Comparison can quietly destroy your life.

Most of us default to upward comparison… we fixate on what everyone else has that we don’t. And we rarely do the opposite - noticing what we’ve built, what we’ve survived, and what other people would trade places with us for in a second.

That’s why you can feel behind even when you’re not. You end up measuring your life with a broken ruler...curated highlights, imaginary timelines, and a brain that’s wired to obsess over what’s missing. Comparison keeps you stuck.

In this episode, I’m joined by Greg Everett, coach, author, and founder of Catalyst Athletics, to unpack why comparison is dangerous, how social media amplifies it, and how money and “success metrics” can quietly hijack your self-worth. We also talk about what to do when you genuinely feel lost or behind, including building a personal “touchstone” to measure real progress, using journaling to clear the mental noise, and creating intentional quiet time so your mind can actually reset.

This episode will help you change your life by helping you to stop comparing yourself to others.

Greg Everett is a coach, author, and the founder of Catalyst Athletics, known for his work in strength training and long-term athlete development.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) Why We Compare

(01:39) Social Media Highlights Trap

(04:03) Money and Self Worth

(08:02) Work Hours and Meaning

(11:15) Hustle Culture Burnout

(12:52) Scams and False Promises

(16:06) Building Sustainably

(17:21) Authenticity Over Trends

(23:55) Choose Your Exhaustion

(24:58) No Finish Line

(26:41) Hard Truths of Self-Examination

(27:39) Finding Your Touchstone

(29:22) Overstimulation and Distraction

(35:05) Dopamine Withdrawal in Nature

(38:39) Staying the Course When Behind

(42:31) Journaling to Get Unstuck

(46:53) Quiet Downtime for Clarity

(49:11) Lessons From Career Detours

(51:48) Advice to My 18-Year-Old Self

(53:04) Where to Find Greg

(53:48) Final Thanks

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Greg:

Website: https://www.greg-everett.com/about/

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you say yes when you want to say no, then wonder why you feel exhausted?

In this episode I talk with Dr. Alana Greco about why people-pleasing forms, how it quietly erodes self-worth, and how to stop the cycle.

We trace the pattern back to childhood survival, discuss the four types of boundaries most people miss, and walk through the self-compassion shift that helps change behaviour.

This episode will change your life by changing how you deal with people pleasing.

Dr. Alana Greco is a clinical psychologist helping people build self-worth, set boundaries, and overcome people-pleasing and perfectionism.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:15) Why people-pleasing starts

(05:40) Childhood roots and survival patterns

(09:10) Recognizing the cycle

(12:45) Setting and understanding boundaries

(16:30) The four types of boundaries

(20:05) Self-compassion and the BRAVE framework

(25:20) Rebuilding self-worth

(30:10) How to handle negative reactions when you change

(35:40) Linking self-worth to purpose

(41:00) Comparison, validation and social media

(47:25) Living in alignment with your values

(53:00) Instant gratification and dopamine

(58:15) Redefining success

(01:04:40) Purpose and growth

(01:10:50) Self-care as self-respect

(01:15:30) Final reflections and closing questions

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Alana:

Website: https://inspiringgrowthpsychology.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been trying to outthink your anxiety - replaying the same thoughts, searching for the perfect solution, telling yourself “once I figure this out, I’ll be fine” - this episode will land.

Because anxiety doesn’t just live in your mind. It lives in your body. And when you try to solve a body experience with logic, you often end up feeding the spiral instead of calming it.

I’m joined by Dr Jenn Rapkin (naturopathic doctor + somatic practitioner) to unpack the difference between sitting with the story (rumination, what-ifs, worst-case scenarios) and sitting with the sensation (the actual physical feeling that rises, peaks, and passes). We talk about why your thoughts don’t always have your back, why “fixing” can keep anxiety alive, and the simplest way to start working with your body instead of against it.

Dr Jenn Rapkin is a naturopathic doctor and somatic practitioner, and the author of The Feeling Muscle: How Felt Emotion Can Help You Sit With and Outlast Hard Feelings.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:59) Anxiety Lives in the Body

(03:22) Sitting With Sensations

(07:53) Culture Trains Emotional Avoidance

(10:09) Why Feelings Set You Free

(14:23) Life Is Meant to Be Hard

(17:32) Acceptance Without Giving Up

(18:56) Midlife Timeline Panic

(21:50) Reframing Time and Possibility

(26:32) Detachment Brings Ease and Joy

(29:49) Social Media Fuels Comparison

(31:00) Presence Over Distraction

(32:58) Kids and Screen Culture

(35:15) Connection Beats Tech

(37:24) Why She Does This Work

(40:52) OCD and Mental Health Talk

(45:47) The Feeling Muscle Book

(48:53) First Steps to Feelings

(51:55) Exposure and Doing Hard Things

(54:36) Advice and Happiness

(56:40) Wrap Up and Support

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jenn:

Website: https://drjennrapkin.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re exhausted from replaying conversations, second-guessing your choices, and filtering your personality through “what will they think?” - this episode will help.

I’m joined by Jordanna Bornensztajn (comedian, communication expert, keynote speaker) to unpack the real reason so many high-functioning people feel stuck: fear of judgment.

We talk about why judgment is the #1 fear she sees in workshops, why most of the “pressure” you feel is actually self-generated, and the mindset shift that instantly loosens its grip: stop making it about you. We also get into how confidence is built through messy action (not certainty), why your brain treats social risk like physical danger, and how to use embarrassment and failure as fuel instead of proof that you’re “behind.”

This episode will change your life by changing your relationship with judgment.

Jordanna is a comedian, communication expert, keynote speaker, and public speaking coach. She’s the author of The Little Book of Influence: 8 Keys to Transformative Communication.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:51) Public Speaking Fears: The ‘It’s Not About You’ Reframe

(03:50) Perfectionism Kills Presence: Spontaneity & Real Connection

(05:47) Authenticity as a Buzzword vs the Real Thing

(07:15) Breaking Habits: Pushing Through the ‘This Feels Weird’ Threshold

(09:39) Real Confidence = Taking Messy Action Anyway

(13:06) The Two Voices in Your Head: Accept Fear, Choose Courage

(14:50) Your Body Thinks You’re in Danger: Getting Perspective on Nerves

(16:40) Storytelling & Speaking Your Fears Out Loud (Plus a Quick Resource Break)

(20:34) Turning Vulnerabilities into Strengths (Comedy, Honesty, and Why People Want You to Win)

(23:50) Nobody’s Watching That Closely: Reframing Stage & Social Media Anxiety

(25:39) Jordana’s Career Journey: Journalism, New York, Radio & Comedy

(28:31) Nerves as Fuel: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Prep and Spontaneity

(31:49) Why Everyone Should Try Stand-Up: Vulnerability, Healing & Resilience

(33:24) The Bad Date That Sparked Comedy (and a New Mindset)

(36:47) Modern Mental Health: Tall Poppy Syndrome, Owning Strengths & Authenticity

(42:32) Rapid-Fire Closing Questions + Where to Find Jordana & Her Book

(47:48) Final Wrap: Thanks, Links, Subscribe & Listener Call-to-Action

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jordana:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanaborensztajn/

Website: https://jordanab.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel like you’ve tried therapy, self-help, maybe even medication, but you’re still stuck thinking… why am I not better yet?

I’m joined by Dr. Will Dobud, a social worker, researcher and educator who has worked with adolescents and families across the United States, Australia, and Norway, to explore why the mental health system can leave good people feeling broken, even when they’re doing all the “right” things.

We talk about the uncomfortable truth that mental health outcomes haven’t improved in decades, how passive interventions and labels can replace real change, and why “awareness” without personal ownership can actually keep you trapped. We also get into why medication can’t be the finish line, what it means to stop outsourcing your healing, and the mindset shift that helps you move from self-blame to self-trust.

This episode will help you change your life by changing your relationship with mental health, so you can take ownership of it and move forward today.

Dr. Will Dobud is a social worker, researcher, and educator who has worked with adolescents and families in the United States, Australia, and Norway.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:57) Quick Fix Culture: Labels, Pills, and Passive Interventions

(02:33) Treat Young People as Crew (Not Passengers)

(06:06) Phone Bans vs Real Priorities: The Broken Hill Lead Story

(07:57) ‘Kids These Days’: Moral Panics, History Repeats, and Common Sense

(11:13) Modeling Responsibility: What Adults Must Do After the Ban

(12:53) Bridging the Divide: Politics, Outrage, and What We’re Protecting

(17:27) Beginner’s Mind & Learning: Conferences, Curiosity, and Humble Pie

(19:22) Dr. Will Doba’s Origin Story: From ADHD Kid to Social Work & Outdoor Therapy

(26:10) Process Over Outcomes: Excellence in the Work (and the Podcast Trap)

(32:36) Building a Feedback Culture: How to Get Better Without an Echo Chamber

(37:28) Systematic Self-Critique: Recording Sessions, Asking Better Questions, Elite Practice

(41:30) Feedback, growth, and why relationships get confronting

(42:31) Therapy alliance: asking for negative feedback early

(45:50) Micro-habits vs overwhelm: making change doable

(48:52) Simple can be elegant: tiny tweaks, agency, and noticing the good

(52:27) Change doesn’t have to match the problem: finding a direction

(56:48) Outdoor therapy & nature: benefits without the hype

(59:01) Where to find the book + bonus resources

(01:01:12) Biggest mental health burden: social connection, community, and engagement

(01:04:28) Vulnerability at home: modeling teamwork through hard times

(01:07:25) What kids imitate: phones, conflict, and healthy disagreement

(01:09:57) Advice, regrets, and what happiness really means

(01:16:18) Curiosity, learning, and the messy process of creating (plus wrap-up)

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Will:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willdobud/

Book: https://www.kidsthesedaysbook.com/will-dobud

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel like you’re doing everything “right”… but still can’t shake the feeling that you’re not enough?

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Orchard (founder of The Big Refresh and Uncut Coaching) to unpack the hidden driver behind burnout that nobody talks about: trying to prove yourself.

We explore how high achievers get addicted to validation, why ambition turns into self-destruction, and how your self-worth becomes a bottomless pit when it’s tied to results. Nick also shares his own story of imposter syndrome, overworking through COVID, and the moment his body forced him to stop — plus the practical mindset shifts that help you rebuild self-trust without losing your edge.

This episode will help you change your life by changing your relationship with proving yourself — so you can simplify your life, and finally feel free to be yourself.

Nick Orchard is the founder of The Big Refresh (a burnout recovery program) and Uncut Coaching, where he works with high performers and leaders to recover from burnout and build sustainable wellbeing.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:21) The Need to Prove Yourself

(00:53) The High Achiever's Blind Spot

(02:41) Burnout in the Modern World

(05:19) Nick Orchard's Career Journey

(08:02) The Impact of Imposter Syndrome

(19:30) The Importance of Small Wins

(25:50) Taking Action Over Consumption

(31:51) Struggling with Focus and Commitment

(32:46) The Impact of Unfinished Projects

(34:44) Finding Your Passion and Going Small

(37:26) Living Within Your Means

(43:05) Dealing with Burnout and Overwhelm

(47:30) The Importance of Asking for Help

(50:25) Resources for Overcoming Burnout

(52:46) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Nick Orchard:

Website: https://www.thebigrefresh.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever get home from work exhausted… but then your brain won’t stop replaying everything that happened?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Guy Winch — psychologist, bestselling author, and the speaker behind one of the most-watched TED Talks on emotional first aid — to explain what’s really happening when you “can’t switch off”… and why that mental spiral is basically unpaid overtime.

We break down why your mind treats rumination like you’re still at work, how that quietly fuels burnout, and the practical ways to “fight back” — including a simple transition ritual that helps you shift out of work mode and actually recover (even if you’re not physically tired).

This episode will help you change your life by changing your mind, so you can stop doing mental overtime after work — and get your evenings (and your relationships) back.

Dr. Guy Winch is a licensed psychologist and author of Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life and Emotional First Aid.

-

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:08) The Illusion of Physical Exhaustion

(02:53) Ruminating on Work Issues

(05:58) The Impact of Overworking

(08:10) Neglecting Self-Care

(09:52) The Importance of Emotional Health

(11:41) The Rise of Mental Health Awareness

(13:16) Practical Tools for Mental Well-being

(14:03) Introduction to the Free Masterclass

(14:33) Guest Introduction and Background

(15:03) The Psychology of Rejection

(17:05) Managing Mental Resources

(19:15) New Book: Mind Over Grind

(23:02) The Trap of Overworking

(26:36) Defining Success Beyond Professional Achievements

(27:25) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(29:05) The Illusion of Social Media Success

(34:32) The Importance of Transition Rituals

(39:13) Feeling Stuck: How to Reframe Your Story

(45:38) Final Thoughts and Advice

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Guy:

Website: https://www.guywinch.com/

Check out his Book: https://www.guywinch.com/books/mind-over-grind/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel lost on your journey to finding yourself - even when you’re doing everything “right”?

In this episode, actor Wallis Day breaks down what years of rejection, uncertainty, and comparison can do to your mind… and why feeling lost is often a sign you’re in the middle of growth.

Quick note: this is an older conversation from the archive, but the message is relevant.

 This episode will help you change your life by helping you to feel confident in your life's direction.

Wallis Day is a British Actress known for Batwoman & Red Sonja.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:39) Understanding Rejection and Comparison

(01:04) Balancing Life and Career

(01:56) The Importance of Physical and Mental Challenges

(02:53) The Journey of Self-Discovery

(03:18) Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry

(08:39) Daily Rituals for Wellbeing

(11:18) The Impact of Early Life Commitments

(14:20) The Role of Social Media in Mental Health

(17:26) Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

(23:46) Conclusion and Call to Action

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Wallis:

https://www.instagram.com/wallisday/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like you’re running out of time? Feeling like you’re behind in life, even when everything looks fine on the outside?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ishan Shivanand, a former monk and mental health researcher, to explore why fear of time shows up so powerfully, and how changing your relationship with time can change how you experience your life.

We talk about aging, mortality, and the “death meditations” Ishan was taught as a young monk as a practical framework for reducing anxiety, letting go of pressure, and reconnecting with what actually matters.

This episode will help you change your life by changing your relationship with time, so you stop living like you’re already too late.

Ishan Shivanand is a former monk and mental health researcher who works with universities and institutions to study yoga-based practices in modern, real-world settings.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:46) Facing the Fear of Aging

(03:29) The Hundred-Year Plan

(07:25) Meditation on Death

10:35 The Practice of Immortality

(21:29) Modern Challenges and Consciousness Shift

(25:19) Embracing Ancient Tools for Modern Change

(25:29) Scientific Approach to Ancient Wisdom

(26:16) Ego and Evidence in Modern Application

(26:38) Integrating Past and Present Technologies

(27:08) The Dynamic Nature of Modern Challenges

(27:51) Mainstreaming Meditation and Wellness

(28:24) The Role of Universities and Research

(30:35) Democratizing Ancient Knowledge

(31:37) Navigating the Wellness Industry

(36:44) The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices

(40:40) Challenges in Mental Health and Wellness

(42:33) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Ishan:

https://ishanshivanand.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been triggered in a relationship and thought, “Why am I reacting like this?”

In this episode, I’m joined by Vienna Pharaon, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to explain how your past shapes your nervous system, and why that’s what’s really running your relationship patterns.

We break down the “family blueprint,” why you’re drawn to what’s familiar, and how to move from survival mode into choice, so you can respond differently when you’re activated instead of repeating the same cycle.

This episode will help you change your life by changing your relationship with your past.

Vienna Pharaon is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in New York.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:31) The Impact of Family on Future Relationships

(02:24) The Role of Awareness and Practice in Healing

(04:23) The Importance of Consistency in Personal Growth

(06:46) Navigating Familial and Romantic Relationships

(09:27) The Subtle Triggers of the Nervous System

(11:15) The Challenge of Isolation and Healing

(15:25) Choosing Different Patterns in Relationships

(20:33) Addressing Origin Wounds for True Healing

(24:23) Personal Story: Overcoming Past Patterns

(26:35) The Power of Setting Boundaries

(27:48) Surviving the Emotional Aftermath

(29:11) The Importance of Community Support

(30:04) The Reality of Personal Change

(34:14) Immersion Therapy and Personal Growth

(41:00) Navigating Relationships and Self-Protection

(45:12) About the Book and Final Thoughts

Get the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:

go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmind

Access FREE Move Your Mind training here:

https://go.moveyourmind.io/training

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracks

Website: http://nickbracks.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Vienna:

Quiz: https://viennapharaon.com/origin-wound-quiz/ 

The Origin Healing Method: https://courses.viennapharaon.com/the-origin-healing-method 

Website: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmft/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.