The Mark Groves Podcast

Themes: Nature, Culture, Initiation, Life’s Challenges, Loss, Grief, Death, Individualism, Community, Technology, Transformation, Authenticity, Belonging, Spirituality Summary:  Today I welcome back returning guest Francis Weller, MFT, a psychotherapist, writer, and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. For 40 years, Francis has worked as a psychotherapist and developed a style he calls soul-centered psychotherapy. As a gifted therapist and teacher, he has been described as a jazz artist, improvising, and moving fluidly in and out of deep emotional territories with groups and individuals, bringing imagination and attention to places often held with judgment and shame. In this episode, Francis teaches us about initiations—what they are, why they are important for finding our place in this world, and the power they hold in ushering in personal growth and cultural belonging. We also jam about the importance of returning to nature, how disconnected and individualistic we are, and the soul’s relationship with grief. Francis has had a profound impact on me over the last three years, and I’m so excited to share this episode with you so that you can experience a deeper relationship with yourself and the world around you. Dive in! Discover: What initiation is and its role in personal growth and cultural/planetary belonging Rebuilding our lost relationship with nature The power of grief and how to move through it The impact of technology on our soulful connection with the world 00:00 Intro  01:22 Initiation as a path to personal growth and cultural belonging 04:21 The impact of individualism 08:23 The grief for our loss of intimacy with nature 11:38 What is an Initiation? 14:27 Accepting and moving through initiation 20:07 Relationship between grief and initiation 24:09 The loss of your soul  28:05 Returning back to the community 30:30 Impact of technology in our world 37:09 Rough initiation 44:59 Finding a place of belonging 48:34 Being disassociated from our own attention 52:13 Befriend your own life 55:19 A journey of transformation Links: Website:  www.francisweller.net The Alchemy of Initiation: Soul Work and the Art of Ripening Audio Recordings: https://www.francisweller.net/the-alchemy-of-initiation-a-five-week-series.html Sponsors:  Manna Vitality | Use code Mark20 for 20% off at mannavitality.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Repeating Patterns, Trauma, Mental Health, Somatic Therapy, Chaos, Addiction, Healing, Detox, Religion, Spirituality, Truth, Acceptance, Authenticity, Belonging, Transformation Summary:  Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Britt Frank! Britt is a licensed psychotherapist and trauma expert who is trained in IFS (Internal Family Systems) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). In addition to her private practice, Britt is also a speaker and an award-winning adjunct instructor at the University of Kansas, where she’s taught classes on ethics, addiction, and clinical social work.  In this episode, Britt opens up about her own journey through addiction, how she was finally able to address and accept her challenging childhood, and how she got “unstuck” from it all—coining the term “the science of getting unstuck.” Join us as we explore the reasoning behind our repeating patterns and how we can boldly address the truths on the other side of them to help ourselves get unstuck, love ourselves fully, and live in the present moment. Discover: The science behind the concept of being stuck and how to get unstuck How we can accept the truth about our past and use it as a stepping stone to being more present today The power of a “micro-yes” How to become a responsible adult and commit to your truth 00:00 Intro  00:32 The Science of Stuck 02:42 Why do we think we don’t have a choice? 04:50 Stop being the nice guy 07:07 Understanding the pathology of our behavior 09:31 Somatic therapy vs. psychotherapy 12:39 It’s me, I’m the problem! 14:24 How do we get unstuck? 16:52 The power of a ‘micro-yes’ 19:40 Learn to tolerate the chaos 25:25 Joining a cult 29:59 What influences people to get addicted? 32:13 Let go of your past  35:31 When truth comes forward 39:09 Acceptance without understanding won’t work 42:59 Don’t gaslight yourself out of trauma 45:28 Becoming a responsible adult 47:15 Come up with a survival plan 49:51 Detox and withdrawal 54:36 Live in the present moment 56:03 Spiritual aspect of psychology 59:32 Commit to your truth Links: Book: www.scienceofstuck.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittfrank Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at http://www.curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at http://createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Midlife Crisis, Grief, Anxiety, Parenting, Mental Health, Marriage, Death, Loss, Pain, Coping, Healing, Authenticity, Spirituality, Transformation, Purpose Summary:  Today I welcome Kelsey Chittick to the show, writer, comedian, and inspirational speaker. Over the past 14 years, she has performed stand-up comedy all over Los Angeles and speaks at events around the country. She is the author of the best seller “Second Half - Surviving Loss and Finding Magic in the Missing,” about the sudden death of her husband, an NFL Superbowl Champion, and her journey back to herself and finding joy. She is the host of Mom’s Don’t Have Time to Grieve Podcast, which explores the beautiful and hard ways we walk through Grief. Kelsey is also the co-host of “SexTox with Tracey and Kelsey” which explores sex and relationships with humor and honesty.   Join us today as we chat about navigating grief and healing after a devastating loss. Kelsey opens up about the loss of her husband, how she found the strength to move forward, and what keeps her motivated to live life to the fullest. This is an episode you don't want to miss, as we explore the raw emotions, inspiring insights, and the power of embracing life after loss.  Discover: How to effectively handle and navigate through life's unexpected curveballs The topic of grief and strategies to swim through its overwhelming waves, finding ways to be present and heal along the journey How we can overcome fear of death, embrace life and make the most of each day Why avoiding or numbing painful emotions can hinder the healing process and the importance of fully experiencing grief to facilitate healing and growth 00:00 Intro  00:54 Unexpected events in our lives 08:00 Meeting an angel when you’re in great pain 10:12 Navigating the ocean of grief 12:04 Embracing the healing process of loss 14:30 Finding strength in memories and moving forward 18:21 Connection between laughter and pain 20:53 Is crying good for you? 25:11 Fear of death 28:05 Living in the moment 32:53 Experiences that unleash the power within you 35:26 Alcohol as a coping mechanism 39:10 Being a friend to someone who is grieving 41:37 Three M’s to do when you’re experiencing grief 45:09 What’s now? Links: Website: https://kelseychittick.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseydchittick/?hl=en Book: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Half-Surviving-Finding-Missing/dp/1951407490?ref_=ast_author_dp Sponsors: Manna Vitality | Use code Mark20 for 20% off! Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Gender Identity, LGBTQ, School, Parenting, Gender Transitioning, Transphobia, Transgender, Gender Dysphoria, Mental Health, Tough Conversations, Authenticity, Belonging Summary:  Today I welcome Julia Malott to the show! Julia is a transgender woman from Toronto, Canada and creator of Alotta Thoughts: Quick Take Videos exploring nuanced conversations about our identity political divide. Julia is concerned that our recent politics surrounding gender identity and ideology have become increasingly divisive, and she's determined to bridge this gap. Through thoughtful conversation with individuals from all political perspectives, Julia seeks to cut through the noise and have productive conversations across the ideological spectrum to demonstrate that we are not nearly as divided as we might have thought. Join us today as we consciously dialogue about things that most people are afraid to talk about: gender identity especially in terms of being taught to young children, the parent-school divide, transphobia and hate, pronouns, and transitioning. Julia opens up about her personal story on how she navigated the shame around her identity, how she overcome her victim mentality, and the hate she experienced during her transition. She also shares how parents can better understand their kids who may be questioning their gender, build a supportive and safe relationship, and guide them through their experience in a safe and mindful way. This is a conversation you surely wouldn’t want to miss!  Discover: The importance of having discussions about gender identity, gender dysphoria, and transitioning Navigating and overcoming transphobia and hatred while embarking on the journey of transition Understanding Puberty Blockers, what they are and how they affect young individuals How parents can better understand their children who may be questioning their gender 00:00 Intro  01:36 Why do we need to have these conversations? 06:35 The Parent-School Divide 11:09 Teaching young kids about gender identity 17:27 Providing gender-affirming care 21:59 Finding joy in the transition 25:57 Victim mentality in the journey of transition 29:38 Transphobia and hate 35:46 Transgender inclusion in sports 42:15 Learning and understanding pronouns 47:41 Letting go of external validation 49:03 Overcoming shame and narcissism 54:32 Why girls can be masculine but boys can't be feminine 1:00:10 What are Puberty Blockers? 1:05:10 Parenting with transitioning kids 1:08:19 Gender identity is not everything Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlottaMalotta YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd3Rbb9vPPu44G2Zxd8FbLA Website: www.alottamalotta.com Sponsors: Cymbiotika | Use code GROVES at checkout for 15% off your first purchase at cymbiotika.com (Save up to 45% off when you buy a bundle!) Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Awakening, Purpose, Meditation, Relationship, Parenting, Grief, Alignment, Intuition, Self-Love Summary:  Today I’m welcoming Maryam Hasnaa to the show who is an intuitive, a channel, an energy healer and a lover of all things that create a feeling of being connected to something bigger than ourselves. Maryam uses her own highly sensitive gifts to remind other beings of the energetic nature of this universe and teach the importance of living in alignment with one’s intuition and most authentic self.  Tune in to learn about spiritual awakenings and how we receive invitations to higher our vibration or make adjustments to our path, whether it’s with our relationship with ourselves or in our relationships with others. If you’ve ever questioned whether it was a gut feeling or intuition, or if a breakup was meant to happen in order to change your life path, this episode is for you!   Discover: How you can awaken your purpose in life and unlock your inner wisdom Maryam’s near-death experience and how it triggered her spiritual awakening Relationships are a way for you to find your own awakening  The transformational effects of grief and how you can find awakening through it 00:00 Intro  00:32 New Earth Mystery School 04:21 Awakening to your purpose 10:35 Maryam’s near-death experience 17:33 Returning back to consciousness 21:50 Walk-ins and awakening 28:40 Relationships as vehicles of awakening 36:33 How your childhood affects your relationship 40:33 Awakening through grief 48:55 Stepping into the alignment of your soul Links: Bonus for listeners: Use code NEMSMG23 for $19.99 off one month of any of Maryam’s membership offerings Maryam’s NEW Course - The Subtle Art of Relationship Dynamics: https://www.maryamhasnaa.com/subtle-art-of-relationship-dynamics Website: https://www.maryamhasnaa.com  New Earth Mystery School: https://www.maryamhasnaa.com/new-earth-mystery-school  Resonance Apothecary: https://resonanceapothecary.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryamhasnaa   Sponsors: Manna Vitality | Use code Mark20 for 20% off at mannavitality.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Comfort, Discomfort, Mental Health, Technology, Parenting, Cancel Culture, Media, Journalism, Mortality, Belonging, Transformation, Purpose Summary:  Today I am jamming with the bestselling author of The Comfort Crisis, Michael Easter! As an author, professor, and adventurer, he writes and speaks about how humans can leverage modern science and evolutionary wisdom to perform better and live healthier and more meaningful lives.  Join us today as we jam about the surprising idea that our cozy, comfortable lives may be at the root of our major physical and mental health issues. Michael shares his powerful experiences from his adventure in Bhutan and the Alaskan Arctic, where he uncovers the power and benefit of sitting with discomfort and silence. Tune in to learn why you need discomfort and how to navigate it to help bring more happiness into your life! Discover: How and why should you disrupt your comfort and why staying too long in your comfort zone could affect your physical and mental health What the Japanese practice called Misogi is and why it’s so powerful The power of silence and how it affects your creativity How we can challenge the discomfort of boredom The process of hunting and how it will teach you to value life and mortality more 00:00 Intro  01:11 Why should you disrupt your comfort? 05:37 New generations and lack of discomfort 10:25 Misogi  18:53 Being alone 24:02 The power and influence of silence 30:30 Writing a book in a world full of distractions 33:18 Choosing discomfort vs comfort 35:59 Remerging with the cycles of the planet 41:11 The discomfort of boredom 46:26 Addictive technology 49:32 The process of hunting 54:24 Life and death 1:01:15 Younger generation taking responsibility  1:03:56 Cancel culture and freedom of speech 1:15:09 Are journalists left-wingers? 1:22:37 Psychological media manipulation  1:27:02 Differences in political views impacting relationships Links: The 2% Newsletter: https://unique-painter-9003.ck.page/441934d2f0 Website: http://eastermichael.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_easter/ The Comfort Crisis: https://easterm.square.site/product/TCCSigned/1?cs=true&cst=custom Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cymbiotika | Use code GROVES at checkout for 15% off your first purchase at cymbiotika.com. (Save up to 45% off when you buy a bundle!) Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Power of Mind, Brainpower, Meditation, Trauma, Mental Health, Technology, Beliefs, Health, Transformation, Biohacking, Neuropsychology Summary:  Today I am jamming with award-winning author, speaker, and the founder of BrainTap®, Dr. Patrick K. Porter! Dr. Porter pioneered the use of brainwave entrainment to improve clarity, sleep, and energy and remains at the forefront of scientific research. He founded BrainTap, offering over 1800 original audio sessions in 12 languages and serving a worldwide user base with its mobile app and headset.  Tune in to hear Dr. Porter unleash loads of fascinating information about the power our brains hold, and how we can use neuropsychology to change our emotions, reactions, nervous systems, bodies, brainwaves, and so much more - way beyond what we ever imagined our brains could do. If you want to feel more regulated, release your victim mentality, stop letting fear dictate your life, or just to better grip your emotions, this episode is for you! Discover: How our brains are wired for repetition and comfort and create our narratives and beliefs, plus how we can change that How you can rewrite your memory just by changing the way you perceive your past experiences  How the frequency of our environments dictate our energy and wellbeing What Brain Tap is and how it can help hack our mind’s potential and improve our health 00:00 Intro  00:54 What is Neuropsychology? 05:31 Our brain is making it all up 09:06 How to change a belief  15:09 How to rewrite and change your memory 24:53 Three phases to brain fitness 29:21 The frequency of your environment changes you 34:50 What is Brain Tap? 43:17 See past experiences as learned experiences 47:33 Psychoimmunology 48:57 What happens when you think of fear? 49:44 Confusion 50:21 Hacking the brain 55:22 Retinal flashing 1:00:26 Effect of music on your brain 1:03:45 Types of sessions with Brain Tap   Links: Brain Tap: https://braintap.com?afmc=DrPorter Dr. Patrick Porter: https://drpatrickporter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZZ2tOyICABoDsExUuz9n7A   Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Energetic Signatures, Health, Physics, Healing, Energy, Vitality, Radical Healing, Holistic Healing, Food, Spirituality, Transformation Summary:  Today I’m welcoming Dr. Beth McDougall to the show, who is an internationally recognized Integrative physician with a specialty in multifactorial degenerative disease. She is the founder of CLEAR Center and the co-founder and medical director of the cutting-edge, bio-optimization lab, JYZEN in Mill Valley, CA. Long known as a medical detective, Dr. McDougall excels at unraveling complex, multi-factorial conditions.  She is advancing a new medical paradigm, one at the intersection of medicine and contemporary physics, to transform the practice of medicine. Dr. Beth discusses the magical benefits of Manna Vitality - a combo of the highest quality minerals, amino acids, fulvic and humic acid, and nutrients gathered from both the Earth and the Sea. Listen in on this fascinating episode where we jam on health from an energetic point of view, and how physics and holistic medicine can unlock the secrets to radical healing. Discover: What are energetic signatures, and what could ours be? The effect of relationships, environment, and food on our body How we can hack aging and vitality The correlation between food and fertility 00:00 Intro  00:51 Intersection of Physics and Medicine 05:44 Discovering energetic healing 11:01 Discovering healing patterns beyond the physical approach 18:48 Energetic signatures in our lives 21:33 Impact of dysfunctional relationships on health 24:27 Why are people sicker than they’ve ever been? 26:26 Finding an antidote  28:32 Correlation of food stress on fertility & testosterone production 33:57 Remineralizing your body 37:29 Aging and vitality 44:28 Nature is the answer 48:36 Choose the life that you want 51:06 Effects of Manna Vitality 57:12 “We’re intersecting waves of energy…” 59:18 Journey to liberation   Links: Manna Vitality: https://mannavitality.com/ Manna Vitality Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannavitality/ Manna Vitality Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mannaelements Dr. Beth’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethmcdougallm.d.4704 Dr. Beth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethmcdougallmd/ Dr. Beth’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbethmcdougall Jyzen labs Website: https://jyzen.com/ Innovative Medicine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eW2p7SfVlU&list=PL5rXEjDCSV03yt440eVIm9wd41Ey_2gi3 The Pristine Blueprint - The Secret to Full Spectrum Vitality and Health on All Levels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvuYWXsZhyo&t=14s The Pristine Blueprint Book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Pristine-Blueprint-Longevity-Transforming/dp/B09PMH14GZ   Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Manna Vitality | Use code Mark20 for 20% off! Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Codependency, Addiction, Relationships, Boundaries, Technology, Social Media, Spirituality, Self- Love, Healing, Authenticity, Belonging, Transformation, Mental Health, Grief Summary:  Today I am jamming with self-help pioneer, Melody Beattie! Melody is the author of many bestselling books—including The Language of Letting Go, Playing It by Heart, The Grief Club, Beyond Codependency, and The Codependent No More Workbook. In 2009, Codependent No More was named one of the four essential self-help books of all time by Newsweek.  Melody Beattie’s compassionate and insightful look into codependency—the concept of losing oneself in the name of helping another—has guided millions toward the understanding that they are powerless to change anyone but themselves and that caring for the self is where healing begins. Join us today as we jam about the ins and outs of codependency in relationships, the challenges faced by those stuck in addictive or enabling cycles, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to break free.    Discover: Melody's incredible journey of overcoming codependency and how she turned her life around, finding freedom and happiness along the way What codependency actually means, and how people can unknowingly fall into its trap The importance of setting boundaries with technology and social media, and why connecting with real people is where it's at for our well-being Tips and tricks to break free from addictive and enabling cycles, empowering yourself to make positive changes and embark on a journey of personal growth and healing 00:00 Intro  00:33 The fine line between being human and a codependent 04:06 How writing ‘Codependent No More’ saved her life 12:31 The role of men and women in relationships 17:58 Healing the division 24:00 Choose your own circumstance 28:21 Boundaries for tech and social media 32:42 Unveiling collective codependency 38:02 Trauma reflecting in present-day anxiety 40:22 How to break free 46:38 Learn to love yourself unconditionally 49:26 There’s nothing human about technology   Links: Book: Codependent No More (2022 updated edition!) https://melodybeattie.com/books/codependent-no-stop-controlling-others-start-caring/ Website: https://melodybeattie.com/   Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at http://www.curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at http://createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Themes: Morning Routine, Personal Development, Habits, Adversity, Mental Health, Meditation, Affirmations, Curing Cancer, Authenticity, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Health, Transformation Summary:  Today I’m welcoming Hal Eldrod to the podcast! Hal is on a mission to elevate the consciousness of humanity, one morning at a time. He teaches about The Miracle Morning – his powerful method to transform your life by simply changing how you start your day. Tune in to hear all about Hal’s proven successful morning routine, how he used it to get out of depression and change his life, and how you can jump on the Miracle Morning train to change your life starting tomorrow morning! Discover: How to build the perfect morning routine that will elevate your life and health The two problems with affirmations and how can we manifest the life that we want the right way The connection between emotions and inflammation, and how if you do the work, you achieve total wellness 00:00 Intro  02:13 Mediocrity 04:26 The Miracle Morning origin 07:07 What’s your level of personal development? 10:50 Learn to get excited about waking up 16:51 Starting a morning routine 20:05 The problem with affirmations 27:44 Commitment in the face of fear 37:52 The correlation between emotion and inflammation 42:22 How do you become a morning person? 57:11 Every adversity is an opportunity 1:01:08 Transforming relationships with the Miracle Morning    Links: Movie: http://miraclemorningmovie.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B5RD8MK?ref_=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_tpbk&binding=paperback Speaking: https://halelrod.com/speaking/ Podcast: https://miraclemorning.com/category/podcast/ Community: http://miraclemorningcommunity.com/   Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy