Wisdom Wednesdays: The Link Between The Personality Trait Of Openness, Cognitive Reserve and Healthy Brain Aging

Heart racing? Shortness of breath? Worried thoughts? Is this anxiety? Maybe it's not. Maybe sometimes we get the label wrong. The reality is, we feel such a wide range of emotions that it's possible we do get it wrong and maybe that can be harmful. Listen in as Carly chats through a different approach, a different attitude so stop getting caught up in labels and we can get on with life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening conversation, I was joined by Dan Chapelle, a clinical psychologist and bonafide philosopher with a deep interest in religion and meditation. Our discussion ranged widely, from the nuances of Eastern and Western philosophies to practical approaches for a more contented life. Dan shared insights from both his personal journey and his books, providing a rich tapestry of ideas centred around the necessity of unhappiness and the power of meditative self-care. What You'll Learn: The Intersection of Philosophy and Psychology: Discover how psychology and philosophy intertwine through the works of Freud, Jung, Nietzsche, and Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Daoism. Learn how these disciplines explore the complexities of the human mind and our quest for understanding and contentment. Importance of Unhappiness: Uncover why Dan views unhappiness as a crucial aspect of life rather than a condition to be overly medicated or avoided. Engage with the ideas from figures like Buddha and Job, emphasising the necessity of accepting life's inherent challenges. Meditative Self-Care: Learn about the practice of meditation as a tool for attention training, self-awareness, and the acceptance of reality. Discover practical insights into how meditation can help balance emotions and redirect attention from negative thought patterns. Attention and Intention in Everyday Life: Explore the concept that attention is the most critical tool we possess, shaping our experiences and responses. Understand how directing our attention and refining our intentions can alter our perception and experience of the world.   Key Takeaways: Life's Challenges: Embrace the understanding that life is inherently difficult, and by accepting this, we can find deeper contentment. Meditation: Use meditation as a practical method for managing your attention and fostering acceptance. Philosophical Insights: Philosophical and psychological teachings from the East and West offer valuable perspectives on human experience and the nature of reality. Unhappiness as a Teacher: Viewing unhappiness as a part of life encourages personal growth and fosters a more profound fulfillment. Attention Control: Directing attention wisely influences emotional health and can lead to a more balanced life. Resources: Books by Dan Chappelle: "A Minimalist Ethic for Everyday Life" "Meditative Self-Care" Explore Dan's insights further and access more resources on MeditativeSelfCare.com. By embracing these philosophies and practices, you can cultivate a more profound sense of contentment and understanding in everyday life. Each step you take towards accepting life's difficulties can open the door to new perspectives and inner peace. If you're interested in diving deeper into these themes, I highly recommend checking out Dan Chapelle's works—let them guide you towards a more mindful and fulfilled existence. Support and Share: If you found this episode enlightening, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring expert insights to a wider audience. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from the discussion around hormesis and its life-enhancing potential. 00:27 Journey into Psychology and Philosophy 01:28 Exploring Phenomenological Psychology 02:21 Connections Between Eastern and Western Philosophies 05:37 Minimalist Ethic and Everyday Life 06:41 Ian McGilchrist and the Left Brain-Right Brain Debate 20:33 The Necessity of Unhappiness 23:30 Job's Story and Contentment 28:44 Catcher in the Rye and Adolescent Struggles 31:41 Radical Acceptance and Amor Fati 33:35 The Role of Meditation in Accepting Reality 34:18 Understanding Buddhist Meditation 35:27 Nietzsche's Philosophy and Amor Fati 39:04 Practical Approaches to Meditation 42:06 The Importance of Attention in Mental Health 49:36 Karma and Intention 01:02:30 Reflections on Life and Contentment      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week Carly talks through a simple, but effective technique anyone can do to help with overthinking and rumination.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My old mate Professor Grant Schofield and I delve into the fascinating concept of hormesis and its impact on human health. We discuss the newly launched Hormesis Lab and explore how controlled exposure to stressors can enhance resilience and promote longevity. From the hormonal effects of light exposure to the physiological benefits of exercise, this conversation uncovers the science behind becoming robust through strategic stress. What You'll Learn: Understanding Hormesis: Hormesis is the process of exposing your body to mild stressors to increase its resilience against future stress. Light and the Body: Discover how different types of light, including visible and non-visible wavelengths, penetrate the body and impact health. Learn about the role of vitamin D in glucose homeostasis and immune function, and why it’s essential for overall well-being. Exercise as a Hermetic Stressor: Explore how exercise functions as a stressor and boosts longevity, with a focus on VO2 max and muscle strength. Understand the physiological mechanisms activated during exercise, like myokines and their widespread health benefits. Effective Training Techniques: Zone 2 and VO2 max training methods are explained for optimising cardiovascular health and enhancing endurance. Strength and resistance training guidelines are provided to improve muscle mass and overall functionality. Nutritional Importance: The importance of protein intake is highlighted, particularly in maintaining muscle mass and facilitating recovery and growth. Key Takeaways: Hormetic Stress: Leveraging mild stress can build resilience and improve health outcomes. Light Exposure: Adequate light, particularly in the infrared spectrum, can support mitochondrial health and potentially aid in neurodegenerative conditions. Exercise Strategy: A balanced exercise routine, incorporating both aerobic and strength training, is crucial for long-term health. Protein Needs: As you age, higher protein intake is necessary to compensate for the natural decline in muscle mass and synthesis. Role of Hormesis in Longevity: Understanding and applying hormesis can be a transformative approach to improving health and longevity. Resources: For more in-depth information and resources, including links to studies and equipment recommendations discussed in the podcast, be sure to check out the notes provided. Stay informed about innovative approaches to enhancing health and unlocking your potential through hormesis. Support and Share: If you found this episode enlightening, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring expert insights to a wider audience. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from the discussion around hormesis and its life-enhancing potential. 01:08 Understanding Hormesis 03:13 Stoic Quotes and Hormesis 03:58 The Importance of Stress Resistance 06:31 Light and Its Effects on Health 07:12 Vitamin D and Sun Exposure 11:49 Infrared Light and Mitochondrial Health 15:19 Melanin and Brain Health 22:56 Exercise and Longevity 28:27 Understanding VO2 and Training History 29:30 The Role of Muscle Strength in Longevity 29:56 Hormetic Mechanisms and Myokines 33:16 Practical Training Guidelines 33:54 Zone 2 and High-Intensity Training 40:27 Strength Training for Longevity 45:54 The Importance of Protein Intake  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Are your goals secretly setting you up to fail? In this Mojo Monday, Carly explores the idea of “dead person goals”—those focused on eliminating feelings or stopping behaviours entirely—and why they rarely work. Borrowing from the work of Russ Harris, she offers a powerful reframe: goals grounded in action and values that actually move you forward. If you’ve ever said, “I just want to stop doing that,” this episode will help you find a better way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a bloke, or have a bloke (young or old) in your life - this is a conversation not to be missed. Once you've listened to it, share it far and wide, as Dr. Zac Seidler, a clinical psychologist and Director of Research at Movember, has the most comprehensive view I've ever come across on what positive masculinity and good men's mental health looks like. The conversation focuses on not just the psychological aspects of men's mental health, but the societal framework that shapes masculinity. The discussion traverses through topics of men's mental health awareness, therapeutic approaches, toxic and positive masculinity, and how we can foster healthier male communities. What You'll Learn: Deciphering Masculinity: We delve into how the traditional concepts of masculinity can be both harmful and beneficial and discuss the need to redefine masculinity in more positive, flexible terms. Therapeutic Approaches: Explore why traditional therapy might not resonate with men and how 'gender-sensitive' therapy can be a more effective approach. Social Connection: The vital role of social networks in men's mental health and how a lack of these connections can lead to severe psychological issues, including suicide. Preventative Measures: Understand the importance of getting ahead of mental health issues through early interventions and community-based programs. Breaking Down Stigmas: Discuss the societal changes needed to address mental health proactively instead of reactively, and the importance of redefining spaces for men to safely express themselves. Key Takeaways: Masculinity Redefined: Emphasising the value of attributes like stoicism, altruism, and service when appropriately contextualised. Supportive Networks: Highlighting the significance of building and maintaining strong social connections throughout life. Therapy Reimagined: Utilising flexible therapeutic practices that consider men's socialisation and comfort levels. Community and Connection: Promoting the idea that safe, non-judgmental spaces are crucial for men's mental health. Early Intervention: The critical role of incorporating mental health teachings and practices from a young age to build resilience. Resources: Engage with Movember's initiatives focusing on men's mental health. Explore gender-sensitive therapy training programs like "Men in Mind" to better understand how to engage men in therapeutic settings. Connect with organisations like "The Man Cave" and "Top Blokes" that offer programs to support young men. Support and Share: Listening to this podcast could inspire not just awareness but also actionable steps towards building better support systems for the men in our lives. This conversation sheds light on the core issues impacting men's mental health and explores innovative solutions designed to uplift and support men in maintaining mental health wellness. To continue this important dialogue on men's mental health, visit Movember's website and explore their extensive resources aimed at creating change and advocating for better health. If this episode resonated with you or you believe it could help someone else, please share this talk to broaden the conversation about men's health and masculinity in today's society.   00:17 What is Movember? 00:58 The Origins of Movember 02:29 Movember's Global Impact 04:08 Personal Journey into Men's Health 06:50 Challenges in Men's Mental Health 09:10 Addressing Toxic Masculinity 16:38 Rites of Passage and Positive Masculinity 21:03 Gender-Sensitive Therapy 29:05 The Social Vacuum Post-Divorce 29:30 The Lifesaving Importance of Social Connections 32:05 Veteran Suicide and the Loss of Purpose 33:57 The Role of Therapy in Men's Mental Health 35:43 Innovative Approaches to Therapy 38:37 The Crisis of Male Suicide and Prevention Strategies 51:47 The Importance of Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ever found your mood shift instantly because of something small—like someone cutting you off in traffic, your partner’s mess, or the physical discomfort of anxiety? In this episode, Carly explores a powerful concept from Japanese Psychology called shiso-no-mujun—the internal tension between how things are and how we wish they were. Using a very real (and very relatable) moment from her morning, she talks about how recognising this tension can help us respond to life’s little irritations with more clarity and less reactivity. This one’s for anyone who’s had their mood hijacked by the everyday—and wants take control of how they respond to those everyday challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.