

The Science of Self
Peter Hollins
Despite so many studies being done on improving ourselves, it can be hard to find specific, actionable steps to make our lives better.
Bestselling authors cut out the jargon and pop psychology to give insight and tips to be a better you.
If you want proven ways and applicable tips to live a better life, listen in weekly and improve your life from the inside out!
Bestselling authors cut out the jargon and pop psychology to give insight and tips to be a better you.
If you want proven ways and applicable tips to live a better life, listen in weekly and improve your life from the inside out!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 9, 2025 • 21min
Mind-Body Synergy: Exploring Therapy, Hypnosis, and Healing - Social Skills Coaching
The Interplay of Mind and Body with Dr. Margaret Cochran: Overcoming Fear and InflammationSee the Full Interview at https://youtu.be/PMnQIw7fNEwDr. Margaret Cochran is a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, hypnotherapist, educator, social media personality, and author with over 25 years of experience in helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.Throughout her career, Dr. Cochran has been featured in numerous media outlets nationwide, and she regularly contributes to the Huffington Post, appears on NBC Sacramento’s morning show, and has hosted radio programs such as “Wisdom, Love and Magic” and “A Mental Health Moment.”Dr. Cochran is a transpersonal psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, life coach, hypnotherapist, educator, social media personality and author with more than 25 years of clinical experience. A seasoned professional dedicated to the health and well-being of all her patients, Dr. Cochran takes a whole person approach to mental health and wellness. She seamlessly interweaves traditional ego psychology, transpersonal psychology and energy psychology affording her patients every tool possible to achieve their goals and make their dreams a reality. Dr. Cochran has been featured in a range of media outlets throughout the country including BBC, ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX affiliates, CBS Radio, Healthline, Yahoo Life, Total Beauty, Media News Group, Mercury News, and many additional outlets. In addition to the Huffington Post, she has also been featured regularly on NBC Sacramento’s morning show and hosted radio programs such as, “Wisdom, Love and Magic” and “A Mental Health Moment.”In this insightful episode, Dr. Margaret Cochran, also known as 'the relationship doctor,' delves into the intricate connection between the mind and body. She explains how fear and inflammation work hand in hand to affect our health and shares powerful methods to mitigate these effects. Dr. Cochran discusses her unique background in clinical social work, psychology, metaphysics, and wildlife rehabilitation, offering fascinating stories and practical advice. Learn about energy psychology, hypnotherapy, and the transformative power of gratitude. Discover how to challenge 'shoulds,' cultivate empathy, and rewire your brain for resilience.00:00 Introduction: The Two Causes of Sickness00:30 Meet Dr. Margaret Cochran01:10 Exploring Metaphysics and Traditional Physics01:50 Therapeutic Approaches and Fear03:32 The Interplay of Mind and Body04:31 Hypnosis and Its Applications05:45 Understanding Trance and Hypnosis08:15 Anchoring Techniques for Compulsive Behaviors11:26 Teaching Compassion and Empathy14:59 Dr. Cochran's Books and Their Themes18:41 Daily Practices for Self-Development20:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIn this insightful episode featuring **Dr. Margaret Cochran**, a **relationship doctor** with a unique background in **wildlife rehabilitation**, we explore the profound **mind-body connection**. Dr. Cochran delves into how **fear** and **inflammation** are deeply intertwined, affecting our **holistic health** and **wellness**. She discusses practical ways to achieve **resilience** and personal growth by utilizing techniques from **transpersonal psychology**, **energy psychology**, and **hypnotherapy**. The conversation highlights the importance of **gratitude**, **empathy**, and **compassion** as powerful tools for rewiring the brain. The discussion also touches upon deeper metaphysical concepts, such as **quantum entanglement** and the **interconnectedness of humanity**, and how they relate to healing and personal transformation. By understanding the brain's role and challenging limiting beliefs, listeners are equipped to overcome fear, mitigate stress, and foster a stronger sense of **emotional well-being**. Dr. Cochran's expertise offers a comprehensive approach to self-help, blending clinical social work principles with a broader spiritual perspective to help individuals achieve lasting **personal growth**.

Aug 5, 2025 • 17min
Studying Techniques: Unlocking Your Full Potential
The Study Skills Handbook: How to Ace Tests, Get Straight A’s, and Succeed in School (Learning how to Learn Book 17) By: Peter HollinsHear it Here - https://bit.ly/StudySkillsHollinshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B099QWGNNGThis video delves into effective studying techniques drawn from "The Study Skills Handbook: How to Ace Tests, Get Straight As, and Succeed in School" by Peter Hollins. Learn how to make your study sessions fun, easy, and successful. We'll discuss Chapter 2 topics including subject mastery, teaching others, and The Learning Pyramid. Discover the power of The Protégé Effect in enhancing your learning experience. Join us as we unravel these valuable strategies to help you reach your academic goals."Studying Techniques: Unlocking Your Full Potential - Study Skills Handbook"**Tags/Keywords:**- Study Skills Handbook- Peter Hollins- Studying Techniques- Subject Mastery- Teaching Others- Learning Pyramid- Protégé Effect**Learning Through Teaching:**- Deepens our understanding and retention- Discovers richer appreciation for concepts- Effective strategy to improve recall and comprehension**The Protégé Effect:**- Students who teach others perform better- Incremental learning, responsibility, egoprotection**Analogies in Teaching:**- Powerful tools for conveying new concepts- Use various analogies for different topics- Clarify purpose and reserve them for complex ideasJoin us as we delve into the fascinating world of learning through teaching. Discover how this approach deepens our understanding, enhances recall, and leads to better comprehension. We'll explore the protégé effect, a phenomenon where students who teach others thrive in their academic journey. Lastly, we'll unpack the power of analogies in teaching – an essential tool for effectively conveying new concepts. Stay tuned as we dive into these topics and more! • By learning to teach others, we deepen our own understanding and retention, since we uncover a richer and more fundamental appreciation of the concepts behind the material. Compared to other strategies, teaching others may have the highest chance of improving recall and comprehension. • The protégé effect is the observation that students who teach others do better, perhaps because they learn incrementally, take responsibility for the learning process, and are “ego-protected” from the prospect of failure. • Analogies, examples, and metaphors are powerful tools to convey new concepts. To use them effectively in teaching/learning, make use of as many different analogies as possible and mix them in frequently, using examples to illustrate. Only use those analogies that actually work (i.e. don’t forget their purpose) and reserve them more complex topics, since they may only confuse simpler ideas. **Key Takeaways:**- Teaching others deepens your own understanding and retention of concepts- The protégé effect: students who teach others perform better- Use analogies, examples, and metaphors to convey new concepts effectively - Use multiple analogies for complex topics - Avoid confusing simpler ideas with overly complex analogies**Additional Notes:**- Teaching others enhances learning experience- Protégé effect: students take responsibility and are protected from failure- Analogies provide effective illustrations, but use them wisely.

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h
The Dark Art of Life: A Journey with Hussein Hallak
Embracing Life's Challenges with Hussein Halak: From Syria to SuccessIn this insightful episode of 'The Science of Self,' host Russell welcomes Hussein Halak, a multi-talented entrepreneur, strategist, author, and artist originally from Syria. Hussein discusses his journey from growing up in a highly educated but politically challenging Syria, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mentor in Vancouver. He shares invaluable life lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. Hussein also delves into the essence of true joy, feedback's critical role in personal growth, and his latest book, 'The Dark Art of Life Mastery.' Tune in for a deeply inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of history, culture, and personal development.01:39 Meet Hussein Halak: Entrepreneur and Author02:56 Diverse Heritage and History of Syria05:00 Impact of Sanctions and Dictatorship05:35 Life in Syria During the 80s and 90s10:47 Journey from Syria to Dubai17:50 Pursuing Multiple Passions22:16 The Dark Art of Life Mastery28:58 Discovering Picasso and Limitations29:33 The American Dream: Myth or Reality?32:57 Participation Awards and Societal Impact36:52 The Role of Feedback in Personal Growth43:57 Navigating Life's Challenges50:00 Daily Habits for Success58:07 Final Thoughts and Advice

Jul 30, 2025 • 15min
A Formula Of Flow
00:00:00 Hello, listeners, and welcome back to The Science of Self, where you improve your life from the inside out.00:00:42 Today's book from Peter Hollins is 30 Days to Self-Discipline, a blueprint to bust laziness, escape the couch, become a machine, and accomplish your every goal.00:03:13 We take an in-depth look at the concept of flow as defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his seminal study and publications.00:05:40 The second set of instructions comes from Hungarian writer Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and his flow theory.00:09:19 We'll wrap it up beautifully with this from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi himself.00:11:18 Now I'm ready for a demonstration.00:14:23 But I mean...30 Days to Self-Discipline: A Blueprint to Bust Laziness, Escape the Couch, Become a Machine, and Accomplish Your Every Goal (Practical Self-Discipline 2.ed) (Live a Disciplined Life Book 9) By: Peter Hollins Hear it Here - https://adbl.co/3ew4v2bhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X3SBMCVA true guide for procrastinators, slackers, couch potatoes. In 30 days, you won't be one anymore!Want to get somewhere worth going? It's not going to be easy, and it's not going to be comfortable. This book holds the answers.You will gain scientifically-proven new perspectives and tips to manage your day, energy, motivation, and self-discipline. You'll learn how to deal with the tangled, contradictory mess that is the human psyche, and use it to your advantage for once! Unlock the secrets of how top performers consistently exercise self-discipline.Don't glide through life leaving things unfinished or unstarted. Change your habits in 30 days!Overcome the barriers that actually lead to "laziness".Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.Adjust your psychology to master discomfort and master your impulses.•3 simple formulas for getting things done and evaluating yourself.•A timebox, an unschedule, and a calendar: what they can do for you.•Construct the most helpful to-do list that will also motivate you and organize your life.•Why you should actually read less, read Homer's Odysseus, and slice your life into categories.Daily self-discipline will fundamentally change your life.A goal without the self-discipline necessary to enact it will remain just a dream or fantasy. It doesn’t matter what you want to do - you might want to become a CEO or just clean more consistently - self-discipline is one of the most important life skills because it is the skill of doing and executing. .

Jul 26, 2025 • 48min
Cultivating Success: Elliot Phillips on Finding Opportunities
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success: Insights with Elliot Phillips | The Science of Self PodcastIn this episode of The Science of Self podcast, host Russell welcomes Elliot Phillips, a former PE teacher turned successful entrepreneur, author, and business coach. Elliot shares his journey from teaching to launching his own business helping teachers build online tutoring enterprises. Elliot emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, surrounding oneself with high achievers, and staying disciplined with daily routines. They discuss the impact of mentorship, the value of investing in learning, and effective habits for success. This episode is packed with valuable advice and practical tips for anyone looking to elevate their personal and professional life.00:00 The Power of Associations00:55 Welcome to The Science of Self01:01 Meet Elliot Phillips: Entrepreneur and Author01:18 The Journey from Teaching to Entrepreneurship02:48 The Importance of Self-Improvement and Masterminds04:42 The Influence of Mentors and Books08:19 Overcoming Discomfort for Success15:37 Elliot's Early Entrepreneurial Ventures23:42 The Teacher Project: Origins and Insights24:46 The Teacher Fit Project: Origins and Challenges26:23 Pivoting to Online Education During the Pandemic27:11 The Importance of Delegation and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People29:35 The Role of Luck and Readiness in Success31:14 Book Recommendations and Their Impact35:44 Influential People and Life Decisions37:11 Cultural Reflections: Comparing Cities42:59 Daily Habits and Final Advice46:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts#Entrepreneurship, #SelfImprovement, #BusinessCoaching, #OnlineEducation, #TeacherEntrepreneur, #Mentorship, #SuccessHabits, #PersonalDevelopment, #BusinessGrowth, #Podcast, #ElliotPhillips, #TheScienceOfSelfPodcast, #Russell, #PETeacher, #OnlineTutoring, #BusinessCoach, #Author, #SelfDiscipline, #DailyRoutines, #MastermindGroups, #InvestingInLearning, #Delegation, #TheTeacherProject, #PandemicPivot, #LuckAndReadiness, #BookRecommendations, #InfluentialPeople, #LifeDecisions, #ComfortZone, #SuccessTips, #PracticalAdvice, #ProfessionalDevelopment

Jul 23, 2025 • 19min
Mastering Skills with Da Vinci: A Guide to Polymath Thinking
00:06:01 Cultivating Intense da Vincian Curiosity 00:10:40 Michael Gelb’s book How to Think Like a Da Vinci00:13:45 The Right Attitude00:14:07 Idea 1: Learning never ends 00:14:52 Idea 2: Test out your theories in the real world 00:15:33 Idea 3: Embrace the unknown 00:16:48 Idea 4: Be humble 00:18:23 Here are the primary takeaways Leonardo da Vinci’s Mental Models: Secrets of the World’s Most Famous Polymath (Learning how to Learn Book 26)By Peter HollinsHear it Here - https://adbl.co/4egDpJbhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVX1T4HWDiscover the extraordinary mind of Leonardo da Vinci, a man who transcended boundaries and left an indelible mark on history. In this episode, we dive into Peter Hollins' insightful book, exploring the mental models that fueled da Vinci's genius. Poverty-stricken origins didn't deter him; instead, they fueled his relentless pursuit of knowledge. Chapter 2 reveals the secrets to his eternal learning: an insatiable curiosity that embraced the unknown and a humble attitude towards life's endless lessons. Join us as we uncover da Vinci's approach to mastering any skill or field—from art to engineering. Learn how he cultivated an open mind, constantly testing theories in the real world and ensuring his learning was never confined to books alone. --Gain insight into one of history's greatest minds and discover how you too can embrace a polymathic mindset. Click on the link provided in the description for a direct path to this enlightening book and start your journey towards intellectual prowess! #LeonardoDaVinci #Polymath #MentalModels #InfiniteLearning #GeniusMindset Remember, learning has no end, so keep an open mind and explore the secrets of the world's most famous polymath. Hear it Here: httpsadbl.co4egDpJb

Jul 21, 2025 • 20min
Navigating Life with ADHD: Rick Culleton on Business, Sobriety, and Happiness - Voice over Work - An Audiobook Sampler
Discovering Joy and Success: Rick Culleton's Journey Through Entrepreneurship and MindfulnessSee the full conversation at https://youtu.be/WzjmJkw1QywJoin host Russell in this episode of Social Skills Coaching as he welcomes Rick Culleton, an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and mindfulness advocate. Rick shares his inspirational journey overcoming ADHD, experiencing accidental sobriety, and finding true happiness through mindfulness practices. Learn about Rick's diverse business ventures, the importance of a strong team, and his unique 'morning stack' routine that includes techno fasting and meditation. Rick also highlights the impact of self-motivation, continuous self-improvement, and the power of choice in shaping one's future.00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Drinking00:53 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:05 Rick's Book and ADHD Journey02:16 Entrepreneurial Ventures04:34 Building and Maintaining a Strong Team06:27 Accidental Sobriety and Overcoming Anxiety11:22 Daily Routines and Morning Stack18:32 Reflections on Life and Learning19:11 Recommended Books and Final Thoughts#SocialSkillsCoaching #RickCulleton #Entrepreneurship #ADHD #Mindfulness #Happiness #Sobriety #Meditation #MorningRoutine #MorningStack #ColdPlunge #Fitness #Recovery #TechnoFasting #SleepOptimization #MartialArts #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #Leadership #Productivity #WellnessJourney

Jul 18, 2025 • 17min
Embracing the Polymathic Mindset
00:02:36 What we can learn from their approach00:04:29 Adaptable and Open00:15:05 TakeawaysPolymath: Master Multiple Disciplines, Learn New Skills, Think Flexibly, and Become Extraordinary Autodidact (Learning how to Learn Book 9) By Peter HollinsHear it Here - https://bit.ly/polymathhollinshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B087BNHHHCAre you ready to expand your horizons and become an extraordinary polymath? In this episode, we dive into Chapter 2 of Peter Hollins' insightful book, "Polymath Master: Multiple Disciplines, Learn New Skills, Think Flexibly." Discover how adopting a polymathic mindset can unlock a world of opportunities. Say goodbye to the rigid hammer and hello to an entire woodshop! Learn to think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace adaptability. By cultivating an open mind, you'll gain expertise that pays exponentially. Join us as we explore the art of becoming multifaceted and discover why polymathy is the key to uniqueness and irreplaceability in today's competitive world. Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey towards self-improvement! Click the link [Hear it Here](https://bit.ly/polymath-hollins) to learn more about Peter Hollins' transformative guide, "Polymath Master." Get ready to embrace your full potential and become an expert in multiple disciplines!

Jul 13, 2025 • 54min
Building Authentic Connections Through Social Media with Robin Nathaniel
Welcome back to The Science of Self, where we improve your life from the inside out! In this episode, we feature Robin Nathaniel, a social media strategist, author, and TEDx speaker. Robin shares his unique approach to building genuine human connections online, merging his background in social media with his passion for intentional communication. Discover his SYNC method for social media, and how he applies the principles of create, connect, and contribute to his daily life. Gain insights into his personal journey, from his early experiences in New York City to his music career in Europe, and how his faith and family guide his purpose. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on living intentionally and improving your life through deeper connections.00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:24 Robin's Personal and Professional Background02:24 The Evolution of Social Media04:53 Understanding TEDx and Its Impact06:46 Robin's Music Career Journey09:25 Moving from New York to Atlanta20:13 The Three Cs: Connect, Create, Contribute26:45 Connecting with a Higher Power27:49 The Book That Changed My Perspective29:25 Aligning Online Presence with Deeper Purpose30:43 Finding Your North Star31:58 The Cave and the Tunnel Analogy34:08 The Role of Religion in Life44:15 Daily Habits for a Purposeful Life49:04 Final Thoughts and Recommendations #RobinNathaniel #Socialmediastrategy #Personalgrowth #Musicindustry #Authenticconnection #TEDxspeaker #Creatingconnections #Digitalcommunication #Resilience #"SocialMediaSYNC" #Publicspeaking #Inspiration #Careertransition #Storytelling #Intentionalcommunication #ConnectCreateContribute #Humanconnection #Socialmediaexpert #Author #Mindfulcommunication #Socialmediatips #Thoughtleadership #Professionaldevelopment #Entrepreneurship

Jul 3, 2025 • 39min
"Master the Art of Teaching: Unlocking Science-Based Methods for Effective Education"
00:04:30 Five Key Pedagogical Approaches00:15:11 The Brain’s Strengths and Limitations00:27:50 Scaffolding: the Power of Baby Steps00:34:38 TakeawaysHow to Teach Anything: Break Down Complex Topics and Explain with Clarity, While Keeping Engagement and Motivation (Learning how to Learn Book 13) By Peter HollinsHear it Here - https://bit.ly/TeachKidsHollinshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TVXZYCPScience-based methods for the most comprehension and retention. Teach more in less time.There is a reason that education, teaching, and pedagogy are all areas of intense research and study. They are complicated! But just because you don’t have the fanciest PhDs or certifications, doesn’t mean that you can’t teach just as effectively. Learn how in this book.For teachers, parents, professors, tutors, and even just friends.How to Teach Anything takes what academics know about education and pedagogy, and translates it all into real-world skills and techniques. The learning brain works is very predictable ways, and we can use this to our advantage. Whether you are a student, tutor, professor, teacher, or even TA, understand how information takes hold and becomes useful.Learn how to teach, and you also learn how to learn.How to instill a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and discovery.Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He is one of the foremost authors on self-education and learning. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.Ensure academic success and keep students motivated and coming back for more.•What the science of education has taught us about teaching.•How a simple progression of thinking activities will cement learning.•How Greek philosophers thought and why it matters in teaching.•Keeping motivation and engagement, even through the tough times.•How to deliver feedback effectively and gently.•How to create an environment of safety and taking risks.Teaching is the ability to affect lives. Increase your teaching skills, and you will increase your personal impact.Teaching is a skill used in all walks of life. It’s actually the ability to clearly communicate and disseminate information. And if you want to help anyone, that is what you will be doing: family members, spouses, co-workers, bosses, children, and more. .