Don't Quit on Me

The Generous Exchange: Maria Sirois on Burnout, Resilience, Beauty and Excellence In this heartfelt conversation, Nick interviews Maria Sirois, Psychologist, Leadership Consultant and Author about her journey and her book 'The Generous Exchange.' Maria shares her experiences working with families facing life-threatening diseases, encountering resilience in its most profound form. We discuss the concept of resilience as more than mere adaptation, but as an alignment with one's true self and an active engagement with life's sharp points. Maria delves into her personal struggles with burnout during the pandemic, the evolution of her resilience practices, and the role of beauty, goodness, and excellence in uplifting the human spirit. We also touch on the importance of accepting imperfection, the power of self-compassion, and the transformative potential of small acts of kindness and appreciation. This episode is a balm for anyone navigating difficult times, offering practical tools and profound insights into the nature and learnable skillset of human resilience. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:15 Maria's Journey to Resilience 02:27 Defining Resilience 03:59 Permission to Be Human 07:07 Three Questions of Resilience 16:13 The Generous Exchange 23:22 Struggles with Gym Attendance 23:57 The Science Behind Motion 24:28 Building Positive Habits 25:50 Creating a Positive Environment 27:07 Mutual Flourishing and Responsibility 34:04 The Power of Simple Gestures 35:51 Finding Peace in Chaos 42:05 Meditative Practices and Self-Compassion 44:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The New Happy A Journey into Compassion and Resilience - Stephanie Harrison In this insightful episode, we start with a tribute to the life and work of friend of the show Ralph De La Rosa, who graced our show on three different occasions, offering profound insights, support and wisdom. We are so grateful for their contributions and the light they brought. In our interview, we discus the importance of compassion, self-awareness, and vulnerability in today's world. Stephanie shares her personal journey in pursuing happiness, the challenges of societal expectations, and how her work aims to help others redefine happiness through connection with oneself and others. The conversation delves into strategies for dealing with mental health, embracing suffering, and finding fulfillment. With references to wisdom traditions and practical actions, Stephanie provides a holistic and easy to understand approach to achieving a balanced and realistic understanding of happiness. The episode wraps up with thoughts on resilience, community support, and actionable advice for those facing challenging times. 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 00:32 The Importance of Vulnerability and Self-Awareness 02:02 Stephanie's Journey to Happiness 03:53 The Philosophy of New Happy 09:33 Challenges and Strategies for Happiness 25:53 The Concept of Resilience 36:56 Final Thoughts and How to Find the Book

The Future of Behavioral Science with Steven Hayes: Beyond Bell Curves In this captivating episode, Dr Steven Hayes returns to discuss the significant developments in the landscape of behavioral science and the ACT model over the past four years. Steven explores the limitations of traditional scientific methods in characterizing individual human behavior and introduces innovative approaches that focus on individualized analysis. He delves into the concept of idio and nomothetic measurements, emphasizing the importance of personalized processes for improving mental health and well-being. The discussion also touches on self-compassion, emotional flexibility, and the evolving needs of modern society in a rapidly changing world. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the gap between science and practice to empower individuals in leading meaningful lives. 00:00 Welcome Back, Steven! 00:27 Developments in ACT and Behavioral Science 03:46 Challenges in Modern Science and Society 06:11 Personalized Approaches in Behavioral Science 12:41 The Complexity of Values and Self-Compassion 17:59 Practical Advice for Self-Compassion and Emotional Awareness 27:17 Exploring Emotional Flexibility 28:38 The Self-Help Book Journey 30:16 Internet Addiction Insights 33:04 The Future of Self-Empowerment 38:54 The Changing World and Wellbeing 41:08 A Practical Exercise for Alignment 52:21 Final Thoughts on Human Progress

The Healing Power of Expressive Writing: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative world of expressive writing with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker, a leading researcher in the field.

Dr. Pennebaker recounts the fascinating journey from his initial studies on the impact of journaling on overcoming trauma to the development of the computer program, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC).

Discover how expressive writing can remarkably improve physical and mental health, the significance of language in understanding emotional states, and practical advice for implementing these insights into daily life.

Whether it's navigating personal hardships or fostering self-awareness, this conversation uncovers the profound benefits of putting thoughts into words.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Discovering the Power of Expressive Writing

03:09 The First Study and Its Impact

06:02 Methodology and Instructions for Expressive Writing

09:48 Health Benefits and Challenges of Expressive Writing

17:07 Exploring Language and Mental Health

39:30 Case Study: Kathleen Folbigg and Text Analysis

43:16 Reflections and Future Outlook

Mental Health Resources

Australia:

* Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

* Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

* 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au

* Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

* SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org

United States:

* National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE or RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at rainn.org

* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

* The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org

* Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or samhsa.gov

United Kingdom:

* National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or nationaldahelpline.org.uk

* Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 802 9999 or rapecrisis.org.uk

* Samaritans: 116 123 or samaritans.org

* Mind: 0300 123 3393 or mind.org.uk

* Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258

* NHS mental health services: via your GP or the NHS website.

In this insightful conversation, Chris Germer talks about his journey in discovering and co-creating mindful self-compassion with Kristen Neff. Chris shares his personal struggles with anxiety, shame and public speaking, and how practicing loving-kindness meditation transformed his experiences of fear and shame. He discusses the complementary roles of self-compassion and mindfulness in managing intense emotions, describing the three key components: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. We also explore the application of self-compassion in preventing burnout and enhancing caregiving, and discuss strategies for fostering compassion within organizations. The conversation concludes with a guided self-compassion practice led by Chris, offering a practical tool for integrating these insights into daily life. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:26 Discovering Self-Compassion 01:44 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety 06:55 The Role of Self-Compassion in Mindfulness 09:46 Components of Mindful Self-Compassion 13:59 Applying Self-Compassion in Daily Life 18:12 Self-Compassion for Caregivers and Burnout 22:49 Building a Compassionate Organization 29:04 Practical Advice for Difficult Times 36:46 Future Directions and New Projects 44:38 Guided Self-Compassion Practice 58:26 Closing Remarks

Dr. Liz Stanley is a renowned expert in resilience, stress, and trauma recovery. As a professor at Georgetown University, she has dedicated her career to understanding the social structures that drive human behaviour, especially during times of stress and conflict. Dr. Stanley is the creator of Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT®), a groundbreaking program that has been empirically validated to help individuals build resilience and recover from trauma.

Recently, Dr. Stanley has been at the forefront of efforts to support the mental health recovery of those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. In collaboration with the Ukrainian Catholic University and Forest Glade Veterans Hospital, she has brought MMFT® to Ukraine, providing vital self-regulation skills to veterans, first responders, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Her work is empowering Ukrainians to support their own mental health amidst the ongoing challenges of war1.

Dr. Stanley's compassionate approach and dedication to healing have made a profound impact on countless lives, offering hope and practical tools for recovery in some of the most challenging environments.

Liz Stanley Home Page

Building Resilience: MMFIT's Impact and Insights with Liz Stanley In this episode, the conversation covers substantial ground about personal and community-level actions to support individuals in crisis, focusing on the application of Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training (MMFIT) in conflict zones like Ukraine. Dr Liz Stanley delves into the importance of contemplative traditions, somatic work and nueroscience to navigate challenging emotions. She provides extensive insights into working with veterans and civilians in Ukraine, highlighting the profound impact and necessity of MMFIT in aiding those dealing with PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Liz explains the science behind MMFIT and the critical role of self-compassion and attention management in stress regulation. The conversation also touches on the importance of collective regulation and how personal calmness can positively affect societal stress levels. If listeners are inspired thay can support ongoing MMFIT projects, particularly those aiding Ukrainians in their recovery and resilience-building efforts. 00:00 Introduction to the Theme of the Show 01:01 Deep Work and Wisdom 01:32 Updates on MMFIT in Ukraine 02:11 Challenges Faced by Ukraine 03:34 Training and Translation Efforts 04:32 Impact of the War on Training 05:07 Reflections on the Work 09:15 Overview of MMFIT 12:40 Understanding the Brain's Response to Stress 18:42 The Importance of Self-Compassion 24:43 Allostatic Load and Its Effects 27:09 Internal Gaslighting 32:37 Practical Tools for Reducing Suffering 40:18 The Ripple Effect of Regulation 42:38 How to Support and Engage with the Work 44:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Transforming Lives with Self-Compassion and Mindfulness: An Interview with Dr. Shauna Shapiro. In this heartfelt and insightful interview, Dr. Shauna Shapiro, a renowned psychologist and professor, shares her journey into the field of mindfulness and self-compassion, shaped significantly by a life-changing spinal surgery at age 17, Shauna discusses how she overcame pain and anxiety through mindfulness practice and devloping Self Compassion. The conversation discusses her transformative experiences in Thailand and how these relate to the scientific foundations of self-compassion and neuroplasticity. Shauna explains how resistance to pain exacerbates suffering and the importance of cultivating emotional regulation and grounding techniques. Through personal stories and practical advice, including the simple yet powerful practice of saying 'Good morning, I love you,' she illustrates the profound impact of these practices on mental and emotional well-being. The interview also touches on innovative therapies like ketamine-assisted treatment for trauma, emphasizing that it is never too late to rewire our minds for greater happiness and fulfillment. This conversation is a deep dive into the harmonious alignment of mindfulness, self-compassion, and the transformative effects of utlising these in our daily practice. Books by Shauna (drshaunashapiro.com) Articles by Shauna – Shauna Shapiro (drshaunashapiro.com) Videos – Shauna Shapiro (drshaunashapiro.com) 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:45 Shauna Shapiro's Journey into Mindfulness 03:29 The Concept of Units of Suffering 05:34 Exploring Self-Compassion 09:20 The Power of Self-Love: 'Good Morning, I Love You' 13:59 The Practice of Self-Love 15:23 Understanding Negativity Bias 16:47 Managing Intense Emotions 18:42 The Power of Self-Compassion 22:49 Exploring Mind Bloom and Neuroplasticity 24:24 Final Thoughts and Resources

Finding Meaning Amidst Chaos: A Journey Through Trauma, Compassion and Healing In this moving episode, I have a chat with freind of the show Ralph, who is a trauma therapist, meditation teacher and author. Ralph shares candid details about his recent harrowing experience of facing sudden liver failure. Despite dealing with immense physical and emotional pain, he offers valuable insights on trauma, healing, and finding meaning even in the darkest times. We discuss the critical role of compassion, both self-directed and from others, in the recovery process. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating something meaningful out of traumatic experiences, the power of community, and the human need to connect and be validated during periods of intense suffering. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to resilience and the human spirit's capacity to turn pain into growth, and to Ralph's ongoing comitment to lessen suffering on the planet. 00:00 Warm Greetings and Catching Up 00:42 Navigating Emotional Turbulence 01:31 A Rollercoaster Journey 03:45 Facing a Health Crisis 07:52 Living with Illness 18:13 Understanding Trauma 26:58 Resuming Life Post-Isolation 27:19 A Chaotic Relationship and Polyamory 28:14 The Impact of Trauma and Context 30:17 Hospital Experience and Isolation 31:19 Support from Meditation Students 32:54 Therapy and Emotional Support 42:50 Navigating Suicidal Thoughts 45:27 Healing Through Compassion and Creativity 48:24 Forming a Band and Creative Outlets 50:40 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Nikki Szabo is a dedicated and compassionate professional with over 25 years' experience in community welfare and the education sectors.

Nikki holds a graduate diploma in social science and a degree in Community Welfare from Southern Cross University, and has worked in various roles including program and project management, advocacy, wellbeing support and case management.

At the Iris Foundation, Nikki is deeply involved in research, training and development. She's passionate about delivering resilience based creative programs for children and young people, and she actively contributes to policy writing and evidence based research.

Nikki's person centered and strengths-based approach has earned her a reputation for positively engaging individuals of all ages and facilitating meaningful outcomes and sessions. As an accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainer and Resilience Trainer, Nikki is committed to promoting mental health awareness and resilience in the community.

Her work aligns with her dedication to social justice. education and overall mental well being. Nikki's also the reason that I decided to become a certified resilience coach.

Dr. Jane Compson is an Associate Professor in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma. With a rich background in religious studies and ethics, she passionately applies insights from Buddhist traditions to contemporary contexts, including higher education, environmental education, and healthcare. Dr. Compson is a trained facilitator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Compassion Cultivation Training, dedicated to enhancing well-being and resilience through her CARE program. Her commitment to community service and ethical engagement shines through her teaching and research, making her a beloved figure in both academic and local communities.

Navigating the Intersection of Meditation, Trauma, and Compassion with Dr Jane Compson In this insightful episode, we welcome Jane, who delves into her transformative journey from Christian traditions to Buddhism and her extensive work in meditation and trauma. Jane shares personal experiences that spurred her spiritual inquiries. She discusses the nuances and challenges of meditation, particularly when influenced by trauma, and the importance of recognizing these experiences rather than ignoring them. Jane introduces the Trauma Resiliency Model, emphasizing the need for somatic awareness and gentle approaches to trauma. She also highlights her development of the CARE model of self-care, which integrates compassion, awareness, resilience, and ethics, offering a balanced approach to personal wellbeing. This episode provides valuable perspectives on how to thoughtfully and compassionately approach meditation practices, especially for those who may be struggling with their mental health. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:16 Exploring Meditation and Mental Health 01:04 Jane's Journey into Contemplative Traditions 02:23 Personal Tragedy and Spiritual Questions 03:34 Discovering Buddhism 05:11 Academic Pursuits and Career Path 09:20 Meditation and Trauma 21:32 Understanding Trauma Resiliency 30:08 Understanding Trauma Resiliency 31:05 The Importance of Self-Care 32:14 Compassion and Mindfulness Training 34:09 Critiques and Context of Mindfulness 38:06 Introducing the CARE Model 41:58 Online and Community-Based Teaching 48:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Jane's linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-compson-2b1548162/

Jane's faculty page: https://faculty.washington.edu/jcompson/

Express interest in the CARE program: https://centerforcare.thinkific.com/

The Trauma Resource Institute: https://www.traumaresourceinstitute.com/

A really helpful resource for people how have had adverse meditation experience: https://www.cheetahhouse.org/