“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” - Dolly Parton

Life is a relentless teacher, but sometimes, the lessons hit like a freight train. In this heartfelt episode, our guest, Jawara Hayden, takes us on an intimate journey through resilience, identity, and self-discovery. From surviving toxic relationships and battling mental health challenges to embracing their authentic self, Junko’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the courage it takes to transition—not just physically but emotionally and socially as well. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about embracing who you are, finding strength in vulnerability, and redefining what it means to live authentically.

Jawara is a software professional, a proud transgender advocate, and a beacon of resilience. Her journey from self-doubt and adversity to self-acceptance and empowerment showcases her strength and humanity. With a passion for fostering understanding and compassion, Junko inspires others to embrace their true selves.

Chris and Sarah are lifelong geek rebels who have created many incarnations of themselves over their almost two decades together. They have been fat, fit, fire, tired, and motivated, and they’ve finally found what works for them. And they want to share that with you.

The Zen Meathead store is continually adding new merchandise with the ability to customize items.  Don’t see something you want?  Just let us know!

We’ve got new content for you biweekly. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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“The reason I started asking this question is because I realized that my relationship with my father sucked, and I had to f****** go, ‘No, dad, I f****** love you. You’re gonna hug me, you piece of s***. We’re doing this.’” 

Let’s face it: the relationship with your father can be a bit of a rollercoaster—one that occasionally derails. This episode tackles the highs, lows, and awkward loops of navigating dad dynamics, peeling back layers of emotional baggage and generational quirks. It’s about breaking the cycle of “strong, silent type” expectations and stepping into a new era of connection, one awkward hug at a time. 

The guest shares their journey from strained silence to heartfelt understanding, offering unfiltered insights into what happens when you confront your dad with relentless love and an occasional bear hug. Through raw honesty and plenty of laughs, they explore how vulnerability transformed their relationship, revealing unexpected truths and creating a ripple effect of emotional growth. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you might even text your dad after this one—if only to see if he remembers your birthday. 

Daryl Lazer is a storyteller, podcaster, and unapologetic advocate for self-awareness. Known for his ability to turn family drama into life lessons, Darrell’s insights inspire others to embrace emotional growth, challenge toxic cycles, and connect with authenticity—even if it means hugging it out with your old man. 

Learn more and connect: 

Dimes In The Dozen podcast with Sammy Ray and Daryl Lazer. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dimes-in-the-dozen/id1226240528 

Chris and Sarah are lifelong geek rebels who have created many incarnations of themselves over their almost two decades together. They have been fat, fit, fire, tired, and motivated, and they’ve finally found what works for them. And they want to share that with you. 

The Zen Meathead store is continually adding new merchandise with the ability to customize items.  Don’t see something you want?  Just let us know! 

We’ve got new content for you biweekly. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

https://thezenmeathead.com/shop

“The ability to sleep is so important that it controls the quality of our lives, yet we take it for granted.” 

Sleep is the ultimate productivity hack and health booster, yet it’s the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. This episode explores why sleep is non-negotiable for success, with the guest shedding light on its impact on memory, focus, and emotional resilience. From the dangers of sleep deprivation to the transformative power of consistent routines and simple habits, the discussion is a wake-up call to prioritize rest. Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s restoration, protection, and growth.  

Dr. Robert Martinez is a sleep neuroscience expert and holistic health advocate. With years of research and clinical practice, he helps individuals understand and embrace the transformative power of sleep for improved health, productivity, and longevity. 

Links Mentioned 

• Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker https://a.co/d/1ieIH8Q

• Peter Attia Podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/ 

• Huberman Lab Podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/ 

Chris and Sarah are lifelong geek rebels who have created many incarnations of themselves over their almost two decades together. They have been fat, fit, fire, tired, and motivated, and they’ve finally found what works for them. And they want to share that with you. 

The Zen Meathead store is continually adding new merchandise with the ability to customize items.  Don’t see something you want?  Just let us know! 

We’ve got new content for you biweekly. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. https://thezenmeathead.com/shop 

Ever wondered what AI has to do with hot tubs, killer drones, and potentially making America rich? You’re in the right place. In this episode of the Zen Meathead Podcast, Chris sits down with retired Microsoft/Google engineer and Restaurateur James Whitaker for a mind-expanding chat about everything from AI’s untapped potential to why your LinkedIn feed is getting dull. It’s a little bit tech, a little bit pub wisdom, and a whole lot of big ideas—all with that classic Zen Meathead humor.

- James breaks down why AI is mostly hype—and why it’s also our future.

- Discover the real reasons social media is becoming a snoozefest (hint: AI might be to blame). - Learn how AI is changing the job market, and why underemployment might be a bigger issue than we think. - Get James's genius take on how to make AI work for humanity—without relying on universal basic income. - And of course, hear the story of the world's most advanced hot tub. Spoiler: it knows who’s in it. James Whitaker is a retired distinguished engineer from Microsoft, director at Google and now focused on his restaurant ventures. He’s still deep in the tech world, giving talks and sharing his unique perspective on AI, the job market, and what’s next for humanity.

Links: - Find out more about Side Hustle and Bellevue Brewing Company at https://sidehustletaps.com/. - Check out James Whitaker’s blog, including his “Ode to the F Word” at https://www.bellevuebrewing.com/.

- You can find James’ books on Amazon.

• The Storyteller’s Spellbook
• Little Book Of The Future
• The 7 Stages of Creativity: Developing Your Creative Self

If this episode got your gears turning, share it with a friend who loves a good AI debate—or someone who’s tired of their boring hot tub. Tag us on social media and let us know what you think!

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits, unsure how to break free and start living your best life? What if a simple shift in your habits could be the catalyst for a complete life transformation? Could optimizing your nutrition and hormones be the key to cutting your body fat in half, without the scale moving much at all? 

We’ve all experienced moments where we feel stuck—whether it's in our fitness, career, or personal life. Perhaps you've struggled with balancing self-care and work, or you've been working hard at getting healthier but haven't seen the results you expected. You're not alone in that battle, and today's conversation is all about navigating through those breaking points and turning them into opportunities for lasting change. 

 The power of optimizing your health through nutrition, hormone balancing, and intentional habits is the turning point you need to get back on track. Our guest shares how shifting small habits can lead to monumental changes, helping you transform your body and life in ways you never imagined. 

Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ for all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events. 

Success isn't always convenient, but it's worth the effort. Armed with grace and grit, towards a healthier, happier you.

Joining us again, is Jenn DeTracy. You might remember her from her previous appearance on our show about six months ago when we talked about the realms of leadership. Today, we'll be demystifying wellness and physical health.

Ever wondered why certain ingredients are allowed in some countries but banned in others? It's a fascinating discussion that will make you think twice about what you're putting into your body. When it comes to taking on a health journey. Are you approaching it as just another "one day" or is today truly "day one" of your transformative journey? We debunk the myth that all diets are created equal and discuss the significance of sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes. As our guest wisely puts it, "All diets work, but do they truly make us healthier on the inside?"

It’s important to understand what constitutes healthy food. It's not just about counting calories or macros; it's about knowing which foods nourish your body and support longevity. And it's not just about how you look on the outside; it's also about what's happening inside your body. We'll discuss the importance of prioritizing internal health over external appearances and why body shaming has no place in a healthy lifestyle. We'll share some tips on how to make healthier choices without feeling overwhelmed.

https://linktr.ee/evolvelife

Jenn DeTracy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdetracy/?hl=en

Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

So, picture this: You're on an airplane, always in transit, yet never fully arriving. But what if we let go of the destination and just embraced the moment? That's the revolutionary idea our guest brings to the table.

Today, we've got a special guest in the house who's here to shake things up and challenge the way we think about life. Our friend, Linus Hammarstrand, a Buddhist monk deeply rooted in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. He shares his journey into Zen practice, starting with Shaolin Kung Fu at the age of 16, and how it eventually led him to embrace the path of a Buddhist monk. We explore the evolution of Buddhist practice over time and how it's adapted to the demands of contemporary society.

Linus discusses the concept of surrendering to the present moment. He beautifully articulates the importance of letting go of our attachments to future outcomes and simply being fully present in each moment. It's a powerful reminder of the peace that comes from embracing stillness amidst life's chaos. He talks about the beauty of impermanence and how nothing lasts forever, not even our most unbearable situations. It's all about fully experiencing each moment, even the uncomfortable ones, without resistance. 

From formal meditation practices to simple acts like walking or eating, our guest shares practical tips for cultivating mindfulness in our everyday lives. And that includes the mistakes we make, or as Linus puts it, "failing better." It's okay to make mistakes because that's how we learn and grow. It's all about being kinder to ourselves and embracing the journey of self-improvement.

Keep your eyes peeled on our YouTube channel for upcoming meditations with Linus.  While you’re there make sure to like and subscribe!

Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch!

“Faith is faith, as hard as integrity.”

"It is criminal how little we've saved ($). Like it should be criminal."

Ever found yourself questioning why the dollars you make don't always translate to financial security? It's not just about making money – it's about understanding how our emotions play an important role in sculpting our financial realities. This episode is a captivating exploration of how our emotional landscapes shape our financial realities

After years of personal growth and introspection, Zoey Shannon has built a thriving business centered around helping others navigate the tricky intersection of relationships and money.  The realization of her own financial struggles, despite a significant income, became a turning point. Resonate with Zoey's struggle against shame and self-judgment as she confronts the challenges of managing money. Her powerful revelation about worthiness, unraveling the belief systems that kept her trapped in cycles of doubt and scarcity. As she candidly shares her experiences with relationships and financial breakthroughs, listeners will find inspiration in her vulnerability and strength.

Financial security is a state of stability and confidence in one's financial situation. Zoey's journey implies a sense of assurance, not just in the amount of money one earns but in how effectively they navigate their financial landscape, make financial decisions, and create a sustainable foundation for their economic well-being.

Connect with Zoey Shannon:Website: Richgirlschool.com, Femmefortexo.com

Social Media: @thezoeyshannon

IG

TikTok 

Youtube

Facebook

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“Some (gender identifying) terms, to me, are not feminine or masculine. They just denote an energetic helpfulness to another human on the planet.”

So, what's gender identity? Gender identity is a deeply-felt sense of being male, female, gender fluid or another gender. It may or may not align with the physical sex assigned at birth,  and can change over time for some people.

The gender and pronoun conversation continues to be a hot topic and as its new and expanding terminology is exciting and liberating for some, for others it can be very complicated,  confusing, and even frustrating.

Kaje Thomas is a non-binary life coach who’s pronouns are they/them. They take us through what it was like growing up with a female sexual assignment, and the awareness of having an attraction to the same sex at a young age in a time when non-binary pronouns did not exist. They also share some of those challenges they experienced and continue to navigate on their  journey of their own gender self-discovery.

In recent years, younger generations of people who's gender identification and sexual assignment don’t align have started speaking up about their experiences, and are asking the world to make space for them in terms of equality and kindness. Progress has been made, but Kaje is here to help clear up some of the confusion and facilitate understanding.

Kaje Thomas is the owner of No Bullshit Life Coaching. Their 20 year career as a coach, coupled with their eclectic and diverse life experiences has helped them develop deep empathy and compassion. They've devoted their life to sharing and teaching these qualities however they can.

Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“To understand water is to understand the cosmos, the marvels of nature, and life itself -Masaru Imoto”

Having discipline is very crucial in freediving, so one must learn breath control, technique, and mental focus. The parallel between scuba diving and freediving differs in how fast you come up from the exceeded depth, with freediving being faster than scuba diving. Part of the safety measures are the presence of safety divers, video cameras, and the contraband system, ensuring a swift response in case of emergencies, and also having a buddy in free diving to mitigate risks.

Our guests suggest that the practice requires divers to be present in the moment and fully engage with their surroundings. Do not just focus on the end goal but also be aware of the present moment. Setting intentions allows freedivers to stay grounded, concentrating on each step of the process rather than giving way to external pressures and anxiety

Alexey Molchanov is the current world record holder for freediving. He got into it through childhood memories and family trips. It started as a hobby during family trips, and later, as the sport gained recognition, he decided to pursue it professionally. 

Olya Lapina is a multi-talented individual with a resume that includes mountain climbing, yoga, and also freediving. It all started with a suggestion during a Vipassana meditation retreat in Bali, and when she heard that Alexey was coming, she signed up for the course and the rest is history.

So, what is freediving? It's anything you do while holding your breath underwater. Whether it's underwater photography, water fishing, or breaking world records, free diving is a mesmerizing exploration of the underwater realm.

To learn more about our guest, Alexey Molchanov, visit their website Molchanovs.com.

Follow Alexey's Instagram account @alexeymolchanov.

Visit BaliFreediver.com to learn more about freediving.

Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.