626: Surrendering Your Ego to Connect With Your Soul with Kyle Cease

What if the strategies you've used to avoid pain are the same ones keeping you disconnected from your soul? So much of our desire to strive and optimize is simply the ego's way of protecting us from discomfort. We call it growth, but in reality, it's avoidance. My guest today is my good friend Kyle Cease. Kyle was named one of Comedy Central's Top 10 Comics to Watch in 2009, and he's the author of my favorite book I read in 2025, The Illusion of Money. He was on the path to Hollywood stardom until something deeper called him to do what he was destined to do: become a spiritual teacher. Not to achieve more fame or money, but to develop a deeper connection to God, truth, and spiritual growth.  In this episode, we go deeper than I've ever gone on this podcast. We talk about how the internet is bombarding us with first-level insights, why "positive thinking" fails to overcome our personal struggles, and how our addiction to impact, productivity, and even self-help can keep us from real healing. Kyle also shares how he's learning to let his ego die, how suffering is necessary in order to truly heal, and why connecting with your soul on a deeper level will unlock your biggest breakthroughs to achieve your goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Inheriting Fear and Shame From Our Parents Your Soul Wants the Full Human Experience The Subtle Ways We Avoid Suffering Insight vs. Integration in Self-Development Why Breakthroughs Require Earned Revelation Ego vs. Soul: Redefining Productivity Perspectives on Unconditional Love and Free Will Honoring God to Kill Your Ego What It Means to Merge With Your Soul Freedom From Needing to Leave a Legacy How to Connect & Get Access to Kyle's Courses Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/626 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

What if the fastest way to create deeper conversations, improve your leadership abilities, and your relationships wasn't a better plan—but a better question?  My guest today is Michael Bungay Stanier, bestselling author of The Coaching Habit, the most popular coaching book of the century, to unpack why most of us rush to give advice too quickly and how staying curious just a little longer can change everything.  You'll hear Michael talk about why we're all "advice-giving maniacs," how asking better questions leads to better outcomes, and the simple coaching framework Michael has taught to coaches and leaders around the world. You'll learn his most powerful questions and why they unlock clarity, accountability, and trust. Whether you're a parent, leader, manager, spouse, or maybe you're someone who wants deeper, more meaningful conversations, you'll learn how coaching is really about helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered—not fixed.  KEY TAKEAWAYS One Thing That The Best Coaches Do The Best Way to Avoid Giving Unwanted Advice The Power Of Asking One Question & Then Listening How Michael Pivoted From His Coaching Practice  Accountability Isn't About Cracking a Whip Systems That Help You Follow-Through On Your Goal How Money & Side Bets Are Powerful Motivators How To Be Useful When Someone Asks for Advice The Best Question a Coach Can Ask to Dig Deeper How to Learn More From Michael The Deeper Gift that Coaching Offers Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/625 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

Have you ever walked into a room or given a presentation and immediately felt awkward? Or maybe you struggle with confidence or imposter syndrome at live gatherings or even on Zoom meetings? If so, this episode is for you.  As you'll hear from today's guest, confidence isn't the absence of awkwardness—it's feeling it, acknowledging it, and showing up anyway. And she has the tools to help you do just that. Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, the founder of Science of People, and the best-selling author of Cues and Captivate. Her 'You Are Contagious' Ted Talk is phenomenal and has over 6 million views for good reason.  Vanessa has spent her career studying the hidden cues and social signals that shape how people perceive us, and how we can take control of those signals to build trust faster and connect more deeply. In our conversation, Vanessa breaks down charisma into a simple, learnable framework: warmth + competence. We talk about the four ways we "signal" others with verbal and physical cues, why most people don't signal strongly enough, and how that can actually make you seem colder, less confident, or harder to connect with—even when you have great intentions. You'll also learn how to ask better questions to initiate conversations, how to nail the first 10 seconds of any interaction, and a few practical ways to show up with more presence and confidence. Trust me, this episode is a must-listen for anyone. KEY TAKEAWAYS Vanessa's "Miracle Morning" and Why Starting Energy Matters The Awkwardness Loop and How To Overcome It How Charisma Can Be Learned and Cultivated The Four Ways We "Signal" in Every Interaction Imposter Syndrome and Owning What You Don't Know Script-Breaking Questions That Boost Charisma The First 10 Seconds: First Impressions Matter Bonus Tip: Choose Positivity In The First 10 Words How to Connect With Vanessa & Get Her Newsletter Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/624 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

Rising inflation has turned everyday expenses into a constant source of stress, leaving millions of people stuck living paycheck to paycheck and wondering if they'll ever feel truly "okay" with money. While traditional budgeting plans promise control, they often deliver guilt and overwhelm instead. That's why I'm excited to be joined by Mike Michalowicz, bestselling author of 11 financial books, including the mega-bestseller Profit First, to talk about his newest book, The Money Habit: The Worry-Free Way to Financial Independence. Mike's helped over a million people build real financial peace, and in this conversation, he breaks down what "financial independence" actually means and why the "financial freedom" fantasy can leave you feeling disappointed. We talk about why most people are naturally wired to spend their paycheck fast (and the surprising behavioral science behind it), why budgeting fails for so many people, and the simple "behavioral intercept" that makes managing money feel almost automatic. Mike walks through his foundational account system—how to split your money into clear, purpose-driven buckets so you always know what you can spend, what you're saving, and what's already protected. And make sure you listen until the end, because Mike explains how to get started even if you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or drowning in credit card debt that instantly creates clarity, control, and momentum without requiring you to become a "money person" overnight.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The Money Habit For Financial Independence "Never Worry" (About Managing Money) Why These Methods Work for Anyone Making More Money Doesn't Solve Problems Why We're Wired To Spend Paychecks The Six Foundational Bank Accounts A Tip For Your Mini-Luxury Account Why Budgeting Fails Most People How To Get Started If You're Broke Tips for Tackling Debt Issues How to Address Your Biggest Financial Concerns Where To Get Mike's New Book, The Money Habit Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/623 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

If you struggle with sleep, pain, or anxiety, you've probably tried many medications and sleeping pills only to end up frustrated by side effects, poor results, and thinking that you're treating symptoms instead of actually feeling better. That's why I'm excited to welcome back Joe Sheehey, founder of Cured Nutrition and a former aerospace engineer who left his corporate career at Lockheed Martin to improve the lives of millions of people. Joe's path to entrepreneurship was influenced by his own mental health battles, a life-saving turning point in college, and a growing conviction that there has to be a better, more holistic approach to healing than the medications most doctors prescribe. Joe breaks down what cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and low-dose THC actually do in the body and why the proper dosage is the difference between improving versus feeling anxious and turned off. We talk about how the stigma that clouds people's minds about the health benefits from cannabis keeps people from exploring options that could genuinely help them, and why responsible, non-intoxicating products are creating an alternative path for millions of people. And make sure you listen until the very end, because Joe explains why the government has become a major threat to the full-spectrum hemp industry, why responsible brands are being swept up in unregulated high-dose products, and what Joe is doing to protect access through a new advocacy effort to save the industry. If you're cannabis curious or simply looking for a better way to support your physical health, mental health and optimize your sleep, this episode will be an eye-opener and hopefully give you the confidence to try it for yourself. KEY TAKEAWAYS How Cannabis Changed Hal's Life From NASA Engineer to CURED Nutrition Founder Rock Bottom: Joe's Mental Health Struggles Cannabis Curious: A New Path Towards Healing Challenging The Stigma Around Cannabis  Leaving Lockheed: Permission to Launch CURED Nutrition How Cannabis Miraculously Ended Hal's Pain from Chemo The Healing Properties of CBD vs CBN vs THC  Why The Full-Spectrum Hemp Industry Under Gov't Attack Who's is Lobbying Against Hemp and Cannabis, and Why The Awful Ramifications of Banning Cannabis How You Can Support & Protect The Cannabis Industry Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/622 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

If you want 2026 to be your best year yet, one of the simplest ways to accelerate personal growth is to let a great book challenge the way you think, lead, love, and live. In today's episode, I'm sharing six (6) books that I believe can genuinely change your life this year. Whether your focus is setting bigger goals, strengthening your marriage, becoming a more effective leader, building a thriving family culture, or shifting your relationship with money, there's something here for everyone. I'll walk you through why each book made the list, what I learned from it, and how you can apply the lessons right away, no matter what time of year it is. And at the end, I'll invite you to share your favorite books that have had an impact on your life. Because the best recommendations often come from like-minded people who are committed to becoming the best versions of themselves. Enjoy! KEY TAKEAWAYS The Best Framework for Your Best Year Ever The Love Dare: Daily Actions That Transform Marriage Wealthy and Well-Known: Simplifying Personal Branding  Building Better Families: Creating Culture & Core Values The AI Driven Leader: The Best Book on AI The Illusion of Monday: A Spiritual Approach to Money Reviewing All 6 Books That Will Change Your Life Share Your Favorite Books In The Comments! Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/621 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

If you've been feeling emotionally drained from relationship conflict or disagreeing with people that you love, this episode is for you. Despite how technology and social media have made it incredibly easy to stay connected with family, friends, and our communities, many people feel more divided and disconnected than ever. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce you to Kelsey Blahnik, a clinical social worker and therapist who works on the front lines of emotional and relational tension. From families and friendships to workplaces, in our increasingly divided political culture, Kelsey helps people navigate conflict without losing themselves or the people they care about. Kelsey is the creator and author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World, a powerful therapeutic framework that challenges conventional behavior. She explains that most of us believe we have only two options in conflict—fight or flight—when, in reality, there's nuance to consider when choosing the best path forward. We explore how to set boundaries without burning bridges, speak your truth without escalating tension, and how to hold both accountability and compassion at the same time. If polarized relationships, "either/or" thinking, and day-to-day conversations are adding stress to your life, this episode will give you a practical way to navigate conflict with clarity, self-respect, and inner peace. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Inspiration for The AND Way Kelsey's Daily Routines For Optimal Health Why Kelsey Wrote The AND Way Managing Conflict Styles: Shut Down vs Winning How The Internet & Social Media Fuels Division The Balancing Act: Compassion vs Judgment Kelsey's Hope For Change With Her Book How to Connect with Kelsey and Get Her Book Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/620 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

If you've ever felt trapped in your own thoughts, frustrated by repeating emotional patterns, or exhausted from chasing happiness that never quite lasts, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about personal growth. As today's guest reveals, a lot of our suffering doesn't come from our circumstances—it comes from the unconscious beliefs that shape how we experience reality. Aaron Abke is a spiritual teacher, founder of 4D University, and the author of The Three Beliefs of Ego: A Sufferer's Guide to Freedom. With a background in theology, a masters degree in biblical studies, and millions of followers drawn to his thought-provoking teachings, Aaron offers a rare ability to bridge psychology, spirituality, and ancient wisdom in a way that's both deeply grounded and radically freeing. In our conversation, Aaron breaks down the three (3) core ego beliefs and explains how they quietly drive anxiety and inner conflict. We explore why happiness rooted in outcomes often falls short, how ego resists reality, and why true peace begins when we stop fighting life as it is. If you're ready to leave your mental struggles in the past and experience a deeper sense of inner peace, this episode offers a powerful new perspective. Enjoy! KEY TAKEAWAYS Redefining What Ego Really Is To Be Human Is To Suffer The Three Beliefs of Ego A Different Perspective for Feeling Out of Control How To Handle Coming Up Short on a Goal What Led Aaron to Give up on Being a Pastor Why Aaron Left Christianity But Still Follows Christ Examining 'The Kingdom of God Is Within You' Aaron's Spiritual Awakening in 2017 The Great 'I Am' As Ego vs A Higher Truth How To Define True Freedom How to Learn More from Aaron Abke Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/619 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2026 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

As the digital world of AI accelerates faster than ever, it's tempting to automate, optimize, and outsource nearly every part of our lives. But what if the path we're on is, ironically, pulling us further away from a meaningful life and genuine happiness?  In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Ryan Levesque to explore a powerful, yet contrarian concept he calls Return to Real—and why it may be the thing we need most when AI is making us feel more disconnected than ever before. Ryan is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and creator of the ASK Method, who has built and scaled several successful companies. His perspective weaves together business strategies, neuroscience, ecology, and spirituality to challenge how we've come to define success and what leads to true happiness and fulfillment. In our conversation, Ryan breaks down three (3) transformative shifts for living well in the age of AI. He explains why the best things in life don't scale, why optimizing for oxytocin is more important than chasing dopamine, and why reconnecting with nature restores clarity, creativity, and purpose.  If you've been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected in the digital world that's changing faster than ever, this episode is an invitation to return to what's real. KEY TAKEAWAYS What "Return to Real" Really Means Three Forces That Are Colliding & Reshaping Humanity What History Tells Us About the Future with AI Ryan's Journey to Living Intentionally On a Farm Three Shifts That Challenge Mainstream Advice The Best Things in Life Don't Scale Optimize Your Life for Oxytocin, Not Dopamine How Efficiency Squeezes Oxytocin Out of Your Life A Very Simple Way To Increase Oxytocin Levels Prioritizing Time In Nature, Not Manmade Things The Benefit of Touching Earth Before Touching A Screen  How To Connect With Ryan and Get His Book Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/618 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2025 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

If you've ever struggled with challenges in your relationships, emotional triggers, or just feeling stuck in old patterns, you're not alone. Those cycles are hard to break, and it often feels like no matter how hard you try, you end up repeating the same behaviors, sabotaging your goals with limiting beliefs. But as today's guest reveals, you're not broken; this is your subconscious telling you that you're ready to heal. Thais Gibson, PhD, is an author, researcher, and founder of The Personal Development School, whose groundbreaking work has helped millions of people unravel emotional blocks, heal core wounds, and defeat the limiting beliefs that quietly sabotage our lives. Thais is certified in more than a dozen therapeutic modalities and has an extraordinary ability to take complex neuroscience and translate it into simple, actionable tools that anyone can use to change their life from the inside out. In our conversation, Thais explains the science behind why we get stuck, how childhood conditioning shapes our adult identity, and why willpower alone will never prevail when your subconscious beliefs are working against you.  Thais also shares a powerful 21-day reprogramming method and her step-by-step process for creating lasting emotional and behavioral changes. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck in your personal growth, this episode will show you how to reclaim your confidence and inner strength, and you can get started today. KEY TAKEAWAYS Thais' Podcast Experience with Mel Robbins You're Not Broken, You're Ready to Heal How Your Subconscious Mind Shapes Your Life A More Effective Method for Daily Affirmations Why Core Wounds Become Self-Fulfilling The Real Reason We Self-Sabotage How Repetition and Emotions Rewire Our Brains Reprogramming Tools To Heal Emotions Faster How to Identify Your Limiting Beliefs Why Vocalizing Positive Thoughts Rewires Your Mind Accepting Reality vs. Resisting Reality How Our Brain Gives Meaning To Emotional Trauma  A Step-By-Step Framework to Rewire Your Brain Incremental Repetition Makes A Huge Difference How to Learn More From Thais Gibson Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/617 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2025 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC