The Paul Taylor Podcast | Expert in Hardiness and Mental Fitness

In this episode of Mojo Monday, Carly explores the relationship between character strengths (or virtues) and values and how understanding the difference and applying them can move you towards are more meaningful and fulfilling life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  In this groundbreaking episode, we explore the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy with Dr. Paul Liknaitzky, a leading researcher at the forefront of this innovative approach to mental health treatment. From the original and sometimes controversial studies of the 1960s to cutting-edge clinical trials today, we explore how substances once associated with counterculture are now at the forefront of mental health treatment. Dr. Liknaitzky reveals the fascinating synergy between psychedelics and psychotherapy, explaining why this combination holds such promise for treating depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. He discusses the latest findings on psilocybin, DMT, and MDMA, examining their unique properties and the scientific rationale behind their use in clinical settings. Through a blend of scientific evidence, real-world examples, and thoughtful analysis, we navigate the complex landscape of regulatory challenges, brain imaging advancements, and the future directions of psychedelic studies. Dr. Liknaitzky also addresses common misconceptions, emphasising the importance of controlled environments and professional guidance in this field. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to understand emerging treatments, someone curious about alternative approaches to mental health, or simply interested in the latest developments in psychology, this episode offers a balanced, informative look at a field that could significantly impact our approach to mental health care in the coming years. Key Topics: Historical context: Psychedelic studies from the 1960s to present The synergy of psychedelics and psychotherapy in treatment Importance of combining psychedelics with therapy for effective treatment Regulatory challenges: Recent FDA decisions on psychedelic treatments Ongoing research: Focus on psilocybin and future studies Exploring DMT: Differences from traditional formulations Promising psychedelics for treating depression Brain imaging in psychedelic research: Using fMRI to track changes Future directions in psychedelic studies Potential impact of psychedelic therapy on relationships and family dynamics Actionable Takeaways: The effect of psychedelics is intensified by psychotherapy through a psychotherapeutic process.  A productive and successful psychotherapy requires deep trust between patient and therapist. Having your own psychedelic experience potentially improves your competency to be a good psychedelic therapist. We should try to remain in conversation with reality. The critical thing to remain in a relationship with is the reality of real people's lives as we treat them after we treat them. Psilocybin is a promising drug for psychedelic treatment of depression. MDMA is an empathogen that massively increases tolerance for distress and allows you to feel incredibly comfortable. Neuroimaging studies with Psilocybin and LSD cause our default mode network to get quiet. Connect with Paul Liknaitzky: Website: https://www.monash.edu/psychedelics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-liknaitzky-phd-6a2681aa/ Support the Podcast:If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I discuss a few connected research papers that show, quite amazingly, that when you spend time in nature, the microbiome of your surroundings impacts your own microbiome and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stoic Art of Acquiescence is one we can all apply to our lives to reduce the struggle we so often have with what we can't change in our lives. Carly tells a personal and moving story to reflect on this practice and offers you, the listener, the invitation to apply this to your own life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Carly Taylor dives into the idea of finding purpose in everyday life. What if purpose isn't something you have to search for, but something you create through daily actions? This episode challenges common beliefs and offers another perspective on living a life of meaning and purpose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this keynote talk that I gave at the ACNEM Annual Conference, I (Paul Taylor) delve deep into the life-changing impact of exercise on longevity. Using a blend of research, personal insights and real-world examples, I explain why exercise is the most powerful tool we have to prevent chronic diseases, extend lifespan, and improve our overall health. I share key data showing how regular physical activity can transform your physical and mental health, while tackling misconceptions around fitness and aging. Key Topics: The Hunter-Gatherer Genome: Why modern lifestyles are out of sync with what our bodies are built for. Exercise and Chronic Diseases: The evidence that exercise can prevent or treat 26 of the most common chronic diseases. The Hallmarks of Aging: How exercise counters the biological hallmarks of aging to improve longevity. Muscle as an Endocrine Organ: The role of myokines, released during exercise, in improving organ and brain function. Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Longevity: How VO2 max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity and how you can improve it. Strength Training for Life: The critical role of muscle strength in preventing age-related decline and supporting health. Exercise for Mental Health: How exercise boosts brain function, resilience, and helps in managing stress. Memorable Quotes: "The human genome hasn’t changed in over 45,000 years. It expects us to be physically active for normal functioning." "Exercise is the best medicine for your mitochondria—it’s manna for your cells." "Lift heavy shit. It’s as simple as that." Actionable Takeaways: Include strength training in your weekly routine to build and maintain muscle, which is key for metabolic health and longevity. Dedicate three hours a week to exercise: 1 hour of cardio, 1 hour of resistance training, and 1 hour of mindful movement such as yoga or dancing. Incorporate movement snacks throughout the day—short bursts of activity like running up stairs or quick sprints. Track and improve your VO2 max—aim to move up from a low fitness level to at least "above average." Balance steady-state cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to get the best health outcomes. Resources Mentioned: Hadza Tribe Study: Research on one of the last hunter-gatherer societies and how their physical activity levels compare to modern humans. The Hallmarks of Aging: A seminal paper on aging biology and how exercise can mitigate these effects. Support the Podcast: Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform to help spread these important messages. Share this episode with friends or family members who need extra motivation to get moving—exercise is truly the best medicine! Connect:www.paultaylor.bizPaul Taylor On LinkedInPaul Taylor On InstagramPaul Taylor On YouTube  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Typically thought of as a geriatric condition that starts over the age of 65 and dramatically reduces quality of life and negatively affects both healthspan and lifespan, new research suggests that it's occurring much sooner than we thought.  This is a completely preventable disaster and I discuss some of the mechanisms involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Carly explores practical strategies from Eastern and Stoic philosophies to help you shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling focussed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered why some people seem unfazed by stress while others crumble under pressure?  In this captivating episode, Paul Taylor and Dr. Stan Rodski unlock the secrets of the body-brain connection, revealing how simple techniques like breathing and music can dramatically alter your stress response. Whether you're battling anxiety, seeking peak performance, or simply curious about the incredible power of your own nervous system, this conversation offers game-changing insights that could transform your daily life. Discover how cutting-edge science is revolutionizing our approach to mental health and learn practical tools to harness the power of your mind-body connection. Listen in for a journey that might just change the way you think about your brain – and your potential – forever.   What You'll Learn: The historical divide between body and mind in Western science Exploring the reasons behind the brain-body connection Can blood tests diagnose depression? The hunt for mental health markers Your heart's secret language with your brain Understanding the crucial difference of recovery and relaxation Rewire your nervous system: The power of breath and biofeedback Brainwaves decoded: The rhythms that rule your mind Why focusing on outcomes might be hurting your progress The breathing trick that might be better than meditation Your body's hidden symphony: How everything's connected Key Takeaways:  Inflammation is a key factor in understanding the brain-body connection. Focused distraction has a remarkable effect on brain activity and stress reduction. The best biomarkers we have of depression and different types of depression or anxiety are serotonin. Visualisation is a powerful technique and can help with mental disorders. The brain communicates through brainwaves. There is an electrical world going on in the body-mind connection process. Long, slow breathing is an effective way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and the relaxation response.  Brainwaves can be manipulated with sound by using certain beats and soundtracks which impacts heart rate variability. Connect with Dr. Stan RodskiWebsite: https://www.colourtation.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanrodski/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-rodski-48985041Support the Podcast:If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I discuss some new research that shows that humans do not age linearly, but in 2 or 3 distinct bursts. Science says that we can also do something about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.