The Mindform Podcast

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton speaks with coach, author, and podcast host Nick Day about his powerful framework for understanding and working with fear, which he calls The Fear Equation. Nick opens up about a life-altering traumatic event that catalyzed a deep inquiry into the role of fear in his life — and how it had disguised itself as wisdom, prudence, and even respect. Through personal stories ranging from career paralysis to family loss, Nick illustrates how fear often masquerades as logic or care, subtly stopping us from living fully. He introduces his formula — Fear = Anxiety + (Uncertainty × Imagination) — and breaks down how these components work together to create internal barriers. Nick also shares his practical B.O.L.D. framework for moving through fear: Breathe, Observe, Label, and Do — tools he uses himself and with clients to help turn fear into a compass for growth. Together, he and Frank reflect on the cost of avoiding fear — what Nick calls "the fear tax" — and how choosing courage, even in small moments, can change the trajectory of a life. This is a grounded and vulnerable conversation about the mechanics of fear, the courage to act, and how to live without regret. Find out more about Nick Day at t4mcoach.com   --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this deep and vulnerable conversation, neurodivergent therapist Michael MaeRhys joins Frank Lawton to explore the sacred journey of personal transformation. Drawing from his lived experience, therapeutic work, and spiritual influences like Jungian psychology and The Alchemist, Michael shares how many people live on subconscious autopilot—shaped by trauma, cultural expectations, and inherited patterns—until they begin to hear a deeper internal call. This “summons of the soul,” as he calls it, demands courage, discomfort, and the letting go of egoic identities built for survival and social belonging. Together, Michael and Frank examine how fear keeps people from answering this call, how relational fields—like therapy or secure partnerships—can make space for growth, and how suffering is not something to be avoided but integrated. Michael also introduces his developing framework of “virtue ecology” and the concept of prohairesis—a consciously chosen, morally aligned life—as key to becoming who we’re meant to be. Whether you're on the edge of change, stuck in comfort, or seeking your next phase of growth, this episode offers a powerful invitation to listen deeply and live courageously. --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Dean Burnett — a neuroscientist, a lecturer, a podcaster, a science communicator, a comedian, and an author — joins Frank Lawton for a wide-ranging discussion on the nature of emotions, the limits of logic, and the quirks of the human brain. Dean shares his deeply personal journey from a working-class Welsh village to becoming a prominent voice in public science — with a few unexpected detours, including embalming cadavers and performing stand-up comedy. Dean reflects on how growing up amidst emotional struggle and social hardship sparked a fascination with neuroscience and mental health. He critiques the limitations of the scientific skepticism movement he once embraced, recognizing how emotional detachment can morph into superiority and exclusion. Together, they explore the profound complexity of emotions — how little science truly understands them, and why suppressing them in favor of logic alone is both misguided and inhuman. The conversation turns to the neurological and practical benefits of mindfulness and meditation, which Dean explains using vivid metaphors — likening the brain to a restaurant with a neglected greenhouse. He makes a compelling case for embracing emotional literacy, humility, and curiosity in both science and everyday life. Dean’s bestselling debut book, The Idiot Brain, celebrates its 10th anniversary in January 2026. You can explore his work and updates at www.deanburnett.com.

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton speaks with Alexandra Mateus — an integral health coach, writer, and the mind behind The Modern Day Explorer Substack. Alexandra supports purpose-driven individuals in building sustainable growth through creative leadership, slow experimentation, and inner alignment. The conversation traverses Alexandra’s journey from fashion and textile design in Lisbon to creative coaching in Sweden. She shares how moving across cultures and climates shaped her values and fostered her reflective approach to life and leadership. A central metaphor in the episode is the "growth loop" — a cyclical process of experimentation, reflection, and realignment, contrasted with linear models of progress. Alexandra emphasizes minimalism, subtraction, and curiosity as keys to mental clarity and energy management in a noisy, fast-paced world. Her coaching approach is deeply personalized, aiming to reconnect clients with their bio-individual needs through awareness, nature, and tiny experiments. Together, Frank and Alexandra unpack the tension between spontaneity and consistency, the power of feedback from the world, and how to build long-term sustainability from the inside out. To learn more about Alexandra’s work: The Modern Day Explorer Substack: https://alexandram.substack.com/ Her Coaching & Services: https://www.alexandra-mateus.com/services-content --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with Ryan Bush, founder of Mindform and author of Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture, for a rich exploration of what it truly means to grow. They examine two philosophies of self-development: one grounded in emotional awareness and self-connection, and the other in intentional design and habit formation. Their conversation unfolds from personal stories into philosophical questions about the nature of values, consciousness, and human nature. Frank shares how his early approach was driven by insecurity and a desire to emulate others, leading to a disconnection from his deeper self. Now, he emphasizes growth through emotional awareness and curiosity, rather than effortful striving. Ryan introduces the psychitecture framework, which views growth as a process of aligning habits and character with one’s values. He advocates for both additive (skill-building) and subtractive (removal of harmful patterns) methods. Midway, the discussion deepens into a philosophical debate on the nature of values. Frank argues that empathy and collaboration are universal among conscious, goal-seeking organisms. Ryan challenges this by imagining intelligent beings with opposing values, suggesting that consciousness doesn’t guarantee pro-social ethics. Despite differing angles, both agree that meaningful growth involves both self-connection and strategic design—combining inner awareness with intentional change. --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode of the Mindform Podcast, psychologist and psychohistorian Robin Grille joins Frank Lawton for a transformative conversation about how parenting practices echo through generations to shape the very fabric of society. Drawing from decades of research and experience, Robin introduces the field of psychohistory — the study of how childhood experiences impact cultural and political outcomes. From Nazi Germany to modern Sweden, Robin uncovers how parenting styles have played pivotal roles in both the rise of authoritarianism and the advancement of democracy. The conversation weaves through themes of trauma, healing, hope, and agency — highlighting how cycles of dominance and obedience can be broken through conscious parenting and collective listening. This dialogue is a powerful reminder: while history reveals deep patterns, we are not prisoners of them. We have agency. And with that agency comes the profound opportunity to reimagine how we raise our children — and in doing so, how we remake the world. See Robin's bite-sized articles on Substack: https://substack.com/@robingrille More of his work here: https://www.robingrille.com/ ---- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode, philosopher and writer Amod Sandhya Lele joins Frank Lawton for a rich conversation on ethics, identity, Buddhism, and the pursuit of the good life. Amod shares a formative experience in his early twenties — a moment of personal crisis and reflection that led him to a life-changing encounter with Buddhist philosophy, particularly the insight that suffering arises from craving. This realization became the foundation of his lifelong inquiry into wisdom traditions across cultures. Amod reflects on his journey from early political activism and Western philosophical inquiry to a deeper exploration of Buddhist thought, including both Theravāda and Mahāyāna perspectives. He speaks about his enduring interest in virtue ethics, personal cultivation, and the role of philosophy in shaping a meaningful life — drawing connections between Aristotle, Buddhism, and the evolving self. Together, Frank and Amod explore how we can navigate ethical life without rigid rules or fixed identities. They delve into the transformative potential of self-reflection, the importance of cultivating virtuous habits, and the vision of the self not as something we uncover, but as something we consciously become over time. The episode weaves together deep philosophical ideas with grounded personal insights — offering listeners a map for living more wisely and authentically. Explore more of Amod's work: Substack: loveofallwisdom.substack.com Blog: loveofallwisdom.com

In this episode, Frank Lawton speaks with Edward Zaydelman — community builder, retreat center consultant, and core member of the nonprofit Leap Forward. Edward shares his personal journey from New York nightlife and Burning Man to building intentional communities in Costa Rica. He recounts the rise and fall of his first eco-retreat center and the profound lessons learned about sustainability — not just ecological, but emotional, relational, and spiritual. The conversation dives deep into the invisible structures that make or break communities — values alignment, communication, integrity, and psychological safety. Edward emphasizes the importance of slowing down, rewiring the human mind, and doing inner work in tandem with outer change. Drawing from his work at Leap Forward, he illustrates how authentic growth emerges in community, not isolation. Together, they explore how our world is at a tipping point — and how small groups of committed people can lay the groundwork for a wiser, more integrated future. Find more of Ed’s work at: Live The Possibility — his Substack newsletter exploring practical tools and wisdom for building eco-villages, retreat centers, and new models of living: www.livethepossibility.news Leap Forward — a nonprofit community focused on rewiring the human mind, cultivating integrity, and evolving collective consciousness through deep inner and interpersonal work: www.leapforward.us --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode, Frank Lawton speaks with Amanda Saint — author, publisher, and founder of The Mindful Writer — about writing not as a performance, but as a practice of presence, healing, and self-discovery. Amanda shares how mindfulness transformed her creative process, turning writing into a channeling experience where characters reveal their own stories and wisdom. She explains how fiction, when approached mindfully, can bypass the ego and open up profound inner transformation — both for the writer and the reader. Amanda describes how writing helped her heal emotional wounds and how the people she writes with have undergone life-changing shifts by letting go of control and listening deeply to what wants to be written. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind storytelling, its role in shaping reality, and why the most important story is the one we tell ourselves about who we are. Know more about Amanda Saint's Substack called The Mindful Writer here: https://themindfulwriter.substack.com/ --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, Frank Lawton speaks with Robert Glazer—entrepreneur, author of The Compass Within, and host of The Elevate Podcast—about the profound power of discovering your core values. Robert shares his personal journey from being “unemployable” to founding a globally recognized marketing firm and eventually stepping into work that reflects his deepest beliefs. Together, they explore how core values act as a compass for decision-making across relationships, careers, and communities. Robert introduces a practical framework for uncovering your values—not as aspirational ideals, but as non-negotiable guiding principles rooted in personal experience. He explains why one-word lists like "integrity" or "family" often fail to capture the depth of real values, and offers compelling metaphors—like the “electric fence” and “driving through a tunnel with the lights off”—to illustrate how misalignment leads to burnout and poor choices. Frank shares his own discovery process, and the two dive into themes of self-reliance, trust, spiritual capacity, and how conflict often stems from invisible value clashes. By the end, listeners are left with a toolkit of reflection questions and the invitation to look within—to find not just what they believe, but who they truly are. To learn more about Robert’s new book and dive deeper into this work: Explore the book, The Compass Within: robertglazer.com/compass Start your own values discovery with the Six Core Values Questions: robertglazer.com/six --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast