

MindHack
Cody McLain
What happens when you give an overthinking entrepreneur a microphone, a curiosity obsession, and access to the sharpest minds on the planet? You get MindHack - the podcast for founders, builders, and high-performers who want to upgrade their brain like they upgrade their software. Each week, Cody McLain (entrepreneur since 15, burnout survivor, and productivity nerd) sits down with scientists, psychologists, and successful entrepreneurs to reverse-engineer how extraordinary people think, feel, and execute. We unpack the mental models, weird routines, emotional rewiring, and psychology-backed strategies that actually work—so you can build your business without losing your mind. 🎯 Think: startup grit meets cognitive science. 🎙️ Guests include bestselling authors, startup OGs, and unreasonably curious humans. 🔥 Warning: listening may result in existential clarity, better habits, and fewer panic Googles at 2am. New episodes every week. Subscribe and hack your brain before your brain hacks you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
#099 - Dr. Carey Heller - The Productivity Gap: Go from Knowing to Doing
Ever feel stuck in the gap between a great idea and actually getting it done? Licensed psychologist and executive function coach Dr. Carey Heller joins us to reveal how to master your workflow by spotting executive dysfunction and installing the right systems. Dr. Heller shares unique, actionable strategies, from using AI to break down overwhelming projects to leveraging physical movement for better focus and why the phrase "action precedes motivation" is the ultimate mindset shift. We also explore the importance of active recovery over passive rest and how to create lasting boundaries between your work and personal life. This episode is a practical guide for turning your intentions into repeatable, lasting habits.ℹ️ About the GuestDr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist and co-founder of Heller Psychology Group, based in Bethesda, Maryland, specializing in ADHD and executive function challenges in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Heller also runs an executive functioning boot camp program and can see clients virtually in 42 states. Dr Heller really focuses on helping people to be more efficient, better organized, productive, and happier as well as less stressed. In addition to Dr. Heller’s work with his practice, he volunteers his time in a variety of ways. Specifically, he serves as the Montgomery County, MD CHADD chapter coordinator and is on the National CHADD board. He also supervises graduate students conducting testing at The George Washington University. Furthermore, Dr. Heller loves to write, has published a few books, and numerous articles, especially in Attention Magazine and Washington Parent Magazine.Websites:Heller Psychology Group Dr. Carey Heller's personal site Instagram:@hellerpsych @CareyHellerPsyD 👨💻 People & Other MentionsDavid Allen Getting Things Done (The GTD system) by David Allen HubermanTiago Forte PARA method by Tiago ForteSupport the show

Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
#098 - Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary - The Mind-Bending Truth About Your Anxiety
Stop fighting your anxiety. It's not the enemy. My guest, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, explains the mind-bending truth that anxiety is a powerful evolutionary tool for focus and growth.She details the critical difference between a feeling of anxiety and a clinical disorder. We discuss how to develop 'anti-fragility' by embracing discomfort and leveraging it for personal progress. You'll learn science-backed frameworks, including the 'Three L's' (Listen, Leverage, Let Go) and a simple worry-scheduling technique to regain control of your emotions.This conversation will fundamentally change the way you view your emotions and provide actionable tools to transform your relationship with anxiety. Listen now to discover how to turn your biggest fear into your greatest tool.ℹ️ About the GuestDr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary is a renowned neuroscientist, psychologist, and the co-founder of Arcade Therapeutics, a company that creates game-based mental health interventions. She is the author of the groundbreaking book Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good for You (Even Though it Feels Bad), which argues for the radical idea that anxiety is a functional human emotion that can be leveraged as a tool for personal growth. In addition to her extensive research and publications, she is a sought-after expert for media commentary and public speaking.WebsiteLinkedInSubstackInstagram👨💻 People & Other MentionsDavid Goggins - Former Navy SEAL known for extreme physical and mental challengesViktor Frankl - Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who wrote "Man's Search for Meaning"Søren Kierkegaard - Danish philosopher who wrote extensively about anxietyWendell Berry - Author of "Life is a Miracle" and essayist on technology's impact on humanityTim Ferriss - Author of "The Four Hour Workweek" and lifestyle design pioneerChris Beavers - UT Austin researcher studying depression interventionsNassim Nicholas Taleb - Introduced concept of "anti-fragility"Charles Darwin - Evolutionary theorist who wrote about emotions in humans and animalsSupport the show

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 32min
#097 - Dr. Daniel Yon - Hallucinating Reality: Your Brain’s Greatest Trick
Ever wondered if your brain is fooling you into seeing the world differently? Dr. Daniel Yon, a cognitive neuroscientist, reveals how your brain doesn’t just observe reality—it actively creates it.Explore how your mind constructs its own version of reality through predictive models, and why you might be "hallucinating" your experiences without even knowing it. Dr. Yon dives into how we can reshape our mental models to thrive in a world full of uncertainty.Don’t miss out on this eye-opening conversation that will completely shift your perspective on perception, belief, and personal growth.Tune in to unlock the secrets your brain is hiding from you!ℹ️ About the GuestDr. Daniel Yon is a cognitive neuroscientist and the author of A Trick of the Mind, a groundbreaking book that explores how our brains actively invent the reality we experience. His work sheds new light on how we perceive the world, challenging conventional views of perception. Dr. Yon is also the director of The Uncertainty Lab, where his team investigates how the brain handles uncertainty and adapts to an unpredictable world.InstagramX (formerly Twitter)BlueskyWebsite👨💻 People & Other MentionsDr. Emilie Caspar - Just Following Orders: Atrocities and the Brain Science of ObedienceStanley Milgram - Obedience to Authority: An Experimental ViewDaniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and SlowDouglas Prasher - Green Fluorescent Protein ResearchChris Frith - Making up the MindJim Rohn - Personal Development PhilosophyLewis Dartnell - OriginsCecilia Heyes - Cognitive Gadgets: The Cultural Evolution of ThinkingDaniel Z. Lieberman - The Molecule of MoreAdam Grant - Think AgainLisa Genova - Still AliceSupport the show

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 29min
#096 - Brian Sachetta - Engineer Your Calm: Debugging Mental Loops
Brian Sachetta, a former software engineer and author of 'Get Out of Your Head', shares his innovative approach to mental wellness. He discusses how to 'debug' anxious thoughts like rogue software, revealing his IRA framework: Interrupt, Reframe, Anchor. Brian's personal anecdotes highlight the complexities of anxiety and the power of positive self-talk. He emphasizes mindfulness and practical coping strategies, encouraging listeners to transform stress into motivation. Explore actionable steps to overcome imposter syndrome and foster resilience.

Jul 28, 2025 • 59min
#095 - Taylor Scott - Lead with Heart: The Humanity Hack
Taylor Scott, a hospitality pioneer and bestselling author, discusses the transformative power of compassionate leadership. He unveils the "Humanity Hack," emphasizing psychological safety and genuine connection as keys to peak performance. Scott shares insights on fostering a learn-it-all mindset and rethinking feedback to create engaging dialogues. He highlights the importance of emotional connections in leadership, drawing from personal anecdotes and industry examples like Microsoft’s cultural shift. Listeners gain practical strategies to lead with heart and build thriving workplace cultures.

42 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 16min
#094 - Sönke Ahrens - AI-Proof Your Brain: Smart Notes Strategy
Dr. Sönke Ahrens, a social scientist and author of 'How to Take Smart Notes,' introduces the Zettelkasten method, a transformative approach to personal knowledge management. He discusses how this method can help AI-proof your thinking and enhance creativity. Ahrens highlights the importance of designing your thinking environment and connecting diverse ideas through structured note-taking. He emphasizes viewing notes as dynamic partners in thought, empowering individuals to combat writer's block and information overload in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 30min
#093 Dr. Corey Wilks - The Psychology Secret: How Fear Kills Dreams & What to Do About It
Dr. Corey Wilks, a licensed clinical psychologist turned executive coach, helps entrepreneurs break free from self-sabotage and imposter syndrome. He shares insights on overcoming fear and procrastination, emphasizing that these issues stem from deeper psychological barriers rather than lack of discipline. Listeners learn to redefine success beyond productivity, embrace authenticity in creation, and the importance of community in overcoming challenges. Corey's unique approach encourages individuals to connect their actions with personal values for a fulfilling life.

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 13min
#092 - Dr. Neil Paulvin - Biohacking Hype vs. Truth
Is your quest for peak performance lost in a sea of biohacking fads and conflicting advice? In a world saturated with quick fixes and miracle cures, discerning genuine science from fleeting trends can feel like navigating a minefield. Many embark on their optimization journey armed with popular advice, only to find themselves investing time, energy, and resources into strategies that yield minimal returns or, worse, prove counterproductive. The allure of the "next big thing" often overshadows the foundational pillars of true health and vitality, leaving many feeling frustrated and no closer to their goals.Enter Dr. Neil Paulvin, a renowned physician specializing in human performance and longevity for high-achievers, from CEOs to elite athletes. In this eye-opening episode of MindHack, Dr. Paulvin joins us to dismantle the myths and cut through the noise. He provides a masterclass in true health optimization, revealing which popular biohacks stand up to scientific scrutiny and which are merely hype. If you're ready to move beyond the fads and build a resilient foundation for lasting peak performance, this conversation is your tactical blueprint.ℹ️ About the GuestDr. Neil Paulvin is a leading physician in longevity and human performance. He works with CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, and professional athletes to help them achieve peak physical and mental output. Dr. Paulvin focuses on a comprehensive, science-backed approach, integrating foundational health principles with cutting-edge advanced therapies, always emphasizing personalized protocols based on in-depth biomarker analysis and individual goals. Website: Dr. Neil Paulvin: Functional Medicine & Integrated Manual Theraphy in New York Instagram: @drpaulvin 👨💻 People & Other MentionsDr. Peter Attia Journal of Experimental Psychology Dr. Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness Podcast) Wim Hof Method Dave Asprey Dr. Andrew Huberman Bryan Johnson Creatine Fish Oil (EPA) CoQ10 NAD/NR Precursors Glutathione Methylene Blue Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) GLP-1 Agonists (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide) BPC-157, TB-500 GHK-Copper Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) Function Health Support the show

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
#091 Colleen West - Meet Your "Inner Crew" – The IFS Key to Overcoming Anxiety & Healing Trauma
Colleen West, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years in trauma healing, shares insights on the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach. She explains how understanding your 'Inner Crew' can transform your relationship with anxiety and trauma. Listeners learn about the significance of childhood wounds and how they shape adult behaviors. Colleen emphasizes the power of self-compassion, and shares practical techniques for accessing your authentic self, urging us to embrace all parts of ourselves to foster healing and emotional balance.

May 5, 2025 • 1h 25min
#090 Josh and Greg : Rewire Your Mind - Simple NLP Secrets for Success
Neuroscientist meets Trial Lawyer and what happens next will rewire your mind. Neuroscientist Josh Davis, PhD, and trial lawyer turned entrepreneur Greg Prosmushkin, authors of "The Difference That Makes The Difference," reveal powerful, easy to use Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to instantly shift your mindset for success.We dive into compelling stories of how NLP dramatically transformed Greg's courtroom confidence and Josh's ability to quickly shift emotional states. You'll discover practical NLP strategies including mental reframing, breaking negative thought loops, and mastering instantaneous rapport to improve your communication skills, overcome stress, and erase self-limiting beliefs.Listen now to learn how NLP can upgrade your thinking, elevate your performance, and unlock lasting, positive change across your work, relationships, and personal growth.ℹ️ About the GuestsJoining us today are neuroscientist Josh Davis, PhD, and trial lawyer turned entrepreneur Greg Prosmushkin, co-authors of the groundbreaking new book, "The Difference That Makes The Difference." Together, they combine powerful neuroscience and real-world courtroom strategies to help you harness simple yet transformative Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques. A special shoutout to their innovative collaboration bridging science and practical insights to create meaningful positive change.LinkedIn - Josh Davis PhDInstagram -Two Awesome HoursInstagram - Greg ProsmushkinFacebook - The law office of Greg Prosmushkin Website - Philadelphia Personal Injury LawyeriTunesSpotifyDownload as MP3Get a copy of the book "The Difference that Makes the Difference" today.👨💻 People & Other MentionsTony Robbins (Motivational speaker, NLP advocate)John Grinder (Co-founder of Neuro Linguistic Programming, NLP)Robert Cialdini (Author of "Influence")Books - "The Difference That Makes The Difference" by Josh Davis, PhD and Greg Prosmushkin”Support the show