Dive into this episode with human behavior hacker Susan Ibitz, as she unpacks her unconventional career path, resilience in the face of adversity, and the science of human irrationality. Host Eric Stopper guides the conversation through life lessons, personal growth, and the importance of storytelling.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Susan’s journey from a diplomat’s daughter to a behavioral neuroscientist shaped her expertise

The role of failure, dyslexia, and self-discovery in forging a unique career

Why irrational decisions drive most of our lives and choices

The power of journaling and storytelling in overcoming trauma and guiding personal paths

How embracing mistakes and open-mindedness leads to unexpected opportunities in life and work

In this thought-provoking episode, host Eric Stopper sits down with the enigmatic “human behavior hacker,” Susan Ibitz, as she shares her extraordinary life journey – from a childhood filled with international intrigue to becoming a sought-after behavioral neuroscientist and negotiation expert.

Inside the Episode:

Susan’s Unconventional Origins: Discover how a whirlwind, first-class romance led to Susan’s not-so-ordinary upbringing, where learning through Italian family stories and detective shows set the foundation for her fascination with human behavior.

Harnessing Dyslexia & Asperger’s: Susan talks candidly about her challenges with highly dyslexic and Asperger’s diagnoses – and how these “kicks in the back of the head” redirected her life toward unique superpowers in behavioral profiling.

From Political Consulting to Hostage Negotiation: Hear how bartending in a foreign land connected Susan to the world of political consulting, leading her to become one of the few civilian Level 3 international hostage negotiators—and how she used these skills to help companies better understand human irrationality.

Why We’re All Irrational: Susan breaks down behavioral economics, discussing Nobel winner Kahneman’s insights and why up to 95% of our 35,000 daily decisions are truly irrational (yes, even your shoe collection or six cats!).

Power of Storytelling & Journaling: The duo delves into how storytelling and journaling can rewire our brains, help us process trauma, and even influence others for the better—with nods to DOD and DARPA’s research on storytelling as a tool for healing PTSD.

Key Takeaways:

Embrace the messy, non-linear journey of life—mistakes are mile markers, not misfortunes.

The importance of being open to unexpected opportunities—and how so-called “irrational” decisions often lead to life’s most meaningful relationships and experiences.

Journaling isn’t just for reflection; it can be a therapeutic practice supported by neuroscience and behavioral research.

Everyone’s life has three stories: your own, another’s, and the story you co-create. Sharing these is a responsibility and a gift.

Even the quirkiest life paths (hello, six cats vs. six dogs!) can lead to the perfect serendipity.

About Susan Ibitz:

A “human behavior hacker,” behavioral neuroscientist, international hostage negotiator, and expert in behavioral economics. Find her at susanaibitz.com, and on LinkedIn or Facebook. Don't miss her podcast “Humans.”

Connect with the show:

Enjoyed the episode? Like, share, and subscribe on Spotify. Tag a friend who’d love these insights into the irrational, unpredictable magic of being human!

Pulse Ox Podcast – Where Stories Meet Science, and Mistakes Make Magic.

Find Susan at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ibitz/

Just wrapped up a powerful episode of "Pulse Ox Podcast" featuring the incredible Avalaura Gaither—life coach, intuitive consultant, and holistic mental health expert. She shared her inspiring journey from the world of traditional mental health to carving her own path in holistic healing. Here are three key takeaways anyone navigating career transitions or personal growth should hear:

Trust Your Breaking Point: Sometimes, hitting a wall is the exact nudge you need to surrender control, listen inward, and create real change.

Avalaura Gaither

described how her own "sick and tired of being sick and tired" moment led her to completely rethink her life and career.

Your Journey is Yours: Your relationship with faith, spirituality, or alignment doesn't have to mirror anyone else's.

Avalaura Gaither

reminds us that what we're taught as children is just a starting point—give yourself permission to evolve and find what truly resonates with you.

Breakdowns Lead to Breakthroughs: Whether it’s losing a job or letting go of old expectations, breakthroughs often come after breakdowns. Vulnerability and surrender are what create the space for the next chapter—not just grinding harder.

If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or at a crossroads, give this episode a listen and check out Avalaura Gaither's story for some honest inspiration.

#CareerGrowth #HolisticHealth #PersonalDevelopment #PodcastInsights

In the latest Pulse Ox Podcast Eric Stopper sits down with Ajay Bam, the CEO and co-founder of Warl, a video insights and commerce platform based in San Francisco. Ajay Bam shares his inspirational journey, not only as a startup founder, but also as someone who takes on daunting personal challenges to fuel his professional life. Listen as he recounts his transformative experience biking 600 miles across Zambia to raise money for children affected by HIV—an adventure that offered unexpected clarity for his business and taught invaluable lessons about focus, community, and gratitude. Whether you’re a founder looking for perspective or someone who believes in the power of pushing your limits, this episode is filled with powerful takeaways on resilience, leadership, and the value of giving back.00:00 Startup Journey and Health Priorities04:06 Impactful Journey: Bike Zambia Initiative06:56 "Adventure Racing and Insights"10:10 "Lessons on Startup Focus"13:23 Cycling Journey to Victoria Falls16:42 "Connect, Travel, and Explore"

Amy Tyre’s journey with chronic illness began in middle school, when she suffered from severe gas pains and discomfort—what was later identified as IBS, though it had no name at the time. After giving birth to her daughter, Amy’s symptoms worsened and evolved into an undiagnosed case of ulcerative colitis. By the time her daughter reached kindergarten, Amy found herself at one of the lowest points in her life, struggling with her health and feeling as though she was at the bottom of a hole, facing significant challenges both physically and at home.

Today, we’re joined by Amy tyre, a master level yoga teacher and life coach, who specializes in helping high-achieving professionals overcome dissatisfaction and find deeper fulfillment. In this episode, Amy tyre opens up about her deeply personal journey, sharing her battle with digestive issues from middle school, through a life-changing diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, to her eventual healing and transformation.

You’ll hear how Amy tyre turned to a blend of traditional medicine, alternative therapies, and emotional healing—guided by intuition and the support of a medical professional willing to think outside the box. This quest for health not only changed her life but inspired her to create "The Digestion Coach" program, a unique approach combining yoga, emotional wellness, and nutrition to help others reclaim their well-being.

Host Eric Stopper and Amy tyre dive into the connections between emotional health, physical digestion, and life purpose, exploring concepts like dharma, the chakras, and the powerful ways in which following our fascination and aligning with our true self can lead to lasting healing and satisfaction.

Stay tuned as Amy tyre and Eric Stopper unpack the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and the incredible growth that comes from discomfort—and get ready for a conversation that just might change the way you approach your own healing and purpose.

00:00 Yoga Sparked Emotional Healing Journey

05:33 "Determined Diet Journey"

09:06 "How the Digestion Coach Began"

12:52 Seeking Purpose Amid Life Changes

15:57 "Finding Purpose in Healing"

18:48 Aligning with True Self

20:59 Entrepreneurial Stress and Relief

Welcome to another episode of Pulse Ox Podcat! In today’s inspiring conversation, host Eric Stopper sits down with entrepreneur, consultant, and author Erica El Hilali. Erica shares the powerful journey that shaped her outlook—becoming a mother and navigating the spiritual experience of childbirth, with all its challenges and miracles. Together, they dive into the profound impact parenthood has had on her life and career, the importance of honoring intuition and agency, and how Erica has woven purpose and intention into her business approach. From building spiritually rich connections to reimagining how companies create positive impact, this episode offers honest storytelling, wisdom, and practical insights for anyone looking to lead with meaning—whether at home, in business, or beyond. Tune in for a heartfelt exchange you won’t want to miss!What does it really mean to experience childbirth as a spiritual event, and how can those lessons shape the way we run businesses and live fuller lives? Can the challenges and miracles of parenthood redefine our concepts of success and leadership in the entrepreneurial world?In this episode, you’ll discover how deep personal experiences—like becoming a parent—can profoundly influence both our personal growth and our professional approach. The conversation delves into the spiritual side of childbirth, the importance of trusting maternal instincts, and the power of advocating for oneself within the medical system. You’ll also learn how these life lessons can translate into building businesses that are not just profitable but also deeply intentional and aligned with your values.Our guest, Erica El Hilali, is an entrepreneur, consultant, and author of "Soul Capitalist: How to Take Back Your Power and Change the World." She opens up about her transformative journey to motherhood, the spiritual depth of childbirth, and how honoring both material and spiritual wealth led her to help businesses make a positive impact. Joined by host Eric Stopper, the conversation explores the intersection of spiritual fulfillment, ethical entrepreneurship, and impactful leadership.If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on business, parenthood, and personal power, listen in and don’t forget to check out Erica El Hilali’s book and connect with her on LinkedIn. Enjoy the episode and share it with someone who’s ready to lead with purpose!Find Erica at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-el-hilali/

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Pulse Ox Podcast! Today, Eric Stopper sits down with David Wilkinson, founder and CEO of the Global Equipping Center. In this conversation, David Wilkinson shares an extraordinary personal journey—moving across continents, losing everything, and then rebuilding his life and career from scratch. He reveals how a moment of clarity after hitting rock bottom led him to write his first book, and how a chance encounter resulted in selling thousands of copies before the book was even titled.

The episode dives deep into the power of momentum, authenticity, and crafting vows that truly align with who we are. David Wilkinson discusses the difference between chasing superficial goals and making commitments that move heaven and earth. Get ready for a story full of hard-earned wisdom, practical coaching advice, and a few real-life miracles that will keep you believing in the magic of intentional living and authentic storytelling.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone seeking purpose, this episode is packed with transformative insights on building momentum in your personal and business life. Tune in and discover how to turn your biggest challenges into your biggest impact!

00:00 "Starting Over from Scratch"

04:18 "Creating Momentum for Impact"

06:55 "Living Authentically Matters"

12:33 "Authenticity Creates Momentum Magic"

15:41 "Seeking Clarity After Setbacks"

17:03 Manifesting, Magic, and Self-Discovery

21:44 "The Meaning of True Vows"

24:04 "360 Mud Flinger Strategy"

26:23 "Join Momentum Free Invite"

What if the darkest, most challenging moments in your life turned out to be the catalyst for your greatest breakthroughs? How do you align intention, authenticity, and action to create unstoppable momentum in your career, relationships, or personal development?

In this episode, you'll hear how hitting rock bottom can strip away illusions and force you to rebuild from a place of truth. David Wilkinson opens up about losing everything—his business, family, and home—and how that crisis led him on a journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and ultimately, success. He reveals the power of making specific, heartfelt vows, and why clarity and alignment are the secret sauce to manifesting dramatic change and opportunity.

Get to know David Wilkinson, founder and CEO of the Global Equipping Center, as he shares his incredible story with host Eric Stopper. You’ll learn about David’s journey from homelessness to international author and coach, the lessons he discovered about living authentically, and his insights about momentum-building in business and life. From writing and selling his first book before it even had a title, to the mechanics of making vows that move “heaven and earth,” this episode is filled with thought-provoking wisdom and practical advice.

If you’re looking to break through personal or professional inertia, tune in and discover what it means to craft your own authentic momentum. Found this episode valuable? Be sure to like it on Spotify and share it with a friend. And if you want more insights or to connect with David Wilkinson, visit him on LinkedIn or check out his upcoming Momentum Monday training!

Join Dr. Michael Turner as he sits down with Eric Stopper to share his life-changing journey from a 16-year-old exchange student in the Dominican Republic to becoming a leading faith-based men's health coach. In this candid conversation, Dr. Turner opens up about challenges, personal growth, and the daily habits that keep him on track.What you'll learn in this episode:Dr. Turner's transformative experience as a teenager overseas and its impact on his faithHow journaling and supportive communities helped him sustain personal changePractical routines and strategies Dr. Turner uses to elevate his mindset and well-beingThe unique perspective of viewing faith as a supportive relationship rather than just rulesCandid insights into overcoming personal and professional setbacks through resilience and spirituality00:00 "Faith Transformation Through Struggles"05:55 "Profound Experiences and Reality"08:55 "Reflecting Through My Journals"10:47 "Connecting with God Through Nature"15:51 "Book of Mormon Origins Debated"17:24 Challenges of Devout Faith Journey20:14 Religion vs. Relationship: Key Difference23:42 "Personal Growth Through Business Challenges"Show Notes – Dr. Michael Turner on The Pulse Ox PodcastEpisode Overview:This week, Eric Stopper sits down with Dr. Michael Turner, the nation’s premier faith-based men’s health coach and concierge physician, for a deeply personal and insightful conversation. Dr. Turner shares the transformational story of his formative year as a 16-year-old exchange student in the Dominican Republic—a journey that tested his faith, resilience, and sense of identity. From overwhelming loneliness and cultural challenges, to a life-changing spiritual awakening in a welcoming new host family, Dr. Turner describes how these moments shaped the man and physician he is today.What You’ll Learn:The unique challenges and adventures Dr. Turner experienced living in the Dominican Republic before the internet era, and how that built his resilience and sense of adventure.The powerful role of faith in personal crisis—how spiritual emptiness, contrasted with the joyful faith of his new host family, sparked a vision that transformed his connection to God.Why journaling is a cornerstone practice for processing life’s journey and maintaining growth—including a few fascinating neuroscience insights on why it works.Four daily habits Dr. Turner uses to “elevate his vibration” as a physician and entrepreneur—including his approach to connecting with God through nature, continuous learning, physical challenge, and the joy of food.Honest reflections on setbacks: Dr. Turner candidly discusses how his greatest life and business challenges—failed marriages, financial struggles, and parenting—became the crucible for growth, self-compassion, and transformation.Insightful discussion around faith, personal responsibility, and the difference between “religion” and “relationship” in the context of Christianity.Why You Should Listen: If you’re seeking inspiration for turning adversity into purpose, or looking for practical tools to sustain personal growth after a transformative experience, this episode offers motivation and actionable wisdom. Dr. Turner’s openness about his struggles and resilience will resonate whether your challenges are personal, professional, or spiritual.Resources Mentioned:Manna Faith Wellness – Collaborative health & wellness destination founded by Dr. Turner and colleagues.Dr. Turner on Substack – Further insights, blogs, and podcasts from Dr. Turner.Connect with the Guest:Follow Dr. Michael Turner for more on faith-based health coaching and holistic wellness.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-turner-m-d-3258891a9/https://michaelturnermd.com/If you enjoyed the conversation, please like the episode on Spotify and share it with a friend!For questions, collaborations, or feedback, reach out to The Pulse Ox Podcast team.

Join us as Michael Brian David, purpose and mindset coach, sits down with Eric Stopper to share his unforgettable near-death experience and insights on finding meaning in life. Get actionable takeaways on purpose, mindset, and growth from real conversations, not clichés.In this episode:Michael Brian David recounts his harrowing emergency plane landing and the lessons it taught him about peace and priorities.Overcoming fear and processing life’s close calls.How to discover your own purpose and align with your “north star.”The role of presence, intention, and family in a meaningful life.Practical mindset shifts and advice to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming.Listen in for real talk on what purpose truly means—and how to find it yourself.00:00 Emergency Plane Landing on Grass05:31 "Facing Life’s Fragile Finality"06:51 "Dharma, Purpose, and Life Alignment"11:31 "Define Life by Its Legacy"13:21 "Controlling Your Inner Narrative"16:35 "Self-Growth Fuels Helping Others"19:50 Pulse Ox Podcast OutroIn this gripping episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Michael Brian David, founder of "Conquer Your Mind with MBD, LLC," for an unforgettable conversation on purpose, mindset, and what truly matters most.Michael Brian David shares his harrowing near-death experience after crash-landing his beloved 1964 Mooney M20 Echo plane, "Luna." Hear the step-by-step account of those fateful moments in the air, what went through his mind as he struggled to land safely, and the life-changing realizations that emerged when he walked away from the wreckage.The conversation then soars toward the meaning of purpose—why we search for meaning, how to align with what matters most, and what it means to pass on wisdom, love, and opportunity (even if that means just being a present parent or showing up for others). Eric Stopper and Michael Brian David get real about existential dread, the search for significance in a vast universe, and simple ways to recenter on what truly counts.Highlights include:Michael Brian David’s step-by-step account of his emergency crash landing and the “peaceful acceptance” he found in the face of death.Why being present for your family or community might be the most important purpose of all.The power of mindset and the role of self-compassion, play, and staying aligned with your truest self.How to rethink your life’s direction: starting with the legacy you want to leave, and working backward.Nuggets of wisdom from both guest and host about embracing the journey, letting go of perfectionism, and learning to “do it for the plot.”Playful takes on overcoming doubt, building confidence, and finding your "purpose plotline" in everyday life.Whether you’re struggling to find your purpose, recovering from your own challenges, or looking to level up your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and authentic storytelling.Connect with Michael Brian David:YouTube: Conquer Your MindsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbriandavid/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_brian_david/Remember: “It’s okay not to have it all mapped out. Sometimes, you just need to play—and keep leveling up.” Give yourself grace, keep moving forward, and let your purpose unfold.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and help us spread these golden nuggets of wisdom!

Learn how Heather Boehme transformed her life and business through habit building, self-awareness, and emotional management. In this episode, she shares real-life strategies for visionary founders looking to create consistent routines and overcome setbacks.How Heather started her personal development journey during maternity leaveTips for easing into meditation and creating strong habits, even for "all or nothing" personalitiesThe power of tracking streaks and using tools like Duolingo and Streaks to build consistencyHandling setbacks, breaking streaks, and the importance of emotional control for sustainable growthReal talk on parenting, processing tough emotions, and modeling healthy responses for kidsCheck out Heather's insights and actionable advice to optimize your routines and thrive, both at work and at home!00:00 "Maternity Leave Sparks Self-Reflection"04:55 "Building Focus, One Minute"07:44 "Actionable Self-Improvement Strategies"11:30 "Language, Learning, and Perspective"13:37 Resilience and Emotional Growth18:04 Overwhelmed Mom's Emotional Moment19:48 "Pulse Ox Podcast Outro"Show Notes: Transforming Chaos into Clarity with Heather BoehmeIn this inspiring episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Heather Boehme, the powerhouse behind helping overwhelmed visionary founders turn frenetic operations into smooth, scalable systems. But this conversation dives far deeper than operational wisdom—it’s a candid exploration of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and the honest realities of personal discipline.Heather Boehme shares her story of transformation, which began on her second maternity leave, surrounded by the quiet chaos of new motherhood. She reveals her journey from dismissing spirituality and personal development to embracing meditation, building daily habits, and breaking personal barriers through small, consistent steps (yes, those five-minute sessions count!).Topics covered include:The pivotal moment of realizing she was her own bottleneck to successHow reading "You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero sparked a mindset shiftLetting go of all-or-nothing thinking and starting with bite-sized habitsHow tracking streaks (thanks, Duolingo) became a powerful self-motivation toolThe impact of emotional regulation—learning to feel, process, and move forward without shame or guiltHonest parenting moments around anger, frustration, and the importance of showing your kids it’s okay to process emotions.Along the way, Eric Stopper and Heather Boehme swap stories about meditation, habit-building, the challenge (and humor!) of managing family life, and how philosophy and real daily practices blend for both founders and parents.Whether you're building a business, building a habit, or just trying to keep your cool after your kid cuts their own hair, this episode is packed with relatable insights, actionable tips, and a refreshing take on what it truly means to grow—one consistent day at a time.Where to Connect with Heather:Website: onsetprodev.comTikTok: @onsetproheather (currently demystifying crypto and sharing personal growth wisdom)If you’re ready to feel understood, motivated, and entertained, hit play and share this one with a friend!And don’t forget: Like this episode on Spotify and share it to keep the wisdom flowing!Pulse Ox Podcast – Helping you breathe easier through real stories of growth, grit, and mindful success.

Dr. Elia Gourgouris joins Eric Stopper to discuss the power of kindness, the impact of our upbringing, and how to shift personal narratives for a happier life. In this episode, Dr. Gourgouris shares transformative stories from his own journey, offering practical advice on happiness, forgiveness, and mental wellbeing.What you’ll hear in this episode:The lesson Dr. Gourgouris learned about kindness and how it shaped his philosophy on successInsights on curating your social feed and protecting your mindsetThe profound influence of family experiences and generational stories on self-worthPractical advice for breaking free from negative projections and rewriting personal narrativesWhy self-forgiveness is key to real happiness and how to start being kinder to yourselfDon’t forget to give this episode a thumbs up if you found it helpful and share it with a friend!00:00 From Psychologist to Bestseller & Beyond06:13 "Curating Hope Core Content"09:18 "People Are Cool Everywhere"13:18 "Choosing Love and Breaking Cycles"17:08 "Family Shattered, Coping Alone"18:49 "Parents Stuck in Trauma Age"21:23 "Encouraging Reflection and Perspective"24:34 "Owning Projections with Love"28:20 "Role in Supporting Transformation"32:58 "Kindness Starts With You"33:44 "Self-Forgiveness: Key to Happiness"38:02 "Turn Negativity Into Success"40:15 "For Such a Time"Show Notes – Dr. Elia Gourgouris on Kindness, Healing, and the Path to HappinessIn this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Eric Stopper sits down with internationally renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and happiness expert Dr. Elia Gourgouris to explore the transformative power of kindness and self-forgiveness. Together, they unravel stories from Dr. Elia Gourgouris’s extraordinary life—spanning his childhood in Greece, the wisdom of his grandfather, his mother's courageous battle with cancer, and his career evolution from clinical psychologist to executive coach and film producer.What You’ll Discover:The Secret to Becoming “The Richest Person in the World”: Learn how a profound lesson fromDr. Elia Gourgouris’s grandfather shaped his philosophy: do something good for someone else every day and you’ll find the true wealth of life.The Ripple Effect of Kindness:Dr. Elia Gourgourisreveals how simple, mindful acts of kindness create a “quadruple win”—uplifting the receiver, the giver, their relationship, and everyone who witnesses it.Curating Your Digital World:Eric StopperandDr. Elia Gourgourisdiscuss how to reclaim your newsfeed and your mindset by intentionally choosing the stories and content you allow into your life.Breaking Free from Old Stories: The pair delve into healing intergenerational trauma, overcoming limiting beliefs projected onto us, and the liberating power of self-forgiveness.Daily Rituals for Happiness: Discover why self-kindness is the cornerstone of sustainable happiness, and how forgiving both yourself and others is the path to lasting freedom.A Sneak Peek intoDr. Elia Gourgouris’s Upcoming Film: Get excited for “For Such a Time as This,” a new documentary on the global movement of kindness launching in 2025.Key Takeaways:Kindness doesn’t have to be grand—it’s about small, consistent actions.The story you believe about yourself isn’t always the truth; learn how to rewrite it.Forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s the gift you give yourself to move forward.Anyone can be a force for good, regardless of their background or life experiences.Resources & Links:Connect withDr. Elia Gourgouris: Instagram, doctorofhappiness.com, eliagourgouris.comStay tuned for the release of “For Such a Time as This” in September 2025.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe. Help us spread more kindness and happiness in the world!