Air-Check Your Life

The session focuses on overcoming 'playing small' in careers through boldness and imagination, using examples like Sarah Blakely's cliff-jumping analogy and Jim Carrey's mindset. It emphasized mindset shifts (e.g., 'act as if' principles) over technical skills, with practical applications in leadership, relationships, and health.

The idea that individuals are not defined by their job, relationships, or careers—allowing them to creatively explore their potential as a 'game' rather than a fixed identity.

Mathew's mentor advised him to act 'as if' he were already in a larger market (Washington, D.C.), leading to tangible career advancement—emphasizing mindset shifts over technical skills.

Extending the 'act as if' principle to relationships, health, and leadership (e.g., 'Dress for the job you want') to embody desired outcomes proactively.

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

Today we focus on enhancing personal growth through three pillars:

1) Developing self-awareness by managing reactions to stimuli and evaluating self-talk using Stephen Covey/Viktor Frankl principles

2) Releasing negative patterns through physical movement and micro-dosed wellness practices

3) Implementing accessible self-care actions tied to neurotransmitter release and stress reduction.

Start by focusing on your relationship with yourself. Responsibility is framed as the 'ability to respond,' emphasizing personal agency in managing reactions to external stimuli.

Create space between stimulus and response to evaluate internal reactions and shift beliefs or focus. Inspired by Stephen Covey and Viktor Frankl's work.

Evaluate self-talk using a three-step framework: identify what works, what needs improvement, and what harmful patterns to eliminate (analogous to radio 'air checking').

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

The session emphasizes health as the foundation for ending generational dysfunction, highlighting mindset shifts (e.g., epigenetics, bodily perfection affirmations), actionable steps (diet, sleep, community), and the role of being a 'transitional character' to positively impact future generations. 

Health is foundational to ending generational dysfunction and requires proactive care.

Mindset shifts (e.g., affirming bodily perfection, epigenetics) can influence physical health, supported by examples like meditation curing ailments.

Professional guidance (e.g., Dr. Robert Todd Hurst) and actionable steps (diet, sleep, community) are critical for health improvement.

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

In this episode we explore spirituality as innate intelligence governing biological processes and universal order. Demonstrated inner voice awareness through 'silent happiness' exercises. 

Spirituality is framed as an innate intelligence governing biological processes and universal order, emphasizing its non-religious, non-dogmatic nature.

Demonstration of inner voice awareness through the 'silent happiness' exercise highlights the distinction between conscious thought and pure awareness.

Emphasis on being the observer of mental chatter rather than identifying with it, aligning with core principles of major spiritual traditions.

Discussion of quantum potentiality and attention's role in manifesting realities through reticular activation system principles.

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: Finding Growth After Pain with Dr. Edith Shiro

In this episode, you'll hear: 

Dr. Edith Shiro is a highly respected clinical psychologist, author, and speaker specializing in trauma and post-traumatic growth. She co-founded the Trauma and Resilience Center in Miami, Florida, and is the author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor and a Syrian refugee, Dr. Shiro's personal history deeply informs her work, inspiring her mission to help individuals break cycles of generational trauma. Growing up as a Jewish woman in Venezuela before immigrating to the U.S. to pursue her education and career, she embodies resilience and transformation. 

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Dr. Edith Shiro dive into the complex and deeply personal topic of generational trauma, exploring how it is not only passed down through learned behaviors but is embedded in our genetics. Dr. Shiro shares the stages needed to get to post-traumatic growth, starting with radical acceptance of one's experiences. They explore the idea that trauma, though painful, can hold unexpected gifts. The conversation sheds light on the inevitability of trauma as part of the human experience, how its impact is deeply subjective, and what it takes to shift from suffering to growth. They also discuss the importance of timing, knowing when you’re truly ready to heal, and the difference between letting go and not caring. Finally, they address the critical role of support, distinguishing between helpful and harmful support groups and how to recognize if the people you turn to are aiding your healing or keeping you stuck in pain.

“Let’s understand what trauma is…Anything that can happen to you that shakes or shatters your belief system about yourself, about the other, about the world, for which you don’t have tools or you don’t have resources to deal with.” -Dr. Shiro

“Time is a myth because you can’t say ‘Time heals all’. It’s what you do with time.” - Dr. Shiro

“Yes we get passed on traumas, but we also get passed on treasures, and we also get passed on wisdom.” -Dr. Shiro

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

Explores the concept of transitional characters as agents of generational change, using Mathew's career shift and health improvements as case studies. Highlights actionable strategies like confronting avoidance patterns, embracing a 'main character' mentality, and leveraging mind-body connections through psychosomatic examples.

Definition of a transitional character. Someone who breaks generational dysfunction and shifts their family/community to higher ground.

Uses Mathew's career change and resolution of chronic back pain as case studies for transitional character energy in action

Discusses mind-body connection through examples of eczema resolution and psychosomatic health improvements

Provides actionable steps: confronting difficult conversations (Mathew's mother example), addressing avoidance patterns, embracing 'main character' mentality

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

Next up: Spirituality 

The episode focuses on the concept of tuning out external noise to maintain focus on personal decisions and goals. Key points included the importance of confidence, avoiding distractions, and surrounding oneself with supportive influences. 

The concept of tuning out the noise involves focusing on one's own decisions and not being swayed by external opinions.

The importance of being confident in one's decisions and not letting others' opinions affect them.

The significance of surrounding oneself with supportive people or resources, even if they are not physically present.

The idea of letting noise wash through without attaching to it, and focusing on personal goals.

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

Coming tomorrow: Transitional character  

This discussion focuses on strategies for personal growth through intentional life changes, including the concept of 'blowing up' unfulfilling structures, taking actionable micro-steps, and navigating transitions with kindness.

The concept of 'blowing up what you built' involves making significant life changes (careers, relationships, etc.) when existing structures no longer serve personal growth or fulfillment. Hosts shared personal examples of leaving high-profile careers despite external success.

Emphasis on action over inaction: Frustration often stems from stagnation, and small steps can lead to transformative change ('micro-investments').

Navigating change with intentionality: The importance of approaching transitions kindly (e.g., 'move your family and friends through this in the highest way') rather than chaotic detachment.

Coming tomorrow: Tuning Out the Noise (Episode 2)

Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.

Breaking Free: Finding Your Path After Trauma and Grief with Kharma Lindsey

In this episode, you'll hear: 

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Kharma discuss grief, breaking free from limiting patterns, discovering a purpose greater than oneself, and the role of integration therapy in the healing process. They dive into the complexities of grief, exploring how to accept that life will never be the same while still finding a way to move forward. The conversation delves into psychedelic therapy—its benefits, risks, and why it’s not for everyone—while emphasizing the importance of setting intentions for any healing journey. Beyond psychedelics, they share practical strategies for those seeking alternative healing methods, including sound healing. They also explore Kharma’s journey through the court system against a narcissistic ex-partner and how this experience led her to become a "transitional character" breaking cycles for future generations.

Kharma Lindsey is a spiritual coach and healer specializing in guiding individuals toward their authentic selves through various transformative practices. While battling a narcissist ex-partner for custody of her daughter she uncovered an unjust justice system and successfully worked to remove a judge from the bench. Working through that experience with the support of psychedelics and therapy she emerged transformed. Kharma got a degree in Psychology and worked in behavioral health utilizing legal psychedelics. She is the founder of Soul Rhythms, an organization dedicated to reconnecting individuals with their inner essence through methods such as drumming, breathwork, and shadow work. 

“We can’t look at psychedelics like a one size fits all, just like we can’t look at traditional western medicine the same.” - Kharma Lindsey

“Finding a new normal, recognizing we’re never gonna go back to the way we were.” - Kharma Lindsey

“For a long time I couldn’t see anything beyond that fight, I couldn’t see anything beyond that pain.” - Kharma Lindsay

“If your brain is oriented toward self protection you’re not able to be creative, you’re not able to love. Your brain is tied up.” - Dr. Dave Leicken

Follow the podcast: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence

(and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.

Recently, I joined a men's group in San Diego for a psychedelic retreat. We dropped in with a “hikers dose” of San Pedro. I found the day to be wonderful and filled with connection which was the goal of retreat host Ray Brejcha. In this interview we explore the transformative power of psychedelics in personal growth and leadership development, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, self-leadership, and internal fulfillment over external validation.

Ray will explain the concept of microdosing San Pedro, its effects, and how it differs from macrodosing. We will also discuss the use of Psychedelics as a toolbox and how they can help us heal and lead.

Ray Brejcha is a transformational executive coach, mentor, and trusted advisor who helps high-achieving leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs break free from the subconscious limitations that hold them back. With a unique blend of deep psychological work, leadership mastery, and personal transformation, he supports those who are ready to move beyond surface-level success and step into their full, unshakable power.

His approach includes:

Websites:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

A note from our partner, Better Than Bitter:

Divorce isn’t just a life transition - it’s a full-blown identity shift. One day you’re a partner, a parent, and a planner for the future. The next? You’re staring at paperwork, lawyer fees, and the overwhelming question: ‘What now?’

I know it’s hard. That’s why we’ve created these courses - to give you courage, clarity, communication tools, and the support you need to move forward with confidence (and maybe even a little hope)!

Reality check! Divorce is expensive - but battling in court is even more costly. For less than the price of an hour of an attorney’s time, you’ll gain the tools, support, and strategies to create a peaceful path forward. This program will pay for itself by helping you save thousands in legal fees and emotional stress! Hit these links to sign up today.