Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Research hot off the press has shown that focussing on our ideal selves, such character strengths, our values and aspirations is a much more effective approach than focussing on the obstacles. If you are a coach or leader in any capacity, this chat and the research may interest you. Here is the research paper we discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was one of those podcast interviews that I did not want to end. Thankfully, Mark was very generous with his time, so we have split it into 2 episodes, with part 2 to come next week. We discuss how your brain is an illusionist, a range of subconscious biases that we all suffer from, the neuroscience of learning and the huge importance of social connection for a healthy brain.  Make sure you visit his websites here and here for some free resources, his awesome book and if you'd like to book him as a speaker. Dr Mark Williams an internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience, with over 25 years experience conducting behavioural and brain imaging research focusing on our social skills. He has taught the fundamentals of neuroscience to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as publishing more than 70 scientific articles. Mark has been awarded numerous high profile fellowships and grants, and worked both at MIT in the USA and at universities in Australia. He is an internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience, with over 25 years experience conducting behavioural and brain imaging research focusing on our social skills. He has taught the fundamentals of neuroscience to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as publishing more than 70 scientific articles. Mark has been awarded numerous high profile fellowships and grants, and worked both at MIT in the USA and at universities in Australia.He recently took voluntary redundancy to focus on making the many recent discoveries in cognitive neuroscience more accessible to the general public. His academic background allows him to communicate with authority on science and his passion for education makes him accessible to a wide audience.Not a typical ‘academic’, Mark comes from a disjointed family background. He hated school and experienced first-hand the challenges of getting ahead in a small town in Victoria. To describe these years as ‘colourful’ is an understatement.Aged 25, something changed. Mark returned to learning, completed his HSC and began what became a rapid rise to academic achievement, including being awarded both the CJ Martin and the Queen Elisabeth II Fellowships. He became fascinated with how we interact, learn and think. Mark went on to study brain plasticity, attention disorders, autism, prosopagnosia (face blindness), dementia and eating disorders. He has been at the cutting edge of developing computational brain imaging analysis and the adoption of new technologies like virtual reality in research.He now runs programs for schools and businesses on the neuroscience of learning, the neuroscience of emotions and the impact of modern technologies (like smartphones) on our brains. He has considerable media experience, with many television and radio appearances featuring his research on topics ranging from facial expressions, emotions, racism, through to how the brain processes smells and why we can’t tickle ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast discusses different types of muscle contractions and their impact on blood pressure. It highlights a recent study on the benefits of isometric exercise and explores the potential of blood flow restriction training. The episode suggests that a combination of isometric contraction and blood flow restriction training may be beneficial for those with high blood pressure.

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Today I discuss the future of healthcare with someone who is very well positioned to discuss this. In addition to a long career as an award-winning medical TV journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sophie Scott is a professional speaker and educator with expertise in mental health. She has been an invited speaker at the World Congress on Positive Psychology, written two books (Live a Longer Life and RoadTesting Happiness, and has won major awards for her journalism and medical reporting. She is an Advisory Board Member of the Australian National Mental Health Prize and sits on the advisory board on stigma at Australia’s National Mental Health Commission and the University of Melbourne’s Contemplative Studies Centre. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Notre Dame University Medical School lecturing in science communication. Sophie’s mission is to help people help themselves, using evidence-based science and her own personal journey. She is an ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia, Pain Australia and is a patient reviewer for the British Medical Journal. Sophie is a highly sought after MC and speaker on topics such as preventing burnout, managing your mental wellbeing during times of change, the science of high-performance habits and how to use neuroscience to stick to new habits and overcome unwanted ones. Her talks and workshops help people take better care of their mental health through science-backed techniques so they can build emotional resilience, maximise their potential and thrive at work and at home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Today I sit down for a fascinating chat with Neuroscientist Dr Kaushik Ram, who brings together over a decade of study on the science of the brain and body. His career defining discovery is around how to biologically unlock the moment-to-moment responsiveness of the heart using certain techniques that affect the vagus nerve and that's what we discuss. You can find out more and check out his public courses on his website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I unpack research around nutrition and why you need to run your own experiments. I'll talk about the different types of fasting and tell you about my own experience with time restricted fasting and why I have chosen to give it a break. Here is the research paper that I mention in the study.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts discuss the benefits of taking cold showers and the Wim Hof breathing technique. They share their experience at a Wim Hof retreat and the benefits of cold exposure. The podcast explores the relationship between discomfort and procrastination. Strategies to overcome emotional avoidance and the importance of aligning actions with personal values are discussed.