Why Avoiding Difficult Conversations Is Wrecking Your Life

In this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer explores the psychology behind avoidance and how it impacts our lives. He discusses why our brains are wired to avoid discomfort and the detrimental effects that avoidance has on our relationships, mental health, and personal growth. He provides practical steps for overcoming avoidance, including developing self-awareness, confronting uncomfortable feelings, and learning to sit with discomfort. The episode wraps up with a challenge to listeners to tackle one thing they've been avoiding, emphasizing that real growth comes from facing issues head-on.

00:00 Introduction to the Evolved Caveman Podcast

00:21 Understanding Avoidance: The Root of the Problem

00:58 The Brain's Role in Avoidance

03:07 The Consequences of Avoidance

04:40 Childhood Scripts and False Control

06:32 Steps to Overcome Avoidance

08:53 Practical Tips for Facing Discomfort

10:27 Conclusion and Weekly Challenge

Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your Ascent:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

Join Dr. John Schinnerer in this episode of the Evolved Caveman Podcast as he dives deep into the science behind aging and longevity. After a mind-blowing 40-year high school reunion, Dr. John explores why some people age gracefully while others, well, don’t. Learn about the role of telomeres, and discover practical, science-backed hacks to extend your health span, from meditation to exercise, stress management, and even testosterone replacement therapy. Plus, get a reality check on how your mindset about aging can literally shape your cellular health. If you're looking to age like a fine Napa cabernet rather than a gallon of milk left in a warm garage, this episode is a must-watch!

01:33 The Science of Telomeres

02:23 Dr. Alyssa Epel's Longevity Research

05:21 Proven Longevity Tools

07:39 Testosterone Replacement Therapy

10:59 Mindset and Aging

15:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wanna Live Longer? Here’s Where To Begin:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

Please be sure to like, rate, review this episode on Apple Podcasts to help us get the word out. Our mission: to help men evolve, one man at a time.  Sharing this episode with someone else helps us to accomplish that. 

How do we successfully show up as men in such a politically-charged environment? Join Dr. John as he dives into an eye-opening conversation with Laurence Johns, a seasoned men's work expert. Raised amidst the gritty streets of 1980’s East London, Laurence shares his tumultuous journey from success to addiction to near-bankruptcy, and the brotherhood that saved him. Now a key figure in The Mankind Project UK, and co-founder of Masculinity X, Laurence offers practical insights on modern masculinity, breaking destructive generational patterns, and finding a badass balance between strength and vulnerability. Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughs, deep revelations, and unconventional wisdom on building a fulfilling, emotionally-aware life for men.

Wanna Honestly Look At Your Own Shit? Here’s Where To Begin Your Soul Search:

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com

Loving Kindness and Radical Honesty: A Wish for the World

In this episode of the Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John shares his profound wish for the world: that everyone develops the courage to face their own inner challenges with radical honesty. He emphasizes that true loving-kindness is not just about wishing others well but involves facing personal fears, shadows, and emotional struggles head-on. Dr. John discusses the destructive habits and psychological barriers that prevent individuals from taking accountability for their own actions and emotions. He invites listeners to turn inward, practice emotional maturity, and cultivate deeper, more loving relationships. Ultimately, his message is a call to action for self-improvement that starts from within and spreads outward, healing relationships and, eventually, the world. Listen in for practical advice, profound insights, and an inspiring message about the transformative power of self-awareness and emotional courage.

Timestamps:
01:12 The Importance of Facing Our Own Issues
02:18 Cultural and Psychological Barriers
03:48 The Power of Vulnerability and Accountability
05:21 Practical Steps to Emotional Maturity
07:33 The Universal Wish for Courage
10:18 The Ripple Effect of Personal Healing

Please, please, please remember to like, rate, review and share. This helps us to spread the word further. Thank you !
Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your Ascent:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:
👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:
🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site:
👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:
👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):
👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com
💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:
🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast

Join Dr. John on The Evolve Caveman Podcast as he dives into the power of mindset in transforming your life. With a mix of humor and candid storytelling, Dr. John discusses how adopting a growth mindset can boost intelligence, manage pain, master stress, slow aging, and even aid in weight loss. Hear inspiring real-world examples and learn practical steps to upgrade your mental game. Subscribe to stay in the loop and discover how you can face life's challenges with a brave and resilient mindset. Don't miss this episode; it might just change how you think, laugh, love, and succeed!

00:51 A Story from the Front Lines

03:09 Understanding Mindset

03:51 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

07:09 Real-World Examples of Growth Mindset

13:14 Mindset's Impact on Health and Well-being

25:16 Practical Tips to Improve Your Mindset

One Human Family: Exploring Global Peace with Mandar Apte

From Shell Engineer to Peace Advocate

In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John interviews Mandar Apte, a former petroleum engineer turned peace advocate. Mandar shares his fascinating

journey from working at Shell Oil to teaching meditation practices to over 2000 Shell employees, and founding Cities for Peace in 2018. They discuss how to create a culture

of peace in communities and the importance of individual healing. Mandar also shares his experiences working with law enforcement and former gang members in South

Central LA, and the profound impact of meditation and breathwork on overcoming trauma. Additionally, they explore the concept of interconnectedness and the ancient

wisdom that binds humanity as one family. Join Dr. John and Mandar for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights on fostering inner peace and compassion.

Find out more about Mandar’s exemplary work at Cities4Peace.com.

Looking for More Inner Peace? Here’s Where To Begin Your Quest:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com

💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast 

#loveisntenough #relationshipadvice #loveandrelationships #relationshiptips #relationshippodcast #relationshiptools #relationshipgoals #marriage #marriageadvice #marriedlifetips #marriedgoals #marriagetips #couplestherapy #couplegoal

In this high-energy episode, Dr. John dives illuminates the differences between self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Why is this so important? Discover why some men have been incredibly successful yet (often) still feel lousy about themselves. This is the critical difference between self-worth and self-esteem. Self-esteem is built from the outside in (i.e., compliments from others, likes on social media, and external recognition). Self-worth is infinitely more powerful and is built from the inside out (i.e., acting based upon your values and praising yourself when you are doing so). Find out why the difference is life-changing in terms of your happiness, and thus, your success. Brace yourself for metaphors, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice to silence your inner critic, set boundaries, and track your wins. Tune in for 5 steps you can take to improve your self-worth so you can thrive like never before!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:24 The Importance of Self-Worth

02:32 What Is Self-Worth? What Is Self-Esteem?

03:43 Self-Worth vs. Self-Esteem

08:19 Self-Worth vs. Self-Confidence

18:10 How To Build Your Self-Worth

23:36 Conclusion and Self-Worth Challenge

Wanna Build The Foundation To Your Self-worth Castle ? Here’s Where To Begin The Construction:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com

💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast 

#selfworth #selfesteem #selfconfidence #shame #emotionaliq #menswork #happiness 

A Rollercoaster Journey Through Alcoholism

Join Dr. John on The Evolved Caveman Podcast as he catches up with his old friend, Tony Hicks. From their middle school antics to Tony's new book 'Lying Drunk,' this episode dives deep into Tony's struggles with alcoholism. Tony shares brutally honest and sometimes hilarious stories about the trials, tribulations, and sheer insanity of being an alcoholic. Discover the meaning behind his book's provocative title, his multiple stints in rehab, and the raw truth about his battle with sobriety. Don't miss this engaging and irreverent conversation that tackles emotional pain, panic attacks, and the fragile grip of sobriety. Perfect advice for those curious about the pitfalls of addiction or seeking a brutally honest tale of redemption! Grab a copy of 'Lying Drunk' on Amazon and brace yourself for a wild ride!

00:33 The Story Behind 'Lying Drunk'

01:20 Struggles with Alcoholism

05:11 Rehab Experiences and Rock Bottom

11:16 Anxiety and Panic Attacks

20:11 Impact on Family and Personal Life

22:54 Homelessness and Recovery

25:36 Reflecting on Past Friendships and Life Changes

28:13 The Relationship Between Emotional Pain and Alcohol

30:51 Defining Sobriety and Personal Struggles

34:50 Spirituality and Sobriety

37:19 Anecdotes and Personal Stories

39:58 The Breakup Letter to Alcohol

43:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Here’s Where To Find Out More About John and Joree’s Work To Save Humanity One Person At A Time:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com

💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast 

Join Dr. John Schinnerer in this episode of The Evolved Caveman as he delves into the art of not taking other people's moods personally and helping others to do the same. Discover the 'depersonalization game,' learn the difference between emotions and moods, and master the 'crank call' to communicate your bad moods effectively (i.e., the best gift you can give your loved ones!). Get ready to level up your emotional IQ, build stronger relationships, and avoid unnecessary drama. Don't forget to like, rate, review, and share to spread the wisdom and help make the world a better place!

00:39 Understanding Personalization of Emotions

02:25 The Depersonalization Game

04:07 Helping Others with Your Mood

04:38 Distinguishing Emotions from Moods

07:34 Mastering the Crank Call

08:44 Benefits of the Crank Call

10:21 How to Deliver and Follow Up on a Crank Call

12:52 Handling Missed Crank Calls

14:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your Ascent:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com

💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast 

The latest episode of The Evolved Caveman has dropped, and this time it’s about stress and burnout, comparing the two, unpacking why you should care and what the hell to DO about them. Burnout is a soul-crushing abyss, not just tiredness, but a full-blown system crash caused by chronic stress. Dr. John Schinnerer highlights the grim reality: 82% of employees are at risk of burnout, with healthcare workers, teachers, and younger workers suffering the most. From financial strain to digital overload, from lack of control to toxic workplaces, John lays out the causes of burnout. He also explores the symptoms—mental exhaustion, cynicism, physical issues, and bad behaviors like drinking and Netflix binging. Differences between stress and burnout? Stress can be productive; burnout is a hopeless black hole. Take a listen if you’re interested in the fixes for burnout.  If you're drowning in the burnout ocean, don't be a hero; seek help. 

And hey, be sure to leave a review if this episode saved your sanity, and of course, subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your Ascent:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in Silicon Valley:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com

💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast