The Quiet Saboteur: Understanding Cognitive Dissonance

Are you living in alignment with who you say you want to be? In this powerful episode of the Building Better Humans Project podcast, host Glenn Azar tackles cognitive dissonance - that uncomfortable tension we feel when our actions contradict our values. Rather than pointing fingers at others, this "mirror episode" challenges listeners to examine their own patterns and blind spots. Glenn reveals how our brains cleverly change our stories instead of changing our behaviors, keeping us stuck in cycles of justification and excuses that prevent real growth.

Through practical examples across health, relationships, finances, career, and personal development, Glenn illuminates how cognitive dissonance quietly sabotages our progress in every area of life. This episode isn't about judgment - it's about awareness and the transformative power of aligning your actions with your values.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**2:30** - Definition of cognitive dissonance: the uncomfortable tension when actions don't align with values
**4:15** - Real-life examples in health, relationships, and finances
**8:20** - How your brain protects you by changing narratives instead of behaviors
**9:45** - Five critical self-reflection questions to identify your own dissonance
**12:00** - The choice: change your story (excuses) or change your behavior (growth)
**14:30** - Simple daily practice for creating awareness and alignment
**16:45** - How adventure strips away stories and reveals truth about ourselves

Ready to break free from the cycle of excuses and justification that's keeping you stuck? This episode offers the clarity and practical steps needed to close the gap between who you say you are and how you actually behave. Listen now to discover how facing uncomfortable truths about yourself can be the catalyst for profound personal transformation and growth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Privilege of Pursuing Your Dreams

Are you tired of the daily grind? Feeling overwhelmed by the business you built? In this thought-provoking episode, Glenn challenges listeners to reframe their perspective on privilege. It's not about having things handed to you—it's about being in a position to do what you once only dreamed of doing. Glenn shares his personal philosophy on entrepreneurship and why he embraces the challenges of running his own business rather than settling for the predictable 9-to-5 routine that never suited him.

This episode offers a refreshing perspective for business owners who might be feeling burnt out or questioning their path. Glenn reminds us that feeling tired from the work you once begged the universe for is actually a blessing—a privilege that comes from creating a life on purpose rather than settling for someone else's vision.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**1:15** - Redefining privilege: Being able to do what you dreamed about years ago
**3:40** - The freedom of entrepreneurship versus the predictability of 9-to-5 jobs
**6:20** - "What a privilege to be tired from the work you once begged the universe for"
**8:05** - Aaron's story: Taking the leap to start a business despite having a mortgage and family
**10:30** - Challenge to listeners: If there's a dream in your bones, take the leap

Are you feeling called to build a life on purpose rather than just going through the motions? Whether you're already on this journey or contemplating taking that first step, this episode will inspire you to embrace the challenges as privileges. Tune in now to shift your perspective and find renewed energy for the path you've chosen—or the one you're about to begin.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Why do some people overcome extreme trauma while others struggle with seemingly minor challenges? In this thought-provoking episode, Glenn explores this fascinating question without judgment or comparison. Through powerful examples of resilience—from UFC fighter Mark Hunt surviving horrific childhood abuse to Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson overcoming his mother's murder—Glenn examines what allows certain individuals to transform their deepest pain into remarkable strength.

This episode delves into the stories of extraordinary people who refused to be defined by their trauma. From Grace Tame confronting her abuser to Damian Tomlinson rebuilding his life after losing both legs in Afghanistan, these accounts provide perspective without diminishing anyone else's struggles. Glenn emphasizes that while trauma is real for everyone, moving forward is always possible—even if incredibly difficult.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**0:00-3:30** - Introduction to the concept of resilience and why some handle adversity better than others
**3:30-8:45** - Examples of resilient individuals including Mark Hunt, Mark Donaldson, and Grace Tame
**8:45-13:20** - Personal stories of trauma and recovery, including Glen's partner's experiences
**13:20-25:00** - Anthony Griffith's powerful story of performing comedy while his daughter battled cancer
**25:00-27:30** - Final thoughts on human capacity for resilience and moving forward

Whether you're facing your own challenges or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers a powerful reminder of human resilience. Listen to gain perspective on how we can all find strength to move forward, even in our darkest moments. As Glenn says, "Whatever you are going through, you have the capacity to get through it."

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turn Pro: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Are you tired of dabbling in your dreams instead of living them? In this powerful episode, Glenn dives into Stephen Pressfield's transformative concept of "Turning Pro" - that pivotal moment when you stop negotiating with yourself and fully commit to your goals. This isn't about motivation; it's about transformation. The amateur dreams while the professional delivers, and this episode reveals exactly how that shift happens in your mind and daily actions.

What separates those who achieve their dreams from those who merely talk about them? It's not talent or luck - it's the decision to operate with professional discipline rather than amateur inconsistency. Glenn breaks down the invisible force of "resistance" that keeps us playing small and offers a practical three-step framework to make the transition from amateur to professional in any area of your life.

Episode Highlights:

**2:15** - The fundamental difference between amateurs and professionals
**5:30** - Understanding resistance and how it disguises fear as logic
**8:45** - Why discipline creates freedom and momentum trumps motivation
**12:20** - The identity shift required to truly "turn pro"
**15:40** - The costs and sacrifices of professional commitment
**18:10** - Step 1: Make a definitive decision, not a wish
**19:25** - Step 2: Create systems and structures that support consistency
**21:00** - Step 3: Embrace the long game and trust the process

Ready to stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start making real progress on your goals? This episode will challenge you to examine where you've been playing small and give you the mindset tools to finally commit fully to your dreams. Listen now and make today the day you turn pro in the areas of life that matter most to you.

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embracing Life's Temporary Nature: The Power of Stoic Detachment

What if nothing truly belongs to you? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore a transformative Stoic principle that challenges our fundamental understanding of ownership and attachment. Rather than promoting apathy, this perspective offers profound clarity—teaching us to see life as a series of experiences rather than possessions. The result? Less anxiety, deeper appreciation, and a remarkable freedom that comes when we stop clinging to what was never ours to keep.

This episode delves into how our suffering often stems from attachment—to people, outcomes, titles, and control. When we shift our perspective to view everything as temporary experiences rather than permanent possessions, we create space to live more fully and authentically. Through personal stories from the Kokoda Track and practical wisdom from ancient Stoics, you'll discover how embracing impermanence can transform your relationship with both joy and loss.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

**3:15** - The Stoic perspective: Nothing truly belongs to us, everything is simply an experience
**5:30** - How attachment creates suffering and detachment creates freedom
**8:40** - The Kokoda Track as a metaphor for impermanence and presence
**12:15** - Five practical ways to practice detachment:
- Observe experiences without claiming ownership
- Practice gratitude without possession
- Reflect daily on what you're clinging to
- Remember mortality (Memento Mori)
- Serve others without expectation

**17:30** - The paradox of loving fully while accepting impermanence

Ready to transform how you approach life's inevitable changes and challenges? This episode might be the perspective shift you've been searching for. Listen now to discover how to experience everything while being owned by nothing—and finally live with open hands and an open heart.

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Silent Path to Greatness: Lessons from Terence Crawford

In a world obsessed with visibility and validation, this episode explores the powerful concept of "quiet greatness" through the lens of boxing champion Terence Crawford's philosophy. What happens when you pursue excellence without seeking attention? When success arrives, it doesn't always bring what you expect. As Crawford wisely observed, "People think success brings friends. It doesn't. It brings silence." This episode unpacks how true achievement often means shrinking circles, revealing who genuinely supports you versus who's simply waiting for your downfall.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

**1:45** - Introduction to Terence Crawford's approach to success
* Crawford embodies excellence without seeking attention—training, winning, and returning to work without drama

**4:30** - The loneliness of growth and success
* When you evolve, your circle naturally shrinks to those who genuinely support your journey

**7:15** - Building greatness in silence
* True mastery happens when no one's watching—doing the work without needing recognition

**10:20** - How success changes your environment
* Growth makes others uncomfortable, but you can't dim your light to make others comfortable

**12:40** - Episode takeaways
* Stop seeking validation—the right path doesn't require applause
* Do the work quietly—results speak louder than announcements
* Accept a smaller, more authentic circle as you grow
* Build your legacy in silence—when it's real, it speaks for itself

Ready to embrace the power of quiet greatness in your own life? This episode might just change how you approach success and validation. Sometimes the most profound growth happens when no one's watching. Listen now to discover how focusing on the work—not the recognition—can transform your path to becoming the best version of yourself.

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Adventure of Personal Growth: Building Better Humans Through Exploration

Are you craving more than just another vacation? In this captivating episode of The Building Better Humans Project podcast, hosts Glenn and Mili dive deep into how adventure serves as the ultimate personal development tool. From living out of a van as teenagers to trekking through PNG jungles, they share how stepping outside your comfort zone creates life-changing experiences that shape who you become. Their stories reveal that adventure isn't about luxury or distance traveled—it's about challenging yourself in new environments and collecting experiences that become the stories you'll tell for decades.

The hosts explore how structured adventures like Kokoda Track and Aussie Ten Peaks create powerful bonding opportunities between parents and children, especially during those crucial formative years. They emphasize that adventure doesn't require expensive gear or exotic locations—it could be as simple as climbing your local mountain or bathing in a creek. What matters is putting yourself in situations where you're slightly vulnerable but capable of overcoming challenges.

Timestamps:
- 05:30 - Mayhem's 8-month van life adventure across Australia and the theft that changed everything
- 14:20 - How adventure creates deeper connections and conversations
- 22:45 - The philosophy of collecting experiences rather than possessions
- 31:10 - Kokoda Track experiences and watching people overcome their limitations
- 38:15 - The Aussie Ten Peaks adventure and nearly missing the chairlift
- 45:30 - Why 80% of the time you'll spend with your children happens before they turn 18

Key Takeaways:
- Adventure creates stories and experiences that become defining moments in your life
- Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations builds resilience and confidence
- The most meaningful adventures often involve overcoming fear or uncertainty
- Adventure creates unique bonding opportunities between parents and children
- You don't need to travel far to find adventure—it's about your mindset, not location

Ready to transform your life through adventure? Whether you're looking to strengthen family bonds, develop resilience in young people, or simply break out of your comfort zone, this episode will inspire you to take that first step. Visit adventureprofessionals.com.au to learn about upcoming youth development camps and adventures in 2026 and beyond!

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Power of Not Knowing It's Impossible

What if the only thing standing between you and achieving the "impossible" is simply not knowing it's supposed to be impossible? In this captivating episode of The Building Better Humans Project podcast, host Glenn shares the remarkable story of George Dantzig, a graduate student who unknowingly solved two mathematical problems that had stumped the world's leading statisticians for years. Why? Because he thought they were just homework assignments. This powerful tale illustrates how our self-imposed mental limits often prevent us from reaching our true potential.

Glenn connects this mindset lesson to his experiences guiding people through the challenging Kokoda Track, where he's witnessed countless individuals overcome their own "impossible" barriers. The episode explores how we create invisible ceilings in our minds and offers practical strategies to break through them.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

**2:15** - The story of George Dantzig and how he solved "unsolvable" mathematical problems
* When we don't know something is "impossible," we approach it without mental barriers

**6:30** - Introduction to Glenn's new 12-month mentoring program
* Two levels available: "Light" (monthly sessions) and "Committed" (weekly coaching)

**9:45** - Real-world examples of overcoming perceived limitations on the Kokoda Track
* People of all ages and abilities have completed the challenging 100km trek

**13:20** - Three strategies to break through mental limitations:
* Check your stories - most limitations aren't facts but narratives we've internalized
* Start before you're ready - courage comes from acting while still scared
* Don't label difficulty as impossible - hard is just a sign something is worth doing

**17:40** - The power of approaching challenges with a beginner's mind
* Focus on one step at a time rather than the enormity of the whole journey

Ready to challenge your own mental limitations? This episode will inspire you to question what you've deemed "impossible" and take that crucial first step toward achieving it. Listen now to discover how shifting your mindset could unlock potential you never knew you had.

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Inner Circle: The Secret Force That Shapes Your Success

Are you fighting an uphill battle toward your goals? The answer might not be in your effort, but in who surrounds you. In this powerful episode of the Building Better Humans Project podcast, Glenn explores how your inner circle can make or break your success. As Jim Rohn famously said, "You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Glenn breaks down why this matters more than you think and provides actionable steps to build a circle that fuels your growth rather than drains your energy.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

**1:30** - Why your environment shapes your expectations and standards
* Your inner circle determines what you consider "normal" behavior
* The people around you are either adding energy or draining it

**5:15** - Glenn's personal experience with powerful circles
* How military service taught him the value of a solid team
* Building Adventure Professionals with growth-minded individuals

**8:40** - The 5-step process to build a powerful inner circle
* Step 1: Audit your current circle (lifters, drainers, or comfort-keepers?)
* Step 2: Communicate your growth journey to those around you
* Step 3: Create proximity to people doing what you want to do
* Step 4: Build a "board of directors" for different areas of your life
* Step 5: Become the kind of person others want in their circle

**12:20** - Opportunities to join growth-minded communities
* The 12-week Design Your Life program
* One-on-one guidance programs with Glen and Millie
* Adventure experiences that naturally connect you with like-minded people

Ready to transform your life by transforming your circle? This episode might be the wake-up call you need. As Glenn powerfully states, "You can't do big things with small-minded people." Your circle will either stretch you or shrink you—choose wisely and listen now to start building an inner circle that propels you forward.

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating Life's Complexities: Age, Perception, and Personal Growth

Are you ready for a thought-provoking conversation that tackles some of society's most uncomfortable truths? In this episode of The Building Better Humans Project, hosts Glenn and Mili dive deep into the complex topics of age dynamics in relationships, societal perceptions, and the journey of personal growth. They don't hold back as they address the stark difference between consenting adult relationships and the predatory behavior that targets vulnerable young people.

The conversation explores how social media has created spaces where people feel emboldened to judge others without context, and how these interactions often reveal more about the critics than those they criticize. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Glenn and Mili share insights on resilience, anti-fragility, and the importance of taking ownership of your personal development journey.

Timestamps:
00:02:30 - Introduction to the podcast sponsors and upcoming adventures
00:08:45 - Discussion about online criticism and dealing with negativity
00:14:20 - The difference between adult relationships and predatory behavior toward minors
00:23:15 - Reflections on growing up and recognizing inappropriate situations in hindsight
00:31:40 - How to protect young people while empowering them
00:39:50 - Practical advice on building resilience and establishing healthy routines
00:47:10 - The importance of setting achievable fitness goals and celebrating small wins

Key Takeaways:
- There's a critical distinction between age-gap relationships between consenting adults and predatory behavior targeting minors
- Our experiences, even difficult ones, can contribute to anti-fragility - becoming stronger because of what we've been through
- Setting small, achievable goals is more effective than ambitious targets that are easy to abandon
- Personal development requires discipline first, which eventually transforms into sustainable habits
- The most powerful growth comes from taking ownership of your triggers rather than expecting the world to accommodate them

Ready to challenge your thinking and gain valuable insights on personal growth? Listen now and join the conversation about building better humans through honesty, resilience, and self-awareness.

The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.au

ADVENTURE WITH GLENN

ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS

1-ON-1 MENTORING

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.