Growth Minds with Sean Kim

Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, senior fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and bestselling author known for bridging neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology. His work focuses on how the brain can be trained for greater resilience, happiness, and inner strength. Through books such as Hardwiring Happiness and Resilient, Dr. Hanson shares practical, science-based tools to cultivate well-being and reduce stress. He is also a popular speaker and teacher, offering workshops and online programs that integrate psychology, meditation, and neuroscience for personal growth.

In our conversation we discuss:
(00:00) – Misunderstandings about relationships
(04:00) – Love as a practice and skill
(08:00) – Brain science and romance
(12:00) – Following emotions versus awareness
(16:00) – The value of mindfulness
(20:00) – Acknowledging feelings and avoidance
(24:00) – Negative rumination and brain circuits
(28:00) – Exploring what lies beneath rumination
(32:00) – Healing after heartbreak
(36:00) – Building confidence and self-worth
(40:00) – Imposter syndrome and motivation
(44:00) – Letting go of inherited beliefs
(48:00) – Practical steps for self-respect
(52:00) – Choosing the right partner
(56:00) – Signs of emotional availability
(1:00:00) – Avoidant attachment and relationships
(1:04:00) – Moving on from unavailable partners
(1:08:00) – Closing thoughts and resources

Learn more about Dr. Rick Hanson
Books:

• Making Great Relationships

• Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness

Websites:

• rickhanson.com — free resources, videos, and courses

• globalcompassioncoalition.org — initiative he promotes near the end

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Nathan Bryan is a biochemist and internationally recognized expert on nitric oxide research and its role in human health. His groundbreaking work has advanced the understanding of how nitric oxide influences cardiovascular function, metabolism, and overall wellness. Dr. Bryan has authored numerous scientific publications and books, translating complex biochemical science into practical strategies for improving health and performance. As a sought-after speaker and educator, he continues to lead innovation in nitric oxide–based therapies and nutritional interventions.

In our conversation we discuss:
(00:00) – Definition and role of nitric oxide
(01:13) – Lack of public awareness
(03:35) – Consequences of low nitric oxide
(06:08) – Link to chronic diseases
(09:16) – Measuring nitric oxide levels
(14:23) – Decline in younger adults
(16:52) – Habits and foods that reduce levels
(19:24) – History and effects of fluoride
(22:58) – Global fluoride reduction examples
(25:33) – Water filtration for fluoride removal
(27:02) – Safety of alcohol-free mouthwash
(30:48) – Alternatives to antiseptic hand products
(33:16) – Toothpaste and deodorant use
(35:41) – Ways to increase nitric oxide
(37:19) – Sunlight exposure on different body areas
(40:42) – Causes of sunburn susceptibility
(42:46) – Nitrate-rich foods
(45:57) – Organic produce and nitrate content
(49:52) – Impact of feed quality on animal nutrition
(55:52) – Breathing habits and nitric oxide
(59:36) – Actionable steps for nitric oxide optimization

Learn more about Dr. Nathan:
Website & products: https://n101.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Nitric-Oxide-Bringing-Science/dp/B0DV3VZ4QH
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrNathanSBryanNitricOxide
Instagram: @DrNathanSBryanNitricOxide

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Bill Eddy is a licensed therapist, attorney, and leading expert on high-conflict personalities and dispute resolution. He is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute and has developed widely used communication strategies such as the BIFF method. Eddy is the author of numerous influential books, including his newest release, Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them – How to Stop Them. Drawing from his dual background in law and mental health, he equips professionals and the public alike with practical tools to manage conflict and reduce drama in legal, workplace, and personal settings.

In our conversation we discuss:
(00:00) – Who are the five types of people?
(03:04) – How do you know if someone is a narcissist?
(09:57) – Why should someone care about this?
(13:17) – What is the most common way people respond?
(16:15) – How are adult bullies different than kids?
(21:17) – Is bullying caused by being bullied?
(25:46) – How do we identify gray area people?
(33:32) – Does this also apply to gray area types?
(36:19) – How do we deal with these people?
(46:02) – Can people with high conflict traits change?
(52:50) – Should we build alliances to handle conflict?
(56:33) – Do these strategies apply to love life?
(59:57) – How can someone rebuild confidence afterward?
(01:08:43) – Do we over-prioritize controllable relationships?
(01:11:13) – How can someone heal from toxic dynamics?

Learn more about Bill:
High Conflict Institute: https://highconflictinstitute.com/

Books:

https://www.amazon.com/Types-People-Ruin-Your-Life/dp/0143131362

https://www.amazon.com/Our-New-World-Adult-Bullies/dp/0757325106

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Joel Pearson is a cognitive neuroscientist, psychologist, and professor known for his groundbreaking research on the human mind, imagination, and decision-making. He is the founder and director of the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales, where he explores the science behind consciousness, mental imagery, and innovation. Dr. Pearson’s work bridges neuroscience and technology, offering insights into how the brain shapes perception, creativity, and behavior. He is also an entrepreneur and thought leader, frequently speaking on the future of human potential and the intersection of science and society.

In our conversation we discuss:
(00:00) What exactly is intuition?
(05:28) Is intuition inherited or learned from experience?
(07:53) Is my gut feeling bias or intuition?
(10:11) How do we know when to trust intuition?
(14:08) How can emotional arousal distort intuition?
(19:54) Why are humans so bad with probability?
(26:15) Can intuition transfer across environments?
(34:08) Can we heal biased intuition through psychedelics?
(36:57) What is mental imagery and how to use it?
(44:14) How can mental imagery break limiting beliefs?
(50:11) How do we visualize to achieve success?
(54:26) Are we living in a controlled hallucination?
(59:08) What does this mean for objective reality?
(1:02:07) Will AI reduce our use of intuition?
(1:06:48) Will AI make us mentally lazy?
(1:11:20) What skills will become obsolete in the future?
(1:14:47) Will we need to unlink work from identity?
(1:21:53) How should we redesign education for AI?
(1:26:28) What can individuals do to prepare?
(1:32:13) Who will replace whom in the AI future?

Learn more about Prof. Joel Pearson:
https://www.profjoelpearson.com/

Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Intuition-Toolkit-Science-Knowing-without/dp/1763557111

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Steven Gundry is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, medical researcher, and bestselling author known for his pioneering work on nutrition, gut health, and chronic disease. After decades as a leading heart surgeon, he shifted his focus to preventative medicine, founding the Gundry MD clinic to help patients heal through science-backed dietary interventions. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Plant Paradox and his latest release, The Gut Brain Paradox, which explores the powerful connection between the microbiome and mental health. Dr. Gundry continues to challenge conventional wisdom with his cutting-edge insights into personalized nutrition and longevity.

In our conversation we discuss:
(00:32) – What are lectins and how they work
(03:26) – Foods high in lectins in daily diets
(04:48) – Do cooking methods reduce lectin effects?
(10:22) – Is glyphosate weakening gut defenses?
(10:26) – Are lectins studied in human trials?
(12:06) – Clinical findings from autoimmune patients
(16:55) – Could glyphosate be the real issue?
(17:15) – Do blue zone diets include lectins?
(22:09) – Why goat and sheep products help longevity
(25:17) – Should healthy people avoid lectins too?
(31:05) – Low-toxin vegetables and how to prepare them
(37:23) – Should we avoid fruit or just fructose?
(43:06) – Best fruits to eat and avoid
(48:10) – When is the best time to eat fruit?
(53:29) – Are superagers born with better microbiomes?
(55:47) – How Gundry’s views evolved over time

Learn more about Dr. Steven Gundry
Website – https://drgundry.com/
New book – https://www.amazon.com/Gut-Brain-Paradox-Improve-Reverse-Microbiome/dp/0062911805

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is a board-certified gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled. With a strong background in microbiome research, he advocates for plant-based nutrition as a foundation for optimal digestive and overall health. Dr. Bulsiewicz combines cutting-edge science with practical advice to help people transform their health through diet and lifestyle. He is a sought-after speaker and educator, frequently featured in media and on wellness platforms worldwide.

In our conversation we discuss:

(00:00) – Rise in global digestive issues since 1999
(03:28) – Defining gut health and the gut microbiome
(07:56) – Common misconceptions about gut health
(15:33) – Food sensitivity and gut strength connection
(18:03) – How poor gut health appears beyond digestion
(25:56) – Physical activity’s role in bowel movements
(31:10) – Consequences of regularly holding in poop
(34:46) – Timing of bowel movements and circadian rhythm
(38:34) – Genetics vs. lifestyle in shaping gut health
(45:29) – Insights from the Hadza tribe's microbiome
(51:41) – AI and microbiome adaptation across seasons
(56:24) – Superfoods and harmful foods for gut health
(1:02:02) – Effectiveness of food vs. supplements
(1:10:50) – How to evaluate supplement quality
(1:14:57) – Everyday factors harming gut microbiome
(1:15:29) – Hygiene habits and microbiome damage
(1:24:38) – Key steps to rebuild the gut microbiome
(1:26:02) – Daily habits with biggest microbiome impact

Learn more about Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

Website: https://theplantfedgut.com/

Instagram:  @theguthealthmd 

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Orion Taraban is a clinical psychologist and popular thought leader known for his compelling insights into psychology, relationships, and modern masculinity. He combines academic expertise with real-world observations to explore how cultural forces and evolutionary psychology influence human behavior. Through his lectures, videos, and interviews, Dr. Taraban challenges conventional dating and self-help advice, offering a nuanced, thought-provoking perspective. His work has resonated with a wide audience seeking clarity in an increasingly complex social landscape.

In our conversation we discuss:

(00:00) – What most men misunderstand about women

(03:39) – Why women follow what other women want

(07:11) – Scarcity or filtering creates female desire

(10:46) – How men should approach modern dating

(15:04) – Defining sexual marketplace value types

(22:22) – Marketplace value changes with age

(28:12) – Should women marry younger today

(33:06) – Raising your sexual marketplace value

(38:16) – Be with one who likes you more

(43:13) – Why women must be the adorer

(54:41) – How mothers affect son’s view of women

(58:35) – Healing and evolving attraction patterns

(1:08:20) – Birth control and dual mating theory

(1:15:46) – Thoughts on monogamy today

(1:25:43) – Who benefits from modern marriage

(1:28:20) – Why so many marriages fail

(1:33:28) – Divorce rates after children grow up

Learn more about Dr. OrionYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSduXBjCHkLoo_y9ss2xzXw

Instagram: @psyc.hacks

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Joseph Allen is an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and director of the Healthy Buildings Program. He is a leading expert on how indoor environments impact human health and co-authored the book Healthy Buildings. His research has shaped public health policy and influenced corporate and government strategies around building design, air quality, and COVID-19 mitigation. Through his work, Dr. Allen advocates for buildings to be viewed as powerful tools for protecting and promoting health.

In our conversation we discuss:

(00:00) – What is the reason for myopia rise?

(01:59) – How does nearsightedness change eye anatomy?

(03:36) – Why is urban living linked to myopia?

(05:15)– What treatments or habits can slow myopia?

(06:10) – Are East Asians more prone to eye disease?

(07:51) – How much is genetics vs. lifestyle in myopia?

(10:01) – Does sunlight help prevent myopia in children?

(11:16) – What is red light therapy for the eyes?

(14:51) – Does screen time worsen vision more than books?

(17:02) – How do special lenses reduce eye strain?

(19:25) – Can glasses help prevent myopia before onset?

(20:56) – Does poor lighting make eyesight worse?

(22:37) – What’s the real risk of blue light?

(26:24) – Do blue light glasses reduce eye fatigue?

(28:47) – What home changes help with screen-related strain?

(31:15) – How are blinking and posture tied to eye health?

(32:00) – What is the Bates method and why is it flawed?

(41:18) – What top habits protect and preserve vision?

(45:27) – Are carrots truly a vision superfood?

(50:39) – Why is fish better than omega-3 supplements?

(57:38) – Do atropine drops really slow myopia in kids?

(1:07:40) – Who is a good candidate for LASIK or SMILE?

(1:10:56) – What to do before a LASIK consultation?

(1:13:41) – Does astigmatism affect LASIK candidacy?

(1:15:12) – What causes dark circles and eye bags?

(1:22:29) – What’s the future of eye care with AI?

Learn more about Dr. AllenInstagram :  ⁨@DoctorEyeHealth⁩ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/doctoreyehealth

Website: https://doctoreyehealth.com/

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Michael Platt is the James S. Riepe University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with joint appointments in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Marketing. He serves as Director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative and is a leading voice in the emerging field of neuroeconomics. His research explores the neural basis of decision-making and social behavior, integrating insights from anthropology, evolution, and economics. Dr. Platt earned his BA from Yale, PhD from Penn, and completed postdoctoral training at NYU.

In our conversation we discuss:

(00:00) – Definition of gut instinct from a neuroscience lens

(01:34) – Instinct shaped by personal and ancestral experience

(03:16) – Evolutionary vs. economic rationality

(06:25) – Efficient coding: brain shortcuts and loss aversion

(08:01) – Slower decisions = better outcomes (when time allows)

(10:17) – Social wiring drives trust and also herd behavior

(12:41) – Monkeys predict elections: facial cues and bias

(17:56) – Eye contact builds trust and synchronizes brain activity

(22:27) – Brain synchrony improves collaboration and empathy

(30:15) – Deep conversation prompts foster connection

(39:03) – Storytelling increases audience alignment and persuasion

(43:51) – Simplicity boosts message clarity and engagement

(50:02) – Faking social behaviors erodes trust

(01:05:16) – Decision-making tips: slow down, simplify choices

(01:20:21) – Overreliance on AI may weaken critical thinking

Learn more about Dr. Platt:Website: https://www.drmichaelplatt.com/

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. John Kruse is a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and author with 25 years of experience specializing in adult ADHD. He earned his MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester. Dr. Kruse is known for his book, "Recognizing Adult ADHD: What Donald Trump Can Teach Us About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder," and focuses on helping patients understand and manage ADHD through various therapeutic approaches.

In our conversation we discuss:

(00:00) - Defining ADHD and DSM criteria

(01:44) - How adult ADHD is diagnosed

(03:36) - ADHD vs. other mental conditions

(06:10) - Executive function and brain chemistry

(08:32) - Biological markers and group overlap

(11:38) - ADHD diagnosis trends and underdiagnosis

(15:18) - ADHD increase during COVID explained

(18:06) - Why adult ADHD went unrecognized

(21:24) - Misdiagnosis and long-term consequences

(27:17) - Genetics and shared mental health traits

(31:01) - Trauma vs. genetic origins of ADHD

(39:02) - Life impacts of untreated ADHD

(46:19) - Interest-driven attention and hyperfocus

(50:05) - ADHD strengths in entrepreneurship

(01:11:38) - First steps and treatment options

Learn more about Dr. John Kruse:

YouTube Channel: youtube.com/9

Reddit Subreddit: reddit.com/r/DrJohnKruse/

Medium Articles: https://www.google.com/search?q=dockruse.medium.com

Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim