

Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor
Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 29, 2025 • 6min
Mojo Monday: Embracing Gratitude and Pain Simultaneously: A Lesson in Mental Fitness
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.

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Facing Mortality and Rediscovering Life's Purpose with Dr. Stan Beecham
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.

Jun 24, 2025 • 11min
Wisdom Wednesdays: Should the 'longevity molecules' NMN and NR be on your supplement list?
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.

Jun 22, 2025 • 8min
Mojo Mondays: Becoming Mentally Fit Part 4 - Strengthening Mental Fitness through Meaningful Relationships
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.

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 17min
Biohacking Health and Longevity with Amelia Phillips
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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 15min
Wisdom Wednesdays: Why your heart is the ultimate 'use it or lose it' organ - and what you need to do about it.
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.

Jun 15, 2025 • 12min
Mojo Monday: Becoming Mentally Fit Part 3 - Feed Your Mind With Carly Taylor
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.

Jun 13, 2025 • 51min
Navigating Life's Obstacles: Insights from Nick Koumalatsos on Finding Purpose and Building Community
In this conversation with Nick Koumalatsos, a former Marine Raider turned entrepreneur and coach, we explored the intricacies of identity, purpose, and community—all integral parts of Nick's journey from adversity to leadership. Through his experiences, Nick offers a roadmap for those looking to take control of their lives, build meaningful connections, and redefine their futures. What You'll Learn: Identity and Purpose: Understand how personal identity can shape your journey and why aligning your purpose is crucial for growth. Facing Adversity: Learn how turning negative experiences into opportunities for growth can set you on a path to success. The Role of Discipline: Discover why discipline often trumps motivation, particularly in achieving long-term goals. Community and Connection: See how building and being part of a supportive community can transform lives and why it’s important to foster such environments. Key Takeaways: It's never too late to redefine your path and take control of your life's direction. Success starts with personal accountability—master yourself first. Community is crucial for healing and growth; we thrive together, not in isolation. Discipline can be your greatest ally; it sees you through when motivation wanes. Resources: Explore Nick Koumalatsos's work at his website, which provides resources, coaching, and community for men seeking purpose and growth. Dive deeper into his mission of empowering men to lead fulfilling lives through his community, the Agoge. Support the Podcast: If you found this conversation insightful, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach a broader audience and share these valuable discussions. Support and Share: If this conversation inspired you or moved you to rethink how you approach your own life's challenges, consider sharing this post with someone who might benefit from these insights. Together, let's foster a world where personal development and community support go hand in hand. 02:12 Facing Adversity and Overcoming Challenges 08:18 Joining the Military 12:10 Marine Corps Training and Setbacks 20:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 25:25 Transforming Body and Mind: My 90-Day Journey 26:23 The Birth of a GOGI: From Fitness to Mentorship 26:54 Purpose and Identity: Beyond the Marines 28:26 The Power of Forward Motion and Service 32:44 Building a Community: From Fitness to Mindset 39:07 Mastering Yourself: The Foundation of Success 40:10 Leading Your Family: Building Trust and Intentionality 42:03 Financial Mastery and Legacy Building 44:52 The Impact of Community and BrotherhoodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 2025 • 10min
Wisdom Wednesdays: We're getting cancers at a younger age globally - and scientists think they know why. Here's what you can do...
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Jun 8, 2025 • 26min
Mojo Monday: Becoming Mentally Fit - Part 2A with Carly and Paul Taylor
In this episode, Carly chats with Paul about his mindset in the lead up to open heart surgery. Paul talks about the difference between a challenge or a threat orientation when it comes to life's challenges and dives into how you can train the challenge muscle to develop your mental fitness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


