The Science of Self

Peter Hollins
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Jun 28, 2025 • 38min

Rediscovering Faith and Legacy: A Conversation with Mark Connor

In this episode of 'The Science of Self,' we welcome Mark Connor from St. Paul, Minnesota, a former competitive boxer turned boxing trainer and writer. Mark introduces his book, 'It's About Time: Millions of Copies Sold for Dad,' an autobiographical saga interwoven with poetry that explores his life, his relationship with his late father, and his spiritual journey. Mark discusses his re-embrace of his Catholic faith, the influence of his Irish heritage, and his deep connection with the Native American community through his work at a youth shelter. He also touches on the discipline and routine required in both writing and boxing, and the importance of taking the first step to achieve one's goals. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on faith, discipline, and the pursuit of personal excellence.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:17 Mark Connor's Background and Book Overview01:43 Faith and Personal Journey01:58 Involvement with Native American Community06:47 Cultural and Spiritual Reflections15:28 Reading from the Book32:56 Writing and Discipline37:36 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIt's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) is a saga wrapped around a package of poems, guarded by Angels. With a narrative style that reads like a novel, contains a collection of poetry, and shares an autobiography, Mark Connor guides us through a journey of love, family, and life that is ours as much as his own, peaking at the point of merger of difference and unity. Following him from memory to memory, we feel the eyes upon us, defeat the empire of fear, embrace the kingdom of love, and find ten minutes a day to be grateful. All the while, we celebrate the city of Saint Paul (with a friendly nod to Minneapolis), experience Irish influence in neighborhood life, rooted in Catholic cohesion, embraced by indigenous America in the medicine wheel. We box the perfect metaphor with future world champions, love beauty in a moment of ambivalence, work on a fishing boat in Southeast Alaska, comfort a child in an American Indian shelter for kids, and guard American Indian buildings, with guns, in riots. Through it all, we honor Dad, mourning his death and remembering his love, sharing a story written for America, valuing fatherhood, defending family, encouraging marriage, and providing hope.Mark Connor is a Literary Pugilist from Saint Paul, Minnesota. A lifelong boxer and Boxing Trainer, he runs a service called, Fighting Chance/Boxing For Life. His writing about Boxing, as well as his training services, can be found at https: //BoxersAndWritersMagazine.com. He writes fiction, poetry, and journalism. He is the 2022 Boxing inductee to the Mancini's St. Paul Sports Hall of Fame. He attended the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Regis University in Denver, Colorado, and graduated with a BA in English from the University of Minnesota. He has written and published many articles about Boxing, Irish culture, and people and events related to Irish freedom. He has also published local news and features on business, politics, and current affairs in Minnesota and the U.S. His Substack newsletter, Irish, Catholic, Punchdrunk in Saint Paul, can be found at: https: //markconnoricpunchdrunk.substack.com.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 40min

Journeys of Intention: Zach Smith's Transformative Travel Ventures

Travel Transformation: Interview with Zach Smith from Anywhere.comWelcome back to 'The Science of Self'! In this episode, Russell speaks with Zach Smith, the founder and CEO of Anywhere.com. Zach shares his journey from a serendipitous trip to Oaxaca, Mexico that inspired a transformative travel business, to organically growing Anywhere.com into a network that connects travelers with enriching cultural experiences. Tune in as Zach discusses the impact of intentions, travel as a tool for personal transformation, and his unique perspective on travel that goes beyond mere transactions. Don't miss this insightful conversation on living mindfully and making meaningful choices in travel and life.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:14 Zach Smith's Journey to Founding Anywhere.com01:28 The Birth of Anywhere.com07:50 Serendipity and Intentions in Life12:47 Personal Reflections and Family Influence27:01 Travel as a Tool for Transformation34:41 Daily Habits and Personal Success37:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Jun 23, 2025 • 25min

Socrates’ Endless Questions

00:00:17 Today's featured book is Think Like a Genius00:10:34 There are six types of Socratic questions00:16:36 The Socratic method as a thinking technique00:19:13 Turning the questions on ourselves00:22:38 TakeawaysThink Like a Genius: How to Go Outside the Box, Analyze Deeply, Creatively Solve Problems, and Innovate (Mental Models for Better Living Book 5)By: Peter Hollins Hear it Here - http://bit.ly/GeniusHollinshttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Genius-Creatively-Problems/dp/1647432529## Unlocking Genius: Exploring Socrates' Infinite Inquiry with Peter Hollins Dive deep into the timeless wisdom of Socrates, as we uncover the secrets to genius-level thinking in this captivating episode. Join us as we explore Chapter 3 of "Think Like a Genius" by renowned author and psychologist, Peter Hollins. Learn how Socrates revolutionized critical thinking through his unique method of inquiry, known as the Socratic Method. Discover the power of applied curiosity and turning questions inward to unlock your full intellectual potential.
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Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 3min

Unleashing Your Inner Billionaire with Debbie Dobbins

In this episode of 'The Science of Self,' host introduces Debbie Dobbins, the author of 'Your Inner Billionaire.' Debbie explains her philosophy of inner success, emphasizing the importance of mindset, emotions, and gratitude in achieving personal freedom and abundance. She shares her journey through significant life challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, and how these experiences helped her develop a deeper appreciation for holistic wellbeing. Debbie discusses the concepts of the inner billionaire, the holistic approach to success, the science behind gratitude, and the power of mindset changes and neuroplasticity. She also explores the practical application of binaural beats in meditation and mindfulness. The conversation is rich with insights about personal growth, overcoming limiting beliefs, and fostering a higher vibrational frequency through gratitude and generosity.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:33 Debbie Dobbins: The Queen of Magic01:34 Awakening Your Inner Billionaire04:36 The Power of Gratitude09:25 Mindfulness and Meditation24:38 Understanding Frequencies and Vibrations30:38 Understanding Your Money Story30:57 The Science of Brainwave Patterns31:34 Impact of Early Experiences on Beliefs33:42 Introduction to Binaural Beats35:37 Creating Your Own Binaural Beats38:42 Spirituality vs. Religion43:11 The Power of Stories and Beliefs48:16 Personal Journey and Manifestation52:15 Building Abundance and Gratitude56:15 Practical Tips for Abundance01:01:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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Jun 13, 2025 • 45min

Surviving the Unsurvivable: Optimistic Realism with Jonathon Gluck

In this episode of The Science of Self, we welcome Jonathan Gluck, author of 'Exercise In Uncertainty.' Jonathan shares his journey as a longtime magazine editor and cancer patient, navigating life with an incurable but treatable form of cancer. He offers insights into his career at New York Magazine and Vogue, the pressures of journalism, and the stories he's encountered. Jonathan delves into how uncertainty impacts mental health, coping mechanisms, and the life lessons he's learned. This heartfelt and insightful conversation touches on hope, spirituality, practical advice for self-improvement, and the power of acceptance in the face of adversity. Tune in for an inspiring episode on resilience and personal growth.00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:24 Jonathan's Career in Journalism05:13 Life as a Cancer Patient10:22 Insights from Jonathan's Book11:26 Coping with Uncertainty14:41 Mindfulness and Life Lessons20:43 Optimistic Realism22:32 Living Mindfully Through Difficult Times23:31 Coping with Recurring Cancer Diagnoses23:58 The Stages of Grief28:14 Dealing with Anger and Bargaining30:15 Depression and Acceptance33:19 The Power of Hope and Spirituality39:16 Supporting a Loved One with Cancer41:57 Practical Advice and Final Thoughtshttps://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Uncertainty-Memoir-Illness-Hope/dp/0593735781https://www.audible.com/pd/An-Exercise-in-Uncertainty-Audiobook/B0DJHBLVQ6https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2320094/jonathan-gluck/#https://lithub.com/the-craft-of-this-mortal-coil-jonathan-gluck-on-writing-a-different-cancer-story/
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Jun 6, 2025 • 54min

From Business to Bliss: Discovering True Fulfillment

Malitta Seamon discusses her multifaceted life as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and former CEO, and her current focus on leading Inbound Leadership, an organization aimed at inspiring authentic living and leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Background01:40 The Journey to Authenticity02:39 Realizations and Turning Points04:46 The 'Prove It' Methodology07:15 The Importance of Presence09:06 Making Small Changes11:40 Working with Malitta13:20 Daily Practices for Centering14:53 Conclusion and Book OverviewShe shares her journey detailed in her upcoming book 'Mindset Freedom,' co-authored with her husband Brad, which chronicles their pursuit of a more authentic and fulfilling life beyond a business they no longer loved. Alita emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice, making small yet significant life changes, and practicing presence in relationships to achieve true happiness and contentment. She also outlines her organization's offerings including retreats, workshops, and one-on-one coaching aimed at fostering authentic leadership. Alita concludes by sharing her personal daily practice of meditation and journaling to stay centered and committed to a fulfilling life.Mindset Freedom: Embrace Authenticity and Inner Peace with Malitta SeamonIn this episode, Malitta Seamon, a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and former CEO, shares her journey of leading a more authentic and fulfilling life. From writing her book 'Mindset Freedom' with her husband to founding Inbound Leadership, Alita discusses the importance of living authentically and addressing the inner voice that guides us. She emphasizes the value of presence in our personal relationships and the significance of making small, intentional changes in life to avoid long-term crises. Alita introduces methodologies aimed at achieving inner peace and contentment, focusing on self-awareness, vulnerability, and authenticity. Listeners will learn about the upcoming retreats, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions designed to help individuals and teams grow more genuine and self-aware. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, Alita encourages us to turn inwards, listen to our true selves, and live a life aligned with our deepest values and desires.
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May 21, 2025 • 55min

Momentum and Mindset: Insights from Dan Bowling

Transformative Leadership: The Power of Belief and Positivity with Dan BowlingIn this episode of 'The Science of Self,' we introduces guest Dan Bowling, founder and owner of a globally recognized sales and marketing firm. Dan shares his journey from overcoming personal adversity to achieving professional success. He discusses his company’s unique approach to scaling consumer product brands across multiple channels and his commitment to redefining success beyond profits through philanthropy and community outreach. Key themes include the importance of nurturing a positive belief system, consistent action, and celebrating small victories. Dan also delves into his company’s employee retention strategies, the impact of meditation, and the significance of protecting one's mental inputs from negativity. Listeners are encouraged to educate versus entertain, embrace challenges as opportunities, and celebrate not only their personal but also their organization's achievements.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:31 Dan Bowling's Business Journey01:23 Philanthropy and Redefining Success03:20 Creating a Better Story11:35 The Power of Belief and Consistency16:27 Overcoming Adversity and Personal Growth23:04 Hiring and Company Culture27:14 Celebrating Success and Building Momentum28:22 The Flywheel Effect and Company Resilience29:35 Overcoming Negativity and Embracing Opportunities32:38 The Power of Small Steps and Consistency33:15 Guarding Your Beliefs and Meditation35:46 Incorporating Social Impact into Business41:13 Celebrating Successes and Learning from Failures48:17 Final Thoughts and Practical AdviceDan Bowling is the president and founder of The Genesis company, a globally recognized consumer products commercialization firm. Under his leadership, his firm has redefined what success looks like for CEO’s and founders by using his company to serve as many people as possible, starting first with his own team, then his clients, and also his community. The GC has not only earned prestigious accolades such as Inc Magazine’s “Best of” winner three times, but also won Sales Firm of the Year in 2024, and a Global Award for its industry’s Amazon division. But, what he’s most proud of is that he has a 100% employee retention rate and his firm is has fed over 1 million children, saved 200 girls from human trafficking, and provided domestic abuse counseling to 100 kids.
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May 12, 2025 • 1h 2min

Living Authentically: Colby Wilk’s Guide to Self-Discovery

Discovering True Wellbeing with Colby Wilk: Intuition, Empathy, and Self-RealizationFREE GIFT FOR LISTENERSThe First Step to Finding Your Way – a short, powerful practice to help people reconnect with their truth and move forward with clarity.https://colbywilk.com/the-first-secret-to-finding-your-way/ONE SHEET: https://colbywilk.com/one-sheet/In this insightful episode, we sit down with Colby Wilke, an intuitive guide and healer, to explore the concept of 'wayfinding.' Colby shares his unique approach to helping individuals discover their true selves and the life that calls to them, emphasizing the importance of intuition and empathy. He delves into the distinctions between empathy and being highly sensitive, discussing the challenges and gifts of each. Colby also addresses the misconceptions around wellbeing and the importance of self-realization over material success. Tune in to learn about the journey of becoming oneself and the role of spirituality versus religion, along with practical tips on how to navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties.00:00 Introduction00:30 Understanding the Role of a Wayfinder03:15 Exploring Empathy and Being an Empath11:17 Defining Highly Sensitive People15:06 Spirituality vs. Religion20:17 Colby's Industry and Daily Work29:05 Self-Realization and Self-Actualization33:25 Accessing and Enhancing Empathy35:13 Navigating Psychic Abilities and Ego38:53 Understanding and Controlling Gifts43:04 The Journey to Self-Discovery56:09 The Process of Letting Go58:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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May 1, 2025 • 38min

Unlocking Your Brain's Potential: Understanding Neuroplasticity and Its Impact

00:09:34 What Is Neuroplasticity?00:15:13 The Process of Neuroplasticity00:22:29 The Debate of Neuroplasticity00:25:38 Primary Aspects of Neuroplasticity00:29:34 From Synaptic Pruning to NeurogenesisBuild a Better Brain By Peter HollinsHear it Here - https://adbl.co/3vIls5fhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MX5W6T7Dive into Chapter 2 of "Build a Better Brain" with Peter Hollins as we explore the fascinating world of neuroplasticity. Discover how your brain possesses an incredible ability to change and adapt, known as plasticity. Learn about synaptic pruning, neurogenesis, and the primary aspects that contribute to this remarkable process. Understanding neuroplasticity is the key to taking control of your thoughts and behaviors. In this episode, we delve into the science behind it all, offering practical insights on how you can shape and optimize your brain for a happier and more successful life. Get ready to unlock your full potential! Click above to purchase the book and start your journey towards a better brain today!
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Apr 25, 2025 • 20min

Unleashing Your Brain's Potential: Sleep Habits for Peak Mental Performance

The Brain Mechanic: How to Optimize Your Brain for Peak Mental Performance, Neurogrowth, and Cognitive Fitness (Think Smarter, Not Harder Book 10) By: Peter HollinsHear it Here - https://bit.ly/3FNWZP4https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHSHN48CDive into the third chapter of Peter Hollins' groundbreaking book, "The Brain Mechanic." In this episode, we explore the profound impact of sleep on our cognitive abilities and uncover practical routines to optimize your brain function. Learn how to embrace Mr. Sandman's embrace and discover the secrets to sharper thinking, enhanced memory, and overall cognitive fitness. Join us as we delve into the science-backed strategies for a rejuvenated mind and body! Get ready to think smarter, not harder, with this insightful podcast episode. Click the link below to purchase the book and continue your journey towards peak mental performance: https://bit.ly/3FNWZP4

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