
The Mark Groves Podcast
The Mark Groves Podcast is for heart-led humans eager to expand perspectives, explore HARD truths, and break old patterns while cultivating deeper, more honest connections with self, our relationships, community, and the world. Tune in twice a week for powerful guest interviews and solo episodes that deliver real talk, fresh insights, and practical tools to transform (y)our relationships — because relationships are how we truly connect — and supercharge (y)our personal growth.
Latest episodes

Jan 12, 2023 • 1h 9min
#255: How to Raise Independent Kids with Lenore Skenazy
Themes: Parenting, Safetyism, Fragility, Resilience, Childhood Independence, Autonomy, Technology
Summary:
After her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” Nice. She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement. (Second Edition just out!) She has been profiled in The New Yorker and lectured everywhere, from DreamWorks to Microsoft HQ to schools across America. On TV, you may have seen her on The Today Show, The Daily Show or her own reality show, World’s Worst Mom. Now Lenore is co-founder and president of Let Grow, the national nonprofit promoting childhood independence.
I was struck by Lenore’s story, and as I step into fatherhood this year, I knew I had to have her on the podcast. Tune in to learn how parenting has changed over the past few decades, why safety has become a top priority for parents nowadays, and how unsupervised play and letting go a little are key in raising resilient, confident and independent children.
Discover:
Why Lenore let her nine-year-old son ride the subway alone in NYC
Why the degree of independence and autonomy parents give their kids has changed drastically over the past couple of decades
Safetyism: what it is and how it contributes to fragility in our kids
The massive benefits of unsupervised play & tech-free play
Why tracking your kids erodes trust and can actually cause more harm than good
How to overcome parental anxiety
00:00 Intro
00:31 Parenting then vs. now
03:00 Letting her son ride the subway alone
06:43 Why are we so afraid for our kids?
10:52 The problem with prioritizing safety
24:09 Tech-free play
37:23 Why keeping kids safe has become a top priority
44:00 Is tracking your kids worth it?
51:21 How to overcome parental anxiety
Links:
Website | letgrow.org
Book | Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow
Twitter | @freerangekids
Facebook | Raising Independent Kids
The Coddling of the American Mind
Sponsors:
Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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Jan 9, 2023 • 55min
#254: Love, Forgiveness and Healing with Danielle LaPorte
Themes: Virtuosity, Self-Love, Self-Awareness, Virtue Signaling, Cancel Culture, Transformation, Boundaries, Forgiveness, Narcissism
Summary:
Back for the second time is my good friend, Danielle Laporte. Danielle is an author, speaker, podcaster and a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100, a group who, in Oprah Winfrey’s words, “is uniquely connecting the world together with a spiritual energy that matters.” In this episode, Danielle and I chat about allll the things, including true, embodied virtuosity, virtue signaling, cancel culture, boundaries, narcissism and how to be loving in a world that’s waking up.
Danielle is the author of The Fire Starter Sessions, The Desire Map, White Hot Truth, and producer of dozens of meditation kits and online programs for spiritual support. Her most recent book, How To Be Loving…when your heart is breaking open and the world is waking up, is also an Audiobook + ebook, with a companion deck and journal. Danielle is the creator of the Heart Centered Membership and the Heart Centered Leadership Program with 400+ leaders in 30 countries hosting conversation circles, retreats, and workshops in all kinds of communities and businesses.
Her podcast, With Love, Danielle, often ranks in iTunes’ top 10 for wellness. Most of her offerings—from the Heart Centered Membership to her online classes—are on a pay what you choose basis. Named one of the Top 100 Websites for Women by Forbes, millions of people a month visit DanielleLaPorte.com.
Discover:
Having reverence for your shadow and the parts of yourself you dislike
Our thoughts on virtue signaling and what it truly means to be virtuous
The absurdity of cancel culture
A theory on why there’s tyranny and evil in the world
Setting boundaries from a loving and healed place
Forgiving yourself and others (even if you feel like they’re unforgivable)
Things to reflect on if you’ve been with a narcissist
00:00 Intro
03:45 The turning point in Danielle’s work
07:51 Loving what you hate about yourself
11:52 Psychological virtue
15:04 Virtue signaling
22:08 Cancel culture
27:07 Theory about tyranny
31:57 How To Be Loving
37:59 Boundaries
43:18 Forgiving the unforgivable
46:27 Narcissism
48:28 Overidentification
51:22 Becoming radiant
Links:
Website | daniellelaporte.com
Instagram | @daniellelaporte
Book | How To Be Loving... when your heart is breaking open and the world is waking up
Podcast | With Love, Danielle
Sponsors:
LMNT | LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that replaces vital electrolytes without sugars and dodgy ingredients found in conventional sports drinks. Get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/createthelove
Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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Jan 2, 2023 • 55min
#253: Food for a Better Mood with Dr. Will Cole
Themes: Health, Relationships, Boundaries, Mental Health, Nutrition, Gut-Brain Axis
Summary:
Is there a connection between the foods we eat and how we feel? How does the quality of our relationships and our boundaries (or lack thereof) impact our gut health? Does trauma affect the microbiome? In this episode, I’m chatting with leading functional-medicine expert Dr. Will Cole to explore the connection between our relationships, the food we eat, and our overall mental and physical health.
Dr. Cole consults people around the globe and started one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world over a decade ago. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, he specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. Dr. Will is also the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and was the co-host of Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand goop's first spinoff podcast, the goopfellas podcast. He is the bestselling author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and the New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting. His upcoming book, Gut Feelings, will hit shelves in March 2023.
Discover:
How our relationships influence our physical health
The gut-brain axis and how the foods we eat impact our mental health
How trauma affects gut health
Why we’re seeing an explosion of mental health issues and autoimmune diseases right now
Four inflammatory foods to avoid for optimal health (plus what to eat more of)
One thing to cut out of your diet if you want to move the needle
00:00 Intro
00:24 How do our relationships impact our health?
02:26 Boundaries are medicine
04:10 The gut-brain axis
07:14 The food & mood connection
09:08 Taking inventory in all areas of our lives
12:37 How trauma impacts the gut
17:06 The explosion of mental health issues and autoimmune diseases
18:52 The parallels between our internal and external world
21:45 Glyphosate
23:17 Effecting change as consumers
33:25 The four core inflammatory foods
35:23 What to eat more of
36:12 The problem with seed oils
38:37 The truth about fat & cholesterol
46:33 Healthy fats
49:19 Cut this food out to move the needle
Links:
Website | drwillcole.com
Instagram | @drwillcole
Podcast | The Art of Being Well with Dr. Will Cole
Book | Gut Feelings by Dr. Will Cole
Sponsors:
Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off sitewide at organifi.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

Dec 26, 2022 • 1h 10min
#252: New Beginnings with Kylie McBeath
Themes: Alignment, Codependency, Family Dynamics, Gender Roles, Transitions, Trust
Summary:
For the last episode of the year 2022, Kylie and I are here to share an exciting milestone in our lives. We are so excited for what’s to come and to finally share this part of our journey with you. Big love and happy holidays to you and yours!
Discover:
What it means to live in alignment
Trusting your choices and inner knowing
Mature love and how to recognize it
A special announcement from Kylie and me!
Our thoughts on the provider role and societal expectations
00:00 Intro
01:10 The past two years
02:33 Making hard decisions
08:02 Alignment
11:40 Returning to the soul
13:36 Contrast is a beautiful teacher
15:12 Trusting your choices
18:52 Love and grief
22:25 Mature love
26:45 Community support
27:58 A special announcement
34:49 Stewarding a new life
44:31 Biggest fears
47:07 Shift in family dynamics
49:40 The role of the provider
1:00:53 Feeling safe and assured
1:03:33 Creating space for both sides of the experience
1:07:25 Raising and growing your consciousness
Links:
Join me on Mine’d!
Sign up for my newsletter here
Watch this episode on Youtube
Instagram | @createthelove & @beingisbeautiful
Facebook | @createthelove
Sponsors:
LMNT | Get a FREE LMNT sample pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/createthelove
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

Dec 22, 2022 • 1h 6min
#251: Body, Mind, and Soul Alignment with Bobbi Vogel
Themes: Etheric Medicine, Health, Spirituality, Clairvoyance, Purpose
Summary:
Bobbi Vogel is the founder of the Center for Etheric Medicine. She is a spirit taught clairvoyant healer, medical intuitive and medium to the soul, mind and body. She ascertains what is out of alignment creating vibrational dis-ease in the etheric body, both before and after it duplicates as a physical body illness. Light, intention and reverence are the tools used as an architect of vibrational anatomy. She brings into alignment the soul, mind and body to create the environment for intrinsic healing and release.
Bobbi teaches that we must have compassion for our humanity as we consciously collaborate with our soul on the journey to health and healing. It all begins with faith. She currently collaborates with doctors as this is the now of medicine.
Discover:
How the etheric body differs from our physical body
Bobbi’s thoughts on why anxiety and depression manifest
The soul’s journey, why we’re here and the purpose of our wounds
How disease relates to false beliefs and emotional wounds and why healing on a soul level is essential for physical recovery
Why you don’t need to “find” your purpose
00:00 Intro
01:54 What is etheric medicine?
08:45 We are disconnected from the truth of who we are
15:05 Power of victimization
17:02 Purpose
21:20 The soul’s journey
29:02 Not being connected with your etheric self
32:33 Inflammation translates to density
43:32 The first step to healing
54:57 Vibrational medicine
58:34 Download about the broken heart
Links:
Website | ethericmedicine.com
Instagram | @ethericmedicine.bobbi
Youtube | @bobbivogel
Sponsors:
Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off your next order at organifi.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

Dec 20, 2022 • 28min
#250: The Magic of Uncertainty — Solo Episode
Themes: Uncertainty, Trust, Transformation, Alignment, Surrender
Summary:
I truly believe life always works out — even when it feels like nothing is going to plan. But this idea, of course, can be a challenging one to accept. It’s so hard for us to see the magic of what’s unfolding and trust the timing of the universe when we’re still in love with a previous story of what could have been. Imprisoned by the idea of how things were supposed to work out. We so often get stuck in the moment we were wishing for that we don’t allow the beauty of this moment to unfold.
Join me in the special solo episode as I expand on what it means to trust life’s timing, embrace the uncertainty and walk the path as it appears.
Discover:
The magic in embracing the way things are instead of forcing outcomes
Why we get stuck in frustrating patterns, and what holds us back from creating the life and relationships we desire
The profound benefits of understanding your triggers, learning from past wounds and integrating that knowledge
How the universe conspires to make your dreams come true when you’re brave enough to trust your intuition and leap into the unknown
Why you can’t rush the knowing and gotta embrace uncertainty
00:00 Intro
01:20 Life update
03:07 When things don’t work out
05:10 Protective mechanisms
07:14 Growing from your triggers
09:32 Leap, and the universe will catch you
19:00 Stepping into your fullest self-expression
22:45 You’re the one who designs your life
25:16 You’re always in the perfect place
Links:
Join me on Mine’d!
Sign up for my newsletter here
Watch this episode on Youtube
Instagram | @createthelove
Facebook | @createthelove
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

Dec 12, 2022 • 1h 12min
#249: What Kids Really Need with Donovan Taylor Hall
Themes: Children, Child Education, Mental Health, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Growth Mindset
Summary:
Today’s guest, Donovan Taylor Hall, is the teacher I think we all wished we had growing up.
Dubbed the ‘Modern Day Mr. Rogers,’ Donovan is a youth advocate and educator on a mission to teach children how to build positive self-identity, self-worth and determination. His work aims to help kids of all ages create a solid relationship with themselves and learn the skills they need to take care of themselves both mentally and emotionally. Slow. Clap.
Donovan has been featured on the Today Show, NowThis and several podcasts for his important work in positive youth development. Although his work started with kids, he has recently shifted into helping adults take care of themselves as well, using the same skills and inner child work. Join us as we discuss Donovan’s story, the current education system, how it’s affecting kids' mental well-being, and the value of an alternative system that focuses more on emotional, relational and mental health.
Discover:
How Donovan’s personal mental health struggles inspired him to work with kids
Why teaching kids about their inherent self-worth is so important
The reality of putting too many expectations and too much pressure on kids
How the current education system is affecting kids' mental health
How Donovan uses Twitch to connect with and teach important skills to his students
The moment that made him leave the classroom, what made him come back, and the importance of self-love
00:00 Intro
00:23 Being the modern-day Mr. Rogers
02:03 Passion for teaching kids
06:12 Self-worth is inherent
12:18 Putting expectations on kids
15:20 The main struggles middle schoolers face today
31:09 Creating a safe space for kids
43:10 Rethinking the education system
48:03 Meeting kids where they’re at
53:14 Leaving the classroom
1:00:12 Creating content & performative social media
1:09:48 Future plans
Links:
Website | donovantaylorhall.com
Twitch | twitch.tv/donofriend
Instagram | @donofriend
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
Sponsors:
Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com
LMNT | Get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.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

Dec 8, 2022 • 45min
#248: The Problem with Toxic Positivity with Whitney Goodman
Themes: Toxic Positivity, Social Media, Authenticity, Parenting, Mental Health
Summary:
Meet Whitney Goodman, LMFT — a radically honest psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account @sitwithwhit, author, and the owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, a virtual therapy practice in Florida. Whitney's debut book, Toxic Positivity: Keeping it Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy, shows readers how to shift the goal from being happy to being authentic in order to live fully. In this episode, we discuss toxic positivity and how a “good vibes only” mentality, while good-intentioned, can actually backfire when we’re denying and dismissing the hardships of life.
Discover:
What the term toxic positivity means, and why constantly striving to maintain a positive outlook isn’t actually helpful or realistic when it comes to mental health
How social media perpetuates toxic positivity and shame through an absence of realness
How to avoid the anxiety and comparison that comes with the constant positivity on social media
Why keeping it real and not forcing positivity leads to deeper, more sincere connections
The best way you can show up for someone who’s going through a hard time
00:00 Intro
01:01 Toxic positivity
02:51 Cultural gaslighting
03:24 Gratitude, toxic positivity & the internet
04:47 History of toxic positivity
08:06 The absence of realness on social media
10:53 Social media boundaries
12:59 The cultural shift beyond constant positivity
15:00 The effects of toxic positivity on connection
21:14 Connection between cancel culture and toxic positivity
24:18 Toxic positivity in relationships
28:01 Stop trying to save people
31:51 Relationships with parents
37:00 Gender roles in parenting
38:42 Life without a smartphone and the internet
41:42 Living in alignment with your values
Links:
Website | sitwithwhit.com
Book | Toxic Positivity
Instagram | @sitwithwhit
Sponsors:
Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off your next order at organifi.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

13 snips
Dec 5, 2022 • 58min
#247: How to Create a Lasting, Healthy Relationship with Dr. Stan Tatkin
Themes: Relationships, Attachment Theory, Conflict, Interdependency
Summary:
Today I’m honoured to be joined by Stan Tatkin: PsyD, MFT, clinician, author, researcher, co-founder of the PACT Institute and all-around relational ninja. Stan’s ability to help couples navigate the often tricky waters of relationships is truly unparalleled, and in this episode, you’ll understand why. Join us as we discuss attachment theory, the leading causes of breakups and, ultimately, how to co-create a thriving, lasting relationship.
Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author of We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship Rx, Wired for Dating, What Every Therapist Ought to Know, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships, and the upcoming, In Each Other’s Care.
Discover:
Why we choose the partners we do, and why we default to certain behaviors while in a relationship
Two main reasons relationships don’t last
The non-negotiable habits of couples in strong, healthy relationships
The mindset shift couples need to make for their relationship to survive and thrive
00:00 Intro
01:10 Stan’s background
02:57 Why we choose who we choose
10:30 Two main reasons relationships don’t last
18:02 Attachment theory & why we stay
23:24 Interdependency
26:29 Purpose-centered love
34:42 Creating a relationship that survives and thrives
41:32 Relationships are a team sport
48:16 Prioritizing repair
54:10 Avoid working on each other; only the problem
Links:
Website | thepactinstitute.com
Instagram | @drstantatkin
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

Nov 28, 2022 • 60min
#246: Healing the Political Divide with Marianne Williamson
Themes: Politics, Spirituality, Health, Transformation, Self-Love, Unity
Summary:
Join me for a thought-provoking discussion with bestselling author, political activist and spiritual thought leader, Marianne Williamson. For more than three decades, Marianne has been a leader in spiritual and religiously progressive circles. She is the author of 14 books, four of which have been #1 New York Times best sellers, and ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020. In this episode we discuss self-love, spirituality and our best shot at healing the divide we are experiencing in society right now.
Discover:
How love and healing our own shadows first can help heal the political divide we are experiencing now in the world
Non-violence political resistance and why it’s one of the most effective ways to spark political change
The best way to start your day if you want to be your best self, live in integrity and radiate positive energy (hint: it’s not scrolling the gram)
Taking control of how you show up in the world through a commitment to spiritual exercises and rituals
Why mindfulness and meditation are crucial for effecting social change
00:00 Intro
00:43 Healing the divide
03:59 The government is gaslighting the people
06:44 Looking at ourselves first
08:58 Non-violent politics
13:08 We are meant to collaborate
16:21 Social media, individualism and narcissism
20:43 Impulse control
22:41 Living a more integrous life
28:52 Do this first thing in the morning
35:46 God and religion
43:03 Being committed to difference
46:42 Why are we scared of unity?
49:29 The urgent invitation to awakening
53:41 You don’t need the majority
55:48 The purpose of relationships
Links:
Website | marianne.com
Twitter | @marwilliamson
Instagram | @mariannewilliamson
Substack | mariannewilliamson.substack.com
Sponsors:
LMNT | LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that replaces vital electrolytes without sugars and dodgy ingredients found in conventional sports drinks. Get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/createthelove
Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off your next order at organifi.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
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