In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor delves into the intricacies of the nervous system through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, developed by Steven Porges and practically interpreted by Deb Dana. Carly explains the three distinct parts of the autonomic nervous system: the ventral vagal (calm and social engagement), sympathetic (fight or flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown and collapse). She describes how we constantly move up and down this 'ladder' in response to various stimuli, and offers practical tips for regulating our nervous system. Carly emphasises the importance of understanding these states to better manage our responses and improve overall well-being.

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In an enlightening and intense discussion, I sat down with James Laughlin, a globally recognised high-performance coach and a seven-time world champion musician. Through our conversation, we explored the essence of peak performance, personal belief systems, and the integral role of habits in fostering success. James offered valuable insights into his journey and the mental and physical frameworks that cultivate true high performance.

What You'll Learn:

The Foundation of High Performance: Understand James's perspective on how true peak performance is about exceeding norms while maintaining healthy relationships and well-being—not just relentlessly pursuing success at the cost of everything else.

Radical Clarity: Learn why getting radically clear on your wants and needs is crucial in defining your path and avoiding distractions influenced by external pressures.

Belief Systems and Their Impact: Discover how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations shape our drive and affect our outcomes, and why fostering strong, empowering beliefs is key.

The Role of 'Meds' in Performance: James introduces the 'Meds' concept—mental training, exercise, diet, and sleep—as a holistic approach to supporting high performance and general well-being.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Education: We discuss how conventional educational systems may not always support creative or high-performing individuals, emphasising the role parents play in filling the gap.

The Dangers of Quick Fixes: James explains why there are no shortcuts to peak performance and how high achievers cultivate success through habits, not hustle or luck.

Influencing Neurotransmitters Holistically: Explore how habits like meditation, cold therapy, and exercise naturally enhance motivation by regulating neurotransmitters.

Motivation and Success: Understand why purpose, mastery, and autonomy, as identified by Daniel Pink, are vital to sustaining motivation and achieving long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• High performance integrates personal wellness: James believes maintaining balance across all life's facets leads to sustainable success.
• Understand the 'why': Clarifying your motivations is critical in staying focused and aligned with your true goals.
• Intrinsic motivation carries greater longevity: Unlike rewards and recognition, personal fulfillment and passion drive deeper and more enduring engagement.
• Education needs flexibility: Traditional systems may stifle creative potential; external support can nurture expansive thinking.
• Slow and steady builds mastery: The discipline of practice, as highlighted through deliberate learning, is vital for true accomplishment.
• Holistic health habits matter: Simple practices like adequate sleep and proper nutrition form the bedrock of cognitive and physical performance.

Resources:

Connect with James Laughlin for more insights into high performance and personal growth strategies:

• LinkedIn: James Laughlin
• Podcast: Lead on Purpose
• Website: jjlaughlin.com

James' new book: Habits of High Performers

Support the Podcast:

If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations like these to a wider audience. Sharing this episode could help someone on their path to achieving high performance and personal fulfillment.

00:36 High Performance Coaching and Background

01:21 Relocation and Early Life Experiences

04:25 Realising Transferable Skills

06:30 Getting Radically Clear on Goals

12:25 Belief Systems and Their Impact

19:24 The Importance of Taking Your MEDS

26:47 Neurotransmitters and Peak Performance

30:36 Understanding Dopamine: Cheap vs. Earned

32:24 The Power of Delayed Gratification

34:12 Celebrating Small Wins

35:07 The Role of Journaling in Self-Development

36:38 Traditional Education vs. Peak Performance

38:17 Tall Poppy Syndrome Explained

41:59 The Myth of Quick Fixes and Instant Success

45:34 Visualisation and Deliberate Practice

51:44 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

58:03 Prioritising for High Performance

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Are you shrinking yourself to stay safe? Staying in the shadow of someone? Holding back ideas, keeping quiet, or silencing your voice so you don’t rock the boat? That’s what playing small looks like — and it comes at a cost.

In this week’s Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor shares why staying in the comfort zone feels safe in the short term but creates a gap between who you are and who you’re capable of being. She reflects on her own experience of dipping in and out of “smallness,” and the choice to step into the unknown instead of retreating.

This isn’t about arrogance or ego — it’s about showing up as your full self, unapologetically, and being willing to take risks when it matters.

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In this enlightening discussion, I sit down with Tim Jack Adams, the founder of Green X7, to explore the concept of personal well-being and the metaphorical "battery" that reflects our life's energy and purpose. Tim shares his compelling journey from a dive master to a wellness expert, motivated by personal tragedies and a passion for nature. They delve into the practical steps and philosophical shifts necessary to lead a life that is both fulfilling and sustainable.

What You'll Learn:

1. The Importance of Purpose: Discover why defining the 'why' behind your actions is crucial for long-term well-being and satisfaction.
2. Personal Battery Concept: Learn how to gauge your life’s energy with Tim Jack Adams' personal battery check – a simple tool to measure well-being across eight areas of life.
3. Practical Interventions for Well-being: Gain insights into 'Green X7', a framework combining movement, connection, and nature to boost mental and physical health.
4. The Role of Ego: Understand how ego can be a barrier to true happiness and why letting go of materialistic pursuits can lead to a more meaningful life.
5. Addressing Loneliness: Examine the critical impact of relationships and belonging on subjective well-being and overall life satisfaction.
6. Empowerment Through Simplicity: Explore how small, intentional actions can lead to significant improvements in mental health.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding and living your purpose can redirect your life towards a path of genuine happiness and fulfillment.
• Wellness isn't just about relaxation; it’s about active recovery that rejuvenates both body and mind.
• Simplifying life by living within your means can provide the freedom and time necessary to pursue passions and family connections.
• Embracing vulnerability and sharing personal struggles can improve emotional health and build stronger relationships.
• Regular assessment of your well-being can proactively prevent burnout and sustain energy levels.
• Community and connection are vital for mental health; engaging with nature and others can significantly enhance well-being.

Resources:

Explore Green X7's comprehensive wellness tools on their website. Stay connected with Tim Jack Adams for more insights into fostering sustainable well-being and leadership.

If you find these insights valuable, consider sharing this post to inspire and support others in their journey of personal growth and fulfillment.

Instagram:Greenx7

Tim's Book: Energised

Support the Podcast:

If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations like these to a wider audience.

00:48 Tim's Early Adventures and Career Beginnings

03:12 Tragic Loss and Emotional Awakening

04:11 The Birth of Water Sports Guru

04:34 Discovering the Power of Nature

06:02 The Concept of Personal Battery

07:38 Childhood and Emotional Resilience

09:48 The Importance of Wellbeing

14:20 Living Within Your Means

16:53 The Problem with Modern Life

19:05 The Benefits of Earthing

25:11 Finding Purpose and Recharging Your Battery

30:35 The Role of Money in Happiness

31:13 Living Within Your Means

32:07 The Importance of Purpose

32:28 Ego and Financial Decisions

33:29 Balancing Work and Personal Life

34:20 The Cost of Overworking

36:13 Quality of Relationships and Wellbeing

37:42 Men and Loneliness

39:04 Challenges Faced by Middle-Aged Men

40:33 The Importance of Talking About Problems

44:03 Teaching the Next Generation

44:40 Creating Value, Meaning, and Belonging

47:30 The Green X Seven Framework

51:58 Advice for Single Parents

52:15 The Power of Small Intentions

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 In this week's Wisdom Wednesday podcast episode, I discuss an exciting new pilot study that looked at the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients. 

Timestamps:
00:45 - How creatine provides energy for neurons
02:30 - Overview of animal research on creatine for Alzheimer's
04:15 - Details on the new human pilot study
06:00 - Cognitive improvements found with creatine supplementation
07:30 - Next steps for research

Key Takeaways:
- Creatine supplementation increased brain creatine levels and improved cognition in Alzheimer's patients
- Effects were seen in working memory, attention, problem solving - areas typically impaired
- More research is needed but this provides promising preliminary evidence for creatine in Alzheimer's
- Creatine is safe, cheap, and readily available making it an appealing potential treatment

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In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly discusses the inevitability of change in our lives and the importance of identifying the constants that ground us.

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In this enlightening conversation, Nick Rose, a leading voice in food sovereignty, joins me to explore the complexities and challenges of our global food systems. We dive into the intricacies behind food production and distribution, evaluating the staggering power held by a small number of corporations and the impact this has on farmers, consumers, and our health. Nick shares his inspiring journey from a corporate lawyer to a passionate advocate for sustainable food practices, delving into the pressing need for reform. We discuss how individuals can contribute to positive change, the potential for community initiatives, and the role of local and federal governments in transforming our food landscape for a healthier future.

What You'll Learn:

1. Food Systems Overview: Understand how a small group of corporations dominate global food supply and what that means for consumer health and farmer sustainability.
2. Nick's Personal Journey: Learn about Nick’s transition from corporate law to food activism and how living in Guatemala shaped his perspective on food sovereignty.
3. Impact of Corporate Power: Discover how major supermarkets influence prices for farmers and consumers, affecting food availability and quality.
4. Importance of Local Producers: Explore why supporting local farmers and producers is crucial for a sustainable food system.
5. Gardening and Community: Find out how growing your own food and participating in community gardens can benefit mental health and foster community connections.
6. Government's Role: Learn about local government initiatives and the potential for policy changes at state and federal levels to support food security and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Corporate Dominance: The control exerted by a few corporations in the food industry poses significant challenges to sustainability and health.
• Empowerment through Gardening: Growing your own food offers nutritional, mental, and environmental benefits.
• Community Involvement: Engage with local initiatives like farmer’s markets and community gardens to support regional food producers.
• Advocacy and Policy Change: Involvement in political processes can drive necessary changes at local, state, and federal levels.
• Sustainable Choices: Every purchasing decision can impact the food system, emphasising the importance of buying local and reducing dependency on major supermarkets.

Resources:

• Australian Food Network: Join a community of like-minded individuals committed to transforming the food system sustainably.
• Sign the Vote for Food pledge 
• Read the Pandemic Gardening survey report

Inspiring local examples (school-based): 

• Farmraiser- Bellfield
• Farm My School- Bellarine Secondary College

VicHealth's Local Partnerships for Food First - $6.5 m funding investment over 3.5 years - Sustain's Australian Food Network will be the digital home for all these partnerships. 

Support the Podcast:

If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations like these to a wider audience.

Share this episode with friends and family to inspire more conversations about food sovereignty and its crucial role in our lives and communities.

00:30 Nick Rose's Journey into Food Systems

01:10 Living and Learning in Guatemala

02:11 Human Rights Work and Education in Central America

06:51 The Impact of Corporate Interests on Food Sovereignty

14:56 The Power of Supermarkets in Australia's Food System

33:19 Empowering Individuals: Gardening and Mental Health

44:31 Community Initiatives: Gardens and Social Connection

48:36 Local Government's Role in Urban Farming

55:29 State and Federal Government Policies

01:03:06 Call to Action: How You Can Help

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My new book, The Hardiness Effect, is now available for preorder on Amazon and, if you're in Australia, you can get a 26% discount now at Booktopia. 

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Do you feel constantly distracted? Learn how embracing boredom can unlock creativity and meaning.

In this podcast episode, Cully Taylor reflects on growing up in the 70s/80s when boredom was inevitable due to lack of constant entertainment and stimulation. She discusses how boredom can actually be beneficial, acting as a motivator to find meaningful activities and promoting creativity, problem-solving and fresh perspective. She challenges listeners to try "intentional boredom" - creating tech-free moments to allow the mind to wander and make unexpected connections.

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In this solo episode, I delve deep into a topic that could revolutionise your understanding of cardiovascular health. The focus shifts from the conventional marker, LDL cholesterol, to a more predictive measure that has been right under our noses. Prepare to have your mind blown as I unpack decades of research, dismantles myths, and unveil practical steps for a healthier life.

What You'll Learn:

The Real Marker of Risk: Discover a much stronger predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk than LDL cholesterol.

Challenging Norms: Understand why relying solely on LDL cholesterol is like flipping a coin when assessing heart disease risk.

A Game-Changer: Learn about the Framingham study's revelation that this measure is 3 to 5 times more predictive of heart attack risk.

Impacts Beyond Heart Health: Find out how this ratio also predicts risk for metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Practical Steps: Explore dietary and lifestyle changes that can improve your key ratio, enhancing overall metabolic health.

Key Takeaways:

• The triglyceride to HDL ratio offers a more accurate risk assessment than focusing solely on LDL cholesterol.
• Maximising heart and metabolic health involves more than just medication; lifestyle changes play a crucial role.
• Understanding your body's response to carbohydrates is key to optimising your lipid profile.
• The medical community's focus on LDL cholesterol is outdated—empower yourself with current research to guide your health decisions.
• Simple changes such as low-carb diets, exercise, and intermittent fasting can significantly impact your health outcomes.

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us bring valuable conversations like this one to a wider audience.

If this perspective on heart health was enlightening, consider sharing it with friends and family. Encourage them to rethink traditional markers of health and embrace more comprehensive measures. Stay connected with the evolving world of cardiovascular research and empower yourself with knowledge for a healthier, longer life.

Final Thoughts:

Embrace the shift towards a more nuanced understanding of heart health. As we grow more informed, the tools to live healthier, longer lives are within our grasp—let's use them to navigate our health journey intelligently.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Name Change

01:31 Today's Topic: Cardiovascular Disease and LDL Cholesterol

03:54 The Limitations of LDL Cholesterol

07:52 The Game Changer Ratio

09:01 Research and Studies on this alternative Ratio

17:20 Practical Applications and Lifestyle Changes

29:32 Medications and Advanced Research

41:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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