In this episode of Cool Change, I share one of the most transformative experiences of my life—my journey with Ayahuasca. For decades, I lived with a deeply rooted fear tied to my heart health, stemming from childhood experiences with my father’s repeated heart crises. After a casual lunch with a trusted friend, I found myself embarking on an unexpected path—one that led me to confront my fear through Ayahuasca, a plant medicine known for its profound spiritual and healing properties.

In this episode, I take you through each step of that journey—starting with the preparation, to the intense three nights of ceremony, and the life-changing lessons I received from Ayahuasca. I reflect on how it reframed my understanding of my heart, not just as an organ but as the core of my emotional and spiritual being. Whether you're curious about Ayahuasca, grappling with your own fears, or simply love stories of transformation, this episode has something to offer.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of intention when entering an Ayahuasca journey
• How childhood trauma and unresolved fear can manifest in our adult lives
• The transformative experience of letting go of fear
• The spiritual, emotional, and physical lessons Ayahuasca can offer
• How my relationship with my heart—both physically and emotionally—was changed forever

Key Quotes:

• "Ayahuasca told me: 'You will be remembered as a man with a very good heart.' And in that moment, I knew it wasn’t just about physical health—it was about how I live, love, and serve."
• "What I once saw as a source of anxiety—those heart palpitations—became reminders, love taps, pushing me to go out and do something meaningful with my heart."
• "Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help, and Ayahuasca put me in a position where I had no choice but to ask."

In this brief episode, I take you back to the summer of 1990—when my best friend Tim and I, fueled by our “do-it-yourself” mentality, embarked on a series of DIY adventures that nearly cost us our lives. From leaky boats to collapsing cars, we learned that sometimes the most valuable skill is knowing when to call for help. This episode explores the fine line between admirable self-reliance and reckless overconfidence, and how a little humility can be the key to growth and survival.

The Cool Change: Sometimes, growth comes from realizing you don’t have to do it all yourself. Knowing when to step back and ask for help is a form of strength, not weakness.

Michelle Huebner is a powerful example of how attitude can color your everyday existence. In this episode, Michelle shares her journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and how it has shaped her perspective on life. She discusses the symptoms and challenges of living with FA, as well as the importance of finding joy and living life to the fullest.

Michelle emphasizes the need for independence and letting go of anger. Listen in as she shares her approach to everyday life, including a cool way to schedule more activities that bring you joy.

For more info on FA, check out www.curefa.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Inspiration

09:04 Finding Relief and Connecting with the FA Community

15:52 Hope and Progress in FA Research

45:10 Finding Happiness and Fulfillment in the Face of Challenges

57:20 The Power of a Strong Support System

01:10:20 Advocating for Others and Sharing Experiences

Lt. Col. Tim Doherty, founder of Doc's Healing Hives, shares his inspiring journey of finding healing and purpose through beekeeping. The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping, the impact of community and camaraderie, and the transformative power of finding a new purpose.

Tim's organization, Doc's Healing Hives, offers courses and support to veterans, helping them find hope and healing through beekeeping. The future goals of the organization include building a lodge and expanding their impact through farming and teaching others how to grow their own food.

Tim's advice to veterans is to never give up, find a new purpose, seek therapy, and connect with others.

Takeaways

• Beekeeping can be a therapeutic and healing activity, providing a sense of purpose and helping individuals find solace and camaraderie.
• Doc's Healing Hives offers courses and support to veterans, helping them find hope and healing through beekeeping.
• Community and camaraderie play a crucial role in the healing process, and joining a group or association can provide support and connection.
• It is important for veterans to seek therapy and not give up, as therapy can be a valuable tool in the healing journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 02:15 The Journey Begins 09:29 Therapeutic Benefits of Beekeeping 12:02 Doc's Healing Hives 16:10 Community and Camaraderie 24:23 Future Goals and Impact 31:13 Getting Involved 33:51 Advice for Veterans 36:05 Closing Remarks

Episode Summary:

Hi, I'm Chuck Allen, your guide on the journey to a more intentional and cooler daily existence. In this episode of Cool Change, we dive deep into the transformative power of finding joy in our workouts. Joined by Colin Feldtman, a former pro baseball player turned fitness coach, we explore how shifting our mindset from viewing exercise as a chore to embracing it as a source of pleasure can fundamentally change our relationship with fitness.

What You'll Learn:

• How I went from hating every minute in the gym to looking forward to my daily workouts.
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• Colin's journey from professional athlete to a fitness coach, and how becoming a father has reshaped his approach to fitness.
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• The importance of finding your own motivation and tuning out the noise.
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• Practical tips for making your workout routine more enjoyable and less of a burden.
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• The power of asking, "What would this look like if it were easy?" to simplify and enjoy your fitness journey.
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• Why showing up is half the battle, and how small wins can lead to big changes.

Episode Highlights:

• My personal transformation story and how I found joy in the gym.
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• Colin's professional insights on adjusting fitness goals and routines as life changes.
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• Our discussion on the psychological shifts necessary for embracing fitness as a joyful part of life.
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• Strategies for anyone looking to make their workouts more enjoyable and effective.

More Info:

Find Colin on Instagram: @colinfeldtmanpdx

Mentioned: @crossfittualatin, @crossfitonetwenty

Closing Thoughts:

This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like working out is just another item on their to-do list. Colin and I share our journeys and insights to help you move from dread to desire when it comes to your fitness routine. Remember, the goal is to find joy in the process, not just the results. Here's to making our fitness journey a pleasurable part of our Cool Change.

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Summary

In this conversation, Chuck interviews Lisa DeAngelis about the Alexander Technique and its connection to change. Lisa shares her personal experience with the technique and how it helped her navigate a challenging medical diagnosis. They discuss the importance of choice and creating space for possibility in the process of change.

Lisa also highlights the significance of daily mindfulness practice in cultivating awareness and making conscious choices. The conversation emphasizes the holistic nature of change and the potential for transformation in everyday habits and actions.

Lisa also discusses her daily practices and the importance of mindfulness. She emphasizes the need to engage with each moment and reconnect with all our senses. Lisa also shares insights from her new book, 'Embracing the Unknown,' which explores the process of change and the tools and skills that can support it. She breaks down the book into three parts: why change, changing now, and living a life of sustainable change. 

Finally, Lisa talks about her future plans, including creating new ways to have meaningful conversations about mindfulness and intentionality.

Takeaways

• The Alexander Technique is a holistic approach to change that focuses on increasing awareness of how we use our bodies.
• Choice plays a crucial role in navigating change, and embracing the unknown can lead to exciting opportunities.
• Creating space and pausing before making a choice can help us break free from habitual patterns and make more intentional decisions.
• The Alexander Technique can have a profound impact on various aspects of life, including physical well-being, performance, and personal growth.

Description: Welcome to another episode of Cool Change, where we dive deep into the stories of people who have reimagined their lives, and that inspire intentional living and finding joy in more moments. Today, we have an incredibly insightful conversation with Laura, a holistic wellness practitioner with a remarkable journey of transformation.

In this episode, Laura shares her personal story of leaving a conventional, secure job to follow her intuition and passion for holistic wellness (33:16). She opens up about the challenges, uncertainties, and ultimately, the fulfillment she found in making this life-altering decision. 

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how Laura tapped into her intuition to guide her through significant life changes and how you can do the same.
• Learn about the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community and resources that align with your passions.
• Understand the power of making a decision, even when the path ahead is unclear, and how taking small steps can lead to profound change.

Show Highlights:

• Laura’s journey from a stable yet unfulfilling career to pursuing her passion in holistic wellness.
• The role of intuition and ancestral wisdom in guiding life decisions.
• Practical tips for aligning with your purpose and taking intentional steps towards change, regardless of your current circumstances.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence through action and experience.
• Laura's insights on finding joy and fulfillment by aligning with your soul's purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

• heal.me
• holisticlifecommunity.com

Connect with Us:

If Laura's story resonated with you or if you're on your own journey of transformation, we'd love to hear from you! Share your story, thoughts, or questions by contacting us through our website (coolchangepodcast.com) or on social media.

Description:

In this deeply moving episode of "Cool Change," we dive into a heartfelt conversation with David Terry, a man who not only knocked on death's door but also engaged with it, exploring his boundaries and the limitless expanse of human resilience, potential, and the transformative power of love. Strap in for a wild ride that interweaves pain, love, death, and unbreakable spirit.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How facing one's mortality brings an unparalleled perspective on life and living.
• The unseen but profoundly felt power of love and community in times of personal crisis.
• A glimpse into a family’s steadfast unity amidst the pervasive presence of terminal illness.
• How to embrace challenges as pathways to uncover deeper emotional and psychological layers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Love as a Driving Force: How love, both giving and receiving, can be a potent motivator in our toughest moments.
2. Uncharted Territories of Potential: Explore the limitless realms of capabilities, bound only by one’s imagination and resolve.
3. Navigating Adversity: The intricate dance between confronting fear, tackling hardships, and emerging resilient on the other side.
4. Redefining Strength: A new lens to perceive strength, not as a stoic, unfeeling fortress but as a vulnerable, honest, and persevering journey through challenges.

Resources:

For more information on David’s coaching and work, you can email him directly at [email protected].

Connect with Chuck Allen:

• Instagram: @chuckallen
• Website: www.coolchangepodcast.com

Support the Show:

If David's story resonated with you, please consider supporting the show by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories like David's to the airwaves.

Episode Release Date: October 5, 2023

Join us on "Cool Change" as we continue to delve into stories that remind us to embrace change, choose courage, and design a life you love.

Introduction:

In this episode of "Cool Change," host Chuck Allen engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mandi Hudson, a psychiatrist and academic leader. Together, they explore the importance of curiosity, setting boundaries, and embracing the journey in personal and professional life. Dr. Hudson shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on mental wellness, authenticity, and the complexities of the field of psychiatry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Curiosity:

• Curiosity is a powerful tool that fosters growth, change, and meaningful connections.
• Remaining open and curious about ourselves, others, and the world enhances self-awareness and deepens relationships.
• Asking "why" in a non-judgmental way allows us to gain a better understanding of ourselves and others.

2. The Journey as the Destination:

• The focus on reaching goals and destinations often overlooks the beauty and significance of the journey itself.
• Paying attention to the moments, connections, and experiences along the way enriches our lives and helps us find joy in the present.
• The journey, with all its ups and downs, shapes us and allows for personal growth and authenticity.

3. Challenging Misconceptions:

• Mental health and wellness are complex, and there is no single narrative or easy solution.
• It is crucial to recognize that various factors contribute to societal issues such as the opioid epidemic or homelessness.
• Avoid oversimplifying complex problems and instead approach them with an open mind and a willingness to understand different perspectives.

4. Mental Health in Medical Education:

• Dr. Hudson aims to create a different learning experience for her students, focusing on holistic wellness alongside academic excellence.
• Encouraging students to prioritize mental health and self-awareness leads to better outcomes for both the individuals and their patients.
• Building authentic, whole-person physicians requires addressing mental health as a core component of overall well-being.

Recommended Resources:

1. Books:

• "101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think" - A thought-provoking collection of essays challenging conventional thinking and encouraging personal growth.
• "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver - A fiction book offering social commentary and providing insight into the lives of severely ill and traumatized teens.

2. Author:

• Brene Brown - Known for her work on vulnerability and authenticity, Brown offers valuable insights into self-discovery and personal growth.

Conclusion:

Dr. Mandi Hudson's expertise and passion for mental wellness and psychiatry shine through in this engaging conversation. Listeners are encouraged to embrace curiosity, appreciate the journey, challenge misconceptions, and prioritize mental health in their own lives.

Through Dr. Hudson's unique approach to medical education, she inspires future physicians to become compassionate, self-aware healers who understand the importance of mental wellness in achieving overall well-being.

In this inspiring episode, Alden Mills, a former Navy SEAL Platoon Commander, entrepreneur, inventor, and author, shares his compelling journey from his time in the military to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Mills discusses his struggle transitioning from the military to a civilian life and the entrepreneurial spirit that was a constant throughout his life, which eventually led him to invent and launch his hit fitness products, "The Perfect Pushup" and "BodyRev."

Alden takes us through his process of invention, which starts with dreaming up ideas without constraints, just as children do. He categorizes ideas into improvements, inventions, and innovations, emphasizing the significance of creating functional prototypes and understanding your market. Mills also gives us a glimpse into his goal-setting application, "GoalBud." This app combines the power of a social network with goal-setting to help users commit to daily actions towards their goals.

Alden Mills introduces his next big dream, an adventurous and unique coaching platform – a floating platform on a large sailboat. Named "The Persistence," this sailboat would continually sail around the globe, becoming a meeting place for people chasing their dreams. This episode is filled with invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, inventing, and the power of dreaming and goal setting. Tune in to embark on this inspiring journey.

Show topics:

1. **Transition from Military to Entrepreneurship (@5:00)**

Alden Mills shares his struggle in transitioning from a Navy SEAL to a business school student, and how he found his calling in the entrepreneurial world. This section is an inspiring testimony of resilience and determination.

2. **The Invention of The Perfect Pushup and BodyRev (@30:58)**

Alden describes how he created his successful fitness products, "The Perfect Pushup" and "BodyRev." This segment illustrates the innovation process and the power of persistence.

3. **Types of Ideas: Improvement, Invention, and Innovation (@35:48)**

Alden categorizes ideas into three categories and discusses the importance of creating functional prototypes. This clip provides valuable insights into the world of inventing and product development.

4. **Introduction of GoalBud App (@39:03)**

In this section, Alden introduces his goal-setting application "GoalBud" and explains how it leverages the power of social networking to help users commit to daily actions towards their goals. It's a great showcase of how technology can support personal development.

5. **The Dream of The Persistence (@41:44)**

Alden introduces his next big project - a sailboat called "The Persistence," which would serve as a floating coaching platform. This inspiring segment exemplifies the power of dreaming big and sets a great example for those aspiring to make a unique impact in their field.