The Mark Groves Podcast

Trigger Warning: This episode may be emotionally challenging and contains discussions of child trafficking and exploitation. Listener discretion is advised. Themes: Child & Human Trafficking, Child Exploitation, Pornography, Sex Education, Online Grooming Summary:  You probably know by now that I’m all about having difficult yet necessary conversations, and this episode with Tim Ballard is no exception. Tim is an anti-human trafficking activist, author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad. His work has both inspired me and made me feel incredibly naive about what goes on under our noses in most communities across the country and the world. Tim spent over a decade working as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, where he was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and was deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team. He has worked every type of case imaginable in the fight to dismantle child trafficking rings, both in the United States and in multiple foreign countries. He has successfully dismantled dozens of these organizations and rescued children from slavery and exploitation. While working for the government, Tim saw how much more needed to be done in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation across the world. In 2013, Tim and a team of former government operatives left the security of their careers to go about the work of rescuing children as a private foundation - Operation Underground Railroad. At O.U.R., Tim envisioned a team that could work in any jurisdiction and work with law enforcement to rescue children directly. That team exists today all over the world. Discover: The shocking number of human trafficking victims in the US each year and how much money this horrific industry is worth Real life stories and tactics of how children & teens are being lured into trafficking and being exploited right here in developed countries and good homes Why most people are afraid to take action or learn the truth about this industry The number one thing you can do to help protect children  The impacts of porn on the brain and how an over-sexualized society is a key factor in child exploitation and trafficking 00:00 Intro 01:46 The effects of the pandemic on child abuse 03:44 Child trafficking 12:38 Educational grooming 15:14 Sex education 20:00 Teenagers should be able to talk with professionals 24:43 How does human trafficking commonly happen? 31:16 Greatest challenge in fighting the issue 34:19 Not wanting to know the truth 37:21 How you can protect the children 38:43 Is it happening everywhere? 40:28 Impact of pornography Links: Website | ourrescue.org Facebook | @OURrescue Twitter | @ourrescue Instagram | @ourrescue          TikTok | @ourrescue Youtube | @ourrescue Documentary | Operation Toussaint Fight the New Drug | fightthenewdrug.org 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: Integrity, Truth, Alignment, Religion, Liberation, People Pleasing, Authority Summary:  It is my great honor to welcome Dr. Martha Beck, New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker to the podcast this week. Her newest book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and felt like a journey home for me — one of those books where I found myself yelling “EFF YES!” out loud while reading. You know the kind. Martha holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” She is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. In this episode we cover navigating the internal split when you’re out of alignment or integrity and the magic that awaits when you have the courage to walk your truth — away from your socialization and towards the call of your soul. Discover: Why choosing and being in harmony with yourself is the key to a joyful and meaningful life Staying true to yourself despite other people’s opinions and expectations Navigating the internal split when out of integrity and having the courage to answer the call of your soul Suffering as the key to liberation How flipping your negative thoughts can give you peace of mind 00:00 Intro 01:24 Journey to getting her integrity back 06:48 Gaining authority over your own life 08:34 Psychic experiences 14:31 Coming home to your truth 18:39 Meditation for liberation 21:24 Questioning systems 24:31 The internal split 29:06 Going back to your true self 33:01 Flipping your negative thoughts 35:48 Integrity is contagious 42:05 Following your internal compass 44:34 Fear is the greatest challenge 47:10 The left hemisphere of our brain 50:05 The living dead 51:52 Returning to the right side of the brain Links: Watch this episode on Youtube Website | marthabeck.com Instagram | @themarthabeck Book | The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self by Martha Beck Book | Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck Episode with Byron Katie, listen to it here! Sponsors: Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products 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

Themes: Health, Sustainability, Permaculture, Regenerative Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Systems Summary: Is Glyphosate really that bad? Does buying local produce actually make a difference? Why should we care about soil — it’s just dirt, right? WRONG! So pumped to bring you this conversation with environmental filmmaker, citizen journalist, and musical activist, Rob Herring. Rob is the director and producer of the award-winning film The Need to GROW, which explores the opportunity we have to help regenerate our planet’s dying soils and participate in the restoration of earth. Join us for a fascinating chat on the importance of restoring our connection to nature, rethinking our food system and regenerating our most precious natural resource: soil.  Discover: Why using the herbicide Glyphosate has become common-practice for farmers around the world and its detrimental effects on our soil, food and health Why soil biodiversity is so freaking important and why we should care as consumers What regenerative agriculture is and why it’s the key to a healthy planet and people The simplest and most powerful steps you can take to mitigate the effects of destructive/conventional agricultural practices on your health and that of the environment The health benefits of gardening, getting your hands dirty and eating fresh food 00:00 Intro 00:36 The Need to GROW 08:07 Why destructive agriculture is the norm 23:42 How you can help 31:15 Connecting with nature and the positive health effects 40:17 The environmental cost of corruption 48:56 What could happen if we let nature regenerate 52:03 Returning to nature  Links: Watch this episode on Youtube  Watch The Need to GROW for free here! Farmacy of Light | farmacyoflight.com Earth Conscious Life | EarthConsciousLife.org Tip News | Tip.News Make Soil | makesoil.org This Is Your Brain on Food by Dr Uma Naidoo The Biggest Little Farm Documentary Sponsors: ION* | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 15% off sitewide at intelligenceofnature.com (Offer only available to US based residents. Coupon applies to all one-time purchases, excludes bundles and subscription purchases) Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% 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: Consumerism, Humanity, Biodiversity, Health, Sustainability, Natural Law, the Microbiome Summary: Dr. Zach Bush is back for the third time for a deep dive into the health and future of both humanity and our planet. Zach is a renowned, multi-disciplinary physician of internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice care and is an internationally recognized educator on the microbiome as it relates to human health, soil health, food systems, and a regenerative future. In this episode, we dive into the planet's vulnerability and how it’s demanding a massive change in our current systems. We also explore the responsibility we all have to reimagine humanity as a system of coherence with nature instead of fighting against natural law.  Discover: Why the world is in a state of tumultuous transformation and what is possible for humanity and the earth if we’re able to develop a cohesive vision for the future How over time, humanity has shifted from a mindset of sharing, reverence and abundance to one of ownership, extraction and competition, and the negative consequences this is having on planet earth The importance of diversity on ALL levels, from bacteria to crops to thoughts and opinions Natural law and how we can use nature’s ancient wisdom as a template for a new, more coherent human society 00:00 Intro 00:43 Consumerism & outsourcing everything 4:30 The future of humanity 08:29 As above, so below 17:15 Diversity vs. monoculture 24:00 Cancel culture 25:25 The control of information to reduce panic 31:52 Natural law 40:17 Being afraid of change 54:04 Gut health & ION* Links: Watch this episode on Youtube Zach’s Website | zachbushmd.com  Natural Law | naturallawandgov.org Journey of Intrinsic Health | journeyofintrinsichealth.com Farmer’s Footprint | farmersfootprint.us Instagram | @zachbushmd Zach’s First Episode | Regenerating Health with Dr. Zach Bush Zach’s Second Episode | Engineering Our Future with Dr. Zach Bush Sponsors: ION* | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 15% off sitewide at intelligenceofnature.com (Offer only available to US based residents. Coupon applies to all one-time purchases, excludes bundles and subscription purchases) 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: Alignment, Authenticity, Transformation, Self-Love, Values Summary: Feel like there’s something more to life? Like you’re not quite reaching your potential? Perhaps you want a more fulfilling career, a better relationship, to heal your relationship with money, your body, social media, or your family. Whatever it may be, this split — the space between what you say you want, who you say you are and who you’re actually being and what you’re choosing — is one of the most significant sources of our pain, our addictions, and our emotional, mental, and physical health issues. I know this firsthand. Join me as I explore how to merge the gap between where you are now and what is possible for your life. Will you move toward your soul’s calling? Can you say yes to yourself? Can you claim your potential? Consider this your invitation. Discover: The wisdom of negative emotions and why life shouldn’t always feel good The difference between orienting your life around what your soul desires vs. your wounds, around expansion instead of defensiveness How to decide what to do when you don’t know what to do What happens when you commit to honouring yourself 00:00 Intro 00:26 The universe has your back 01:09 Life isn’t about feeling good all the time 02:08 The space between what you have and what you want 04:33 Orienting to your soul, not your wounds 09:26 Words don’t teach; actions do 12:41 Be mindful of your choices 13:15 You’re weird, but all the best people are 15:01 Stepping away can also be healing 17:03 When you stop running from who you are 18:30 Learning to say yes to yourself Links: Watch this episode on Youtube  Join me on Mine’d! Sign up for my newsletter here Instagram | @createthelove Facebook | @createthelove Sponsors: Open | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 30 days free at withopen.com/createthelove Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products 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

Themes: Social Media, Self Love, Self Worth, Hollywood, Trauma, Mental Health Summary: This week I’m joined by one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, Zachary Levi, with critically acclaimed roles in TV, film, and on Broadway. You may recognize him from his career catapulting role as Chuck Bartowski in the hit NBC series, Chuck, from his recurring role on Amazon Studios’ Emmy winning series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, or from his recent roles in American Underdog, the Kurt Warner Story and the 2019 blockbuster hit, Shazam!. In this episode we jam on the addictive nature of social media, the problems Hollywood and reality TV perpetuate, plus Zachary’s emotional journey through a lifetime of crippling anxiety and depression and how a breakdown led him to ultimately find joy, gratitude, self-love and acceptance. Discover: The irony of social media and how it’s both one of the biggest contributors to mental illness today AND a useful platform for amplifying awareness for such conditions The profit over people model of Hollywood and how it’s affecting the mental health of those working in the industry as well as viewers How reality TV is modeling an unhealthy approach to relationships and body image Zachary’s mental, emotional and spiritual breakdown and how it ultimately led him to find joy, gratitude, acceptance and purpose The beautiful ripple effect that comes with doing the inner work, facing what you’re most afraid of and integrating your wounds 00:00 Intro 00:37 The irony of social media 02:02 Being a parent now 05:38 Is social media safe for kids? 10:02 Media is designed to be addictive 15:18 The problem with Hollywood & reality TV 22:30 Altering your appearance 29:51 Money is not the root of evil 33:16 The breakdown 46:34 Getting the role of Shazam 55:39 Healthy love not being modeled 1:03:44 Therapy  Links: Instagram |  @zacharylevi Twitter | @zacharylevi Book | Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others Sponsors: Open | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 30 days free at withopen.com/createthelove Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products 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

Themes: Relationships, Transformation, Acceptance, Infidelity, Authenticity, Codependency Summary: In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with power couple Rainier Wylde and Kristi Born as they share the intimate details of how their relationship has evolved through infidelity. We discuss relational pain as a potent catalyst for transformation, the beauty in being honest with ourselves and our partner, and viewing ruptures as an invitation to truth. About Rainier & Kristi: Rainier Wylde is an author, teacher, and speaker. He has embraced life for all it is, celebrating its highs and learning from its lows. Rainier has managed a Fortune 500 company and built businesses; he has also elegantly blown them up, burned them down, and started over from scratch. Studying with Zen masters and Sufi mystics, Rainier founded and participated in neo-monastic communities for many years, becoming a spiritual director to both individuals and groups. Through the various positions he has held, Rainier discovered that life must be claimed to hold any worth. His work is to inspire others to live, fully and deeply, in the here and now. Kristi Born is a marriage and family therapist, relationship coach and teacher. She has worked with diverse populations and a wide variety of age groups. As a graduate school professor and popular educator, Kristi thrills in bringing people together to discuss topics that unleash their power and minimize their shame. Kristi specializes in the art of couple’s therapy and relationship healing. Through this work, she helps couples create their own designer relationships; conscious and wholehearted partnerships. She finds joy in partnering with Rainier Wylde to use their personal relational journey to help any and every person accept and step into their own power, telling a beautiful story of their own. Together they host the podcast Love Like Hell, exploring the modern landscape of intimacy and union. Discover: Love and relational pain as a potent catalyst for transformation Why we sometimes hide our past from our current partners Why we often jump into relationships too fast The beauty of being honest with ourselves and our partner and where to begin when you have a history of tiptoeing around the truth Viewing ruptures in relationship as an invitation to truth and an opportunity really see and understand each other The importance of holding onto yourself and your identity while in relationship The impact of relationship transformation on kids and what they can learn from seeing a marriage with a foundation of truth 00:00 Intro 03:28 Entering into relationships unconsciously 05:00 When dysfunction is normalized 08:16 Love as a catalyst for transformation 14:23 Fear of knowing your partner’s past 20:45 Why we often jump from relationship to relationship 23:36 Liberation through truth 28:38 Talking about things as they arise vs. burying them 30:10 Ruptures are an opportunity 40:04 How did the community react to the truth? 46:31 Wanting the best for your partner 49:57 Relationships are not risk-free 58:50 Impact of relationship transformation on kids Links: Instagram | @rainierwylde & @kristimarieborn Podcast | Love Like Hell Book | As You Are: Meditations on Self and Other Check out my first episode with Rainier | The Complexities of Being Alive with Rainier Wylde Sponsors: Open | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 30 days free at withopen.com/createthelove Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products 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

Themes: Anger, Emotions, Mindfulness, Meditation, Breathwork, Self-Awareness Summary: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” I’ve loved this quote from Viktor E. Frankl for a long time, and it speaks directly to the topic of today’s episode: mindfulness. Tune in as I explore with returning guest Manoj Dias what is possible when we commit to a practice of loving self-awareness.  Born and raised in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, Manoj Dias is an animated speaker, humble teacher and always a friend. Once tethered to a life of self-management, instead of self-awareness, he now intimately understands what it means to be healed from the inside out. Through mindfulness and meditation, Manoj has helped thousands of people around the world trade mania for pause, so that they may live fearlessly in honor of a happier and more meaningful life.  Discover: Mindfulness and how developing a practice can quite literally change your life and relationships The beauty of anger (and what’s often beneath this emotion) Meditation as a tool for self-awareness and why we may resist it Somatic mindfulness and how it can help you become more present and grounded Breathwork as a powerful tool to cultivate more presence, connection and peace 00:00 Intro 01:38 Reconciling our feelings through wisdom 04:49 Choosing how we react 08:56 Why we continue to operate in unhelpful patterns 11:01 The beauty of anger & what’s often beneath it 20:06 Observing your mind 24:21 Somatic mindfulness 33:41 Developing a mindfulness practice 36:59 Breathwork Links: Try Open free for 30 days at withopen.com/createthelove and use code CREATETHELOVE at checkout! Instagram | @manojdias_ & @op_e___n Website | manojdias.com.au Book | Still Together: Connection through meditation Sponsors: Open | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 30 days free at withopen.com/createthelove Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products 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

Themes: Food Systems, Nutrition, Health, Superfoods, Sovereignty, Environmental Health Summary: Join me for an epic chat with Darin Olien: co-host of the Emmy® award-winning docuseries, Down to Earth with Zac Efron, NYT best-selling author, chart-topping podcast host and passionate advocate for human and environmental health. For over 20 years, Darin has traveled the globe in search of ways to holistically heal our society through food, exercise, and mental health and I’m pumped to have had the opportunity to pick his brain in this episode. Discover: How Down to Earth with Zac Efron serendipitously came to be The dire reality and consequences of ultra-processed foods and chemical agriculture Why we need to return to ancient and indigenous agricultural practices for the health of ourselves and the planet A strong argument for growing your own food Darin’s tips for healthy living in a modern world 00:00 Intro 01:38 Down To Earth with Zac Efron 07:07 Hunting superfoods 13:27 Lack of integrity in the food industry 19:54 We’ve divorced nature 30:40 Lab-made foods 37:16 Food switches to make now 43:28 What’s really in your tap water 49:51 Why you should know about Barukas nuts Links: Website | darinolien.com & barukas.com Instagram | @darinolien  Podcast | The Darin Olien Show Book | Superlife: The 5 Simple Fixes That Will Make You Healthy, Fit and Eternally Awesome Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products 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

Themes: Mental Health, Social Media, Self-Help, Breakups Summary: Meet Aaron Albert: my buddy, co-founder and the CEO of Mine'd — a digital platform we co-created to connect you with top emotional wellness experts and community through daily live and on-demand classes. Tune in as we explore the landscape of social media as it pertains to mental health for both consumers and creators, plus our idea to create a different way of orienting towards mental, relational and emotional health challenges. A former child actor on the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, Aaron has spent the adult part of his career in the health and wellness space, working with companies to build products and experiences that make people's lives better. As the co-creator of the largest chain of boutique spin studios in Southeast Asia, Absolute Cycle, Aaron was able to merge together two of his personal passions: fitness and motivation. Over the past four years specifically, Aaron really honed in on creating communities and products at multiple consumer, wellness, and tech companies, including Journey Live, Shine Text, Wave Meditation, Sweat with Studio, and Julianne Hough’s KINRGY.  Discover: Why we felt it necessary to create a new way for people to engage in mental health content outside of the social media platforms that already exist Why it’s hard for us to get motivated to take care of our mental health How we can be narcissistic in our pain when the truth is: you’re not alone! 00:00 Intro 01:00 Impact of the pandemic on mental health 02:33 Why don’t we treat mental health like physical health? 06:10 Mental health content on social media 14:06 People want accessibility 21:32 Heartbreak & the birth of Mine’d  27:48 Creating authentic content  34:26 You are not alone 41:05 Narcissism in our pain 43:23 What is Mine’d? Links: Check out Mine'd here! If you’re an expert and interested in joining Mine’d, go here to apply! Instagram | @doyoumined & @asalbert LinkedIn | Aaron Albert Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products 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