The One You Feed

Maggie Smith, a renowned poet and bestselling author, shares her insights on navigating emotions and the complexities of self-acceptance. She discusses the importance of allowing feelings to surface without judgment and the transformative power of journaling. Maggie also delves into black-and-white thinking and the lessons learned from life's challenges, highlighting how writing helps capture observations and emotions. Her poetic perspective offers a compelling view on resilience and personal growth, showcasing the beauty found in both joy and struggle.

Brandon Beachum, a podcaster and author, explores profound spiritual growth with insights from his new book, The Golden Key. He discusses the importance of embracing both positive and negative emotions to avoid toxic positivity. The conversation highlights how our struggles can fuel growth and the value of setting intentions. Perspectives on the Law of Attraction and co-creating our reality add depth, along with humorous anecdotes about overcoming mental challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of living in the present to unlock true potential.

Max Lugavere, a filmmaker and health journalist, shares insights from his bestselling book, focusing on how nutrition can protect brain health. He discusses the alarming reality of his mother’s early dementia diagnosis, fueling his passion for ‘genius foods.’ The conversation dives into the benefits of a modified Mediterranean diet, the role of specific nutrients like lutein, and the importance of cutting out processed fats. Max emphasizes the need for informed dietary choices to combat cognitive decline and enhance overall well-being.

Danté Stewart, a speaker and writer focused on race, religion, and politics, shares his insights on navigating identity in a predominantly white culture. He discusses his book, "Shoutin’ in the Fire," and the struggle of being both visible and invisible as a marginalized individual. Danté highlights the importance of expressing psychological pain and challenges the prevailing value systems that perpetuate white dominance. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling and art in reshaping identities and fostering empathy.

Tara Mohr, a women’s leadership expert and author of *Playing Big*, opens up about empowering women to overcome fear and self-doubt. She discusses unique strategies to manage the inner critic, including connecting with an 'inner mentor' for guidance. Tara emphasizes the importance of questioning negative narratives and adopting proactive approaches to personal growth. By rethinking motivation and focusing on community support, listeners discover how to take bold actions toward a more meaningful life.

Mark Coleman, a senior meditation teacher at Spirit Rock with an MA in Clinical Psychology and a passion for nature, shares insights on mindfulness and its deep connection to the natural world. He discusses the transformative power of nature as a refuge from modern life's chaos, emphasizing how being outside can reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. Coleman highlights his personal journey and experiences, advocating for outdoor mindfulness to combat feelings of isolation and promote self-discovery. Nature, he believes, is not just a place but a path to inner peace.

Dr. Amishi Jha, a University of Miami psychology professor and director of contemplative neuroscience, explores the power of attention. She introduces her book, discussing the importance of mindfulness in daily life. They dissect the 'doing' and 'being' modes of attention and explain how we can optimize focus with techniques like a simple 12-minute daily practice. The conversation also addresses the challenges of positive thinking under stress, emphasizing mindfulness as a tool for improving self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Sarah Fay, an author and activist with a rich background in mental health writing, dives into the complexities of mental health diagnoses. She critiques the DSM, arguing that these labels often lack validity and can shape one’s identity. Fay shares her own misdiagnoses, highlights the flaws in the chemical imbalance theory, and discusses the overprescription of psychiatric medications by primary care doctors. The conversation advocates for a more holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the need for understanding emotions beyond mere diagnoses.

Jonny Miller, host of the Curious Humans Podcast and TEDx speaker, dives deep into Nervous System Mastery. He shares his personal journey through grief, emphasizing how it led to emotional growth and awareness. The discussion introduces interoception and the importance of recognizing 'emotional debt' from unprocessed trauma. Breathwork techniques like bellows breathing and the Wim Hof method are explored for emotional regulation. The conversation emphasizes embracing discomfort for resilience and self-discovery, offering practical insights for personal growth.

Tony Rezac, an author and men's coach, dives into the theme of healthy masculinity, drawing from his expertise in personal development. He discusses his book, 'Body and Soul,' and emphasizes the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies. The conversation explores archetypes like the warrior and lover, and how they shape men's identities. Tony highlights the challenges of emotional communication and the role of men's circles in fostering vulnerability and connection. He also shares insights on energy management and the healing power of forgiveness.