In this engaging episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Carli Werner welcome Dr. Adam Wright and Dr. Nick Holton, co-founders of the Antifragility Academy, to explore the concept of antifragility—thriving in the face of stress and adversity. From high-performance athletes to corporate leaders, Adam and Nick share actionable insights on cultivating resilience, developing distress tolerance, and fostering passion and purpose. This conversation dives into science-backed strategies for building mental toughness while staying compassionate and values-driven, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive under pressure.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Meet Adam and Nick: Founders of the Antifragility Academy

Adam and Nick’s backgrounds in mental performance, high-stakes environments, and their passion for empowering others to thrive through adversity.

[13:30] - What is Antifragility?

A breakdown of antifragility, its differences from resilience, and why leaning into discomfort can foster personal growth.

[18:45] - Distress Tolerance and the Science of Thriving

How distress tolerance is a cornerstone for success, and the role of mindset, self-regulation, and exposure to adversity in building antifragility.

[28:00] - The Role of Environment in Growth

How parenting, leadership, and workplace dynamics can promote or hinder resilience and antifragility in individuals.

[39:20] - Top Frameworks for Building Antifragility

Practical strategies: cognitive (mindset), physiological (nutrition, exercise), and social (relationships).

[43:15] - Final Takeaways from Adam and Nick

Top tips for blending discipline with self-compassion, aligning goals with core values, and diversifying one’s identity for a resilient life.

Quotable Moments:

[15:12] “Antifragility is about thriving through stress, not just bouncing back from it.”—Dr. Nick Holton

[28:44] “We must learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable; it’s a skill that transforms how we handle challenges.”—Dr. Adam Wright

[44:22] “Fierce drive must always be matched with fierce self-compassion.”—Dr. Adam Wright

Links Mentioned:

• Antifragile Academy: https://www.theantifragileacademy.com/

• Marc Schultz’s Book: The Good Life: https://a.co/d/iw80fm2

• Jonathan Haidt’s Research: https://jonathanhaidt.com/

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

Dr. Adam Wright and Dr. Nick Holton offer a fascinating deep dive into the science of antifragility and its application in everyday life. Whether you’re a parent, leader, athlete, or just looking to grow stronger through challenges, this episode delivers actionable tips for building resilience and thriving under pressure. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode to help spread the message of antifragility!