Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary Kenyan marathon runner, shares his profound wisdom on life and athletics. He discusses how discipline brings freedom and how failure is a fertile ground for learning. Eliud emphasizes the importance of community, humility, and the process over mere success. His experience with setbacks teaches valuable lessons in resilience, while his commitment to self-trust highlights the journey of personal growth. With insights on planning and consistent effort, Eliud inspires listeners to embrace life's challenges with a positive mindset.

In this engaging discussion, Harvard Professor Michael Norton, a renowned behavioral scientist, explores how to transform new habits into lasting rituals. He highlights the psychological advantages of pre-performance rituals, especially seen in elite athletes. Norton emphasizes the significance of structured morning rituals for emotional well-being and presents 'temptation bundling' as a strategy to synergize enjoyable habits with less appealing ones, ultimately enriching daily life with meaning and fulfillment.

This conversation features Kirsty Gallagher, a meditation and yoga teacher, and bestselling author. She discusses the importance of reconnecting with your true self to find genuine purpose. Listeners learn to prioritize their own truths over societal expectations and embrace stillness for clarity. Kirsty shares her journey from corporate burnout to spiritual awakening, emphasizing the significance of discomfort as a guiding force. The discussion includes practical tools to celebrate progress and reclaim personal power through intentional choices.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a professor of psychiatry and author of 'The Body Keeps the Score', discusses the deep impacts of trauma on both mental and physical health. He differentiates trauma from stress and explains how traumatic experiences carve lasting imprints in our bodies. He advocates for body-oriented therapies, such as yoga, as essential tools for healing. The episode also highlights the significance of social support, emotional regulation, and movement in navigating the recovery journey.

Joanna Moncrieff, a leading figure in Critical and Social Psychiatry, dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding depression and antidepressants. She challenges the popular chemical imbalance theory, suggesting it lacks robust scientific backing. The discussion uncovers the minimal differences between antidepressants and placebos and critiques the subjective nature of depression diagnosis. Moncrieff also highlights the often-overlooked side effects of SSRIs, such as emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction, urging a more nuanced understanding of mental health treatments.

Dr. William Li, an internationally renowned physician and bestselling author, dives into the fascinating connection between food and body health. He reveals how certain foods can activate and protect stem cells, enhancing your body's natural healing abilities. The conversation also highlights the importance of choosing high-quality ingredients, like cacao and olive oil, for optimal health. Additionally, Li discusses how polyphenols in tea and coffee can promote heart and vascular health, advocating for small dietary changes that lead to greater longevity.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Alok Kanojia, a psychiatrist known as Dr K and co-founder of Healthy Gamer, dives into mental health challenges facing the modern world. He discusses the surprising dangers of comfort and how discomfort can drive personal growth. Alok explores the effects of technology on our attention and emotional regulation, stressing the importance of tailored meditation techniques. He also offers insights on the true meaning of happiness and how understanding the distinction between the brain and mind can reshape our approach to mental illness.

Vanessa Van Edwards, a body language expert and author known for her journey from awkwardness to charisma, shares fascinating insights on nonverbal communication. She highlights how small cues like smiles and posture can drastically alter perceptions. Vanessa encourages listeners to discover their unique style of confidence while debunking the myth that confidence is solely for extroverts. She discusses the significant impact of body language on emotions and relationships, offering practical tips to enhance charisma and authentic connections.

Lawrence van Lingen, an expert in biomechanics and human performance, returns to discuss how our movement patterns influence overall well-being. He highlights the healing benefits of backward walking, advocating for mindful movement instead of competitive metrics. Lawrence emphasizes listening to our bodies to avoid the risks of ignoring pain and shares insights on nurturing joy in physical activity. He also introduces breathing techniques for stress relief and explores the impact of modern lifestyles on natural movement, showcasing actionable steps to enhance health.

In this engaging talk, Alain de Botton, an internationally renowned philosopher and founder of The School of Life, explores the concept of 'cheerful pessimism.' He argues that accepting a melancholic outlook can lead to greater fulfillment in a world obsessed with relentless happiness. Alain discusses how status anxiety shapes modern identities, and how small joys—like nature, pets, and children—can offer comfort amidst societal pressures. He emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfections and finding genuine meaning alongside life's struggles.