The Chill Factory

We are living through very stressful times, and nearly half of us feel very anxious, according to an American Psychological Association survey at the end of 2025. So, wouldn't it be incredible to quickly rewire your brain so you're not as anxious and stressed—without surgery, money, or leaving your house? If you said "yes," you're in luck. Meditation, a 2,000-year-old practice, increasingly appears to help the brain remain calm automatically instead of launching into stress mode when dealing with challenging situations—like a difficult person, money problems, world events, or even an emergency. Brian Luke Seaward, one of the world's premier stress management experts and author of the new book Mind Over Anxiety, explains how meditation works and how to do it—including leading a brief mindfulness exercise at the end of the episode. More About Guest Brian Luke Seaward Brian is one of the foremost experts in stress management and a pioneer in mind-body-spirit healing and corporate health promotion. His work has appeared in PBS specials, college commencement speeches, medical seminars, training programs for Olympic athletes, and keynote addresses around the world. He has authored more than eighteen books, including the bestselling classics Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like River, The Art of Calm, and Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward. Brian's New Book Mind Over Anxiety by Brian Luke Seaward on Amazon  Mind Over Anxiety by Brian Luke Seaward on Audible About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 30 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, 1:1 coaching, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world. Related Episodes Smarter Stress Reduction (Part 1) Smarter Stress Reduction (Part 2) Let's Meditate! It's Not Wierd Anymore

There are millions of ways to reduce your stress, but some pack a bigger stress-busting punch than others. This special episode of The Chill Factory features five of these stress relief superstars to focus on during the new year, month, week, or day. They include very wise recommendations by past Factory guests about smarter planning and goal attainment, dealing with failure and missteps, a vital and valuable mindset, and doing the right thing.   Featured Episodes Play The Long Game Start Here For More Success This Year When Things Don't Go As Planned The Mediation Mindset Is Your Mental Health Messing With Your Kids?   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.

Losing sexual interest in a partner over time is very common and often stressful. However, considering sex with others to satisfy needs can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming. It's also true that non-monogamy or polyamory is a stress-reducing option for sexual frustration for a growing number of couples. Relationship and sex therapist Eric FitzMedrud talks with host Jordan Friedman about how to navigate the many questions and concerns for those considering it, including how to bring it up with a partner. Eric shares his own experiences with polyamory, discussing the pluses and minuses for him, his partners and family. After the interview, try a few Chillenges for a smoother day and life.   About Guest Eric FitzMedrud, PHD Eric FitzMedrud is a therapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. His specialty is helping men improve their sex lives by learning to regulate their emotions, removing sexual entitlement, and honing their sexual consent and negotiation skills. FitzMedrud is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. He has been published in an academic book and academic journal and has spoken at multiple conferences. He has also trained therapists and taught many graduate courses in psychology. FitzMedrud has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. He is polyamorous and bisexual, and lives with his wife of twenty-three years and his life partner of six years in San Francisco's East Bay area, California. Eric's new book: The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships and Hotter Sex   The Chill Factory App Chill between episodes with The Chill Factory app, your calming companion to The Chill Factory podcast. It's like a 'spa in your pocket' with hundreds of relaxing audio tracks, sleep enhancers, mindfulness guides, wellness reminders and much more updated daily. Download The Chill Factory app from the App Store.   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.

Where is your nature sanctuary? Hopefully, you have a few answers to this question because the outdoors, whether it's a local park, the Rocky Mountains, or a photo on a wall, provide a rushing river of stress relief and better health. This episode of The Chill Factory, with guest Brian Luke Seaward, gives you ideas and motivation for how to make nature more a part of your routine and even takes you outdoors for a couple of soothing nature escapes.   About Guest Brian Luke Seaward Brian Luke Seaward is one of the foremost experts in the field of stress management and a pioneer in the fields of mind-body-spirit healing and corporate health promotion. The wisdom of Brian Luke Seaward can be found quoted in PBS specials, The Huffington Post, college graduation speeches, medical seminars, boardroom meetings, church sermons, and keynote addresses all over the world. He has authored more than eighteen books, including the classic best sellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, The Art of Calm and Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward and the leading college textbook, Managing Stress (10E). Dr. Seaward's mission, as expressed through his legacy of acclaimed books, documentary films and public appearances, is to make this a better world in which to live by having each of us reach our highest potential. For 25 years he served on the faculty of the University of Colorado Consortium for Public Health and now is a faculty member of The Graduate Institute/Salem University. Dr. Seaward is the Executive Director of the Paramount Wellness Institute in Boulder, CO. Former Good Morning America host Joan Lunden says, "Dr. Seaward's words have touched my life profoundly and helped me to find grace and dignity, the patience and compassion needed to navigate my ever-changing course. They have helped me understand that it is the way I choose to see the world that I will create the world I see."   Luke's Resources Naturescapes on Audible: Sonic Harmony and Soothing Nature Sounds for Enhanced Focus and Tranquility   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.  

About one in five Americans takes prescription medication to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, but many don't or won't use these drugs because they lack information, are scared of them, or feel that needing them is a sign of weakness. These products help a lot of people feel calmer and happier. That's why guest Tristan Gorrindo clearly talks about what they are, how they're used, who can benefit from them the most, what happens when they don't work, and alternatives for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical options. After the conversation, host Jordan Friedman recommends four important 'sleeping pills' that don't require a prescription. About Guest Tristan Gorrindo Dr. Gorrindo is a practicing, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. He is a national expert in behavioral healthcare transformation, particularly as it relates to value-based care and interprofessional care for those with mental illness. Dr. Gorrindo has served on numerous national committees, authored over two dozen peer-reviewed papers, and delivered over a hundred national and international presentations. He completed his clinical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.   Resources Benefits and Risks of Benzodiazepines (National Institutes of Health)   'Sleeping Pills' for Stress-Reducing Slumber Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends. Keep your sleeping space cool, dark and quiet. Use a fan, shades, a white noise machine, or other methods to create these conditions that support better sleep. Block blue light; cover or disable those small white and blue LED lights on many electronic devices. Don't force sleep. If you wake  up in the middle of the night, read (print), listen to a book or music, or do something else to lull yourself back to sleep, rather than trying to will yourself back to sleep.   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.

Meditation is one of the most powerful stress and anxiety reducers, with decades of research supporting its health and behavioral benefits. Yet, many people never experience the advantages it offers because they perceive meditation as complicated, religious, or "woo-woo." Are you one of them? Guest Katie Grieco went from being a high-profile and stressed New York City restaurateur to becoming a happier meditation teacher. She provides us with a straightforward explanation of this 2,000-year-old practice and how it has helped her and millions of others. After the conversation, host Jordan Friedman leads a brief meditation so you can experience its core elements.   About Guest Katie Grieco Katie Grieco started meditating in 2014, and now teachs Vedic Meditation full time. Prior to teaching, she had an exciting 20-year career in the hospitality industry as a partner in Tom Colicchio's Crafted Hospitality. Starting with the opening of Craft restaurant in New York in 2001, she led operations and new project development until her departure in 2017. The mission of her company was "Make People Happy", and for her, teaching meditation is a natural extension of this same goal. Katie says, "Now instead of making guests happy over dinner, I have the opportunity to teach my students a technique that can make them happy for life." Connect with Katie: Katie's Website: Simply Meditation Simply Meditation on Instagram   FREE: 10/18/23 Stressed to Success Virtual Masterclass Join The Chill Factory's host Jordan Friedman and coaching psychologist Natalie Lancer for  help calmly reaching a goal, finishing a project or just getting unstuck. Natalie Lancer was Jordan's guest on the two-part episode of The Chill Factory podcast called Chill Productivity, and they'll extend their support with this webinar and Q&A session. Easy signup is here: https://lnkd.in/e2s7acb2    The Chill Factory App Chill between episodes with The Chill Factory app, your calming companion to The Chill Factory podcast. It's like a 'spa in your pocket' with hundreds of relaxing audio tracks, sleep enhancers, mindfulness guides, wellness reminders and much more updated daily. Download The Chill Factory app from the App Store or Google Play and use the password meditate for free access to all the app's features through 10/5/24 (offer good for the first 25 takers).   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.

For more than ten years, there's been an alarming rise in anxiety, depression, and suicide among kids, but there's a contributing factor that few have been discussing... until now. Jordan Friedman talks with Harvard lecturer and researcher Rick Weissbourd about his new study that uncovered important and surprising connections between the mental health of teens and the mental health of their parents and caregivers. Equally as important, this episode has recommendations for what parents can do to ease their kids' mental health challenges and, in turn, their own. After the interview, we hang 'on a porch' with a few minutes of guided relaxation.   About Guest Rick Weissbourd Richard Weissbourd is a Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Kennedy School of Government. His work focuses on moral development, the nature of hope, vulnerability and resilience in childhood, parenting and effective schools and services for children. Rick directs the Making Caring Common Project, a national effort to make moral and social development priorities in child-raising and to provide strategies to schools and parents for promoting in children caring, a commitment to justice and other key moral and social capacities. He leads an initiative to reform college admissions, Turning the Tide, which has engaged over 300 college admissions offices. This initiative seeks to elevate ethical character, reduce excessive achievement pressure and increase equity and access in the college admissions process. He is also conducting research on how older adults can better mentor young adults and teenagers in developing caring, ethical, mature romantic relationships.    Rick is a founder of several interventions for children facing risks, including ReadBoston and WriteBoston, city-wide literacy initiatives led by Mayor Menino. He is also a founder of a pilot school in Boston, the Lee Academy, that begins with children at 3 years old. Rick has advised on the city, state and federal levels on family policy, parenting and school reform and has written for numerous scholarly and popular publications and blogs, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today and NPR.  He is the author of The Vulnerable Child: What Really Hurts America's Children and What We Can Do About It (Addison-Wesley, 1996), named by the American School Board Journal as one of the top 10 education books of all time.  His most recent book, The Parents We Mean to Be: How Well-Intentioned Adults Undermine Children's Moral and Emotional Development (Houghton Mifflin 2009), was named by The New Yorker as one of the top 24 books of 2009.    Episode Resources Making Caring Common Center for Parent and Teen Communication Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Fostering Resilience: Preparing Parents and Teens to Thrive) The Jed Foundaiton   The Chill Factory App Chill between episodes with The Chill Factory app, your calming companion to The Chill Factory podcast. It's like a 'spa in your pocket' with hundreds of relaxing audio tracks, sleep enhancers, mindfulness guides, wellness reminders and much more updated daily. Download The Chill Factory app from the App Store and use the password porch for free access to all the app's features through 9/21/24 (offer good for the first 25 takers).   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.  

Here's just part of the answer to this episode's title: get to know artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to get smarter, eliminate time-consuming and soul-sucking tasks, future-proof your job and career goals, improve the quality of life for your parents, teams, teachers, and people with disabilities, do away with diseases, and reduce your AI anxiety. And how can you friend AI? Start by listening to Jordan's clear-eyed and compelling conversation with tech veteran Matt Strain, who works with companies and individuals to make AI more accessible and actionable for non-technical audiences. About Guest Matt Strain Matt Strain recently left Adobe, where over the course of 17 years he led teams across marketing, strategy, new business, and research. He is now focused on helping "real people" prepare for the opportunities with AI. The New York Times recently highlighted Matt's unique AI-generated book, which used AI to blend Chinese medicine and mixology, propelling him into the realm of micro-AI celebrity. But Matt is no stranger to innovation. As a seasoned tech executive, he has been on the bleeding edge his entire career. During his recent tenure at Adobe's Research Lab, Matt explored the intersection of AI and creativity, collaborating with teams to bring innovative new products and services to market. He was a leader in crafting Adobe's strategy to address fake news and disinformation, a project that grew into the widely adopted Content Authenticity Initiative.  In pursuit of AI's potential for positive impact, Matt has launched The Prompt where he is working with individuals and companies to make AI more accessible and actionable for non-technical audiences Matt's Resources The Prompt: https://www.the-prompt.ai/ Get Started with A.I. — For Real People (free webinar) Related Info ChatGPT from OpenAI Jaws Theme (performance by Scott Sutherland The Girl From Ipanema instrumental music by Nicholas Kulik The Chill Factory Newsletter on LinkedIn   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.

Felix concluded that things weren't going well, so he made a change that most of us would never consider. Changes small and large are often stressful and scary because the results they produce are usually hard to predict and they sometimes get coupled with feelings of failure. It's also true that staying put in unsatisfying and stressful situations can wear us down and make us really unhappy. This latter truth is why host Jordan Friedman talks with Felix Benardo to remind and inspire us to seriously consider change in the name of stress reduction and mental health.  About Guest Felix Benardo Felix Benardo is a college student majoring in Sociology. He grew up in New York City and has volunteered for a state senate campaigned and does work with arts and media. This spring, Felix has been an apprentice at Zumwalt Acres in Sheldon, Illinois.  Learn more about Zumwalt Acres   The Chill Factory App Chill between episodes with The Chill Factory app, your calming companion to The Chill Factory podcast. It's like a 'spa in your pocket' with hundreds of relaxing audio tracks, sleep enhancers, mindfulness guides, wellness reminders and much more updated daily. Download The Chill Factory app from the App Store or Google Play and use the password change for free access to all the app's features through 6/1/24 (offer good for the first 25 takers).   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.  

It's on the sides of buses, in The New York Times, and on Jeopardy, but if you don't know what this number is, listen to this episode. Then, help share it with everyone, especially the kids in your life. The number is 988, which is the long-awaited rebranding of the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline... which isn't just for people in crisis. That's the easy part; the hard part is getting up the courage, energy, or trust to call or text, which is why host Jordan Friedman talks with 988's Deputy Director John Palmieri about what the number really is, who it's for, and how to let everyone know it exists. After the conversation, take a well-deserved instant vacation by a stream. About Guest John Palmieri, M.D. John Palmieri, M.D., M.H.A., is a Senior Medical Advisor at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is currently serving as the Deputy Director of the 988 & Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office within the Office of the Assistant Secretary. He provides subject matter expertise and policy leadership in areas that include crisis response, suicide prevention and interventions, care integration, telehealth implementation and criminal justice diversion programs. Before joining SAMHSA, Dr. Palmieri was the Division Chief for Behavioral Healthcare at the Arlington County, VA, Department of Human Services. In that role, he led the implementation of the Zero Suicide framework, expanded programming to transform the crisis response system, enhanced primary care integration and wellness services, and oversaw the launch of a multi-stakeholder community response to the opioid crisis. Dr. Palmieri is a licensed physician in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is board-certified in adult psychiatry. He graduated from Brown University Medical School and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Massachusetts General Hospital.   Related Links Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat (988lifeline.org) 988 Partner Toolkit (for promoting 988) Logic's Video for his song 1-800-273-8355   The Chill Factory App Chill between episodes with The Chill Factory app, your calming companion to The Chill Factory podcast. It's like a 'spa in your pocket' with hundreds of relaxing audio tracks, sleep enhancers, mindfulness guides, wellness reminders and much more updated daily. Download The Chill Factory app from the App Store or Google Play and use the password help for free access to all the app's features through 5/18/24 (offer good for the first 26 takers).   About Host Jordan Friedman Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world's largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University's health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, sleep easier and feel better. In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.