The Paul Taylor Podcast | Expert in Hardiness and Mental Fitness

In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor discusses the importance of embracing discomfort as a part of truly living life. She references a quote by Dr. Steven Hayes, founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to highlight how avoiding discomfort can prevent personal growth and meaningful experiences. Carly shares her personal struggle with writing her book due to feelings of imposter syndrome and fear of judgment. She encourages viewers to recognise that saying no often stems from a desire to avoid discomfort rather than from disinterest. 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration 00:53 The Gatekeeper of Discomfort 01:19 Personal Struggles with Discomfort 02:57 Encouragement to Embrace Discomfort 03:54 Living Life to the Fullest 05:35 Final Thoughts and Apologies for the sound quality!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please Support the Podcast: If you are enjoying, do me a small favour which helps a lot - subscribe  and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us bring valuable conversations like this one to a wider audience. Today I sit down with Martijn Arns, a biological psychologist at the forefront of applied neuroscience, to discuss the advancements and challenges in psychiatry. We delve into his pioneering research on brain biomarkers, the promising applications of brain stimulation techniques like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and how lifestyle factors may influence conditions such as ADHD. Martijn also shares cutting-edge insights into the role of heart-brain coupling and the potential impact of psychedelics in mental health treatment, offering a glimpse into the future of personalised and stratified psychiatry. What You'll Learn: Understanding Biological vs. Clinical Psychology:   Martijn explains the focus of biological psychology in studying brain activity rather than engaging in traditional talk therapy. The Role of Biomarkers in Psychiatry: Discover the challenges of seeking biological signatures for psychiatric conditions. Understand why a biomarker-driven psychiatry might be theoretically impossible due to clinical impairment and situational variables. Innovations in Brain Stimulation: Explore the mechanisms and applications of TMS for treating depression and other psychiatric disorders. Learn about the groundbreaking use of heart rate to optimise TMS targeting, enhancing treatment effectiveness. Lifestyle Factors and ADHD: Understand the significant role sleep and sunlight exposure play in ADHD symptoms. Consider the implications of lifestyle interventions in managing and reducing ADHD diagnoses. The Exciting Future of Psychiatric Treatments: Dive into how psychedelics might transform therapeutic approaches with their profound effects in combination with therapy. Reflect on the potential shift from daily medication to periodic brain stimulation treatments. Key Takeaways: Psychiatry is evolving, with innovations in neuroscience paving the way for more personalised and effective treatments. There's a growing recognition of the importance of lifestyle factors, like sleep and sunlight exposure, in influencing mental health conditions, especially ADHD. Advancements like TMS offer hope, showing potential even where conventional treatments have failed. Future therapies may focus more on brain stimulation and targeted interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all medication approach. Resources: For more insights and updates on cutting-edge neuroscience research, visit Brain Clinics at brainclinics.com. Connect with Martijn Arns on LinkedIn to follow his latest work in applied neuroscience. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from these insights—understanding and innovation in psychiatric treatment are vital as we move towards a future of tailored mental health care. 00:40 Biological vs. Clinical Psychology 01:38 Journey Through Academia and Early Career 04:04 Starting Brain Clinics and Translational Research 06:48 Challenges in Psychiatric Diagnosis 16:20 Stratified Psychiatry and Biomarkers 27:26 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) 31:25 Ethical Considerations in TMS Treatment 32:40 Future of Brain Stimulation Treatments 33:34 Personal Experiences with TMS and Psychedelics 34:23 TMS Applications Beyond Depression 36:02 Innovations in TMS Targeting 37:21 Heart-Brain Coupling and TMS 40:18 Exploring the Vagus Nerve and Depression 47:39 Sleep's Role in ADHD 55:59 Lifestyle Factors and ADHD 01:00:34 Exciting Ventures in Brain Research  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor discusses key principles of the Japanese therapeutic approach called Morita Therapy to help manage difficult emotions. She emphasises the importance of shifting away from trying to control emotions and thoughts through sheer will, introducing concepts like 'Toraware' (mental preoccupation) and 'Arugmama' (allowing oneself to feel without judgment). By depicting how over-focusing on negative feelings amplifies suffering and how 'acceptance' and purposeful action can lead to emotional freedom, Carly offers valuable strategies for integrating these therapeutic principles into daily life, ultimately helping listeners flow like a river around their emotional obstacles. 00:00 Introduction to Mojo Monday 00:13 Understanding Emotional Control 01:45 Introduction to Morita Therapy 02:02 The Concept of Toraware 03:21 The Cycle of Suffering 04:30 The Gap Between Ideal and Reality 06:13 Avoidance Strategies 07:56 Embracing Arugamama: A New Perspective 10:53 Personal Reflections and Metaphors 13:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening podcast episode, I sit down with Natalie Kovarik a cattle rancher, to discuss the realities of cattle ranching versus its portrayal in popular media like 'Yellowstone'. Natalie shares her unique journey from Montana to Nebraska, illustrating the challenges and advancements in agriculture over the decades. They delve into her collaboration with dairy farmer Tara Vander Dussen on their podcast 'Discover Ag', which aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the origins of their food. Key topics include the impact of climate and market pricing on farming, the pros and cons of grass-fed versus grain-fed beef, misconceptions about methane production, and the often misleading nature of food labels. This episode offers a comprehensive look at modern agriculture, sustainability practices, and the importance of transparent, informed food production. What You'll Learn: Reality vs. Media: Understand how popular media can mislead public perceptions of farming and agriculture. Building Connections: Discover how Natalie and Tara use social media and their podcast to connect consumers directly with the farming world. Agricultural Realities: Learn about the technological advances and persistent challenges such as market pricing that impact modern farming. Debunking Myths: Gain insights into common misconceptions about "factory farming" and the scale of agricultural operations. Environmental Impact: Explore the nuanced discussion on agriculture's environmental role, particularly around methane production and sustainable practices. Key Takeaways: Media depictions often do not fully reflect the complexities of agriculture; Natalie provides an authentic look into farming life. Social media and platforms like Discover Ag foster direct consumer connections, opening dialogue about agriculture's realities. Challenges in farming extend beyond operations—the unpredictable nature and market factors are significant hurdles. Large-scale farming isn't inherently negative; many larger operations incorporate advanced sustainable practices. Educating consumers on agricultural processes fosters a more sustainable and understanding food system. Resources: Discover Ag Podcast: Listen weekly as Natalie and Tara discuss major topics within Western agriculture, addressing consumer concerns directly. Follow Natalie Kovarik: Catch up with Natalie on various social media platforms for insights into sustainable ranching. Discover Ag website Discover Ag Instagram Discover Ag YouTube Discover Ag TikTok Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform to spread this insightful discussion on agriculture. Share with friends or family interested in learning more about where their food comes from and the realities behind it. 02:13 Challenges in the Agriculture Industry 03:43 Discover Ag Podcast and TV Series 06:11 Debunking Myths in Agriculture 08:56 Sustainability in Cattle Farming 13:51 Monocropping and Soil Health 18:12 Feedlots and Beef Production 23:09 Food Labels and Consumer Awareness 28:55 Misleading Food Labels 30:35 Ultra-Processed Foods: The Hidden Dangers 31:47 The Organic Label Debate 32:27 The MAHA Movement and Food Manufacturing 36:29 Supermarket Shenanigans and Product Placement 39:26 Sustainability and Global Food Trade 41:53 Methane Reduction in Cattle 46:21 Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef 53:17 The Future of Farming  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Truth About Protein: Do it need to be spread out evenly across meals? Do you really need protein at every meal to build muscle? What about the source and timing of protein - does it matter if you're vegetarian or eating animal products? Get the real facts in this myth-busting episode. We dive into the latest research on protein needs for muscle building, whether spreading protein evenly throughout the day is optimal, and if plant proteins can be as effective as animal proteins. The findings may surprise you - and change how you think about protein intake and timing.   [1:23] Background on protein needs for muscle building[4:12] Study design and methods [7:34] Key findings: protein timing and source doesn't matter[10:15] How this changes protein recommendations The bottom line?  Tune in to get the full scoop!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor shares a personal story about her daughter’s frustrating injury, exploring the importance of balancing painful emotions with gratitude. Carly emphasises the vital role of developing mental fitness in helping us respond to life's challenges rather than react. She discusses how acknowledging both pain and gratitude can provide emotional balance. Carly encourages us to practice mental flexibility by allowing all emotions to be present and finding space for gratitude without dismissing the hardships. 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration00:54 The Taylor Challenge: A Personal Story02:33 A Lesson in Gratitude03:42 Balancing Emotions: Frustration and Gratitude04:13 Mental Fitness and Flexibility05:14 Practical Tips for Navigating Challenges05:54 Conclusion and Weekly Sign-OffSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful conversation with Dr. Stan Beecham, a renowned psychologist and author of "Elite Minds," we explore the profound insights gained from confronting life's toughest challenges. Having faced acute leukemia and emerged with a renewed perspective on life, Dr. Beecham shares invaluable lessons on resilience, identity, and the power of acceptance. A Journey Through Adversity During the podcast, Dr. Beecham recounts his battle with acute leukemia, reflecting on the ways this life-altering experience informed his approach to living. He emphasises the importance of accepting life's randomness, turning an uncertain future into an opportunity for personal growth. Dr. Beecham's story serves as a testament to the power of acknowledging vulnerability and embracing the present moment. What You'll Learn: Facing Adversity: Discover how confronting life-threatening challenges can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and enhance appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Resilience and Stoicism: Learn about the role of stoic philosophy in overcoming adversity, including concepts like 'Amor Fati' and the acceptance of fate as a path to liberation from fear. Identity and Self-Reflection: Explore the dangers of tying identity too closely to professional accomplishments and the benefits of cultivating a sense of self beyond work. Focus and Intentional Living: Understand the importance of directing the "flashlight of attention" towards meaningful experiences and relationships.   Key Takeaways: Acceptance is vital: Embrace your circumstances as they are, using acceptance as a foundation to focus on what you can control. Cultivate curiosity and urgency: Approach life with a sense of curiosity about what's next and seize opportunities with urgency. Embrace simplicity: Find joy in daily routines and simple pleasures as a way to enrich your life and cultivate mindfulness. Contribute positively: Strive to give more than you take in interactions, fostering positive energy and enriching relationships. Be honest and seek truth: In relationships, tell the truth even when it's difficult, as transparency strengthens connections. Resources: For more insights from Dr. Stan Beecham, explore his book "Elite Minds" available on Amazon. Visit Dr. Stan Beecham's website for further information and resources. Connect with Dr. Stan Beecham: LinkedIn: Dr. Stan Beecham In embracing life's uncertainties, Dr. Stan Beecham reminds us that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and redefine our purpose Support the Podcast: If you found this conversation impactful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you meaningful discussions. Support and Share: Share this episode with those who might benefit from these insights—reflecting on life's challenges can inspire growth and resilience in the most unexpected ways. 00:39 Stan's Leukemia Diagnosis 01:53 Hospital Experience and Personal Resilience 04:24 Reflections on Life and Vulnerability 08:07 Paul's Open Heart Surgery 09:02 Stoic Philosophy and Facing Adversity 10:38 Embracing Fate and Life's Challenges 20:44 Identity Beyond Work 31:16 Survival Situations and Acceptance 34:46 Entitlement and Victim Mentality 35:56 Self-Worth and External Perception 37:52 Compassion and Truth-Telling 43:03 The Importance of Attention 47:45 Facing Mortality and Urgency 52:50 Lessons from Near-Death Experiences 59:47 Living with Purpose and Joy  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longevity Supplements: Do NMN and NR Actually Work?  Read on to find out what the research says. Overview:In this week's episode, we dive into the popular supplements NMN and NR that are touted to increase longevity and healthspan. We break down what these supplements actually are, what the research says about their effects on muscle and physical function, and whether you should spend your money on them. Key Takeaways: 0:45 - What are NMN and NR? Precursors to NAD+, which declines with age 2:30 - Animal studies show benefits, but what about humans?3:45 - Results of a systematic review of RCTs in older adults on muscle strength and physical function 5:00 - Studies sponsored by industry show benefits, but lower quality evidence6:30 - Are they worth spending your money on?  CTA: Dive into the research and decide for yourself - listen to the full episode now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode discusses the importance of connection as the fourth pillar of mental fitness. It explores how modern lifestyles and digital interactions have led to increased loneliness and less genuine human connection. Through personal anecdotes, carly emphasises the value of real-life interactions over digital connections and encourages listeners to actively seek out 'micro connections' in their daily lives. A suggested journaling exercise based on the Japanese practice of Naikan helps reflect on received and given connections to improve well-being. The episode concludes with a call to ramp up meaningful connections and engage children in similar practices. 00:00 Introduction to the Fourth Pillar of Mental Fitness 00:36 The Decline of Genuine Human Connection 01:51 Personal Anecdotes on Connection 03:17 The Importance of Micro Connections 04:41 Encouraging Real-World Interactions 05:24 Reflecting on Daily Connections 07:16 Conclusion and Weekly ChallengeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.