Dr Pankaj Vij is the author of Turbo Metabolism. In this interview, I speak with Dr Vij about the global obesity crisis and shares thoughts about how we could tackle it and reduce the associated risks.

We speak about the human psychological condition as it relates to unhealthy habits. The idea that to change certain behaviours we need to clean up our psychological and physical environments. We talk about lifestyle choices and the impact of societal influences. We discuss the idea of medication as a solution yet ultimately prevention is the best solution. Dr Vij wraps up the discussion with practices that we could all likely benefit from. 

Make sure you leave your comments below. Be sure to reach out to either Dr Vij or me with any follow-up thoughts or questions. And pick up a copy of Dr Vij's book using the links below. Enjoy! 

Guest bio 

Pankaj Vij, MD, FACP, is the author of Turbo Metabolism. As a doctor of internal medicine, he has helped thousands of patients lose weight, manage chronic health conditions, and improve their physical fitness. Board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine, Dr Vij has been practising medicine since 1997. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit him online at  http://www.doctorvij.com.

In an interview, I did with Sharon Spano, the author of The Pursuit of Time and Money; she stated that the pursuit of time and money isn't about learning how to be useful in managing these resources but instead a matter of shifting perspectives.

I believe this is the goal of this book, through the lens of human development, Sharon hopes to help people experience transformational change as it relates to their time and money mindset and perspectives.

Enjoy this book reflection and leave your comments below.

Today's featured guest is Natalie Sisson.

The topic is "Freedom."

Let the show begin.

Biography and Connect

Natalie Sisson is on a quest for Freedom. Up until now, she's taught thousands of entrepreneurs through her blog, podcast, videos and online education programs and membership to design a business and lifestyle they love by monetizing their skills, expertise and knowledge into a purpose-driven, location independent business. But it’s not enough. True freedom goes much deeper than that. It’s a mindset.

In 2017 she has been embarking on bringing to life her Right2Freedom initiative, to undertake the first Global Research on Freedom. With a desire to understand it, define it and build a Freedom Framework that everyone can resonate with, plug into and better understand how they can have more personal freedom, each and every day.

Natalie Sisson is a Freedomist - an advocate or adherent of freedomism. That simply means she is obsessed with freedom and believes it’s a privilege we all deserve the right to have.

"It's better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction." Diane Grant

In this episode I delivery my thoughts about the benefits of spending time alone. As I revisit this experience of a hike I did in a beautiful part of Australia I remind myself of the wonderful benefits that happen in taking some time out. 

Essentially, the message is about taking some time out to disconnect so we can connect within. In nature, we have an awesome opportunity to numb the noise of everyday life and as we reconnect tap into what we truly desire from life. It's an empowering way to once again get on the path that brings us the most meaning and joy. 

If you'd prefer to read the article here it is - Walking Alone (Revised)

I'd love to hear your thoughts so please share below.

Loretta Breuning is the author of Habits of a Happy Brain and The Science of Positivity. I have interviewed Loretta twice in the past to discuss her books and field of research - the study of the mammalian brain, in particular, the brains happy chemicals (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, & endorphin) and how they work.

Recently we had a slight disagreement of opinion in an email thread which I thought it would be good to explore further with her in another conversation. That is the basis of our discussion in this episode as we explore the paths towards happiness. Enjoy!

There are few books I read as passionately as I did this one. It had me coming back enthusiastically to learn more. When I put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about the learnings. With curiosity, I found myself in constant reflection on how the lessons applied to my life. If I could take these methods of mind training on board and put into practice, I wonder how much transform I could experience in my life. As I read that last page I knew it would be a book I'd love to read again.

In this book, Dzigar Kongtrul shares practical insight into what he believes is the most profound teaching in traditional Tibetan Buddhism, tonglen. It is a Tibetan word that can be translated as "giving and taking" and is a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism. In this book, Dzigar Kongtrul focuses on sharing lojong which is the practice of training the mind, so we are better able to practice Dharma.

Check out my book review here and let me know what you think? And if you like it be sure to use the Amazon links found in the show notes to help support The Hidden Why.

Today's featured guest is Divya Parekh.

The topic is "Movement."

Let the show begin.

Biography and Connect

Divya Parekh is an award-winning business relationship advisor, international speaker and three times #1 bestselling author of over ten books. Divya brings her business expertise and success as an author together to guide others in the writing and publication of books that will enhance their professional credentials and propel their business to new heights.

The foundation of Divya’s success is that any professional or entrepreneur can achieve their highest goals by building and nurturing relationships. She has helped many people create a thriving business that is joyful and easy to run. Her philosophy when it comes to launching books and careers is that it is all about hearts and hugs--how much you impact and help people with your life and your work!

Change

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” Heraclitus

He is a reading of an article I wrote about change and impermanence. At the time I was once again experiencing some significant change in my life I was left with all these feelings - feelings of excitement, feelings or anxiety. Nothing is permanent, I know this but it didn't stop how I felt.

What does help? The development of one's awareness. How these emotions, feelings and thoughts affect how well I cope with any change to come. And knowing that everything I experience at this moment will be gone in the next.

Please have a listen and enjoy.

In this episode, I chat with Paul about his book Happiness by Design: Finding Pleasure and Purpose in Everyday Life. Using the latest cutting-edge research, Professor Paul Dolan reveals that wellbeing isn’t about how we think – it’s about what we do. By making deliberate choices that bring us both pleasure and meaning, we can redesign our lives for maximum happiness – without thinking too hard about it.

Paul is currently Professor of Behavioural Science at the LSE and Director of Executive MSc Behavioural Science.

There are two main themes to Paul’s work: 1) developing measures of happiness and subjective well-being that can be used in policy and by individuals looking to be happier; and 2)considering ways in which the lessons from the behavioural sciences can be used to understand and change individual behaviour, and to add to the evidence base in this regard. He uses a range of data and methods to address these issues and to better integrate them e.g. surveys, big data, lab studies, and field experiments.

Brad Harris is the brains behind this exciting new podcast series - How It Began. Earning his PhD in history of science and technology at Stanford University, Harris with his unique and professional style wishes to educate and entertain others to the fascinating inventions and discoveries that have helped shape the modern world.

Harris holds the belief that we should be celebrating the history and the triumphs humanity has achieved. Yes, there are consequences of many of the advancements we've made, but overall the progress of humankind need be grateful for the many amazing accomplishments of the past.

An intelligent and enjoyable podcast.