We’re often told to “just stay positive” when things get tough. But what if that advice actually makes it harder to cope?

In this Mojo Monday, Carly explores the difference between positive thinking and realistic optimism, drawing on the Stockdale Paradox and a powerful personal story from her family’s experience navigating serious illness.

This episode is about facing reality honestly, without losing hope, and why accepting what is can be the first step toward meaningful action.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between how life is and how you wish it were, this one’s for you.

Carly Taylor is a counsellor and mindset coach with a Master of Counselling. Trained in Japanese Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a member of the Australian Counselling Association, she helps people develop practical tools to live purposeful, engaged lives.

To find out more about Carly, visit www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au.
Follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching

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In this podcast episode, Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses her extensive research on happiness, including defining happiness and the historical context of its study. She elaborates on the two components of happiness: experiencing positive emotions and believing that life is good. Sonja also outlines the genetic, circumstantial, and behavioural influences on happiness and addresses the impact of mental health issues. The conversation covers cultural factors, the role of social connection, and various strategies to boost happiness, such as acts of kindness, gratitude, and engaging conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Positive Social Connections Are Crucial: Developing strong social ties and feeling connected with others are significant contributors to a person's overall happiness.
• Small Acts, Big Impact: Engaging in simple acts of kindness can boost happiness for oneself and others. This practice fosters a sense of connection and community.
• Personalisation of Happiness Strategies: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness. It's important to find what works best for you, as happiness strategies can be tailored to one's personality and preferences.
• Gratitude and Mindfulness: Integrating gratitude into daily routines and savouring positive experiences can profoundly impact overall life satisfaction.
• Biological and Psychological Interaction: Understanding that biology and psychology are intertwined helps highlight the importance of holistic approaches to improving mental health.
• Life Circumstances and Happiness: While genetics and personality play a role, life circumstances and how one responds to them can significantly influence one's happiness levels.

Resources

Connect with Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky

Website: https://sonjalyubomirsky.com/

Buy How To Feel Loved:    https://howtofeelloved.com/buy-the-book/

Take the 5 Mindsets Quiz:  https://tally.so/r/Pd1l0d

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjalyubomirsky/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-lyubomirsky-21283bb/

00:34 Journey into Happiness Research

01:55 Defining Happiness

03:00 Genetics and Happiness

05:31 Life Stages and Happiness

10:15 Cultural Influences on Happiness

22:34 Gratitude and Happiness

29:33 Awe and Gratitude in Everyday Life

30:23 The Neuroscience of Gratitude

31:12 Acts of Kindness and Their Impact

34:03 The Role of Biology in Mental Health

36:29 Designing Experiments on Happiness

38:45 Personality Traits and Happiness

40:58 Cultivating Happiness Through Daily Practices

47:25 The Complexity of Human Behaviour

52:53 Future Directions in Happiness Research

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A simple process for when emotions feel like too much. Carly shares MOVE, a practical way to respond to difficult feelings and keep living your life.

Carly Taylor is a counsellor and mindset coach with a Master of Counselling. Trained in Japanese Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a member of the Australian Counselling Association, she helps people develop practical tools to live purposeful, engaged lives.

To find out more about Carly, visit www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au.
Follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlock the truth about modern mental health—why nearly all psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically meaningless and how the system is big business, not care. Dr. John Read exposes the flaws in DSM diagnoses, the influence of pharmaceutical money, and the harm of treatments like ECT and antidepressants. If you're tired of quick fixes and want real understanding, this episode offers practical insights into trauma, social factors, and safer, evidence-based approaches to well-being. Perfect for those questioning the status quo, seeking genuine help, or interested in transforming mental health care. Tune in to discover how to reclaim agency over your mental health and challenge the dominant, profit-driven system.

Key Takeaways:

• Diagnoses and Understanding: Recognising the scientific flaws in psychiatric labels and focusing on individual experiences for effective care.
• Overdiagnosis and Resources: The impact of expanding diagnostic criteria on resource allocation and personal agency.
• Trauma and Social Factors: The need to acknowledge trauma and social influences in mental health, moving beyond the biomedical model.
• Psychiatric Treatments: Critiquing the use of ECT and advocating for evidence-based, humane alternatives.
• Pharmaceutical Influence: Understanding how drug company funding distorts mental health practices and the importance of transparency.
• Social Connection and Lifestyle: Emphasising social activities and lifestyle changes as paths to mental health.
• Ethical Treatment and Consent: The importance of informed consent and trauma-informed care in mental health practices.

Resources

Connect with Professor John Read:

X: https://x.com/ReadReadj
International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal 
Hearing Voices Network, England                                                                                                       University of East London

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

01:54 The Flaws in Psychiatric Diagnoses

07:03 The Evolution of the DSM

10:10 The Overdiagnosis Problem

18:05 The Impact of Labels on Mental Health

24:20 Alternatives to Diagnosis

27:10 The Side Effects of Antidepressants

32:46 Navigating Withdrawal from Antidepressants

37:07 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

43:39 The Controversy of ECT

51:19 The Role of Placebo in Treatment

55:47 The Future of Mental Health Care

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This week on Mojo Monday, Carly shares practical tips to help you tackle feelings of overwhelm. She explains how our language can either exacerbate or alleviate stress, and suggests reframing our thoughts to create a sense of structure and control. Carly also introduces the Pomodoro technique, a time-blocking method that combines focused work with regular movement breaks to boost productivity and energy. By implementing these strategies, you'll learn to work effectively alongside your emotions, rather than getting caught up in them. 

Carly Taylor is a counsellor and mindset coach with a Master of Counselling. Trained in Japanese Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a member of the Australian Counselling Association, she helps people develop practical tools to live purposeful, engaged lives.

To find out more about Carly, visit www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au.
Follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. John Osborne, a renowned preventative cardiologist, joins me to discuss the intricacies of heart health. We delve into heart anatomy, common cardiovascular issues, and the role of cholesterol and plaque in heart disease. Dr. Osborne explains the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods and highlights the advantages of advanced imaging techniques like cardiac CT. The conversation also covers valve disorders, treatment options, and the future of cardiology with AI and advanced imaging.

Key Takeaways:

• We literally have the cure for heart disease.
• We don't look for the cancer early.
• Waiting for symptoms is detrimental to health.
• Chest pain is a late indicator of heart disease.
• Stage 4 cancer is akin to late-stage heart disease.
• Early detection can save lives.
• Proactive healthcare is essential.
• Medical research has advanced significantly.
• Awareness of symptoms is crucial.
• Preventative measures can lead to better outcomes.

Resources

Social Handles:

• Website: https://clearcardio.com/
• Facebook: Clear Cardio
• Instagram: Clear Cardio
• YouTube: ClearCardio YouTube

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

03:01  Understanding Heart Anatomy and Common Issues

06:01  The Limitations of Traditional Cardiac Testing

09:04  The Evolution of Cardiac Imaging Technology

11:50  The Role of Cardiac CT in Modern Medicine

15:02  Comparing Cardiac CT and Other Imaging Techniques

18:04  Leaky Valves and Their Implications

21:06  Pathological vs. Physiological Heart Changes in Athletes

28:24  Understanding Aortic Valve Issues

31:01  The Importance of Proactive Health Checks

33:03  Aortic Aneurysms and Their Risks

35:33  The Role of Plaque in Heart Disease

42:01  Cholesterol: A Poor Indicator of Heart Health

49:10  The Future of Preventive Cardiology

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Today, I examine the implication for human health of a recent research paper titled: Effects of Exercise Training on Mitochondrial and Capillary Growth in Human Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression.

Here is the link to the paper.

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How do we accept ourselves without giving up on growth? In this Mojo Monday episode, Carly talks about why acceptance isn’t resignation, how purpose shows up through action, and how self-compassion creates space for meaningful change.

Carly Taylor is a counsellor and mindset coach with a Master of Counselling. Trained in Japanese Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a member of the Australian Counselling Association, she helps people develop practical tools to live purposeful, engaged lives.

To find out more about Carly, visit www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au.
Follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a twist from the normal Saturday interview, Carly takes the reins and interviews Paul on the concept of Hardiness. Topics discussed:

• The difference between Hardiness and resilience
• Why Paul had Hardiness as a topic for his PHD and book
• The 4 C’s of psychological hardiness
• Physiological hardiness and how  it interacts with psychology
• Can people learn to be hardier?
• Developing hardy kids

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.