Navigating Life’s Hard Times

Matters. With over a decade of experience working with senior leaders, military personnel, and global organisations, Dr. Neo has been featured in over 43 languages and is known for blending neuroscience with ancient wisdom to create lasting, precision-driven transformation.

We dive into how to navigate personal crises with clarity and purpose, and how adversity, when approached with intention, can become a profound catalyst for growth and self-mastery.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotions as Data: Why emotional awareness is a superpowe, and how to use it wisely
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• Mental vs. Physical Energy: Learn to manage both, not just one
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• Micro Habits, Big Change: Simple, sustainable strategies that compound over time
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• Creating Space: How to slow down, reflect, and align with what truly matters
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• AI and Self-Development: Using tech mindfully while staying deeply human

About the Book – This Is What Matters

In her latest book, Dr. Neo provides a step-by-step interactive guide to help readers rebuild and re-centre after life’s curveballs. It’s designed to help you:

• Process and regulate difficult emotions
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• Clarify your core values, strengths, and vision
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• Audit your relationships, career, and community with intention
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• Take small but strategic steps toward a more meaningful life

Whether you’re navigating grief, burnout, or a major life pivot, Dr. Neo’s approach empowers you to rebuild from the inside out, with more joy, clarity, and purpose.

Connect with Dr. Neo:

Website: https://www.perpetually.com

Book: This Is What Matters – Available now in print and digital

 Hungry for More in Life

This week on The Hidden Why, I’m joined by the incredible JD Tremblay, ultra-endurance triathlete, engineer, ex-military man, and passionate advocate for personal growth and men’s mental health.

One of only three people in the world to complete the Epicdeca, a grueling test of physical and mental endurance, JD’s story goes far beyond extreme athleticism. He’s a father, author, recovery specialist, and Vice Chair of the Canadian International Ice Swimming Association.

In this conversation, JD opens up about his journey from a childhood love of sport and service, through his time in the military, and how he discovered triathlon later in life. He shares personal battles with mental health, the power of vulnerability, and why he’s now dedicated to helping other men break destructive cycles and build purposeful lives.

JD is the founder of the Hungry Warrior Academy, a non-profit designed to support men in achieving peak performance, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We chat about:

• Lessons learned from testing the edge of human capability
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• Why recovery is non-negotiable for sustainable performance
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• The silent struggles men face—and how to break the stigma
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• How community, accountability, and service can drive real change
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• Practical advice for anyone hungry for more out of life

JD’s message is clear and powerful: true strength is built through mindset, intention, and connection. This is a conversation for anyone seeking growth, resilience, and purpose.

Learn more about JD’s work and journey:

Memoir: Hunger for More in Life – hunger4more.com

Workshops & retreats: hungrywarrioracademy.com

Tune in, get inspired, and rediscover what it means to be truly hungry for more in life.

Episode 1130: Leslie  Gordon-Christie – Unlocking Your Inner Power

In this empowering episode of The Hidden Why Podcast, I sit down with transformation coach and founder of BUFFnation, Leslie Gordon-Christie. Lesley shares her unique approach to helping women, particularly those over 40, break free from subconscious patterns that keep them stuck and disconnected from their purpose.

We dive deep into the energetic and psychological blocks many women face, and how to overcome them to reclaim energy, confidence, and direction in life.

What We Discuss:

• The four “weight archetypes” and how they uncover hidden emotional and energetic patterns

• How subconscious programming affects your mindset, health, and decision-making

• Tools to silence the inner critic and create alignment with your true goals

• The power of the reticular activating system and how to train your brain to see opportunity

• Why your 40s and beyond can be the most transformative years of your life

Leslie breaks down powerful concepts into practical insights, offering a clear path for women looking to release emotional baggage, rediscover purpose, and step into their most empowered selves.

Key Takeaways:

• Awareness of unconscious patterns is the first step toward real change

• Your thoughts and beliefs shape your outcomes

• Fulfilment and purpose are possible at any age

• True transformation includes emotional, physical, and spiritual growth

Connect with Leslie Gordon-Christie

🌐 Website: www.wearebuffnation.com

In this raw and powerful episode of The Hidden Why Podcast, I sit down with speaker, author, and entrepreneur Stacey Currie to explore what it truly means to rise above your circumstances. Stacey’s life story is nothing short of remarkable — from growing up without a mother in housing commission, to surviving homelessness, domestic violence, and raising two children by the age of 21.

But Stacey didn’t let her past define her. With fierce determination, she went on to pursue education, build a successful business, and now inspires thousands through her storytelling and keynote presentations.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The power of resilience in the face of adversity
• How owning your story can become your superpower
• Strategies Stacey used to shift from survival mode to success
• The importance of authenticity and self-belief
• Why setting goals and taking action saved her life

Stacey’s no-BS approach is refreshingly honest and deeply inspiring. Whether you’re going through tough times or simply want a reminder of the strength you already have within, this conversation will leave you fired up to take charge of your own life.

Guest: Stacey Currie

Speaker | Entrepreneur | Resilience Advocate

🌐 staceycurrie.com

Adriene Caldwell’s Journey from Trauma to Triumph

In this deeply moving episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Adriene Caldwell, author of Unbroken Life Outside the Lines, for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, and resilience.

Adriene’s early life was filled with unimaginable hardship: raised by a schizophrenic and abusive mother, she experienced neglect, homelessness, foster care, addiction, and profound loss, all before the age of 21. Her memoir is a raw account of surviving physical,  emotional, and sexual abuse, but more importantly, it’s a story of hope and transformation.

This episode is a reminder that no matter the depth of adversity, it is possible to emerge Unbroken.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Adriene’s path through trauma and how she found her voice
• The small, consistent steps she took toward healing
• Why we should never compare traumas, pain is personal and valid
• The role of storytelling in recovery and connection
• How she rebuilt her life and found peace, stability, and joy

Today, Adriene is a wife, mother, and survivor, living a life she once thought impossible. Her journey is a testament to human resilience, vulnerability, and the power of rewriting your own narrative.

“Boring is underrated,” Adriene says,and when you’ve lived through chaos, a peaceful life becomes the greatest gift of all.

Navigating Grief, Mental Fitness & Resilience with Suzi Evans In this deeply moving episode of The Hidden Why, I speak with Suzi Evans, a woman whose life was forever changed by personal tragedy—and who has since turned her pain into purpose. After losing her son Murray to suicide in 2018, Suzi began a journey of healing, diving into positive psychology and building strategies to strengthen mental fitness. Just as she was finding her feet, her husband Mick was suddenly struck by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, leaving him paralysed and hospitalised for six months. Instead of giving in to despair, Suzi found strength, meaning, and a new mission. She created the Workbench for the Mind, a practical mental fitness program helping others navigate life’s toughest moments. In this episode, we explore:

• Turning grief into meaningful contribution
• The difference between mental health and mental illness
• Daily tools for building resilience and mental fitness
• Creating space for self-care and emotional healing

Suzi’s story is a powerful reminder of human resilience and what’s possible when we lean into pain with courage, compassion, and intention. If you or someone you know is navigating loss, burnout, or mental health challenges, this conversation is one worth hearing. Learn more about Suzi’s work at: www.suzievans.com Trigger Warning: This episode contains open discussions about suicide and mental health.

The Art of Compassionate Business with Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with international business consultant, TEDx speaker, and author Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco to explore a transformative idea: what if compassion was at the heart of every successful business? With over 30 years of experience in international trade and business leadership, Dr. Bruno challenges the outdated, profit-first mindset and instead introduces a more human-centric approach—one where empathy, kindness, and connection drive real results. Key Takeaways:

• Why compassion in the workplace leads to stronger performance and loyalty
• The strategic value of empathy in leadership and customer relationships
• How to create a positive ripple effect through human connection
• Simple, practical ways to build a more supportive and engaged business culture

Dr. Bruno shares stories, research, and actionable insights that prove compassionate business isn’t just idealistic—it’s effective, sustainable, and essential in today’s world. Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or just someone who values deeper meaning in your work, this episode will challenge you to rethink how business can—and should—be done. About the Guest: Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco is a global business consultant, university professor, and author of The Art of Compassionate Business. His mission is to help leaders and organisations thrive by putting people before profits—proving that business done with heart is good for both the soul and the bottom line. Listen now and discover how compassion could be your business’s greatest strength.

The Introvert’s Guide to Confidence & Connection 

In this honest and empowering episode, I speak with journalist and author Jenny Valentish about her upcoming book, The Introvert’s Guide to Leaving the House. Jenny shares her journey from self-described sociophobe to someone who’s now a keynote speaker and advocate for self-understanding and personal growth.

We discuss:

• Social anxiety and the introvert’s experience
• How to prepare for interactions that feel overwhelming
• Why introverts need to recharge differently
• The power of playing a role to boost confidence
• Reframing how we see our own awkwardness or overthinking

If you’ve ever felt anxious walking into a room, avoided a social event, or struggled with imposter syndrome—this episode is for you.

Book release: The Introvert’s Guide to Leaving the House 

Learn more: https://www.jennyvalentish.com

Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments below and don’t forget to like & subscribe for more deep conversations.

indness, Courage, and the Journey to a More Meaningful Life

In this uplifting and honest conversation, I sit down with Leon Logothetis—world traveller, Netflix host, best-selling author, and the man known as The Kindness Guy.

We explore Leon’s incredible journey from a career in the corporate world to traveling the globe relying solely on the kindness of strangers. What inspired this radical shift? What drives someone to let go of certainty in search of meaning?

Leon shares what triggered his transformation, how he found his true calling, and what it takes—heart, courage, and a whole lot of trust—to step into a life aligned with your soul.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Leon’s pivot from corporate to purpose-driven adventurer
• The tipping point that sparked his global journey
• How kindness and empathy go hand in hand
• Practical ways to cultivate more empathy in everyday life
• The role of meditation and nature in reconnecting with ourselves
• What it takes to follow your calling—and why it’s worth it

Memorable Insights from Leon:

“When you follow your heart, the world opens up in ways you never expected.”

“Kindness isn’t weakness—it’s strength, it’s connection, it’s everything.”

About Leon Logothetis:

Leon is a humanitarian, global adventurer, speaker, and best-selling author. He’s best known as the host of the Netflix series The Kindness Diaries, where he circumnavigated the globe on his vintage motorbike “Kindness One”, relying entirely on the generosity of strangers—while giving back to those in need in life-changing ways.

His mission is to inspire people to live with courage, explore deeply, and lead with kindness.

Leon’s books include The Kindness Diaries, Go Be Kind, Live, Love, Explore, Go Be Brave, and Amazing Adventures of a Nobody.

Revolutionising Real Estate Marketing with AI and Video

In this episode of The Hidden Why Podcast, I sit down with Nick Niehaus, marketing strategist and founder of Business Video School and Everyday AI. Nick shares how real estate professionals—and any service-based business—can use video and AI to connect more deeply, build trust, and stand out in the digital age.

What We Cover:

• The biggest marketing shifts in the past decade
• Tips for getting over the fear of being on camera
• How to make a big impact with small, consistent content
• The value of AI in creating more personalised interactions
• Why genuine connection always beats perfect production

“It’s not about being perfect on camera. It’s about making a genuine connection with your audience.” — Nick Niehaus

Tune in for strategies you can implement straight away—whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your brand. Learn more: https://www.thehiddenwhy.com