The Cluttered Path

Send us a textWhat happens when a former therapy skeptic sits down with a licensed psychotherapist? Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about mental health support. Steve McCready, a licensed psychotherapist with a refreshingly practical approach, joins us to unpack why so many of us—particularly men—resist seeking help when we're struggling. From military boot camp experiences where vulnerability was publicly mocked to workplace cultures that reward self-sacrifice, we explore how our society has created dangerous misconceptions about mental health. At the heart of our discussion is the revelation that many of our struggles stem from the stories we tell ourselves. As Steve explains, "We build up these stories about ourselves that are often inaccurate." Whether you're a chronic adapter who's lost your identity pleasing others, an overthinker trapped in perfectionism, or someone battling relentless self-criticism, these patterns all connect to narratives you've developed about who you are and what you're capable of. The conversation takes fascinating turns as we explore the difference between therapy and coaching, why boundaries matter (and how to set them effectively), and why personal growth is necessarily messy. Steve's framework-based approach offers practical wisdom without rigid formulas, acknowledging that true change requires more than just understanding—it demands consistent practice that literally rewires your brain. If you've ever dismissed therapy as unnecessary or wondered why you keep hitting the same roadblocks despite knowing better, this conversation might be the perspective shift you need. Discover why vulnerability is strength, how to recognize distorted stories that limit your potential, and practical steps toward living more authentically. Your path forward starts with this conversation. Where to Find Steve:https://www.stevemccready.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stevemccready_____________________________________  Resources from This Episode:  I Don’t Want to Talk About it: Overcoming Male Depression https://amzn.to/4fsuc29 Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself https://amzn.to/4m8ZMog  Rejection Proof: How to Beat Fear https://amzn.to/4mkeVTS As an Amazon Partner, our podcast earns from qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. ________________________________________________________________ Where to Find Us: Web: https://clutteredpath.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/clutteredpath Questions/Comments: feedback@clutteredpath.com _________________________________________________________________ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook X (Formerly Twitter) TikTok

Chris Wilkens, a Marine Corps veteran and Vice President at RBC Wealth Management, shares a wealth of insight on building financial security at any age. He emphasizes the magic of compound interest and the importance of starting early, demonstrating how your investment can double over time without extra contributions. Chris stresses retirement as a pursuit of purpose rather than just a financial milestone, encouraging listeners to have meaningful goals post-retirement. His practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone looking to secure their financial future.

Brandon Held, a life coach and host of the Life is Crazy podcast, shares his transformative journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty, trauma, and loss to a life dedicated to helping others. He candidly discusses breaking the cycles of addiction, the lessons learned through military service, and navigating personal relationships after significant heartbreak. He emphasizes the importance of establishing boundaries, seeking therapy, and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity, offering invaluable insights for anyone facing tough times.

Send us a textIn this eye-opening conversation, we meet Phil, the creator behind the YouTube channel "What's Up Boomer," who shares his journey of reinvention after reaching retirement age with less-than-ideal financial circumstances. At 66, Phil works at Home Depot while building a YouTube following that exploded from 400 to over 8,000 subscribers after he candidly shared his "unplanned retirement job" story. With refreshing honesty, he dismantles the stigma around working past retirement age, revealing how these unexpected paths can lead to fulfillment rather than disappointment. Phil's life story unfolds through powerful moments. His experiences shaped his philosophy about making peace with life's unexpected turns: "Making the best of the way things have turned out when they haven't turned out exactly like I'd planned." This conversation offers both practical strategies and emotional wisdom for navigating life's final chapters with grace, purpose, and unexpected joy. _____________________________________ Check Out the “What’s Up Boomer” Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@whatsupboomer1958_____________________________________  Resources from This Episode: The YouTube Formula: https://amzn.to/4n3RBKF   As an Amazon Partner, our podcast earns from qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. ________________________________________________________________ Where to Find Us: Web: https://clutteredpath.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/clutteredpath Questions/Comments: feedback@clutteredpath.com _________________________________________________________________ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook X (Formerly Twitter) TikTok

Send us a textWhy does a man with $2.1 trillion (five times Elon Musk's wealth) conclude that everything is "vanity and striving after wind"? King Solomon's ancient wisdom on happiness finds surprising validation in modern psychological research.We've put happiness on a pedestal as life's ultimate goal, but what if chasing it directly is actually counterproductive? This episode dives into fascinating research from Jonathan Haidt's "The Happiness Hypothesis" revealing why achievements often feel anticlimactic and why circumstances—both good and bad—have surprisingly little long-term effect on our happiness levels.Discover the scientific formula for happiness (H = S + C + V) and why your voluntary actions contribute a whopping 40% to your well-being while your circumstances account for just 10%. We explore the crucial difference between pleasures (which feel good momentarily) and gratifications (which engage us fully and create lasting satisfaction), and why "flow states" might be the secret to meaningful fulfillment.The conversation takes a provocative turn examining Buddha's philosophy of non-attachment. What if the enlightened one missed something crucial by never actually speaking with the suffering people he observed? Perhaps complete detachment isn't the answer—our greatest joys and deepest meaning come precisely from the connections that make us vulnerable to pain.Whether you're fascinated by ancient wisdom, modern psychology, or simply seeking a more meaningful approach to well-being, this episode offers valuable insights on living with purpose beyond the happiness trap. What worthy pursuits will you dedicate yourself to?Resources from This Episode:The Happiness Hypothesis, by Jonathan Haidt: https://amzn.to/43fzkkw Authentic Happiness: https://amzn.to/3Zr2ewT As an Amazon Partner, our podcast earns from qualified purchases at no extra cost to you.________________________________________________________________ Where to Find Us: Web: https://clutteredpath.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/clutteredpath Questions/Comments: feedback@clutteredpath.com _________________________________________________________________ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook X (Formerly Twitter) TikTok

Send us a textAre you tired of feeling stuck in a rut, wondering if real change is possible for you? In this episode, we'll explore the concept of personal transformation and discuss options for getting ourselves “unstuck”. Whether you're seeking to become more physically fit, overcome self-doubt, build confidence, or simply create a more fulfilling life, this episode is for you. We’re discussing the human brain and how it works against us when it comes to self improvement. Discover the power of change and start your journey towards a brighter, more purpose-driven future.Resources from this Episode:Happiness Hypothesis, by Jonathan HaidtAs an Amazon Partner, this podcast earns from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome00:12 - Introduction01:04 - Tragic Story of David Foster Wallace03:27 - We Are Unhappy With Ourselves07:08 - We ALL Have Internal Struggles14:06 - How to Train an Elephant28:25 - Listener Question32:19 - Closing Thoughts________________________________________________________________ Where to Find Us: Web: https://clutteredpath.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/clutteredpath Questions/Comments: feedback@clutteredpath.com _________________________________________________________________ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook X (Formerly Twitter) TikTok

Send us a textPeople dream of getting rich - fancy vacations, luxury toys, never ending fun. Sounds perfect, right? But what if we told you that chasing wealth might just make you miserable? Because, the real question isn’t so much HOW to build wealth - it’s WHY you want it in the first place.We start this episode with a tale of Two Millionaires. One was living a flashy lifestyle financed by debt who lost everything. The other was a simple man who lived a humble life and he died with $8M in the bank.Join us for an exploration of the human psyche and how our emotions drive behavior. Chapters:00:00 - Welcome00:12 - Introduction04:39 - The Lure of Fast & Easy Money08:17 - Loving the Trappings of Wealth20:47 - Understanding How Humans are Built32:01 - Closing Thoughts Resources from this Episode:Millionaire #1: Ronald Reed Millionaire #2: Richard Fuscone The Mind-Heart-Body Connection________________________________________________________________ Where to Find Us: Web: https://clutteredpath.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/clutteredpath Questions/Comments: feedback@clutteredpath.com _________________________________________________________________ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook X (Formerly Twitter) TikTok

Dive into the harsh realities of retirement in America where millions face financial insecurity. Discover the eye-opening statistics, including stories of seniors struggling to make ends meet and even returning to work. Explore the implications of political debates around social safety nets and the evolution of retirement planning. Learn about the booming demand for trade skills over traditional degrees and pick up essential financial tips for a secure future. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on navigating the complexities of retirement.

Poverty is often misunderstood as a choice, but this discussion reveals it's a complex trap. Listeners hear the harrowing story of an 11-year-old girl, Dasani, navigating life in a homeless shelter. The conversation dives into the generational cycles of poverty, influenced by consumerism and predatory lending. It critiques ineffective government policies and emphasizes the emotional struggles tied to financial hardship. Ultimately, it calls for collaborative efforts—individuals, nonprofits, and government—to break these systemic barriers.

Send us a textIf you've ever faced the bitter disappointment of failed New Year Resolutions, you're not alone! Have you ever considered that sheer willpower is not enough to create lasting change in your life? On this New Year's Eve, we discuss alternatives to annual resolutions, introducing concepts like Neuroplasticity, Coherance Therapy, and Meditative practices that help us rewire the circuits in our brain.  Resources from this Episode:Self Authoring SuiteStoa Meditation AppDay One Journaling AppCoherence Therapy (Affiliate Link)00:00 - Welcome00:12 - Introduction02:01 - Biggest Dreams for 202405:33 - Embracing Truth About Ourselves09:47 - Neuroplasticity18:21 - Coherence Therapy20:14 - Mastery State vs Sympathy State25:05 - Stoic Meditations34:47 - Episodes from 202435:48 - Gratitude40:08 - Serendipity45:39 - Goals for 202548:36 - Closing Remarks________________________________________________________________ Where to Find Us: Web: https://clutteredpath.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/clutteredpath Questions/Comments: feedback@clutteredpath.com _________________________________________________________________ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook X (Formerly Twitter) TikTok