In this poignant episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson sit down with Lee Wootton, who shares an extraordinary and deeply personal story about losing a parent to cancer. Lee's mother, diagnosed with terminal cancer, made the conscious choice to prepare her entire family for her impending death. Through open conversations, humour, and careful planning, she transformed her final days into a celebration of life, leaving her family with cherished memories and a profound understanding of acceptance.

Lee's story is filled with raw emotions, unexpected moments of laughter, and invaluable lessons on how to approach death with grace and dignity. The episode explores the complexities of dealing with terminal illness, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of making the most out of the time we have with our loved ones. For anyone grappling with the loss of a parent to cancer or facing the difficult task of preparing for such a loss, this conversation offers both comfort and practical advice.

Tune in to hear how Lee and his family navigated this challenging period, the impact it had on their relationships, and how his mother’s unique approach to dying well left an indelible mark on them all. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to find peace and perspective in the face of life’s most difficult moments.

Are you having trouble telling your intuition from your ego? Do you find it difficult to hear your inner voice in the chaos of everyday life? Perhaps you're looking for ways to connect with your true self for a more fulfilling and happy existence.

What is intuition, anyway?

Welcome to The How To Die Happy Podcast, where we share stories and practical tips for living more mindfully. 

In this episode, host Julia Malcolmson chats with yoga teacher Audrey Sarquilla and relationship coach Daniela Heimann about recognising and trusting your intuition. Amongst many other things, they discuss how breathwork and meditation can help you tune into and learn to trust your inner wisdom.

Get inspired by real-life experiences of people who have learned to trust their gut and live more joyfully. Listen to the full episode to discover simple daily practices for living authentically.

Follow Julia: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjulialouise

Follow Audrey:

https://www.instagram.com/audreysarquilla

Follow Daniela: https://www.instagram.com/daniela_heimann

Explore the mind-expanding world of psychedelics on this episode of How to Die Happy, where hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson and special guest Manesh Girn PhD peel back the layers of psychedelic science. 

From the healing potential of psilocybin and ketamine to the ancient wisdom of shamanic traditions, this conversation bridges the gap between the mystical and the scientific. Manesh, a pioneering researcher in the field, shares his journey from a curious teenager to a leading voice in psychedelic neuroscience. 

Get stuck into the controversies, groundbreaking studies, and personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of these substances, not just for people battling mental health conditions but for anyone seeking profound insights into the human mind. 

Whether you're a psychedelic veteran (AKA 'psychonaut') or a curious newcomer, this episode is an enlightening exploration of the substances reshaping our understanding of consciousness, healing, and the potential for a happier life.

To follow Manesh, check out @ThePsychedelicScientist on IG and YouTube.

To find out more about psychedelic preparation and integration, check out Martin's mental health coaching site.

Join Rosanna Bille in this How To Die Happy podcast episode as she shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of finding flow. Hailing from the UK, Bali resident Rosanna is a mother of two and an inspiring ultra athlete who defied the odds to achieve extraordinary feats in long-distance swimming, cycling, and running.

Rosanna's story is a testament to the practice of discipline and surrender, crucial components in finding the state of flow. In a heartwarmingly candid conversation (there were tears all around) with hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson, Rosanna discusses her experiences with the For Rangers Ultra 2022 in Kenya and her love for ecstatic dance, revealing how these passions contribute to her remarkable journey.

Despite facing adversity through injuries, Rosanna's love for running from a young age fueled her determination to overcome obstacles and rediscover her passion for the sport. Despite being told by a surgeon in her early twenties that she would never again be able to run long distances, she defied the odds and emerged as an ultra athlete. She offers our hosts a detailed account of her recent participation in the women's Ultra 2022 event. Despite sustaining a significant knee injury on day two, Rosanna went on to win the race.

Throughout the conversation, Rosanna emphasises the significant roles that vulnerability and surrender have played in her journey. By allowing herself to experience a range of emotions during the Ultra 2022's challenging 230km five-stage run, she tapped into the profound depths of her inner strength, discovering the power to overcome incredible obstacles. This transformative process enabled her to excel in the ultramarathon, showcasing the potential within all individuals to become ultra athletes through practising discipline and surrender.

Another crucial aspect of Rosanna's journey is her ability to tap into the state of flow, a state of complete immersion and focus. By applying discipline, surrendering to the present moment, letting go of expectations, and fully connecting with her surroundings, she achieves a state of connection ("flow") where her performance and overall well-being are elevated to new levels. Rosanna sees flow as a constant in all aspects of life, complementing her fiercely competitive passion for success with her love for dance and living fully in the moment.

Looking ahead, Rosanna reveals her upcoming endeavour — Desert Ultra 2023, a 250km ultramarathon in Namibia, Africa. Through this new challenge, she aims to raise funds and awareness for children with brain cancer, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact as an ultra athlete and activist.

Rosanna's journey serves as an inspiring example for individuals seeking to push their boundaries, discover their flow, and live life to the fullest. Tune in to this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast to hear Rosanna's incredible story of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of surrender and flow as she navigates the world of ultra athletics.

Rosanna is looking for sponsors! If you'd like to support her upcoming ultramarathon in Namibia this November, contact her directly at [email protected]. Check out her Instagram here. 

The only thing left is for us to wish Rosanna the best of luck in the Desert Ultra 2023 in Namibia! Rest assured, we'll have her back on the show right after the race is done and dusted.

On this enlightening episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, hailing from the spiritual epicentre of Bali, co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson welcome Shaun Kay - a renowned shamanic guide, mentor, and ex-school teacher from Western Australia. Using his beautiful gift of storytelling, Shaun shares his purpose: to help men transition from boys to men, heal their internal wounds, step into their masculine power, and lead fulfilling lives.

Join us as we explore the transformational journey Shaun has embarked on, from his roots as a school teacher to becoming a highly attuned visionary and shamanic guide. We travel with him, from the serene landscapes of Western Australia to the rugged terrains of Peru. We hear about his life-altering experiences training with the Q'ero shamans of the high Andes, the Sacred Sons of North America, and how these encounters ignited his transformation and quest to awaken human potential.

Shaun unveils the cornerstone of his teachings - Connection, Challenge, and Clarity. He outlines the importance of refining one's connection with self, others, and spirit, fostering an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. He cultivates a sense of unity and brotherhood through shared experiences in men's circles, retreats, and ceremonies.

Shaun also discusses the concept of 'Challenge.' He emphasises the importance of meeting our edges and discovering the inherent strength of our souls. Through physical, mental, and emotional rituals, he offers insights into embracing challenges and integrating our primal power, enlightening listeners with his rich experiences from men's retreats and breathwork sessions.

Clarity, the third pillar of Shaun's work, is discussed in the context of awareness as the doorway to transformation. Shaun passionately advocates for purpose, passion, and practice as the trio that shapes a better man. As men, taking responsibility for their stories, owning their personal growth, and leading self-inquiry provide them with the tools necessary to be the heroes of their own lives.

Shaun's work, deeply embedded in breathwork, men's circles, retreats, and ceremonies, offers a unique and valuable perspective on toxic masculinity — a negative term that Martin, Jules, and Shaun are keen to criticise.

Shaun shares his journey from boyhood to manhood and discusses the vital work he does to help other men navigate this transformative path. The conversation is filled with beautiful, raw, and powerful moments that will make you rethink what it means to be a man in today's world.

Join us for a profoundly enriching episode where we explore topics like masculinity, mindfulness, love, connection, personal growth, and the power of workshops and retreats. Hear firsthand accounts of Shaun's experiences in Bali, Australia and Peru and his work's impact on the lives of thousands.

Tune in for a conversation that promises to enlighten, provoke thought, and inspire. This episode will resonate with all who seek to better understand themselves, redefine their relationship with masculinity, and are committed to personal growth and transformation.

What do you know about physiotherapy? What does the word conjure in your mind? Is it a sporty-fitness thing or a recovery-after-an-injury thing? Or have you never had to consider it at all?

Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where we explore topics on finding and attaining happiness in the everyday. In this episode, co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson dive into the world of physiotherapy with a focus on preventative care, with guest and physiotherapist Alister Cran.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing movement disorders. Physiotherapists use various techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help people restore, maintain, and improve their physical function and mobility. While physiotherapy is often associated with injury treatment, it can also be a powerful tool for injury prevention.

Alister is a surf-loving preventative physiotherapist who specialises in what our host Martin calls "Earth Rover maintenance". Alister's philosophy is that physiotherapy should be used for injury treatment and injury prevention through exercise and strength training.

Studies have shown that physiotherapy can effectively prevent injuries, especially in sports and other physical activities. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a neuromuscular training program, which included balance, jumping, and agility exercises, reduced the risk of knee injuries by up to 72% in female athletes. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that a preventative physiotherapy program can significantly reduce the risk of lower limb injuries in female football players. A structured exercise program led by a physiotherapist was also found to reduce the incidence of running-related injuries, according to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.

So how exactly does physiotherapy prevent injuries? One way is by improving flexibility and range of motion. When muscles are tight and inflexible, they are more prone to strain and injury. A physiotherapist can work with a patient to develop a stretching routine that targets specific muscle groups and improves overall flexibility.

Another way physiotherapy prevents injuries is through strength training. When muscles are weak, they are more likely to give out under stress, leading to injury. 

A physiotherapist can design an exercise program that targets specific muscle groups and builds strength and endurance, reducing the risk of injury.

Physiotherapy can also prevent injuries by improving balance and coordination. A physiotherapist can develop an exercise program focusing on balance and coordination training, helping patients avoid falls and other accidents.

Unlike other manual therapies like osteopathy and chiropractic work, physiotherapy is a more active approach that involves exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion and build strength. Osteopathy is a more passive approach that uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the body's musculoskeletal system to improve function. At the same time, chiropractic work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on spinal alignment and manipulation.

If you're interested in maintaining your "Earth Rover" or avoiding injury, be sure to listen to our conversation with Alister Cran. You can also follow him on Instagram for physio tips and videos.

And if you're enjoying the How To Die Happy podcast, please, please take a moment to give us a review or rating. Your support helps us run this podcast and spread happiness to our audience.

Are you enjoying yourself? What can we improve? Do you know anyone we should be interviewing? Send a message here.

Contact us

Are you enjoying yourself? What can we improve? Do you know anyone we should be interviewing? Send a message here.

Thank you for listening! 

In this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, the tables are turned as co-host Julia Malcolmson takes the driving seat to interview Martin O'Toole, the self-help author and How To Die Happy podcast creator, about his new book, How To Die Happy: curated wisdom, stories, and practical utilities for the art of living. This unique self-help book offers readers an intimate exploration of what happiness is, and how to achieve it. It also highlights what happiness is not.

Martin is on a mission to help others find true happiness. Far from being a guru, coach, or PhD, he's simply "a man on the mend". As a recovered high-functioning alcoholic, he knows first-hand the depths of depression and the challenges of chasing success. Through his experiences, he discovered the alchemy of everlasting happiness, which he shares in his book.

In this episode, Julia delves deep into Martin's motivations for writing the book while exploring some of its profound messages about attaining happiness. The co-hosts share vulnerable discussions about Martin's struggles with alcoholism and the death of his alcoholic mother, offering listeners a rare insight into the complexities of addiction, its roots and subsequent impact on family dynamics.

Throughout the episode, various facets of the human experience come under the spotlight, from death to self-love, forgiveness, and mindfulness practices. Martin's "Anatomy of Happy" for finding and maintaining true happiness is detailed, offering practical tools for readers to follow.

Julia also reads a few short excerpts from the book, giving a tantalising glimpse into its contents. 

If you'd like to hear an additional teaser chapter read by Martin himself during the audiobook recording, you can find it on the How To Die Happy YouTube channel.

So why write this book now? According to Martin, the world is changing, and so are we. The post-pandemic global community is slowly stirring, and change is in the air. The collective consciousness is experiencing the most significant awakening we've known in many lifetimes. In stark contrast, 89,000 people a month are searching for "how to commit suicide" online, an increase of 78% since 2019. "We are not okay", Martin soberly declares. 

How To Die Happy provides readers with the stories and practical utilities they need to reframe their approach to living and dying. By curating and renovating others' wisdom and combining those utilities with real-life experience, the author explains how he - just a regular man suffering just like the rest — can use these ideas to live a sustainably contented life.

His so-called "Anatomy of Happy" is a central theme throughout the book, mapping happiness' anatomy while drawing attention to life's unhappy distractions. It ultimately invites readers to work through attaining a balanced and well-lived life.

How To Die Happy is widely available in paperback and ebook formats across retail sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It's also available on over 45 audiobook platforms, including Audible, Spotify, Scribed, Google Play, and Apple Books. If you prefer to shop locally, you can give your local bookstore the paperback ISBN (see below), and they can order copies from the wholesaler Ingram Spark. Finally, if you're in Bali, you buy the book in many outlets, including The Pyramids of Chi, Ulu Garden, Drifter, Mana, La Tribu, Chela, Bloom Cafe (Sanur), and many more. 

Nick Hutchinson from the Book Thinkers podcast — a widely respected self-help review platform — recently declared, "This is one of the best books I've ever read." High praise from a reviewer who's interviewed Ryan Holiday, Steven Pressfield, Lewis Howes, Doug Evans, and many more.

We hope you enjoy this podcast. If so, please tell people about it. We're an independent show doing this for love. The more you share, the more likely we are to grow.

How To Die Happy ISBNs:

Paperback: 978-1-7393155-0-4 

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7393155-1-1 

Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-7393155-2-8

Welcome to the How to Die Happy podcast, where we explore the multifaceted journey towards true happiness. In this episode, we delve into exercise and its mental health benefits with our guest Jake Illing, founder of Bali Training Centre.

Co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson engage in a fitness-filled discussion with Jake, covering everything from general fitness, running, and cardio, Muay Thai boxing, to hot and cold plunge therapy. The conversation also touches on the benefits of meditation and breathwork, which, similarly to exercise, can provide peace and inner stillness.

The trio highlights the role of social media in promoting body paranoia and vanity, and how biohacking techniques such as Wim Hof, saunas, and cold plunges can benefit the body and its recovery process after exercise. The conversation also explores the intersection between contemporary and ancient modalities, where yogic practices and breathwork can amplify the benefits of an intensive workout.

Exercise is not just about physical health and aesthetics; it has numerous mental health benefits. Studies have shown that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Exercise can also relieve stress, improve memory, help with sleep, and boost overall mood.

Jake Illing is passionate about "Earth Rover maintenance", and his knowledge and expertise in personal training are evident in this podcast episode. Whether you share this passion or are interested in the life-changing and life-saving benefits of movement and exercise, this podcast is for you.

The conversation explores the complexities of the "anatomy of happy", reminding us that we often forget the subtle (and not-so-subtle) aspects associated with it. One such component is how we treat our bodies, which Martin aptly calls our "Earth Rovers."

Exercise is a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve energy and outlook, and get more out of life. Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just starting, exercise can make a real difference in your mental and physical well-being. Even modest amounts of exercise can have a positive impact.

Studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication without the side effects or need for such questionable prescriptions. Regular exercise can also prevent relapse and promote neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns in the brain. In the podcast, Martin, Jules, and Jake discuss the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety, and stress.

Exercise is also a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment that relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being by releasing endorphins. By adding mindfulness to exercise, such as focusing on your body and how it feels, you can improve your physical condition faster and interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head.

Physical symptoms of stress, such as tense muscles and headaches, can be relieved by exercising. Since the body and mind are closely linked, when the body feels better, the mind does too.

In summary, exercise is not just about physical health and aesthetics. Fitness can make a real difference in your psychological and physical well-being. It has numerous mental health benefits and can be a powerful tool for dealing with mental health problems.

Join us in this insightful and fun conversation with Jake Illing, one of Bali's most respected fitness experts, and learn about exercise's life-changing and life-saving benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Let's explore the mental health benefits of exercise together in this most active episode of the How to Die Happy podcast.

Welcome to How to Die Happy, the podcast that explores the human experience, relationships, death, self-discovery, and more. In this episode, host Martin O'Toole and guest Chris Siracuse dive into the question that has puzzled philosophers, poets, and scientists for centuries: What is love? What is the meaning of love? What is true love, and how can we find it? We begin with a scientific perspective on love, examining the chemicals in our brains involved in the experience of love. But love is more than just a biochemical reaction; it's a complex and multifaceted emotion with both a spiritual and psychological component. One way to better understand love is to explore the concept of the five love languages. What are the 5 love languages? They are words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Understanding your partner's love language can help you communicate your love more effectively and build a stronger relationship.

Self-love is another crucial aspect of love that we discuss. Should inner work be mandatory before seeking love? Or is it possible to find love without first loving yourself? It's a question with no easy answer, but we explore some of the pros and cons of each approach. When one is not looking for love, are they more attractive to others? Or do we find self-realisation attractive in others since such awareness demonstrates consciousness? Where love is hard to attain, how often do we open our hearts and minds to the idea that we may have personal work to do? These are just a few of the questions we ponder. Our discussion also touches on the dating scene in Bali, where Chris, a single American man, shares his experiences. While he suggests that casual interactions suit him, Martin investigates whether this behaviour is more likely a deliberate distraction from inner work. Can casual sex ever be genuinely healthy? What are the costs, and what of the energetic exchange and sanctity of sexual union? Technology has undoubtedly changed how we form and maintain relationships, for better or worse.

Has it created unhealthy hacks in the relationship, enabling sexual intimacy too soon? Or is this just the way we learn to love? We explore the pros and cons of technology's impact on modern love. Love-bombing is one of the unhealthy relationship behaviours we discuss, which is a manipulative tactic used to overwhelm someone with attention and affection in the early stages of a relationship. A study by the University of Warwick found that those who experienced love-bombing were more likely to have adverse outcomes in their relationships, such as lower relationship satisfaction and increased doubts about the relationship's longevity. What is true love? What is the meaning of love? These questions have no easy answers, but we hope our discussion has shed some light on the subject. As Einstein once said, "The only mistake in life is the lesson not learned". So perhaps the more fundamental question is, are we learning how to love healthily or merely bouncing unconsciously from one relationship to another? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this show's topic. Feel free to participate in the Spotify Q&A, comment on our Instagram page, or leave us a voice message here. Special shoutout to Haddaway, whose 1993 dance hit, What is Love, inspired the show's title.

Welcome to How to Die Happy, the podcast that tackles some of life's biggest questions about dying, living, and being. Today's episode is a deep dive into the human condition of suffering. We explore why we suffer, how to avoid it, and the nature of the mind that often causes it.

Trigger warning: During this discussion, Martin and Chris touch on the mental illness of Pedophilia, using this sickness as an extreme example of the worst thing a human can do to another. Neither Martin, Chris, nor anyone from this show advocates humans' mistreatment of another in any shape or form. Don't listen to this episode if such discussions easily trigger you. That said, if others' truths trigger you, then perhaps do listen because Martin's point in tackling such a delicate subject proposes that to better understand the "wrongs" in this world, we must attempt to comprehend what leads others to cause suffering to others in the first place.

We all experience physical and emotional pain at some point in our lives. Suffering is an inevitable part of life here on Earth. But why do we suffer? According to Buddhist philosophy, the root of all suffering is our attachment to things and our aversion to change (impermanence). This attachment leads to a cycle of craving and suffering that is difficult to break.

Martin introduces the Buddhist concepts of Dukkha (suffering) and Anicca (impermanence) and talks about how these ancient teachings may hold key-shaped utilities for unlocking our suffering or the suffering we cause to others. The Buddha is attributed to have once said, "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional". While questioned as an authentic Buddha quote, the concept (most Buddha-like as it is) highlights the idea that we can choose how we respond to pain and suffering. We can either allow it to consume us or learn from it and grow.

How can we avoid suffering? One way is to regulate our emotions. We often suffer because of our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. We can change our emotional responses and reduce our suffering by changing our thought patterns. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, isochronic sound healing, yoga, and deep breathing can help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety and depression.

Another way to avoid suffering is to cultivate gratitude and focus on the positives in life. It's easy to get caught up in the negatives and overlook the good things. By taking time to reframe and appreciate what we have, we can shift our perspective and reduce our suffering.

During the podcast, Martin and Chris discuss the addictive nature of suffering and how it can become a habit (ego likes stories of suffering, as they form a part of our illusory identity). They offer practical utilities of how not to suffer, including practising self-compassion, setting boundaries, and finding purpose in life.

In conclusion, suffering is a universal experience, but it doesn't have to consume us. In fact, it shouldn't. We've been conditioned to believe it's unavoidable, which is nonsense. By understanding the root causes of suffering and cultivating mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion, we can reduce our suffering and find greater meaning in life. 

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope you found this episode insightful.

Special thanks to the beautiful souls at the excellent Chela restaurant in Bingin for allowing us to record this episode on their premises. Feedback is the breakfast of champions! So, as always, please let us know your thoughts about this conversation.