Brad Hook Podcast

I'd love you to check out my new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠ (https://values.institute/start-with-values-book/). It's packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: ⁠https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad⁠.In This EpisodeDr. Sarah Aiono is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's foremost experts in play pedagogy, pioneering a movement to make education more child-centered, engaging, and effective. As CEO of Longworth Education, Sarah has developed transformative teaching frameworks that are reshaping classrooms across New Zealand, Canada, and India. She is a passionate advocate for play-based learning, helping educators balance curriculum demands with developmentally appropriate practices. In this episode, Sarah shares why play is not just for kids, how it enhances creativity and resilience, and how we can introduce more play into both education and work.Big Ideas🎓 The limitations of traditional education and why the current system is outdated🧠 How play rewires the brain for better learning and retention💡 The role of play in developing resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills🏫 What play pedagogy looks like in classrooms and how it benefits all students, including neurodiverse learners👩‍🏫 How teachers can balance academic rigor with child-led exploration🌍 The cultural and social significance of play in human development⚡ How play enhances adult productivity, well-being, and innovation🌳 The magic of forest schools and why outdoor learning environments are so powerful🤖 The intersection of play and AI: Can technology enhance experiential learning?📉 The dangers of eliminating play and over-focusing on standardized testing🛠️ Practical tips to integrate play into your daily life, whether you're an educator, parent, or professionalConnect with Dr. Sarah Aionohttps://longwortheducation.com/https://pblot.com/https://longworthsolutions.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sarah-aiono/

I'd love you to check out my new book, Start With Values (https://values.institute/start-with-values-book/). It's packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: https://link.bradleyhook.com/bradIn This Episode:Bree Groff is on a mission to help people have more good days at work. As an organizational change expert and the author of Today Was Fun (coming July 2025), she explores how we can rethink workplace culture, redefine success, and design careers that make us feel more alive. With experience as the CEO of NOBL Collective and as a senior advisor at SYPartners, Bree brings deep insights into why work often feels broken and how we can fix it. In this episode, we dive into the myths of professionalism, the power of camaraderie, and the little shifts that can make a big difference in our work lives.Big Ideas:✨ Why work should be fun and how we lost our way🌎 The role of professionalism and why it's time to rethink it🤝 The importance of camaraderie and creating a cozy team💡 How to break free from busyness and do more brilliant work🧠 Why we need to stop delaying joy and start designing better workdays🎨 The surprising connection between creativity and career satisfaction💪 Work like you’re dying: a perspective shift on career ambitions🔄 Stoic principles that can help you stay grounded at workConnect with Bree Groff:Website: https://www.breegroff.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-groff/Pre-order Today Was Fun: https://www.amazon.com/Today-Was-Fun-About-Seriously/dp/1774585596

I'd love you to check out my new book, Start With Values (https://values.institute/start-with-values-book/). It's packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad.In This Episode Carolyn Sophia is an author, mental health advocate, and speaker dedicated to creating safe spaces for people to feel seen, heard, and supported. Through her book Unbreakable, Carolyn shares her journey of overcoming bullying, depression, and self-doubt, inspiring others to embrace resilience and self-love. With a focus on breaking stigma and empowering young people, Carolyn’s mission is to remind everyone that they are never alone in their struggles. In this episode, we dive into her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how we can all take steps toward a more open and supportive world.Big Ideas 💡 How a near-fatal car accident changed Carolyn's life and sparked her mission💪 The real meaning of resilience and how to build it💭 Breaking the stigma around mental health through open conversations🌈 The power of vulnerability and sharing your story📝 How writing Unbreakable helped Carolyn heal🧠 The role of mindfulness, gratitude, and exercise in mental well-being🌟 Why self-acceptance is the first step to happiness👥 How to reconnect with a support network when you feel alone📞 Practical tools and coping strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety🌐 Social media's impact on mental health and self-worthConnect with Carolyn SophiaWebsite: https://www.carolynsophia.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/unbreakable-Breaking-silence-Finding-Sharing/dp/1636769608Linktree: https://linktr.ee/carolyn.sophia

David Ding, CEO of Morpheus and PowerHouse, shares insights on startup success and investor expectations. He discusses the vital role of fractional CEOs in guiding growth-stage companies and why New Zealand is an innovative hub. David emphasizes the emotional hurdles of raising funds and the need for strong proof of concept. The conversation touches on the rising impact of AI in investment, the ethical considerations around its use, and how it can enhance human well-being. He also advocates for creative collaboration within organizations to spark innovation.

I’d love you to check out my new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠ (https://values.institute/start-with-values-book/). It’s packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: ⁠https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad In This Episode: Ryan Christensen joins the show to share his incredible journey from 23 years in the intelligence community to becoming a hypnotist and author. With expertise in counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, and national security, Ryan’s career took a transformative turn when he discovered hypnosis as a way to explore the unconscious mind, reframe limiting beliefs, and build emotional resilience. Ryan explains how hypnosis bypasses the critical mind to access deeper layers of the self and shares his personal experience with reframing emotions and beliefs to achieve lasting inner peace. Big Ideas: 🌀 What is hypnosis, and how does it work to access the unconscious mind? 🧠 The difference between emotional and rational beliefs and how they influence behavior 🌱 How limiting beliefs are formed in childhood and why they’re so powerful 🌈 Reframing negative emotions as signals for growth instead of pain 🚀 Breaking free from the victim mindset and stepping into the role of creator 🔑 How shifting your perspective on emotions can enhance resilience and success 🌟 Why Ryan believes there is a finish line to self-improvement and how to get there Connect with Ryan Christensen: Webpage: https://www.ryanthehypnotist.com Winner Peace: How to End Interconflict and Make Success Inevitable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQVN1HP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwchristensen/ Enjoy the episode and discover how to unlock your full potential through the power of reframing beliefs and emotions.

I’d love you to check out my new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠ (https://values.institute/start-with-values-book/). It’s packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: ⁠https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad. In This Episode In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, an Icelandic thought leader, author, and filmmaker whose groundbreaking work explores intuition, resilience, and innovation. Hrund is the author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times and the co-director of InnSæi: The Power of Intuition, a documentary that has inspired viewers worldwide. Hrund’s career includes leading roles at the United Nations, Iceland’s largest innovation fund, and Yale’s International Leadership Centre. Her insights on intuition – rooted in the Icelandic concept of InnSæi or “the sea within” 🌊 – offer a profound approach to decision-making, creativity, and navigating uncertainty. Big Ideas 🌱 How intuition connects the mind, body, and environment for better decision-making. 🧘 Why mindfulness and self-awareness are essential for developing intuition. 📖 The Icelandic concept of InnSæi and how it bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. 🖊️ How journaling can help you harness your inner compass. 🎓 Why education should focus on inner guidance and interconnected thinking. 🌍 The importance of intuition in addressing global challenges and uncertainty. Connect with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir Hrund’s website: https://www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com Hrund’s Substack: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.substack.com Hrund’s TED Talk: https://go.ted.com/hrundgunnsteinsdóttir

I'd love you to check out my new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠. It's packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: ⁠https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad In this episode, we explore the transformative world of homeopathy with Dr. Jo Polich, a trailblazing expert in Arnica and homeopathic remedies. Dr. Jo shares her remarkable journey from engineer to innovator, blending scientific rigor with traditional healing practices to develop products like ActivMend. ✨ Topics we explore: 💡 What is homeopathy, and how does it work? 🌱 Dr. Jo’s personal story of discovering homeopathy after her daughter’s illness. 🦵 How Arnica and the “Power 5” remedies support injury recovery. 📜 The science and challenges behind patenting a homeopathic product. 🌟 Why swelling isn’t the enemy—and how to heal naturally. 🧠 The future of homeopathy and its potential integration into mainstream medicine. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:11 - What is homeopathy, and how does it differ from herbals? 00:05:08 - Dr. Jo’s life-changing discovery of homeopathy 00:08:47 - Why swelling happens and how to heal faster 00:12:25 - The power of Arnica and other remedies in ActivMend 00:18:13 - Dr. Jo’s groundbreaking patent and collaboration with Allergan 00:23:07 - Applications of homeopathy beyond injury recovery 00:30:19 - Can homeopathy be used preventatively? 00:36:09 - Challenges in mainstream acceptance of homeopathy 00:44:47 - How ActivMend works for athletes and more 00:46:42 - Final thoughts and how to connect with Dr. Jo Resources and Links Learn more about ActivMend: https://www.activmend.com Contact Dr. Jo: drjr.jo@activmend.com

I'd love you to check out my new book, Start With Values. It's packed full of tools to help you lead a life that is aligned with your core values, reducing stress and increasing fulfillment. Find all of my links here: https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad In this episode: Meet Dr. Brian Tierney, a pioneering somatic psychologist, trauma resolution expert, and author of the upcoming book Visionary Somatics. Dr. Tierney shares how somatic psychology bridges the mind-body connection, revealing powerful insights about trauma, healing, and the freedom to play. We dive into: 🔥 How somatic psychology works to resolve trauma 🧘‍♂️ The importance of touch and stillness in healing 🎭 Why expressive arts therapy can unlock our creative potential 💡 How humor and play transform rigidity into vitality 🌍 Why embracing our animal instincts is the key to letting go of trauma This conversation is packed with wisdom, stories, and tools to help you step into a more embodied, joyful life. Resources and Links Follow Dr. Brian Tierney: Website: https://somaticdoctor.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesomaticdoctor Learn more about Visionary Somatics: Introduction Course: https://www.somaticdoctor.education/introduction-to-visionary-somatics/welcome-to-the-course

This episode is brought to you by my new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠ (https://startwithvalues.com/start-with-values-book/). In this episode you will meet Holly Smith, the inspiring author of 30 Days to Happiness and founder of The Happiness Formula. Holly shares her personal journey from depression and burnout to discovering the habits that transformed her life. Together, they dive deep into actionable strategies for happiness, resilience, and the neuroscience of contentment. ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Points 00:01 Introduction – Meet Holly Smith 01:13 What is 30 Days to Happiness? Holly’s personal story and purpose 03:48 Overcoming depression and burnout: Holly’s transformative moment 06:40 The power of habit: Overcoming negative thought patterns 07:36 Joseph Dispenza’s take: Change your personality to change your reality 10:05 Defining happiness and finding purpose 12:19 Auditing bad habits and rewriting your story 16:13 Post-traumatic growth: Climbing the ladder of resilience 16:31 The Happiness Formula explained 18:28 Tools from 30 Days to Happiness: Creating your ideal day and the hour of power 21:43 The importance of white space walking and sitting in stillness 24:47 Rejuvenation through creativity and quiet time 26:56 Visualization as a tool for success: Step-by-step process 32:08 The neuroscience of happiness and neurotransmitter hacks 36:25 Physical fitness and happiness: Holly’s journey to bodybuilding 41:10 Resilience, routines, and how fitness supports mental health 44:15 Inspirations and current reads: 10X is Easier than 2X and more 47:32 How to connect with Holly and final thoughts 📚 Resources and Links Discover more about Holly Smith and her work: Visit her website: https://30daystohappiness.com.au/ Check out her podcast: https://30daystohappiness.com.au/podcast/ Follow Holly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollysmith/ Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollysmith/ Get a copy of Holly’s book 30 Days to Happiness: https://30daystohappiness.com.au/book✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 💡 The 30 habits that can reprogram your mind for happiness 🧠 How to break free from negative thinking patterns 🌿 The importance of white space walks and sitting in stillness 🎯 How visualization can help you achieve your goals 🔬 Practical neuroscience-based hacks for boosting happiness 🏋️‍♂️ Why physical fitness plays a critical role in mental wellbeing 💬 Final Thoughts Holly reminds listeners that happiness is a choice, but it starts with self-awareness, habits, and purpose. Take time to explore your gifts, align your actions with your values, and remember—it’s never too late to begin your journey toward happiness. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to let us know what you think!

This episode is brought to you by my new book, Start With Values. Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear and author of Take Less. Do More., joins Brad for an inspiring conversation about simplifying life, embracing curiosity, and finding fulfillment. From pioneering ultralight backpacking to cultivating generosity and gratitude on the trail, Glen’s story is packed with practical wisdom and memorable lessons. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to declutter your mind and life, this episode is a must-listen. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE 🎒 The philosophy behind ultralight backpacking and how it applies to life 🌟 How simplicity can unlock creativity, curiosity, and connection 💕 Memorable stories of generosity and gratitude from the trail ✨ Practical tips for creating space for gratitude and curiosity every day 🛠️ The evolution of Gossamer Gear and Glen’s unique design process 🚶 Why taking less can help you do more in every area of life ABOUT GLEN VAN PESKI Glen Van Peski is a trailblazer in ultralight backpacking and the founder of Gossamer Gear, a company dedicated to innovative, lightweight outdoor gear. Known for his DIY approach and resourcefulness, Glen has inspired countless adventurers to explore the outdoors with less weight and more joy. His book, Take Less. Do More., blends stories from the trail with timeless lessons in generosity, gratitude, and curiosity. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SHOW 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Glen Van Peski 02:34 – Glen’s Journey: From Civil Engineer to Outdoor Innovator 06:00 – What is Ultralight Backpacking? Key Concepts and Challenges 10:00 – Generosity on the Trail: A Memorable Breakfast in Indiana 14:45 – Why Gratitude and Curiosity are Essential for Wellbeing 19:30 – Nature’s Healing Power: Disconnecting to Reconnect 23:15 – Applying Ultralight Principles to Everyday Life 30:04 – Creating Gossamer Gear: The Evolution of a Brand 36:34 – DIY Gear Design: Lessons from Sewing and Experimentation 40:01 – The Joy and Challenges of Writing Take Less. Do More. 45:12 – What’s Next for Glen: Snow Leopards, Road Trips, and the Himalayas QUOTES TO INSPIRE YOU “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, not just for your backpack but for your life.” “When you take less, you create space for curiosity, gratitude, and connection.” “Generosity doesn’t have to be grand—small acts can transform someone’s day.” “We’ve done too good a job making life comfortable. Discomfort is where growth happens.” RESOURCES & LINKS 📖 Take Less. Do More. by Glen Van Peski 🏞 Visit Glen’s Website 🎒 Explore Gossamer Gear 📸 Follow Glen on Instagram 📧 Email Glen Directly ABOUT BRAD HOOK Brad Hook is the author of Start With Values and an expert in resilience and wellbeing. With a passion for exploring what matters most in life, Brad’s conversations inspire audiences to live with clarity, intention, and creativity. LEAVE A REVIEW Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your friends. Your support means the world! SUBSCRIBE Never miss an episode – subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts!