How To Reconnect With Your Intuition & Learn To Trust Yourself Again with Dr Tara Swart #604

What is intuition? What happens when we die? And, how does trauma get stored in our bodies? These are just a few of the fascinating themes I explore in today’s episode with returning guest, Dr Tara Swart. Tara is a neuroscientist, a former medical doctor & psychiatrist, a lecturer at MIT, an executive coach and author of 2 books, including her very latest The Signs: The New Science of How to Trust Your Instincts.   In this episode, Tara shares her own personal story about love, loss, and learning to trust herself again, after the death of her husband, Robin. This life changing experience left her questioning her deepest beliefs as a scientist, when in the midst of her grief, she started noticing unusual signs that she felt - she was unable to ignore. At first, she was sceptical, but these moments gradually helped her reconnect with her intuition in ways she never expected.   In our conversation, we explore: What intuition really is and how to start accessing it again The gut-brain connection, and how emotions, trauma, and even grief can be stored (and released) in the body. The practical tools and techniques that helped Tara - and can help you - rediscover your own intuition, including journaling, creative practices and nature How to gently challenge your beliefs and open yourself to possibility (even if, like Tara, you’re sceptical at first). Reflections on what science can and can’t explain - and why sometimes, believing in something greater (be it love, the universe, or connection itself) can be a healing force. How to help your children (or yourself!) grow up with a stronger trust in their inner wisdom, without fear or ridicule. We also talk about the disconnection that many of us feel in the modern world, the transformative power of nature and the many different ways in which humans try to make sense of death.   This is a raw, honest and thought-provoking conversation that I’m certain will leave you feeling inspired and eager to rediscover your own inner wisdom.   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://join.whoop.com/livemore https://www.boncharge.com/livemore https://www.calm.com/livemore https://thriva.co/   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/604   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Today’s guests are both passionate about spreading the crucial message that high-quality relationships are one of the biggest predictors of happiness, health, and longevity. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 364 of the podcast with co-authors of The Good Life: Lessons From The World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness – Professors Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz.  They are directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an extraordinary research project that began in 1938 and has followed participants for more than eight decades. In this clip, they explain why nurturing high-quality relationships may be one of the most powerful things we can do to support both our long-term health and our happiness. By the end of today’s episode, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel inspired to reconnect with an old friend, phone that family member you don’t see enough of, or make plans for a face-to-face get-together. You’ll feel happier, and even be healthier, if you do because the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/364 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

This is the time of year that reminds us to be grateful, kind and spend time with the people we love. To celebrate, I have decided to re-release a conversation that took place on this podcast almost 6 years ago now with the wonderful David Hamilton. David is a scientist, researcher and one of the world's leading experts in the science of kindness. He is also the author of multiple bestselling books including Why Kindness Is Good For You and How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body. This conversation was actually recorded all the way back in February 2020, one month before the start of COVID. But, as with most of the conversations on my podcast, the content within it is timeless and just as relevant today as it was when we actually recorded it. In our conversation, we explore many different themes including: How empathy and kindness can impact various markers of our health, including the functioning of our immune systems and our cardiovascular health Why David calls oxytocin the ‘kindness hormone’ How exactly we can use visualisation to improve the quality of our lives, The science of the placebo effect The importance of connection and empathy in healthcare And the phenomenal ripple effect of kindness, whereby one act of kindness can lead to one hundred and twenty-five more. David is such a wonderful human being who is doing his very best to help create a kinder and more compassionate world. I think this conversation is perfect for the current time of year and I hope that it serves as a gentle reminder that being kind is not only good for the world around us, it’s good for ourselves as well…….   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/602   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

What do you think you might be saying on your deathbed? Will you be looking back at your life with a sense of joy and completeness, or, do you think that perhaps you might be consumed with regret?  As today’s guest shares, “It’s easy to assume that you will live with great health to a ripe old age, then die peacefully in your sleep wearing your favourite pyjamas but it doesn’t work out that way for most people…” Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 383 of the podcast with former palliative care nurse and author of the best-selling book ‘The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’, Bronnie Ware. In this clip, we reflect on some of the meaningful lessons Bronnie learned from those at the end of life, and she shares some thought provoking insights that could help us live better lives right now. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/383 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Today’s episode is with someone who is regarded as one of the best ski coaches on the planet, yet this is not a conversation about skiing. The things my guest has experienced over the years through teaching, coaching, and working in the mountains in unpredictable conditions hold valuable lessons for us all. Warren Smith is one of Britain’s leading professional free skiers, an Internationally Qualified Performance Coach, creator of the Warren Smith Ski Academy and someone who has spent several decades helping people understand their bodies better to help them move and ski with more freedom. Warren has been a sponsored Volkl athlete for over 10 years and is one of the most innovative instructors working in the Alps and is held in high regard for the research and development he carries out combining Ski Technique, Ski Biomechanics and Ski Physiology. As well as coaching tens of thousands of recreational skiers, he is also well known for being the ski instructor that many high profile individuals seek out when wanting to improve their skills, including Prince Harry, Heston Blumenthal, Laurence Dallaglio and Bradley Wiggins. I myself have known Warren for around two decades having sought him out in my mid 20s when I first started getting into skiing because I was deeply fascinated by his philosophy, which made a lot of intuitive sense to me.  In our conversation, we discuss: Why so many of us feel limited by our bodies and how simple, five-minute functional exercises can help Why differences in strength or mobility between the two sides of the body are incredibly common, and how they affect everything from skiing to running to daily movement. What Warren’s injuries have taught him about resilience, patience and rehabilitation. Why fear on the mountain mirrors fear in life, and how breaking challenges into smaller steps can help us stay calm and move forward. The mental and emotional benefits of elevation and nature, and why gaining perspective from a higher vantage point can help us reset and unwind. The life lessons Warren learned from surviving an avalanche and losing friends in the mountains Warren’s incredible life story from growing up in a council state to living in one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world. This is not just a conversation about skiing, but one that reminds us that when we prepare well, stay curious and look after ourselves , we can keep doing the things we love for longer. I hope you enjoy listening.  Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.  Thanks to our sponsors: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://thriva.co/ https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://www.boncharge.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/600   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Today’s guest believes that every single one of us has a lot more potential than we think, and once we start to tap into that potential, we can create huge changes in our lives, for both our health and our happiness. 86% of people in the Western world reach for their phone first thing in the morning. But what if that simple habit is programming you to think, feel and behave in the same way… every single day?⁠ Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 549 of the podcast with Dr Joe Dispenza, a New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and researcher. Dr Joe has spent decades studying neuroscience, meditation, and the effect our thoughts have on our health and well-being.  In this clip, he shares how we can begin breaking free from the unconscious patterns that can keep us feeling stuck, and why your morning routine could be the most important place to start.⁠ Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/549 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Modern life gives us endless ways to connect with others, so why is it that so many of us struggle to build loving and supportive relationships? This week, I’m joined once again by Mo Gawdat for the second part of our inspiring two-part conversation. Mo is the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X], the author of multiple bestselling books and a world leading expert in technology and AI. In last week’s episode, we explored Mo’s remarkable insights into happiness, grief and the nature of life and death. In this second part, our conversation shifts towards love — what it really is, why it’s so challenging for many of us and how greater self-awareness can transform the way we relate to others. Mo believes love itself is simple, but that relationships are complex. He shares his reflections on breakups, long-term commitment, emotional patterns and why so many of us misunderstand what we truly need. We also explore the fascinating psychology behind modern dating, the unhelpful design of many dating apps and the maths that quietly shapes our search for a partner. During this incredible episode, we discuss: Why Mo believes love is simple, but relationships are difficult - and the common mistakes we make in both.  The emotional patterns, habits and conditioning that shape how we show up in love. Why modern dating has become so challenging, and how commercial dating apps can make things worse. The maths behind dating and why our expectations, checklists and biases make it harder to find a partner. Why many relationship problems stem from misunderstandings, unmet needs and unexamined emotional triggers. How increasing self-awareness can transform the way we love, relate and resolve conflict. A significant part of our conversation focuses on Emma, the AI companion Mo has built to help people understand themselves better, navigate conflict with more compassion and approach dating and relationships with greater emotional clarity. You may feel sceptical about this, but Mo explains how Emma is designed not to replace human relationships, but to support them: improving communication, breaking unhelpful patterns and encouraging deeper connection. As always, Mo brings a depth of understanding to a topic that we can all struggle with at various times during our lives. What he does so brilliantly in this episode is remind us that at the heart of any meaningful relationship lies self-understanding, compassion and honesty. When we become more aware of our old patterns, needs and blind spots, we give ourselves a chance to love - and be loved - in a way that helps us find the connection we truly need - and desire. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://www.calm.com/livemore https://join.whoop.com/livemore https://thriva.co/   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/598   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Are you constantly trying to create better habits and quit those that don’t serve you? We can all make short-term changes, but so many of us struggle to make our new desired behaviours last. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart.  Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from  episode 402 of the podcast with entrepreneur and best-selling author Shane Parrish.  In this clip Shane introduces the powerful notion of playing life on ‘easy mode’ to put us in the best position for success, and we discuss why setting personal rules can be a powerful hack for creating healthy habits and effortlessly achieving our goals. Thanks to our sponsor – ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/402 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

We all want to be happy. Yet the harder we chase it, the more elusive happiness it can seem. This week’s returning guest podcast believes the answer does not lie in changing our circumstances, but in changing how we see them. Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X] and the author of multiple bestselling books, including Solve for Happy and That Little Voice in Your Head. Following the tragic death of his son Ali, Mo has made happiness his primary topic of research, diving deeply into literature and conversing on the topic with some of the wisest people in the world.   Mo actually came on my podcast to talk about relationships and how he believes technology and AI can help us transform them, but when we started chatting our conversation went off in a completely different direction. We ended up having a wonderfully deep and thought provoking conversation that ended up being almost 3 hours - so, I have decided to split up the conversation into 2 different episodes. This week’s episode is the first half of our conversation, and the second half will come out next week. In this week’s episode, Mo shares what he’s learned about happiness, suffering and the true nature of life and death. We explore what it really means to say that “happiness is a choice,” and why that perspective can coexist with deep compassion for pain and loss. During our conversation, we discuss: ●      Why happiness isn’t dependent on external circumstances – and how it’s possible to find peace even in difficult times. ●      How reframing our thoughts and expectations can shift our emotional experience of life. ●      What Mo learned about happiness growing up in Egypt, and how seeing suffering around him shaped his sense of gratitude. ●      The powerful lessons he drew from losing his son, Ali, and how grief can open a path to love and meaning. ●      Why suffering can be one of our greatest teachers, showing us what truly matters. ●      How our thoughts can keep pain alive – and why letting go of the mental replay of past events is an act of wisdom. ●      Mo’s belief that death is not the end, and how physics and spirituality can point to the same truth about consciousness. Mo helps us all to see that happiness isn’t fragile or fleeting; it’s a state of being we can nurture, even when life feels hard. His story is a testament to the strength of the human heart and our endless capacity to find meaning in love. I hope you enjoy listening.  Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://www.boncharge.com/livemore https://www.betterhelp.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/596   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

What if the key to happiness and fulfilment was not changing our external circumstances but learning to appreciate and understand our inner world?  Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today's clip is from episode 476 of the podcast with Buddhist monk and author Haemin Sunim. Haemin is a Zen Buddhist teacher and the author of two Sunday Times bestselling books, including his very latest, the beautiful: ‘When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times.’ In this clip, he shares some of his tips and practical insights for a better life. This was a beautiful conversation, full of deep and practical insights that I’m sure will help you find greater peace, purpose and contentment. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/476 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.