In this episode of Dr. Dave and Mathew Blades dig deep into why the need to be “right” can keep us trapped in the same old patterns.

Using their AIRCHECK framework, they break down “Quadrant 3,” a state of low awareness but high control, where rigid thinking and emotional avoidance drive behaviors that damage relationships and stifle growth.

Dr. Dave shares practical insights on spotting unconscious rules and identity defenses that keep us stuck, and explains why logic and advice rarely help those in this mindset. 

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

In this heartfelt episode, Mathew Blades opens up about the loss of a beloved uncle, and the duo explores what it means to permit ourselves to feel, without compartmentalizing pain or rushing through difficult moments.

Cortney McDermott guides a grounding meditation centered on collective healing, reminding us of the importance of connection and the safety found in shared experiences. Together, they discuss the beauty of honoring our emotions, the lessons of presence, and the quiet wisdom in simply being with one another. 

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

In this kickoff episode of "Air Check Your Life," the evolution of the long-running "Learn From People Who Lived It" host, Mathew Blades, welcomes returning guest expert Dr. Anna Marie Frank. Together, they introduce a practical framework for self-reflection inspired by lessons from the broadcasting world: What’s working for you, what needs tweaking, and what isn’t serving you anymore?

Dr. Anna Marie Frank dives into the fascinating art of body mapping from traditional Chinese medicine, revealing how our ears, face, and eyes provide clues about our health, emotional well-being, and even personality tendencies. Listeners will learn how to read signs from their bodies, decode physical markers, and use this insight to make positive life changes. 

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Advance Your Career Without Sacrificing Your Personal Life with Eva

In this episode, Mathew Blades is joined by Eva, a high-performance coach from the Bay Area, to tackle one of today’s toughest questions: How can you advance your career without losing yourself or your relationships in the process?

Eva shares her own story of burnout and the near-loss of her marriage to illustrate why “doing it all” isn’t sustainable for high-achievers. Together, they explore practical strategies to clarify personal vision, identify what truly matters, and prioritize with intention.

Eva walks listeners through her CPR method, helping you subtract life’s overwhelm instead of constantly adding more. This conversation reframes work-life balance as an ongoing, fluid process, and ends with a powerful exercise to align your daily choices with your best self. 

Find her here: https://evamedilek.com

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

When Someone You Love Is Dying: Anticipatory Grief with Jill McMahon

In this episode, you'll hear:

The four stages of anticipatory grief and how they differ from conventional grief

How to navigate the emotions of loss before it happens, from acceptance and reflection to rehearsal and imagining life without your loved one

Practical advice for mending relationships and preparing for inevitable goodbyes

Mathew Blades welcomes grief specialist Jill McMahon to explore the often-overlooked experience of anticipatory grief, the emotional process that begins before a loved one passes away.

Drawing from personal stories and professional wisdom, Jill outlines key stages in this unique grieving process and highlights the importance of honest self-reflection, open communication, and preparing for life’s transitions.

Together, they challenge listeners to “air check” their own relationships and find ways to reduce regret by making peace now, offering hope, comfort, and actionable insights for anyone facing loss.

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

I Know Better, Why Can’t I Change? with Dr. Dave

In this episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave dive into the frustrating experience of knowing what you “should” do, yet feeling stuck in old habits and emotional responses. Drawing on neuroscience concepts like kindling theory, Dr. Dave explains why our brains default to familiar patterns, even when we want to change. Together, they explore five core reasons for this struggle: emotional avoidance, identity conflicts, perfectionism, the allure of intense reactions, and overthinking at the expense of action. Real-life examples, including stories of anger and defensiveness, ground the conversation in everyday experience. You’ll learn how awareness is just the first step; real change takes ongoing practice, patience, and self-compassion. Dr. Dave offers practical strategies for moving forward and highlights the importance of reviewing and celebrating small wins on the journey toward healthier habits and lasting change.

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Join hosts Mathew Blades and Courtney McDermott as they explore the powerful concept of “frequency over force” and why shifting your internal state, rather than pushing harder, is the key to meaningful transformation. Drawing on neuroscience, personal stories, and practical techniques, Courtney McDermott explains how brainwave frequencies impact our stress and fulfillment, and why simply “forcing it” leads to exhaustion and dissatisfaction. Discover actionable tools, like deep breathing, meditation, and micro-moments of relaxation, that help you move out of fight-or-flight and into a flow state, opening the door to authentic achievement and well-being.

This episode includes a guided meditation and real talk about why “getting horizontal” can be your superpower. Perfect for those seeking greater ease, clarity, and purpose without sacrificing results.

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Let’s Air-Check Your Life with Mathew Blades

In this solo episode, Mathew Blades invites listeners to “air-check” their lives using a proven framework from his decades in radio. Instead of just making changes at random, Mathew encourages reflection on three core questions: What are you getting right? What’s going okay but could be better with a tweak? And what’s actively holding you back?

With relatable stories and down-to-earth guidance, Mathew explores how taking an honest inventory can transform relationships, career, and personal growth. He offers specific examples and prompts listeners to pause, jot down their answers, and build a roadmap for meaningful change.  

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem with Jill McMahon

In this candid and compassionate episode of Learn From People Who Lived It, grief specialist and suicidologist Jill McMahon joins Mathew for an honest conversation about the realities of suicide, its profound ripple effects, and the urgent need for open dialogue.

They unpack the latest statistics and reveal that each suicide impacts at least 135 people, highlighting how widespread and under-discussed the issue truly is. By shedding light on stigma and advocating for compassionate communication, this episode empowers listeners to create a safer, more supportive community for those struggling.

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

In this episode, Mathew and Dr. Dave dive into the “Awareness Control Matrix,” a practical framework for personal growth and behavioral change. Building on last week’s discussion of metacognition, Dr. Dave explains why self-awareness often emerges before self-control, and why it’s so easy to get stuck in old patterns despite good intentions. The conversation explores the challenges of breaking automatic responses, the neuroscience behind emotional triggers, and the importance of pausing before reacting.

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456