In this engaging episode of "The You Project," host Craig Harper catches up with Paul Taylor, sharing an intimate look at Paul's recent health challenges and the lessons learned along the way. Paul's candid discussion offers valuable insights on resilience, perspective, and the power of the human spirit during life's trials.

What You'll Learn:

• Paul's Heart Surgery and the Lead-Up: Paul Taylor discusses his heart condition diagnosis, the decision-making process for surgery, and the unexpected hurdles he faced before undergoing a Ross Procedure. Hear how a simple conversation with a cardiologist friend led to a life-changing discovery about a congenital heart defect.
• Facing Adversity: Throughout the episode, Paul emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on. Motivated by stoic philosophy and personal experiences, he reflects on how adversity can serve as a worthy opponent that tests and strengthens us.
• Lessons in Health and Resilience: Paul highlights the significance of being proactive about one's health. From understanding medical options to managing recovery, he describes the integral role of meticulous research and tailored strategies in his health journey.
• The Role of Perspective: Drawing on the teachings of stoic philosophers and history with military training, Paul shares the mental frameworks he employed to view his health crisis as a challenge rather than a setback. This perspective empowered him to plan his recovery and focus on aspects within his control.
• Navigating Recovery: Fast-tracking his return to work, Paul explains his unconventional recovery approach—defying standard medical advice with carefully calculated risks. Discover the integrative therapies and lifestyle modifications that accelerated his progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Hardiness is built by actively engaging with challenges, transforming fear and uncertainty into purposeful action. 
• A proactive, informed approach to health can empower individuals to make better healthcare decisions and facilitate recovery. 
• Perception influences reality: reframing challenges as opportunities can profoundly impact our experiences and outcomes.
• Self-care and strategic recovery are vital in overcoming health obstacles and returning to normalcy.

Resources:

For more insights from Paul Taylor, visit his website and explore his book, "Death by Comfort."

For additional information on Craig Harper and "The You Project," tune in to his episodes and explore the diverse range of topics they cover extensively.

Support the Podcast:

If you found this episode inspiring or insightful, please consider subscribing to "The Paul Taylor Podcast" and leaving a review. Your support helps keep these important conversations coming.

Sharing this episode with someone who may benefit from these insights could make a meaningful difference in their life, especially those navigating personal health challenges or seeking resilience.

Connect with Paul Taylor:

Website: https://www.paultaylor.biz/

Connect with Craig Harper:

Website: https://craigharper.net/

For more engaging content, check out "The You Project" and follow Craig Harper for his motivational talks and varied guest interviews.

00:42 Paul's Health Journey Begins

01:23 Discovering the Heart Defect

03:00 Preparing for Surgery

05:15 Post-Surgery Reflections

08:24 Recovery and Resilience

20:32 Hospital Challenges and PTSD

25:54 Introduction to the Ross Procedure and Medication

26:41 Experiencing Severe Side Effects

29:00 Deciding to Leave the Hospital

30:54 Reflecting on Health and Recovery

37:42 Philosophical Reflections on Life and Death

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Second guessing ourselves can lead to over-thinking, over-analysing our decisions and can also stop us in our tracks. In this episode, Carly Taylor talks about some strategies to prevent our second guessing from stopping us moving forward.

Apologies for the sound quality!

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In this compelling conversation Paul and Tom discuss the impact of over-parenting on children's mental health, touching on themes like discomfort tolerance and the necessity of facing challenges for long-term development. We also delve into corporate well-being, noting the limitations and potential of digital technology in engagement and motivation. Our talk concludes with discussions on broader psychological theories, practical tips for parenting, and the emerging field of digital well-being tools.

What You'll Learn:

• The Illusion of Perpetual Happiness and the Reality of Emotional Health: A significant portion of our discussion challenges the cultural obsession with happiness. Paul and Tom debunk the myth that mental health equates to constant happiness. Instead, they emphasize the importance of emotional diversity and resilience. Life’s adversities are natural, and overcoming them is essential for true well-being.
• Building Resilience in Children - A Call to Action for Parents: We delve into current parenting trends and the growing culture of overprotection, which might inadvertently hinder children’s ability to handle life’s challenges. The conversation advocates for fostering resilience through exposure to manageable risks and challenges, thus preparing children for the complexities of adulthood.
• The Corporate Challenge - Digitising Well-being in the Workplace: The discussion extends to the corporate world, where similar challenges of engagement and well-being are observed. The rise of digital technology opens new pathways and opportunities for fostering employee health, yet it requires thoughtful implementation to truly enhance well-being.
• Knowledge is Power in Reversing Mental Health Trends: We wrap up with an optimistic message: while there are significant concerns about the current mental health landscape, particularly among youth, there is hope. Preventive strategies and educational programs are making strides, but broader implementation is needed to make a substantial difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental health is about balance and resilience, not perpetual happiness.
• Encourage resilience in children by allowing them to experience challenges.
• Leverage digital technology thoughtfully to enhance well-being in workplaces.

Resources:

To learn more about Dr Tom Nehmy and his work, visit his website or explore his book Apples for the Mind. If you would like to know more about Dr Tom Nehmy click here.

Support and Share:

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.

Share this episode with someone who can benefit from a renewed perspective on health, parenting, or emotional resilience. Join the conversation and help spread awareness about the importance of resilience in facing life's uncertainties.

10:32 The Importance of Mental Health
11:20 Debunking Mental Health Myths
13:28 Parenting and Child Well-being
14:24 Challenges in Modern Parenting
22:49 School Refusal and Anxiety
30:57 Transdiagnostic Theory in Mental Health
33:51 The Importance of High-Pressure Situations for Kids
35:04 A Personal Parenting Story: Handling Tantrums
37:13 Building Confidence Through Progressive Overload
41:44 Graded Exposure: A Systematic Approach
45:34 The Role of Sports in Child Development
47:16 Parenting Tips: Reinforcement and Evaluation
49:07 Corporate Wellbeing: Challenges and Digital Solutions
52:03 Gamification in Wellbeing: The Octalysis Framework
59:02 Final Thoughts: Concerns and Excitements in Psychology

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In this deeply personal episode, Carly reflects on the power of non-resistance in difficult times, sharing how Rumi's poem 'The Guest House' helped her navigate the challenges of the past few weeks.

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In this enlightening podcast episode, I engage in a profound conversation with Professor Norman Rosenthal, a renowned psychiatrist and author, known for his groundbreaking work in diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and exploring the therapeutic use of light. Join us as we delve into the intersection of psychiatry, personal narrative, and unconventional therapies that have the power to transform lives.

What You'll Learn:

• Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Professor Rosenthal reflects on his time at the National Institute of Mental Health, where he led research that culminated in defining and describing SAD. Initially met with scepticism, his work with light therapy to treat SAD was a revolutionary concept that gained widespread acceptance after successful replication across the globe. This therapy isn't just for SAD but has diverse applications, such as adjusting to new time zones during international travel.
• The Concept of Adversity: Another significant topic in this episode is Rosenthal's perspective on adversity, inspired by his book "The Gift of Adversity." He explores how challenges can serve as critical opportunities for personal growth. Paul’s mention of stoic philosophers like Seneca and Epictetus aligns with Rosenthal’s ideas, emphasizing that overcoming adversity is not only about surviving but also about gleaning insight and growth from the experience.
• The Power of Positive Contributions: Rosenthal speaks fondly of his contributions to psychiatry through his studies on light and SAD, recounting the inspiring moments when he realized he was on the cusp of a major discovery. The conversation highlights the profound satisfaction derived from scientific exploration and the impact it continues to have on improving mental health treatment.
• Alternative Therapies and the Poetry Connection: In his diverse therapeutic practices, Rosenthal incorporates unconventional methods, including poetry, as tools for emotional and psychological healing. His book "Poetry Rx" exemplifies how literary arts can resonate with individuals facing emotional difficulties, offering insights and comfort through the beauty of words.
• Emotional Well-being Through Curiosity and Engagement: Curiosity, according to Rosenthal, plays a pivotal role in maintaining good mental health. It's linked to the psychological trait of hardiness and helps in overcoming adversity. By encouraging curiosity, individuals can approach life's challenges with a more investigative and resilient mindset.
• Meditation and Transcendental Exploration: Rosenthal also dedicates time to exploring consciousness through transcendental meditation, believing that mindfulness can profoundly affect one's perception and quality of life. His books on the subject reflect an ongoing exploration of the mind's potential to transcend conventional boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Therapy: Understand how bright light became a recognized treatment for SAD and how it can improve various aspects of well-being.
• Adversity as a Teacher: Learn how personal trials can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.
• Integrative Therapies: Discover how poetry, philosophy, and meditation contribute to emotional healing and mental health.
• Curiosity as a Trait: See why maintaining a curious and engaged outlook is vital for mental well-being.

Resources:

To learn more about Professor Norman Rosenthal and his work, visit his website and explore his vast array of publications available on Amazon. Whether you're interested in exploring SAD, the benefits of meditation, or the role of poetry in therapy, Rosenthal's contributions are both illuminating and accessible for all seeking to improve their mental health journey.

Support the Podcast:

If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—loneliness is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference.

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We are always making choices, whether through action or avoidance (inaction).  Not choosing is still a choice. This week, Carly Taylor highlights key concepts from the French philosopher, Jean-Paul Satre, who reminds us that freedom isn’t just about opportunity; it comes with the weight of responsibility of our choices.

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In this episode of The Paul Taylor Podcast, I'm joined by ESPN sports broadcaster and author Anne Marie Anderson, who shares how a tragic event at age 23 transformed her approach to risk-taking and career advancement. We delve into her new book "Cultivating Audacity", exploring why some people seem 'luckier' than others, and how to build the courage to take meaningful risks in life and career. Anne Marie reveals helpful strategies for managing fear, silencing your inner critic, and building a powerful support network she calls your "front row". From her journey as a family storyteller to broadcasting to 70 million homes, to leaving a dream job at ESPN headquarters for an uncertain future in California, this conversation is filled with actionable insights on turning fear into data, making strategic career moves, and developing an audacious identity. Whether you're contemplating a career change, battling self-doubt, or simply want to live more boldly, this episode offers concrete steps to help you bridge the gap between the life you dream of and the one you're living.

Key Topics:

• Career Origins: Ann Marie Anderson's journey from being a family storyteller to sports broadcaster
• Life-Changing Moments: How a tragic event inspired her to take more risks
• Understanding Luck: Why "lucky" people succeed through mindset and action
• Handling Fear: Practical ways to manage fear in high-pressure situations
• Inner Critics: Dealing with self-doubt and negative inner voices
• Support Networks: The power of having the right people in your "front row"
• Sports Leadership: Lessons learned from observing elite sports coaches
• Career Choices: Making decisions based on lifestyle rather than just career advancement

Key Takeaways:

• When you fail at something, write down what you learned from the experience instead of viewing it as a negative outcome.
• Before taking a major risk, break it down into smaller test steps to validate if it's worthwhile rather than reckless.
• Use a timer to work in focused 25-minute blocks with short breaks, especially for important tasks you've been putting off.
• Create your own "front row" by identifying 3-5 people who will push, challenge and support you, then explicitly ask them to help hold you accountable.
• When your inner critic appears, acknowledge it but respond with "that's not helpful" and redirect your focus to your next action step.
• Build resilience by deliberately seeking out small rejections or failures in low-stakes situations to desensitise yourself to fear.
• Instead of focusing on outcomes, celebrate the daily actions and effort you put in toward your goals.

Connect with Anne Marie Anderson: 
Learn more about Anne Marie Anderson
Anne Marie Anderson on LinkedIn
Anne Marie Anderson on Instagram
Anne Marie Anderson on X

Connect with Paul Taylor:
Learn more about Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor on LinkedIn
Paul Taylor on Instagram
Paul Taylor on YouTube

Support the Podcast:
If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.

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