micro connections' in their daily lives. A suggested journaling exercise based on the Japanese practice of Naikan helps reflect on received and given connections to improve well-being. The episode concludes with a call to ramp up meaningful connections and engage children in similar practices. 00:00 Introduction to the Fourth Pillar of Mental Fitness 00:36 The Decline of Genuine Human Connection 01:51 Personal Anecdotes on Connection 03:17 The Importance of Micro Connections 04:41 Encouraging Real-World Interactions 05:24 Reflecting on Daily Connections 07:16 Conclusion and Weekly ChallengeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this super interesting episode, I sit down with Amelia Phillips - exercise scientist, nutritionist, and the founder of Vitality 360. Together, we explore the secrets to enhancing longevity and healthspan. Our conversation is a blend of science-backed insights and practical advice for anyone committed to living a longer, healthier, and happier life. What You'll Learn: Exercise and Longevity: Discover the importance of incorporating high-intensity training and cardiovascular workouts to boost healthspan. Nutrition Insights: We dive deep into dietary patterns, emphasising a Mediterranean-style diet rich in nutrients, and discuss the misconceptions surrounding carbohydrates and protein. Supplementation for Health: Amelia breaks down essential supplements for those over 40, including magnesium, collagen, creatine, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, backed by extensive research and trials. Innovative Biohacks: The benefits of VO2 max training, heat and cold therapy, and the surprising power of simple vitamin supplementation are explored. Combining Interventions for Optimal Health: Learn about the synergistic effects of vitamin D, Omega-3, and exercise, backed by groundbreaking studies showing dramatic reductions in cancer risk and biological aging. Key Takeaways: Foundations First: Prioritise foundational health pillars—exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindset—before layering advanced biohacks. Synergistic Benefits: Combining simple interventions like vitamin D, Omega-3 supplements, and regular exercise can significantly enhance health and longevity. Importance of Customisation: Tailor dietary and supplementation strategies to individual needs, especially considering factors like age and health status. Simple Biohacks Can Be Powerful: Sometimes the most effective changes are straightforward, affordable, and accessible, such as consistent exercise and vitamin supplementation. Track Key Biomarkers: Regularly monitor important health markers, especially as you age, to proactively manage and optimise health. Resources: Explore Amelia Phillip’s work and programs at Vitality 360 for personalised health assessments and strategies. Connect with Amelia Phillips on Instagram for daily insights and health tips and tune into her podcast "Healthy Her" for more great conversations. Support the Podcast: If you found these insights valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring transformative conversations to more listeners. Support and Share: Share this episode with family or friends who may benefit from these life-enhancing strategies. A small change could lead to a big health impact! 01:07 The Importance of Continuous Learning 02:17 A Funny Smurf Story 05:19 Diving into Longevity and Health Trends 06:27 The Ladder Approach to Health 09:07 Foundational Health Pillars 11:25 The Role of Nutrition in Longevity 21:12 Exercise and Biohacking for Midlife 27:04 Supplements for Optimal Health 40:58 Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids 41:16 Exercise and Study Findings 42:14 Dietary Interventions and New Book 42:42 DO Health Trial and Combined Interventions 43:23 Biohacking and Nutrient Synergy 46:42 Omega-3 Index and Supplementation 51:12 Iron and Other Supplements 55:04 Hormone Replacement Therapy 58:00 Key Biomarkers to Track 01:05:54 Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Wisdom Wednesdays, the focus is on the incredible malleability of the human heart, inspired by my personal experience with open-heart surgery. The episode delves into historic and revolutionary studies, starting with the 1966 Dallas Bedrest Study, which showcased the drastic effects of inactivity on cardiovascular health. It then explores follow-up studies that demonstrated how structured exercise programs can not only reverse cardiac damage but also make the heart more efficient and youthful, even in middle-aged individuals. I explore the importance of consistent, smart exercise, combining moderate aerobic activity and high-intensity intervals, to maintain a healthy heart into older age. The show concludes with a powerful reminder of the human body's need for physical activity, supported by an impactful quote from Professor Frank Booth. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 00:41 The Dallas Bedrest Study: A Groundbreaking Experiment 01:41 The Impact of Bedrest and the Power of Retraining 03:54 Long-Term Effects and Follow-Up Studies 05:31 Modern Research: Reversing Cardiac Aging 06:23 Exercise Protocols for Heart Health 12:57 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Carly talks about food as a foundational pillar of mental fitness. This is part 3 of the becoming mentally fit series. Here's the link to the study: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.