Inner Path Seekers | Lessons for Life

In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming reinvention architect Craig Standland, who knows all about how to reinvent your life after watching his own crumble in 2013, when the FBI came knocking at his door, for a second round on the podcast.In this episode we delve deeper into Craig’s current occupation as a reinvention architect, what that means, and how he guides others as they navigate big life changes and end up becoming better people because of it. Craig is also the author of the best-seller ‘Blank Canvas: How I Reinvented My Life after Prison’, and gave an inspiring TEDx talk on the subject. If you’d like to spend even more time with him, both are really worth checking out.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/09/how-to-reinvent-your-life-craig-stanland/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒The IPS Academy 00:00 - 00:51Intro 00:51 - 04:46 What most people wish for when they want to reinvent themselves 04:46 - 08:20 The most common age group Craig works with on reinvention 08:20 - 10:00 What people don't understand about the work Craig does as a reinvention architect 10:00 - 17:18 What Craig's own reinvention journey looked like and how he discovered the tools he uses today with clients 17:18 - 23:00 The four A's 23:00 - 26:02 Three major components to living a rich, fulfilling, and meaning-driven life 26:02 - 32:26 How to find your core values 32:26 - 35:11 The difference between healthy and unhealthy core values 35:11 - 39:00 Exercises to establish your core values 39:00 - 41:50 How to create a system that works for you 41:50 - 45:33 The fears that held Craig back on his own reinvention journey and how he got past them 45:33 - 50:39 The IPS Academy 50:39 - 51:55 What Craig did on his 50th birthday 51:55 - 55:36 What Craig would say to young people who feel pressured to get everything right in life 55:36 - 1:01:10 How to get a healthy view of success 1:01:10 - 1:04:28 When Craig realized meaning and fulfillment were more important than just money 1:04:28 - 1:07:50 Creating a catalyst in your life towards actions that create the life you want to live 1:07:50 - 1:14:06 Upcoming books Craig is working on 1:14:06 - 1:19:37 There is always a reason for behavior: Good people do bad things too 1:19:37 - 1:24:00Where to find and connect with Craig 1:24:00 - 1:26:15 Final question 1:26:15 - 1:28:09 Outro 1:28:09 - 1:29:08 The IPS Academy 1:29:08 - 1:30:35

If you see me today talking to strangers on The IPS Podcast and doing these videos here, you wouldn’t say that I used to be a very shy person. But I was. In fact, it’s quite an understatement. I was always the quietest person in the class or in any room. Through the years, all this changed when I applied all the techniques, skills, and knowledge (and a lot of effort and work) of the ways to talk to anyone, and when I did the deeper inner work of increasing my self-confidence and taking a hard look at my own self-limiting beliefs.These are all things that I am sharing here in this extended video. If you are a shy or insecure person (or both), try applying everything shared in this video and giving it time. True change, like with me, is bound to happen.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/08/how-to-talk-to-anyone/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒Intro 00:00 - 02:101Ways to Get a Conversation GoingSmile and Be Approachable 02:10 - 06:25Pay Attention 06:25 - 09:17Pretend you Have to Give a Presentation About That Person and Be Genuinely Interested 09:17 - 11:18Use a Card Game 11:18 - 13:37Remember Their Name 13:37 - 15:50Practice Empathy 15:50 - 19:05Seek Connection 19:05 - 20:102How to Improve Your Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence 20:10 - 20:31Do Things That You Want to Do But Scare You 20:31 - 24:24Challenge Self-Limiting Beliefs 24:24 - 31:253. Practice, Practice, and Practice 31:25 - 32:45Outro 32:45 - 33:19The IPS Academy 33:19 - 34:44

In this episode, get advice from Jellis Vaes, the founder of The IPS Project and a mental health coach, about what to do when dealing with an invisible pain, illness, or injury. Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/05/the-struggle-of-invisible-pain/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to ⁠https://theipsproject.com/academy⁠.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at ⁠https://theipsproject.com/academy⁠._______🕒Timestamps🕒Intro 00:00 - 02:08It's Okay Not to Be Okay 02:08 - 04:38Find a Support Group 04:38 - 07:20Verbalize Your Feelings to People 07:20 - 10:23Go Outside 10:23 - 12:12Find Meaning 12:12 - 14:25Outro 14:25 - 15:33

In this bonus episode, Dr. Medcalf, a psychologist and relationship expert with more than 30 years of experience in the field, takes over the IPS podcast.If, by the end of this episode, you’d like to learn even more from Dr. Medcalf, do check out the interview I did with her in ‘EP 035 - The Key to Great Relationships with Psychologist and Relationships Expert Dr. Abby Medcalf’, where we cover a whole lot more of good stuff on the topic of dating and relationships.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned by Dr. Medcalf can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/07/dr-abby-medcalf-bonus-episode/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒The IPS Academy | Online Courses 00:00 - 00:51Intro 00:51 - 02:39When you feel like you can’t find the right person in your life 02:39 - 07:40Good questions to ask yourself or good things to do to help prepare yourself to bring the most into a relationship 07:40 - 12:27The IPS Academy | Online Courses 12:27 - 13:43Good ground rules to navigate a confrontational or emotional conversation with your partner 13:43 - 21:26What do you do if your partner gets triggered? 21:26 - 23:06Is the three-year itch and the seven-year itch real? These are the years during which most relationships end. 23:06 - 24:16How to maintain intimacy and connection in a long-term relationship 24:16 - 29:33 Tools, techniques, and tips to use to apply what you just learned 29:33 - 32:53Outro 32:53 - 33:53The IPS Academy | Online Courses 33:53 - 35:18

Discover the secrets to building great and healthy relationships with relationship expert, Dr. Abby Medcalf. With over 30 years of experience counselling individuals and couples, Dr. Medcalf is the author of the highly-rated book 'Be Happily Married' and host of the popular podcast 'Relationships Made Easy'. Get ready for an energy-filled discussion on the fascinating topic of romantic relationships.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned by Dr. Medcalf can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/05/the-key-to-great-relationships/_______The IPS AcademyIf you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses.  Simply go to ⁠⁠TheIPSProject.com/academy.⁠⁠What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at ⁠⁠TheIPSProject.com/academy⁠⁠._______Timestamps:The IPS Academy 00:00 - 00:50Intro 00:50 - 03:27Studying relationships for more than 30 years 03:27 - 06:26What got Dr. Medcalf so interested in relationships 06:26 - 08:58The different approach Dr. Medcalf working with clients compared to other psychologists 08:58 - 13:37Wrong mental health advice that is being shared on TikTok 13:37 - 19:35 The IPS Academy | Online Courses 19:35 - 20:52Modern-day dating 20:52 - 31:50Personality traits and qualities to look for in a partner 31:50 - 49:47Relationships topics Dr. Medcalf would teach in school 49:47 - 58:10The importance of having boundaries 58:10 - 1:05:26How to negotiate in relationships 1:05:26 - 1:09:15The final end question 1:09:15 - 1:10:29Outro 1:10:29 - 1:11:31The IPS Academy | Online Courses 1:11:31 - 1:12:58

“If you don’t invest in your wellness, you will have to invest in your illness.” – Martin Inderbitzin Dr. Martin Inderbitzin, a neuroscientist and cancer survivor, and Jellis Vaes, a mental health coach and cardiac arrest survivor, share lessons about life and death in this interview on The IPS Podcast.Show notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Dr. Martin Inderbitzin and Jellis Vaes: https://theipsproject.com/2023/04/lessons-about-life-and-death/Dare to Live by Dr. Martin InderbitzinDare to Live by Dr. Martin Inderbitzin is a collection of condensed insights from his personal experiences over the past decade of fighting pancreatic cancer. Each chapter is filled with his thoughts and practical actions, combining his understanding of neuroscience and his personal experience of battling chronic cancer and surviving pancreatic cancer—all of which helped him overcome challenges and find hope. https://amzn.to/3KCKiawhttps://amzn.to/3KCKiaw_______The IPS AcademyIf you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses.  Simply go to ⁠TheIPSProject.com/academy.⁠What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at ⁠TheIPSProject.com/academy⁠._______🕒Timestamps🕒The IPS Academy 00:00 - 00:50Intro 00:50 - 06:18Life update about Dr. Martin Inderbitzin and Jellis Vaes 06:18 - 12:31How illness can turn relationships into an emotional rollercoaster 12:31 - 17:36How Jellis Vaes was diagnosed with heart disease 17:36 - 23:32Dr. Martin Inderbitzin’s recent cancer surgery 23:32 - 27:02The questions about life and death that will be covered 27:02 - 28:05How to balance living in the moment and planning for the future when time is limited 28:05 - 33:02The importance of pursuing meaning instead of pleasure 33:0 - 37:16How to help people see their own fragility 37:16 - 42:25Why you should invest in your wellness 42:25 - 49:59Good investments Martin and Jellis would recommend for your wellness 49:59 - 57:31How to deal with hearing bad news in life 57:31 - 1:08:25The IPS Academy | Online Courses 1:08:25 - 1:09:41How to effectively celebrate the good news in life 1:09:41 - 1:15:35How Martin started with sailing 1:15:35 - 1:19:31Life lessons Martin learned through sailing 1:19:31 - 1:22:50Life lessons Jellis learned through climbing mountains 1:22:50 - 1:24:40How sailing and climbing mountains are schools of life 1:24:40 - 1:26:52People Martin and Jellis look up to 1:26:52 - 1:31:05Suggested books, videos, and podcasts about life and death 1:31:05 - 1:34:12Martin's first book: Dare to Live 1:34:12 - 1:41:06Outro 1:41:06 - 1:42:07The IPS Academy | Online Courses 1:42:07 - 1:43:33

“Compassion is for people who are suffering. Sympathy is for people who are suffering. Empathy is stepping out of my point of view and stepping into your point of view. And I can do that with you if you are happy, if you are confused, if you are suffering or not suffering.” - Karen FaithEmpathy is a practice, not a feeling.Yes, you read that right.Whether you’re naturally good at feeling it or not, there is a set of skills behind empathy that anyone can learn and get better at.Knowing this opens a door that some people might feel has never existed for them before. And for others, it opens up the possibility to connect even more deeply with the people around them.In this episode on The IPS Podcast, we invited Karen Faith, empathy trainer and founder of Others Unlimited—a professional training and coaching firm that provides empathy training to brands, teams, and individuals.Some of the Questions:How have you come to the realization that empathy is indeed a practice and not a feeling?Have you noticed a difference between men and women in how they show empathy?What are some small or big things that you have noticed people doing that they think are helpful, but in reality are actually rather standing in the way of creating a true connection with someone?What You Will Learn from this Episode:What ultimately led Karen to start Others Unlimited and give trainings on empathyAn exercise that Karen uses in her workshops to strengthen empathyWhat unconditional welcome isShow notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Karen: https://theipsproject.com/2023/02/how-to-strengthen-your-empathy/_______The IPS AcademyIf you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses.  Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy.What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy.

“I was told early on that with amputation 95% is mental and 5% is physical. If you get your head straight, the rest will follow.” - Alex LewisThere are people in this world who just blow your socks off with their courage and strength despite the massive adversities they had to go through.Alex Lewis, our guest in this interview, is one of those people.Before Alex lost his limbs and his lips, he was—as he describes himself—just a regular guy, with a partner and a two-year-old son, who ran a restaurant and who was primarily a stay-at-home dad.All this, however, changed in November 2013 when he fell ill.If you’d like to engage more with this interview, you can also watch the videotaped version on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wW5PIqnc2IISome of the Questions:What happened in November 2013 when you thought you only had a common cold? What did those days seem like and when did you know something was not right?Is there something you would say to the “old you” (the one with limbs) that you feel could have helped you to live a better life?I read somewhere that you really liked the book Man's Search for Meaning by Víctor Frankl. What parts of the book spoke to you the most?What You Will Learn from this Episode:When and why Alex decided to fight and not remain a victimHow he has learned to accept the changes that had happened to his body and to feel okay with themWhy Alex received a personal invitation from Chris Martin, the lead singer of ColdplayShow notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Alex: https://theipsproject.com/2022/09/how-to-find-your-way-out-of-hell-alex-lewis/_______ The IPS Academy  If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.  Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses.  Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy.  What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.  Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.  Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy.

Are you ready for a new bonus episode? In this bonus episode, adventurer, lecturer and two-time world-record holder Kristina Paltén takes over the podcast. Kristina has so far appeared twice in on The IPS Podcast. The first time was in episode 013: ‘Kristina Paltén, Ultra Runner – Alone Through Iran, 1144 Miles of Trust, Prejudice, and Human Kindness’, and the second time in episode 029: ‘The Good Life with Kristina Paltén, a Woman with an Extraordinary Life’. EP 013 - Kristina Paltén, Ultra Runner - Alone Through Iran, 1144 Miles of Trust, Prejudice, and Human Kindness EP 029 – The Good Life with Kristina Paltén, a Woman with an Extraordinary Life If you want to learn more about her world records, about her becoming the first woman to run 1144 miles alone through Iran, and the rest of her story of inspiration, be sure to check out those interviews. Show notes and links for this episode can be found at https://theipsproject.com/2022/06/bonus-episode-kristina-palten/ _______ BECOME A CHAMPION: Master Self-Confidence and Goal Setting If you are interested to learn more from Kristina, she also teaches an online course here on The IPS Academy on how to master confidence and effectively set goals. Learn from Kristina, a two-time world record holder, about how to make impossible goals possible. Check out the intro video and the full course description to learn more. _______ About The Inner Path Seekers Project (The IPS Project): The IPS Project is an educational platform on life. Here, you can find knowledge about life topics such as mental health, relationships, the workings of the mind, the body & brain, etc.—topics we learn little to nothing about growing up. Learn more about these topics through countless practical articles, animated videos, a book library, online courses, events, a podcast, and more. Start your journey today: https://theipsproject.com/.

“Eating disorders are not about food.” - Ashley McHanIn this interview on the podcast of Inner Path Seekers, Ashley McHan, a licensed eating disorder and trauma specialist sits down with Jellis Vaes, the host of the podcast, to talk about eating disorders.Show notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Ashley: https://theipsproject.com/2022/04/understanding-eating-disorders-ashley-mchan/