Know More Know Less

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI’s in-house expert on sleep and trauma. She’s a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in EMDR, brainspotting, psychopharmacology, and nightmare treatment — and she’s helped everyone from military veterans to elite law enforcement agents finally get real rest. We cover: • Why nightmares are actually treatable, and how to do it • Why total darkness isn’t extreme — it’s essential • What chronic sleep debt does to the body and brain • How trauma, shift work, and stress can rewire your sleep cycles • A better way to use (or stop using) melatonin, magnesium, and        Benadryl • Why hot chocolate can be stronger than you think We also break down why your caffeine habits might be wrecking your sleep without you realizing it, and how even tiny changes — like sealing light gaps or shifting your wake-up routine — can stack into real sleep resuilts. Leah’s new book, The Sleep Advantage, comes out October 1, 2025 — and trust me, it’s going to be a major tool for anyone who wants to sleep deeper, recover better, and live more clearly. ⸻ 🔗 Resources: • Dr. Leah Kaylor: https://www.drlea.com • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeaKaylor • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drleakaylor • The Sleep Advantage (coming Oct 1, 2025) KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/cjaD7jT7obw

I've been fascinated by the concept of free wall for decades now.  The ongoing debate if we have control over our own lives, or if we are simply giant walking meat sacks being taken from place to place, goal to goal, by our DNA, our biology, and our environment.  Today,  I talk with Professor Kevin Mitchell, a geneticist and developmental neurobiologist at Trinity College Dublin. Kevin’s research sits right at the crossroads of biology, psychology, and philosophy — and if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re in charge of your own life or just acting out a pre-written script of DNA and experience, this conversation is for you. We get into: What your genes really do (and don’t) control The truth behind personality traits like introversion, impulsivity, and neuroticism Whether autism is increasing — or if the definition is just expanding Why blaming your bad behavior on your biology is a dead end The surprisingly hopeful science behind free will Why even your phone might be chipping away at your agency Kevin’s also the author of Innate and Free Agents, two books that explore the science of who we are and how we act in the world. I’ve rarely come across someone who makes complex neuroscience and genetics this clear — or this empowering. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered whether change is really possible, this episode will challenge how you think about personality, decision-making, and what it means to live with intention. 🔗 Resources: Kevin’s blog: http://www.wiringthebrain.com Kevin’s books: Innate – https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/38902055 Free Agents – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60387495-free-agents Kevin on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/wiringthebrain.bsky.social Personal website: https://kjmitchell.com KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jason Del Gandio, a professor, philosopher, and the creator of 20 Minute Vibe. For more than 30 years, Jason has studied what he calls “the vibe”—that felt but often unexplained energy we pick up from people, places, art, music, even ourselves. His doctoral work was the first academic study of “bodily emanation,” and today we unpack what that actually means in real life. We talk about why the word vibe shows up everywhere (and how it got there), what gives a space or person “a vibe,” and why developing your sensitivity to this stuff can make your relationships deeper, your self-awareness sharper, and your bullshit radar stronger. We also get into: • How vibe differs from emotion, and why that matters  • Whether dogs and babies are better vibe detectors than we are • Why “good vibes only” is a myth—and what to do with the uncomfortable ones • What makes someone’s vibe feel authentic (and why it’s magnetic) • How checking in with vibe might help you leave a job, a house, or a relationship that no longer fits • What it means to design a life that feels good—not just looks good I didn’t expect to take this word seriously when we started talking, but by the end… well, let’s just say Jason Trojan Horse’d the hell out of me. If you’ve ever felt something in your gut and didn’t know how to name it—this conversation might give you the language you were missing. ⸻ 🔗 Resources: • 20minutevibe.com – Jason’s essays, videos & courses • Jason on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/20minutevibe • Jason on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@UCRMXu7GY2gPCHPgx2r-b-gQ KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/NYdvMkz3dO0

In this episode, I sit down with Shai Hipperson, a clinical psychologist and principal psychedelic-assisted therapist at the Conscious Mind Centre in Queensland, Australia. Shai is on the front lines of Australia’s groundbreaking move to legalize MDMA and psilocybin for treatment-resistant mental health conditions—and she brings a wealth of knowledge, caution, and clarity to the conversation. We dive into how psychedelic therapy is practiced, what “integration” really means, and the very real risks of underground sessions that aren’t supported by clinical safety protocols. We also talk about ketamine use, dosing regulations, and why Australia’s strict screening process has, so far, resulted in zero adverse reactions. I also open up about my own experiences—both positive and difficult—with MDMA and psilocybin, including how one MDMA session helped me mourn the loss of my grandparents and reshaped how I understand love. We explore why these treatments can be so profound—and why they should never be taken lightly. Some themes we cover: What it means to safely “let go” during a session—and why that’s not easy for everyone Why men are often emotionally closed off, and how MDMA might help Microdosing, SSRIs, and the painfully slow evolution of mental health treatment What you need to know before stepping into a psychedelic retreat (especially if it’s underground) What makes integration just as important as the journey itself If you’re curious, skeptical, or cautiously hopeful about psychedelic therapy, this conversation doesn’t promise miracles—but it does offer insight, honesty, and some hard-won perspective. 🔗 Resources mentioned: Mind Medicine Australia – Legal Retreat Directory How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan: Book | Netflix Series Imperial College London: Psilocybin vs SSRIs Study   KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA

Lately, it's starting to feel like more people I meet are starting to sign up for team hopeless. There's a climate crisis, a few wars waging, and the most powerful and influential country on earth is openly accepting bribes, pardoning white collar criminals and using the White House lawn as a used car sales lot. And oh yeah, we still have to pay our mortgages, feed ourselves, and figure out what that weird rash is. You're right, it's aaa lot. But what I have in common with my guest Nick Cooney author of the book, "What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More" reframes modern ethics around the true cost of doing nothing. Because the worst thing we can all do in the face of mounting issues... is nothing. Nick Cooney is the Founder of Lever VC, a venture fund backing the next wave of sustainability innovators—from plant-based foods and fermentation-derived proteins to disease-detection software and precision animal genetics. He’s also a seasoned nonprofit leader: founder of The Humane League, co-founder of the Good Food Institute, and today Board Chair of the Lever Foundation, a charity accelerating sustainable food supply chains across Asia. Nick is someone focused on doing what he can to make tomorrow a better place. But today, we’ll explore why small choices can add up to massive change, how to do good without burning out, and what it means to shift from bystander to changemaker. KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST:  For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/D_dk0ifPOWs

Lately, AI seems to be everywhere: on my phone, in many conversations with friends, on TV, and in what feels like every sci-fi film. Whether you are up to speed or not, you won't be able to escape it sooner or later. If it eventually becomes our Terminator or our best friend and lover, only time will tell.  For now, I'm seeking bright spots and inspiring individuals who are working hard to ensure we all benefit. Dr. Gregory Banks is an educator, researcher, entrepreneur, and thought leader in education technology. With a PhD in Chemistry and a strong focus on how teacher beliefs shape classroom practice, Greg combines insightful classroom experiences with rigorous academic research. His Substack, Aligned: AI in Education, along with his newly released book, aims to bridge the gap between EdTech creators and the classroom. This was a fascinating and enjoyable conversation, and it's always encouraging to see people like Dr. Banks actively fighting for a better future. Greg's Substack: https://gregorybanksphd.substack.com/p/coming-soon?utm_medium=web New Book: Aligned: A Love Letter to Developers on What We Need from AI to Improve Education https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Aligned-Letter-Developers-Improve-Education/dp/1956543635 KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTAr.

In 2024, the Attorney General of the United States declared loneliness an epidemic, something grave and important enough to the health of Americans to be elevated to national concern. But this isn’t only an American problem, for years, we’ve been hearing about loneliness among men and how disconnected they’ve become from their friends and loved ones. I’ve seen and experienced this myself at different times through the years and believe nothing is as important for human flourishing as real connection. Enter Dr. John Ogrodniczuk. To learn more about the loneliness crisis in men I wanted to speak with someone on the front lines, researching and fighting this epidemic head-on. Dr. Ogrodniczuk is the Founder of HeadsUpGuys.org – which is a website focused on men’s mental health, suicide prevention and finding a therapist. He is also a Professor of Psychiatry at University of British Columbia and Director of the UBC Psychotherapy Program In his role as Director, he oversees the operations of North America’s 2nd largest medically based psychotherapy training program. His research has been supported by various provincial and national funding bodies, and has led to more than 250 scientific publications. Today, we dove into this mental health and loneliness crisis, why it seems to hit men harder, and what all of us can do to help ourselves and those we love.   KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST:   For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA  

Building any business is an exercise in perseverance, problem-solving, and a healthy amount of self-reflection, and John St. Pierre has been through it all Today we’re diving into John’s journey and his book, "The $100M Journey: Your Guide To Growing The Business Of Your Dreams Without Going Off The Cliff!" John has co-founded and led two companies he built and scaled to over $50M+ in global revenues. One of which he lost dramatically, being fired from the company he co-founded after 15 years.  Like all great entrepreneurs, he rolled the bruises and lessons from that experience into his next company, growing it to $100M+. John is now empowering others on their business journeys via his books, the Entrepreneurs United podcast as well as an investor, speaker, and mentor to many founders around the world This was a fun chat and I was taking notes the entire way through the edit process.   KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST:  For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA

This episode was recorded before the US election when outrage was riding high from everyone everywhere.  I don't know if it's calmed from then or if I've just disassociated so far from reality since Nov 5th that I've successfully self-lobotomized. Hard to say.  In any case, I loved this chat with David Beckemeyer because at times, we share the outrage and the rest of the time, he helps to talk me down from my own. For anyone that is experience media outrage in any form on any topic, I think this chat might be of assistance.  David Beckemeyer is a tech innovator, former founding CTO of EarthLink, and a passionate advocate for understanding the impact of technology on society. With over 25 years in the tech industry, David has seen firsthand how rapid advancements shape our culture and influence our connections. Now, as the host of the *Outrage Overload* podcast, David explores the intersection of technology, media, and outrage culture, diving into the effects of polarization and the forces driving it. He brings a thoughtful, nuanced perspective to discussions on bridging divides and fostering healthier, more informed communities in today’s digital world. Today we attempt to dismantle our outrage together…. KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA  

I have been interviewing a lot of experts and entrepreneurs on the topic of boys and men recently. It has been inspiring and instructive to see people coming together to support the mental health of boys and men, creating safe spaces for self-exploration and community.  But sometimes, we all need space to disconnect from the demands of life and loved ones to reconnect with ourselves and re-evaluate what we need and how to break free from any potential limitations holding back our personal and professional lives.  Enter Eli Libby Eli is the co-founder of Peak Fulfillment Men's Coaching and hosts of the Biz Bros podcast.  Eli experienced firsthand the overwhelming stress and lack of clarity that come with entrepreneurial life. He discovered the profound benefits of solo retreats, to disconnect from daily his chaos and reconnect with his true self.  Inspired by his own transformation and those of his co-founder, Kyle, they now guide other men through immersive solo retreats, helping them achieve balance, self-awareness, and renewed purpose.    KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA