The Superhumanize Podcast

From the first tickle of curiosity to an unexpected shift in how we perceive the world, there isn’t a person who hasn’t felt wonder, and yet the why and how of this profoundly beneficial emotion is only just beginning to be scientifically defined and explored. This episode I am speaking with thought leader Monica Parker. In her brand new book, The Power of Wonder, she explores the power of wonder to transform the way we learn, develop new ideas, drive social change, and ultimately become better humans.The Power of Wonder takes us on a multidisciplinary journey through psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, literature, and business to share some of the surprising secrets behind the mechanics of wonder and guides us into bringing more of it into our lives. Monica illuminates the components and elicitors of wonder, and how it can transform our bodies and brains. From taking a daily “awe walk” to discovering a new and all-consuming interest in something you’d never given much thought to before, her book shows readers how to become more wonder-prone and reconnect with a reverence for the world and all the fascinating people in it.Monica Parker is a world-renowned speaker, writer, and authority on the future of work and she has spent decades helping people discover how to lead and live wonderfully. The founder of global human analytics and change consultancy HATCH, whose clients include blue-chip companies such as LinkedIn, Google, Prudential, and LEGO, Monica challenges corporate systems to advocate for more meaningful work lives. In addition to her extensive advocacy work, Monica has led a truly wonder filled life, she has been an opera singer, a museum exhibition designer, a policy director, a Chamber of Commerce CEO, and a homicide investigator defending death row inmates, amongst other. Get ready for a conversation that will leave you truly inspired and fired up to encounter the world with a reignited sense of wonder.In this episode with Monica, you'll discover:-How Monica discovered the wonders of wonder through a wide variety of careers...04:10-Wonder defined, and how we can recognize it when we experience it...07:45-Various states of wonder, for better or worse...15:00-How a state of wonder allows room for negative emotions which ultimately enrich our lives...20:45-Why we become disconnected with wonder as we age...27:30-How wonder unchecked leads to potentially dangerous situations...35:55-The history of "awe" and how it differs from a state of wonder....39:50-How the 1969 moon landing changed the collective sense of wonder...45:30-Steps to take to become more "wonder prone"....51:25-And much more...Resources mentioned:Monica's websiteHatch AnalyticsThe Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and LeadGuest's social handles:LinkedInInstagramTwitter

You know the saying, time is money? Time is actually worth much more than that, because time is life force. It is our most valuable currency, so to speak. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have more free time to do the things you love and stress less, while knowing everything is taken care of? This is what today's guest, Jenny Blake will help you achieve.Jenny is an international speaker, career and business strategist and executive coach with expertise on systems, efficiency and career fluidity in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy, helping leaders, employees and entrepreneurs achieve greater clarity, engagement, fulfillment and impact. Jenny is the author of the award winning book Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One and the co-creator of Google's acclaimed Career Guru coaching program. She is also the host of two podcasts, Free Time for Heart-Based Business Owners and Pivot with Jenny Blake with over one million downloads combined.In her latest book Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business, Jenny teaches us how to free our mind, time and our team from merely being busy to doing our best work, operating efficiently and intuitively so we can live our best life and contribute the best to life. Jenny is fiercely committed to helping people come alive through the pursuit of big ideas. Her superpowers are helping to craft a compelling vision, collaboratively developing strategy and systems with clear measurable outcomes, and incorporating the latest tools and technology. Jenny's heart based principles as well as practical tools are truly life changing, helping us to move from friction to flow.In this episode with Jenny Blake, you'll discover:-A leap of faith leaving Google in its heyday to create a brand new business...03:30-High net-freedom vs. net-growth...07:11-The importance of free time, and how to create more of it...09:00-Steps to confront overwhelm via teams, delegating essential tasks, etc...11:05-How to overcome fear-based thinking and reframing it for good...14:10-Growing a sense of intuition as a creator and entrepreneur...10:45-Processes for making major decisions in life or business...23:30-Using books and podcasts to exponentially build a personal or corporate brand...26:01-How to find good people to help with our business...30:30-Challenges running a business as an introvert...32:40-Marketing with serendipity and "magic"...37:45-Jenny's best personal practice...43:05-And much more!Resources mentioned:Pivot MethodFree TimeBOOKSFree Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your BusinessPivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next OneSuperhumanize™ episode with Paul de GelderGuest's social handles:LinkedInInstagramYouTube

Our culture is obsessed with productivity and getting things done. We use a multitude of communication apps, neverending to-do lists, and countless productivity books and software to help us stay motivated and on top of things, but often we still end up feeling like we get nothing done at all. We feel burned out and more like a human doing instead of a human being. How do we get off staying busy for busyness sake and how can we become productive in a sustainable and healthy way? I am excited to introduce today's guest, Dr. Ayelet Fishbach.Dr. Fishbach is an internationally recognized expert in the field of human motivation and decision making. She is the Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and the past president of the Society for the Study of Motivation and the International Social Cognition Network (ISCON).Ayelet’s groundbreaking research on human motivation has won her several international awards, including the Society of Experimental Social Psychology’s Best Dissertation Award and Career Trajectory Award, and the Fulbright Educational Foundation Award.Ayelet is the author of Get it Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation. And what she has to share is as surprising as it is inspiring.In this episode with Dr. Fishbach, you'll discover:-What is the root of motivation?...02:55-Steps to mitigate stress and demotivation...05:05-What is self-control, and how does it differ from will power?...07:40-The hardest part of achieving goals (the middle)...10:40-How "do's and don'ts" affect our motivation, for better or worse...14:11-How to use failures and setbacks to increase your motivation...16:50-How the "empathy gap" affects our self-perception and self-worth...20:05-"Avoidance goals" correlated to our motivation in general...23:00-The "gradient effect" and its effects on achieving our goals...26:36-Dr. Fishbach's best practices in sustaining motivation in her personal and professional life...28:30Resources mentioned:Ayelet's websiteGet it Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of MotivationGuest's social handles:TwitterInstagramFacebook

In life we often keep repeating the same patterns, even if they are not beneficial to us. And even if we become aware of this, we likely may still not understand ourselves. That's because we don't fully know our hearts and minds. In fact, most of what is inside of our mind is hidden from us. There is, however, a proven way to illuminate these parts of ourselves, with the help of psychodynamic therapy.And our guest today, Dr. Jonathan Shedler, is an expert on the human condition. He is a psychologist, master clinician and Clinical Professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is internationally known as an author, researcher and clinical educator. His 2010 article The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy was applauded for establishing psychodynamic therapy as an evidence-based treatment. Jonathan is the co-creator of the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP), a clinician completed psychological test for personality assessment and clinical case formulation and he is the co-author of the Personality Syndromes section of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2).Jonathan is a leading voice of upholding the psychoanalytic tradition of psychotherapy and has been on a mission to clear up the misconceptions about psychodynamic thinking that are pervasive in psychiatry and psychology.In this episode with Jonathan, you'll discover:-How political and financial interests have affected psychotherapy for the worse...02:45-How Jonathan has built notoriety by advocating for psychodynamic therapy...09:45-Reasonable expectations in achieving meaningful results from psychotherapy...16:25-How psychodynamic therapy differs from "traditional" psychotherapy...24:45-Generational trauma from the past affects our mental wellness in the present...36:40-The true goal of therapy is to understand what not to act on...48:12-Why we do awful things, without being aware of the effects of our actions...53:00-About the "PsychScan" Jonathan has created...59:50-Jonathan's best personal practices...1:04:15Resources mentioned:Jonathan's websiteShedler Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP)The Efficacy of Psychodynamic PsychotherapyPsychScanJonathan's Twitter

When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life, how do we keep going? Our guest today is a true Superhuman, whose incredible story may inspire us all.  With only one functioning lung, a prognosis of fourteen days to live, and being in a medically-induced coma for a year, Sean Swarner is the first cancer survivor to stand on top of the world... Mt. Everest. Sean has broken through everything we were told about human limitations and redefined the way the world views success.Sean was diagnosed with two deadly, different, and unrelated forms of cancer, once at the age of thirteen and again at the age of sixteen. After an incredibly poor prognosis and being read his last rites, Sean astonished the medical community when he survived both diseases. He realized that after defeating cancer twice, no challenge would ever be too great and no peak too high.As the first cancer survivor to scale Mount Everest, Sean decided to continue climbing and has since topped the highest peaks in Africa, Europe, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and North America, thus completing the “7-Summits”. Upon skiing to both the South and the North Poles, Sean completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam. With the completion of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, Sean is the only person in history to accomplish these superhuman feats.Sean continues to defy the odds, test his own endurance and inspire and motivate people around the world, sharing his message of hope. Sean also serves as a source of inspiration as the founder of the non-profit organization, The CancerClimber Association, the protagonist of the documentary True North, as well as a motivational speaker around the globe and as the author of the books Keep Climbing: How I Beat Cancer and Reached the Top of the World and Being Unstoppable: Conquering Your Everest.In this episode with Sean, you'll discover:-Dealing with catastrophic health news at a very young age...03:30-A second cancer diagnosis while following up on the first!...10:05-How these two diagnoses affected Sean's inner resilience....13:15-How Mt. Everest became Sean's foundation for taking control of his future...16:20-How the "world's best bad luck" was pivotal to Sean's ultimate success in scaling Everest...22:10-Adopting a mindset of viewing opportunities, not obstacles...28:10-Empowerment is superior to "inspiration"...30:15-Sean's best personal practice...34:30-And much more!Resources mentioned:Sean's websiteThe Cancer Climber Associationkilihope.comBOOKSKeep ClimbingBeing UnstoppableDOCUMENTARY True North: The Sean Swarner StoryGuest's social handles:InstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Many of us struggle with eyesight as we age. What if I told you, your eyesight could actually improve with age?Can you reverse your nearsightedness and throw away your glasses? According to today's guest, Jake Steiner, you can. Jake says:Your eyes are not broken. Nearsightedness is not an illness, but a $100 million business. And you can understand, control and reverse your myopia. Jake is the founder of endmyopia.org, the largest online vision improvement community and he has helped tens of thousands of people improve their eyesight and even reverse myopia.Jake has spent the last 20 years in vision biology science, focused on the prevention of nearsightedness and methods of reversing it and he has written over 1,200 articles on vision biology and myopia control. Today Jake will share with us why we have more control over our eyesight than we are told, the unrecognized driver of myopia and how certain tools and daily habits can improve and even reverse the issue.In this episode with Jake, you'll discover:-Myopia (nearsightedness) defined, and why it is not a genetic condition...02:30-How easy and quick is it to reverse myopia?...05:20-The advantages of a layperson researching and treating pseudo myopia...10:10-Exercises to do, and a practical timeframe in seeing results in improved eyesight...18:15-The success rate of treating myopia...23:30-The role of nutrition, and the best foods to consume regarding eye health...25:50-The risks and rewards of laser surgery...27:50-Keep your eyes healthy while using ubiquitous screens in our work and/or life...31:30-The beauty of doing nothing in preserving our sight and overall health...35:00-Engage in experiences that keep our minds off of those dang screens...39:00-Jake's best personal practice...43:11-And much more!Resources mentioned:End Myopia websiteEnd Myopia YouTube channel

There are multiple studies that have confirmed the incredible link between the health of our microbiome - the trillions of organisms that live in our digestive tract - and our likelihood of getting viral diseases like COVID-19. A lifestyle of low fiber diets, processed foods, little connection with nature and overuse of pharmaceuticals messes up the microbiome and makes us more susceptible to viruses than we naturally would be.There is a solution to this, though: our microbiome is constantly evolving, which means we can nurture it back to health if we are struggling and we can protect it and make it even stronger even when we are well and want to stay well.My guest today, Dr. Robynne Chutkan is a board-certified gastroenterologist and author of the bestselling digestive health books Gutbliss: The Microbiome Solution, and The Bloat Cure. In her latest book, The Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens from the Inside Out, Dr. Chutkan shares new insights and cutting edge research about our gut and our health, as well as a practical plan for strengthening the incredible antiviral defenses located in our gut and resolving symptoms of illness.Dr. Chutkan received her bachelor's from Yale University and her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she also did her internship and residency and served as chief resident. She completed her fellowship in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Dr. Chutkan has been on the faculty at Georgetown University Hospital since 1997. In 2004 she founded the Digestive Center for Wellness, an integrative gastroenterology practice dedicated to uncovering the root cause of GI disorders.Dr. Chutkan incorporates microbial optimization, nutritional therapy, mind-body techniques, and lifestyle changes into her therapeutic approach to digestive disorders. Dr. Chutkan has been the medical expert on The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Doctors, The Dr. Oz Show, The Megyn Kelly Show, and has her own PBS Special entitled “Gutbliss”.Today she will share with us her powerful and practical road map to strengthening the gut immune system.In this episode with Dr. Robynne Chutkan, you'll discover:-Social factors that inspired Robynne to write her latest book...04:30-Acid-blocking drugs compromise our immune system and gut health...09:06-The explanation of the gut and its role in our health...13:07-Innate and adaptive immunity within our bodies...22:05-Recommended tests to assess the health of your gut...30:30-A primer on the virome which allows billions of active viruses to coexist in harmony...38:10-First steps to take control of your gut and overall health...44:30-A "dirty" approach to using nature to optimize your health...47:30-Dr. Chutkan's best personal practice...54:50-And much more!Resources mentioned:Dr. Chutkan's websiteThe Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens from the Inside OutThis Week in Virology podcastGuest's social handles:FacebookInstagramYouTube

Do you have a longing for deep fulfillment in your life and work? And have you already walked many routes in your personal development but you feel like there is still a lot of the journey left? If you are like me, then you feel that connecting with and actually being and living our true Self is part of the most important life work each of us can do. Our guest today, Helma Lieberwerth is a global authority on illuminating and teaching how you can be your true Self. Helma's work has been mentioned in the same breath with luminaries such as Joe Dispenza, Bruce Lipton, Gregg Braden and Byron Katie.For Helma Lieberwerth it is paramount that everyone is truly themselves and from that baseline they are then able to contribute to the greater work of the collective human family. Helma is the founder of the vision on people and personal growth called the Intention of Being and developed the Quaning Guidance methodology.Helma is the co-author of the book Intention of Being: A Groundbreaking and Extraordinarily Positive View on Who You Really Are and has facilitated for tens of thousands of people to experience their true Self, living a fulfilling life from inner trust.In this episode with Helma, you'll discover:-What is "the Intention of Being?"...03:30-How the Intention of Being is manifested in our lives...06:00-Examples of clues in our immediate environment that indicate our Intention of Being...10:00-The "magnetic effect" and how it influences our "personal information field"...13:20-How our personal experiences make up our own personal "school of life"...19:05-About our inner "gatekeeper" and how to make it a positive force in our lives...25:08-"Quaning" and how it affects your Intention of Being...32:00-Real life example of Quaning having a positive effect in the life of an individual...37:15-How Quaning is different from other types of healing practices...40:11-Helma's work in paranormal therapy...44:10-Ways to cultivate our "beloved constant"...47:20-Helma's best personal practice...50:15Resources mentioned:Helma's websiteIntention of Being: A Groundbreaking and Extraordinarily Positive View on Who You Really AreGuest's social handles:InstagramFacebook

Many of us hope that our presence will help make the world a better place than we found it. The way we go about this is deeply rooted in personal choice. One of the most profound and impactful choices I made was to switch my diet and lifestyle to a plant based one. I turned vegetarian in 2008 and vegan a couple of years after. Or, to be more precise, AVAP, as my philosophy is, the acronym standing for As Vegan As Possible. I found that everything I cared most about was connected to the food choices I make. With plant based food I choose animal and planetary welfare, fairer food systems and more social justice and, as far as my own welfare is concerned, better mental, physical and spiritual health. Plant based foods help me support systems and philosophies that align with my principles. The way we eat can truly be revolutionary and evolutionary. That is why I live a plant fueled life. And today’s guest is a leading mind and heart of the vegan movement.Dr. Will Tuttle is a visionary author, spiritual activist, educator, and inspirational speaker. He has been vegan for over 40 years and wrote the acclaimed Amazon #1 best-seller The World Peace Diet: Eating For Spiritual Health And Social Harmony, published in 15 languages. He is also a recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award as well as the Empty Cages Prize. Will created several wellness and advocacy training programs and is also co-creator of VeganPalooza, the largest online vegan event to date, as well as co-founder of the non-profit Circle of Compassion and the Worldwide Prayer Circle for Animals.Will has a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on educating intuition and altruism in adults, and he has taught college courses in creativity, humanities, mythology, religion, and philosophy. A former Zen Buddhist monk and a Dharma Master in the Korean Zen tradition, he has delivered over 4,000 presentations worldwide, with his wife Madeleine, a visionary artist from Switzerland, to promote and inspire peace, social justice, health, animal and environmental protection and cultural healing and awakening.In this episode with Dr. Will Tuttle, you'll discover:-Dr. Tuttle's journey to the vegan lifestyle...04:30-Unraveling the hidden agenda re: the environment in the media and pop culture...12:00-How our view of food is the ultimate connection between humanity and nature...24:00-The most misunderstood elements of the vegan philosophy and lifestyle...35:30-How veganism opens up the mind to an awakened consciousness...42:00-Planting positive seeds in other people vs. trying to force your ideology on others...46:10-Why liberating animals is essential to human freedom...52:20-Dr. Tuttle's best personal practice...55:15-And much more...Resources mentioned:WEBSITESWill TuttleWorld Peace DietBOOKSWorld Peace DietBuddhism and VeganismYour inner Islands: The Keys to Intuitive LivingGuest's social handles:FacebookYouTube

Something that is fundamental to living a fulfilled life that is rooted in joy and the full expression of our highest Self, unhindered by pain and regret, is our capacity to forgive. Others and also ourselves. When we are filled with loathing, blame, shame and condemnation, whether focused outward or inward, it cuts us off from living a life of freedom, connectedness and abundance. However, in many cases being able to forgive is not something you can simply decide on and then switch on. True forgiveness is complex, it can not be forced. But, it can be nurtured and grown.Our guest today is the world's leading expert on the scientific study of forgiveness. Dr. Everett Worthington knows forgiveness. He is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and has done clinical studies on forgiveness for over 40 years. And he has lived it, forgiving the man who murdered his mother.Dr. Worthington has published over 500 scholarly articles and 45 books on what forgiveness is and how we can become forgiving people, what the substantial cost of 'unforgiveness" is and what the profound positive effects of forgiveness are.In 2001, Dr. Worthington developed the REACH Forgiveness Practice, a method that has been tested in more than 20 controlled scientific studies and which has helped thousands of people around the world, including himself, reap the mental and physical benefits of forgiveness and heal from emotional trauma.In this conversation with Dr. Worthington, you'll discover:-Forgiveness defined in various ways...03:20-What is the current state in the science of forgiveness...05:05-Four compelling reasons to forgive...08:00-Five steps to decisional, leading to emotional, forgiveness...11:45RecallEmpathizeAltruismCommitHold on-How Dr. Worthington was forced to put his teachings on forgiveness to the ultimate test...16:16-The difference between forgiveness and acceptance...27:10-How faith informs a practice of forgiveness vs. a secular mindset...32:22-The most astounding things learned in the practice of studying forgiveness...35:40-How the cycle of retribution ceases, even in the midst of horrific injustice...41:02-Is it harder to forgive one's self, or others who have wronged us?...43:21-How do we ask for forgiveness of those who we know we have wronged?...49:10-Is there anything that is unforgivable?...54:00-Dr. Worthington's best personal practice...56:30-And much more!Resources mentioned:Dr. Worthington's websiteMoving Forward: Six Steps to Forgiving Yourself and Breaking Free from the PastForgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope