Key Quote:
“Once you face death, the fear of it is gone. Why is it gone? Because the fear of death comes from the fact that you're not accepting death. So the acceptance of death is the freedom from it, in a way.” - Zak Aghbal

Episode Summary:
In this episode, journey with us as we uncover the layers behind Zak Aghbal's transformative life. Growing up in Morocco, the weight of a restricting environment bore down on him. But a couple of unexpected events forced Zak to look at life with renewed eyes.

What do Jim Rohn, a near-death experience, and a profound book by Krishnamurti have in common? Dive in to discover the threads of truth that not only helped Zak break free from his past but might resonate with the essence of your own journey.

Watch as Zak redefines his life, battling inner demons and emerging stronger. Let's walk with him as he chooses a path of change and discovery.

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Key Quotes:
 
“Each day we are presented with new information, and this may or may not prompt us to reassess our perspectives or paths. When they do, though, that's when these major life changes are more likely to happen.” -Wesley Jackson

“It's important because it causes us to understand what truly matters. It causes you to clarify what sorts of things you believe in, and what sorts of things you want to carry forward in light of whatever change that's happening.” -Andrew Gilley

Episode Summary:

In life, sometimes the ground shifts beneath our feet, sweeping us into a tide of change. From the jolt of a career shift to the void left by a lost loved one, or even a revelation that shakes our very core - how do we remain resilient? 

In a world where technology accelerates and societal norms flip on their head, it's crucial to harness the right mindset and tools to steer our ship amidst these waves. But, what if our own habits blind us from seeing the whole picture?

Dive into this episode of Surviving Humanity as we unravel the art of navigating life's most unexpected turns and the hidden growth that awaits on the other side. Don't miss out on a guide to thriving in our ever-evolving world.

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Key Quote:
"Overcoming this obstacle wasn't so much of a single event as it was a journey. Physical healing wasn't the only thing I needed, as the emotional side proved to be just as challenging." - Wesley Jackson

Episode Summary:
Join Wesley Jackson as he takes you on a ride that started like any other day but ended in an unexpected twist. A simple cycling trip with his father turns into a life-altering moment. What was supposed to be a bonding experience suddenly shifts gears when a split-second decision changes everything.

In this episode, hear about the fragile connection between a father and son, united by a shared love of cycling but challenged by their complicated past. When faced with a perilous choice on the open road, what did Jackson decide to do? And how did that choice lead to a journey of not just physical recovery but emotional healing as well?

Listen as Jackson shares the ups and downs of his path to acceptance, from the immediate pain of the crash to the long road through therapy and self-discovery. What valuable lessons did he learn about strength, vulnerability, and the power of resilience? And how did he turn a traumatic experience into a lesson on the possibility of rebuilding and finding hope?

Tune in to this gripping episode of Surviving Humanity: A Self-Help Podcast, and explore how the choices we make can take us down roads we never expected. It's a story about facing our past, learning from pain, and finding the strength to move forward. You don't want to miss it.

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Key Quote
"Remember, growth is a journey, not a destination." - Wesley Jackson

Episode Summary
Step into the world of Surviving Humanity: A Self-Help Podcast, where this past month, we journeyed through a labyrinth of mindsets. Our path led us between two contrasting landscapes: a towering fortress, rigid and unyielding, representing the fixed mindset, and an ever-evolving garden, embodying the growth mindset.

Our companion through this maze, Andrew, unveiled the secret of turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. He illuminated the trail, inviting us to adopt the flexible, ever-growing mindset.

Not only did our hosts reveal their own transformational journey from the fortress to the garden, but we also discovered inspiring tales from the realms of entrepreneurship and motivational speaking. Kevin Palmieri and Elijah Desmond, our trailblazers, showcased how this magical mindset is their secret weapon for personal and professional success.

Yet, as we emerged from this maze of mindsets, we realized the voyage has just begun. Because the essence of the growth mindset is, growth itself is the journey, not the destination.

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Key Quotes:
"Having a fixed mindset seems like it keeps you safe, but the more you are open to the growth that comes with the feedback, the more successful you're going to be." - Kevin Palmieri

"Embrace the suck." - Elijah Desmond

Episode Summary:
Join us for a double-feature episode as we journey through the transformative lives of Kevin Palmieri and Elijah Desmond, two individuals who have wrestled with adversity and come out the other side stronger and wiser.

Immerse yourself in the riveting tale of Kevin Palmieri, the Founder and CFO of Next Level University. From the challenging trials of a volunteer firefighter to overcoming the fear of making mistakes, Kevin's story is a testament to resilience. He shares his personal journey, where the power of continuous learning and feedback becomes tangible.

Witness Kevin's evolution from bodybuilding to entrepreneurship, embracing the growth mindset and learning to thrive outside of the comfort zone. Join him and Wesley as they unravel the immense power of self-belief and the sometimes deceptive nature of success.

Next, step into the vibrant world of Elijah Desmond, also known as DJ Smiles, an individual who defied odds with his infectious zest for life. Navigate his complex biracial identity, where he finally finds wider acceptance by simply being authentic.

Feel the pulse of Elijah's past as a celebrated athlete, his dreams dashed by a fateful injury. Traverse the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, as he pens a bestselling book, starts numerous businesses, and experiences the stark contrasts of success and failure.

Follow Elijah's journey through depression as he grapples with lost opportunities, emerging stronger and more resilient. Discover how his commitment to helping others became his lifeline, guiding him out of his struggles and lighting up his path to recovery.

Learn from Elijah's philosophy to "embrace the suck", a stark reminder that it's okay to have a bad day. See how maintaining a positive mindset and spreading positivity helped him thrive amidst adversity.

Ready to dive into a sea of inspiration and life lessons? Don't miss this unique episode, where Kevin and Elijah share their compelling narratives of resilience and triumph. Join us as we navigate the human journey, one story at a time.

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Key Quotes:
"You can get through life growing by accident, but it's much more powerful to grow intentionally and to understand the process of improvement, recognizing mistakes, and treating them as an opportunity for growth." - Wesley Jackson

"There's also just in general, a growth mindset that helps you learn how to learn. And that's a skill that's useful in literally every aspect of your life. Because no matter what you're doing, you can get better at it." - Andrew Gilley

Episode Summary:
Delve into a conversation on this episode of Surviving Humanity with co-hosts Wesley Jackson and Andrew Gilley about an influential concept: the growth mindset. This perspective, prevalent among those who constantly seek to evolve and improve, holds transformative power on a self-help journey. It has the capacity to alter personal life trajectories and ripple through communities, leading to societal healing and growth.

However, adopting a growth mindset isn't without its challenges. The human mind, while a potent tool, can also be a limiting factor. It often inhibits individuals from acknowledging their potential for change and improvement. This discussion provides guidance to help listeners identify and overcome these self-imposed barriers.

Wesley offers a personal anecdote, illustrating his journey of embracing a growth mindset to overcome chronic pain. The conversation goes further to assert that a growth mindset is not solely an individual pursuit. It can be encouraged and cultivated among peers, enhancing positivity and potential in others.

Prepare to engage with a nuanced exploration of growth mindset and its significant implications. This episode promises insight into personal transformation, societal growth, and the power of collective positive thinking.

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Key Quote:
"This is the basic skill - learning how to learn. Adopting a positive growth mindset, believing that your potential can be altered, believing that you can change and become better." - Andrew Gilley

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with co-host Andrew Gilley, who shares his personal battle with depression that started when he was just a teenager. He reveals how his struggles affected his self-esteem and created feelings of worthlessness that lingered within him.

As Andrew stepped into the adult world, moving from high school to college, the weight of his responsibilities and the symptoms of depression started to bear heavily on him. Stuck in what he calls a 'fixed growth mindset', Andrew felt that his potential was capped by his mental illness.

But his story takes a turn in a surprising place - a physics class. Here, Andrew began to see potential differently, not as a pre-determined destiny, but as something that can be shaped through dedication and hard work.

Armed with this empowering shift in mindset, Andrew discovered a new passion - philosophy. His love for this subject played a pivotal role in helping him navigate life's obstacles and challenges.

So, join us for this engaging episode, and witness how Andrew's journey from despair to resilience can inspire all of us to rethink our own potential.

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Key Quote:
"It's okay to not have to hide all the time. That would be the goal I want for people experiencing trauma; to not have to hide the pain. To be able to step forward and say, 'This is real and this hurt me and I need help.'  - Andrew Gilley

Episode Summary:
In this evocative episode, join your co-host Andrew Gilley as he leads us through unexplored corridors of the human experience. Recently, we've been delving into the world of trauma, its ripple effects, and the surprising power within us all to overcome it.

Listen to Wesley's transformative tale in his episode, "Overcoming Trauma: Healing from Within". He pulls back the curtain on the rarely acknowledged dangers of emotional suppression and its potent link to addiction. Embark on his journey through therapy and medication, discovering that facing the darkness is sometimes healthier than the comfort of avoidance.

Don't miss Wesley and Andrew's compelling conversation on the pervasive impact of trauma. They bring to light how it disproportionately ravages oppressed demographics and boldly challenge society's refusal to recognize the collective trauma left in the wake of events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our special guest, Tuê-Si Nguyen, bravely opens up about his personal battles with trauma and addiction. Discover how he harnessed strategies such as shadow work, journaling, and meditation, all underpinned by self-compassion and self-love, to navigate his way through emotional turmoil.

Drawing from various blog posts, we shine a light on universal themes of trauma. Learn about its pervasiveness in society, the resilience needed to rise from catastrophic events, and the secret to conquering triggers for recovery. Discover the overlooked yet essential role of self-validation and love in the healing journey.

This isn't just a podcast; it's an exploration of the human capacity to endure, evolve, and ultimately, to thrive. Tune in, and learn how to survive... humanity.

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Key Quote:
“By showing up for myself consistently, I can now manage my fear of abandonment because I know that I'll never let myself go or abandon me.” - Tuê-Si Nguyen

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Tuê-Si Nguyen peels back layers of his life that were once shrouded in mystery. Dive deep into the shadows of a daunting two-year battle with meth addiction, and join Tuê-Si as he uncovers the heartbreaking root of his struggles—a deeply buried trauma he experienced at only six years old. 

He will recount how he navigated the treacherous maze of suppressed rage, resentment, and regret that had been plaguing him all these years. Tune in to witness a moving account of self-forgiveness and the transformative power of change. Learn how a simple shift in environment, coupled with daily practices of journaling and meditation, carved a path for healing. 

Through this journey, Tuê-Si fostered a sense of self-compassion that illuminated a new perspective on life. Grasp the profound realization that one must conquer their traumas to trade fear and triggers for a life of love and compassion. Don't miss this episode if you seek a compelling narrative of resilience and renewal.

🔗 Links to Additional Resources:
• Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
• Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

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Key Quotes:
"We acknowledge success, but recovery from trauma isn't a priority. The priority is to get back to work. You're socially obligated to do a lot of things, but healing isn't one of them, at least, unless you actually can't work anymore." - Andrew Gilley

"Trauma is invisible unfortunately a lot of the time as well, because it's like these invisible scars that are imprinted on your psyche and your body, and they completely alter the way that you perceive and then thus navigate the world around you." - Wesley Jackson

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we delve into the unseen realm of trauma. Unfolding like a hidden chapter in one's life story, trauma silently weaves its tale through personal distress, leaving invisible impressions on the mind and body. But what happens when our fast-paced, technology-driven world intensifies our exposure to traumatic events?

We trace the outlines of this delicate issue, shining a light on the invisible wounds many carry, with the COVID-19 pandemic as a poignant example. We question how coping mechanisms, like emotional detachment, might shape our worlds and why empathy and compassion are vital in helping others navigate through their painful pasts.

Does denying trauma merely amplify its shadows, or does acknowledgment open pathways to healing? We ponder this crucial question and underscore the significance of facing traumatic events head-on.

We highlight how trauma indiscriminately affects everyone, disproportionately impacting certain groups. In revealing these truths, we gently urge a shift in perspective—an intentional mental pivot—to steer us from involuntary reactions to more mindful responses.

We explore how engaging in open conversations about trauma can cultivate healing. Unraveling the complexity of this silent malady, we reveal its unexpected potential to ignite personal growth and profound transformation.

Finally, we share how acknowledging and recognizing the presence of trauma is the first brave step towards healing. Piecing together the puzzle of past experiences and their mental implications can bring about a profound sense of understanding. 

Dive with us into the realm of collective healing, where shared experiences are the stepping stones towards empathy and connection. 

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