The Mark Groves Podcast

Themes: Love, Relationships, Death, Truth, Alignment, Awakening, Connection, Healing, Authenticity, Boundaries, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Transformation Summary:  In this special 300th solo episode, I share a profound realization about love and self-discovery that I recently had when listening to a lecture from Ram Dass. It's all about how we “fall in love with the method” – external triggers that make us feel alive and vibrant. But here's the thing: those methods only awaken something already within us. Join me as we explore the transformative power of choosing ourselves and embracing all of the painful and messy parts of our journeys. Come stand in possibility with me, and make this the moment that everything changes for you. Discover: Why we fall in love with “the method” and why it often takes us away from experiencing depth The importance of facing your pain instead of running from it The power of choice: choosing to fall in love with yourself rather than the method 00:00 Intro  00:23 Falling in love with the method 03:06 Relationship to death 05:11 Removing what’s not you 08:35 Unconditional love is not equal to unconditional tolerance 10:10 Find the methods that bring you alive 12:19 Your choices will impact how you feel about yourself Links: Create The Love Newsletter: https://mark-groves.mykajabi.com/newsletter Mark Groves Substack: https://markgroves.substack.com Create The Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createthelove @createthelove Mark’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmarkgroves @itsmarkgroves Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthelove @createthelove 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/cardsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Themes: Friendship, Love, Attachment, Vulnerability, Platonic Relationships, Intimacy, Connections, Culture, Society, Belonging Today I welcome an enlightening psychologist, international speaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Marisa G. Franco! She is known for digesting and communicating science in ways that resonate deeply enough with people to change their lives. She works as a professor at The University of Maryland and authored the New York Times bestseller Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends. She writes about friendship for Psychology Today and has been a featured connection expert for major publications like The New York Times, The Telegraph, and Vice.  In this episode, we dive into friendship and attachment, the very real challenges we all experience around friendships and why we might be experiencing them, PLUS pro tips on how to initiate new friendships as an adult and keep them intimate, nourishing, and lasting. Discover: Why we devalue friendships and only focus on connection through romantic relationships Friendships with attachment theory applied and how it can help us be better friends How men and women approach relationships differently and the stigmas that need to be broken around that How to make and keep friends 00:00 Intro  01:19 Why do we devalue friendships? 03:46 Friendships and attachment styles 10:17 Friendships and conflict 12:40 Friends helped us to grow 17:35 Friendships between men and women 22:40 Male and female group behavior  24:34 Are we in a masculine-friendly culture? 26:53 Friendships and attractions 29:58 The fear of vulnerability 33:24 Skills you need to make and keep friends 36:20 Building connections and initiating friendships 44:56 How to maintain relationships Links: Dr. Franco’s Book: Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and—Keep Friends: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676695/platonic-by-marisa-g-franco-phd/ Instagram: @DrMarisaGFranco - https://www.instagram.com/drmarisagfranco Website: http://www.DrMarisaGFranco.com Sponsors: Manna Vitality | Use code Mark20 for 20% off at mannavitality.com Primally Pure | Use code MARKGROVES for 15% off sitewide at primallypure.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cardsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Themes: Parenting, Fatherhood, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Relationships, Truth, Human Behavior, Cancel Culture, Acceptance Summary:  It’s been a little while since I came on and did a life update, so in this solo episode I share some recent big life changes or initiations for me and Kylie. Marriage and parenthood have taken center stage, leading me on a profound journey of growth and self-discovery. So tune in and explore the magic of life and the transformative power of relationships with me.  Discover: Our spontaneous Sedona wedding and the profound birth of our baby boy, Jasper The joys and challenges of early parenthood and discovering the wonders of fatherhood The power of authentic connections and evolving dynamics of love and partnership The beauty of life's precious moments and the transformative journey of self-discovery 00:00 Intro  00:59 Getting married in Sedona 03:23 Restoring the sacred in birth 08:20 Becoming a father 12:52 Support during pregnancy and childbirth 16:22 Psychological safety in workplaces and relationships 22:21 The best part about being a father 24:17 Observing, healing, and speaking out Links: Create The Love Newsletter: https://mark-groves.mykajabi.com/newsletter Mark Groves Substack: https://markgroves.substack.com Create The Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createthelove @createthelove Mark’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmarkgroves @itsmarkgroves Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthelove @createthelove 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/cardsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Themes: Finding Yourself, Grief, Healing, Relationships, Mentors, Friendship, Connection, Transformation, Mental Health, Narcissism, Codependency Summary:  Today, I welcome back a returning guest and good friend, Jayson Gaddis! He is an artist, author, podcaster, speaker, executive coach, CEO, founder, human behavior specialist, and relationship expert. He is the creator of Interpersonal Intelligence® and Present Centered Relationship Coaching® and has trained over 200 coaches in 11 countries. His book Getting to Zero: How to Work Through Conflict In Your High Stakes Relationships was voted Editors Choice, Best Non-fiction, and Best Leadership and Business Book in 2021 on Amazon.  In this episode, we talk about the powerful journey of awakening to the soul’s desire to be in right relationship with self. We both share personal experiences on how we found our guides or mentors, and what motivated us to continue seeking transformation. Jayson also dives into the challenges of being in a relationship with a person exhibiting covert narcissism, the importance of valuing oneself and setting boundaries, the role of community and supportive relationships in personal transformation, and the significance of confronting shame and engaging in grief work.  Discover: Going on a journey to finding yourself – finding a mentor and the motivation to go through a transformation Becoming comfortable with change and accepting the hard truths about ourselves The importance of being alignment with your core values and the transformative power of accountability and purposeful living Exploring the complexities of covert narcissism and other personality disorders in relationships 00:00 Intro  00:47 Journey to yourself 04:10 The pain of grace 06:01 The first step to finding yourself 10:42 How to find the right teacher or guide? 20:52 The feeling when you “feel seen” 24:45 Discovering what truly matters 27:10 Becoming the witness of transformation 31:49 Learning to embrace the hard truths 36:37 How to orient yourself to change 39:27 Relationship complexities with personality disorder 43:09 Recovery from covert narcissism 46:29 Grief as a gateway 51:49 Become a Helper   Links: Certified Relationship Coach Training (RCT): https://relationshipschool.com/rct  IG: https://www.instagram.com/jaysongaddis/ @jaysongaddis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therelationshipschool @therelationshipschool Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayGaddis @JayGaddis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysongaddis/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JaysonGaddis   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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Themes: Parenting, Emotional Intelligence, Technology, Mental Health, Connection, Education, School, Authenticity, Belonging Summary:  Today I’m excited to welcome Lael Stone to the show for eye-opening episode about children and parenting! Lael Stone is an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother, and parenting counsellor who has been working with families for over 20 years. She is the co-creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative new school based on emotional well-being and connection. Lael is the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast and a sought-after public speaker who talks candidly about her experiences and her great passion; creating wellness in families through connection and communication.  Join me in this fascinating conversation where Lael teaches us about how to raise emotionally intelligent children, the importance of modelling properly dealing with our emotions as regulation tools, and how connection (or lack of) can impact a child’s development. There are so many gems in this convo, so if you’re a parent or thinking of becoming one, this episode is for you!   Discover: Emotional modeling and teaching kids how to understand and manage their emotions Impact of technology on child development and the importance of having more non-screen play and nature connection  How to identify when your child needs more time to connect with you 00:00 Intro  01:19 How do we raise emotionally intelligent children? 05:25 Meeting your personal needs AND your child’s needs 15:55 Emotional modeling  28:59 Enmeshment in parenting 36:30 Importance of supportive systems and village 38:46 Impact of technology on child development 50:39 Effect of the lack of play or time in nature on children 51:59 Children’s education and emotional safety   Links: Website: http://www.laelstone.com.au/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laelstone/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laelstone/  Woodline Primary: https://www.woodlineprimary.com.au/  About Birth: https://www.aboutbirth.com.au/  Tedx Talk: How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids: https://ideas.ted.com/how-to-raise-emotionally-intelligent-kids/  Book: Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children: https://www.amazon.com.au/Raising-Resilient-Compassionate-Children-Understanding/dp/0645551562  Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Primally Pure | Use code MARKGROVES for 15% off sidewide at primallypure.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/GROVESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands