Welcome to VPOD.ai, where we transform everyday meals into nourishing, protein-packed powerhouses. In this episode, hosts Mike and Susan dive into 15 incredible high-protein soup recipes that redefine comfort food. Say goodbye to watery, uninspired soups and hello to hearty meals that deliver over 20 grams of protein per serving—enough to rival a steak dinner. Discover flavor-packed soups like Italian wedding soup with 44 grams of protein, creamy dairy-free chicken pot pie soup, and the intriguingly delicious slow cooker pumpkin peanut butter chicken soup that blends savory, sweet, and spice in perfect harmony.

Learn texture hacks using pearl couscous, pureed cauliflower, and white beans to achieve satisfying thickness and richness without heavy cream or gluten. Explore global inspirations like green chili chicken pozole and Moroccan spice stew that combine unique ingredients for bold flavors and impressive plant-based protein. This episode also highlights soups with immune-boosting ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic—perfect for cold and flu season.

Beyond the recipes, Mike and Susan share practical meal prep tips including how to safely freeze soups without losing texture, especially avoiding freezing grains to prevent mushiness. Their expert advice promises a stress-free nourishing meal routine that lasts all week.

Whether you're craving creamy indulgence, global flair, or immune-support, these soups have you covered with convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Tune in to learn how pantry staples like peanut butter and white beans can elevate your soup game and fuel your journey with meals that respect and empower your body.

Thank you for listening to VPOD.ai. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share with fellow food lovers, and visit vpod.ai to sponsor and support our show. Now, grab your ladle and make some soul-warming, protein-packed soup today!

Welcome to VPOD.AI, your go-to podcast for insights that transform the way you think and decide. In this compelling episode, hosts Mike and Susan dive deep into Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman’s groundbreaking theory on how our brains operate using two distinct systems.

You’ll discover why most of your daily decisions are driven by a fast, automatic System 1 – the autopilot of the brain – and how the slower, effortful System 2 handles complex tasks but tires quickly. Through engaging examples like mental math and everyday choices, the hosts skillfully unpack how this dual-process affects everything from shopping impulses to political beliefs.

Learn the fascinating contrast between the “Econs”—rational agents in economics—and “Humans,” driven by emotion and intuition. Explore the concept of ego depletion and how cognitive energy works like a finite battery that influences your ability to make rational choices throughout the day. Plus, discover how influential figures like Steve Jobs optimized mental energy by automating small decisions to reserve brainpower for major life choices.

This episode not only reveals the subconscious autopilot running your life but also empowers you with practical insights to harness these systems wisely. Whether you're navigating daily routines or big decisions, understanding these hidden brain mechanisms is a superpower that elevates your personal and professional life.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to VPOD.AI for more thought-provoking content that fuels your growth. Don’t forget to share this episode with your community and visit VPOD.AI to learn how you can sponsor the show and amplify your message across top podcast platforms.

Thank you for listening—stay curious and in control!

Discover how the fusion of education and entertainment—"edutainment"—is transforming learning in schools and the corporate world. Hosts Mike and Susan explore game-based learning, gamification, storytelling, and immersive AR/VR technologies that boost engagement, retention, and real-world performance. Learn how interactive, fun experiences activate dopamine, improve motivation, and build confidence through risk-free failure. From innovative practices in India to global market growth and future trends, this episode unpacks why blending fun with learning is the key to thriving in today's fast-paced world. Tune in to rethink your approach to training and education, and empower yourself with cutting-edge strategies designed for sustained success. Don't miss out—subscribe and share to stay ahead in the edutainment movement!

Join Mike and Susan on VPOD.AI as they explore the hidden science behind workplace burnout—a pervasive challenge draining energy and reshaping brain function. Discover the WHO's official definition, the neurophysiological impact including brain structure changes, and why burnout isn’t just emotional exhaustion but a serious health concern. Learn actionable strategies to rebuild resilience through CBT, mindfulness, and organizational support.

Explore how chronic stress disrupts the HPA axis and enlarges the brain's fear center, while shrinking areas essential for decision making. Understand the critical interaction between personal traits and workplace stressors that create a perfect storm for burnout. Plus, uncover why managing burnout early protects not only your health but your ability to grow through future challenges.

Take control of your well-being by combining personal coping skills with advocacy for healthier work environments. Listen now to empower your mental resilience, transform your approach to stress, and reclaim your professional efficacy.

Subscribe to VPOD.AI for expert insights on mental health and workplace dynamics. Share this episode with colleagues and friends to raise awareness. Visit VPOD.AI to sponsor or learn more.

Discover the hidden world of grocery pricing in this eye-opening episode of VPOD.AI with Mike and Susan. We dive into how grocery apps, like Instacart, use sophisticated AI algorithms to set personalized prices, charging shoppers differently for identical items. Through controlled experiments with over 400 volunteers, evidence shows deliberate price segmentation—where apps optimize profits by testing your spending limits in real time.

Explore how retailers and tech companies collaborate to engineer this pricing strategy, the role of behavioral data, and even the use of digital shelf labels in physical stores. Learn about the implications for consumers, industry giants like Target and Costco, and ongoing regulatory concerns about fairness and transparency.

Tune in to understand how your grocery habits might be quietly influencing what you pay and get tips on staying mindful in an era of algorithm-driven pricing.

Don't forget to subscribe to VPOD.AI for more deep dives into technology impacting your everyday life, share this episode with fellow shoppers, and visit Stonefly.com for trusted enterprise storage solutions.

Join us for this revealing discussion that could change how you shop forever.

Welcome to vpod.ai, where we dive deep into the groundbreaking science of GLP-1 weight management medications reshaping health worldwide. Join hosts Mike and Susan as they unravel the evolutionary biology driving hunger, how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy combat obesity, and the real trade-offs including side effects, muscle loss, and emotional impacts. Discover the fascinating origin from Gila monster venom to cutting-edge weekly injections and learn medically aligned strategies for safe tapering and long-term success. Whether you're curious about the science or considering these treatments, this episode equips you with vital knowledge to navigate the complex world of weight loss drugs with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe now, share this episode, and stay tuned for more insightful health conversations.

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the strategies that drive business growth and success. Discover actionable tips on effective marketing, leadership, and innovation, shared through real-world examples and expert insights. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply curious about fostering growth, this conversation offers valuable lessons to help you thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Highlights include:

• Practical marketing techniques to attract and retain customers
• Leadership approaches that inspire and motivate teams
• Innovative ideas to stay ahead of market trends

Tune in to gain the tools and inspiration needed to accelerate your business journey. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with fellow growth enthusiasts. Stay connected for more episodes packed with expert advice and success stories.

Discover inspiring stories and practical insights in this episode of the StoneFly podcast, where we explore the incredible power of resilience. Join us as the host shares compelling narratives of individuals overcoming challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. Through engaging conversations and expert perspectives, we dive deep into the strategies that cultivate mental strength and perseverance.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Real-life examples of resilience in action
• Techniques to build and maintain a resilient mindset
• How to harness challenges as stepping stones towards success

Whether you're facing personal hurdles or professional obstacles, this episode offers valuable lessons to empower your journey. Tune in to be motivated, informed, and ready to embrace your own story of resilience.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the StoneFly podcast for more inspiring content. Share it with friends who could benefit, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners. Stay connected for upcoming episodes that continue to nourish your growth and success.

Welcome to vpod.ai, where we unpack the unseen forces shaping our well-being. In this episode, Mike and Susan ask a bold but urgent question: What if your mental health struggle isn’t internal—but environmental?

For too long, the conversation around well-being has focused on personal resilience and mindset. But science is pointing us somewhere deeper: our environments—physical, social, and digital—are silently programming our moods, energy, and capacity to thrive.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• The “seed” analogy: Why mental health isn't just about inner strength—it's about the soil you're planted in.
• Three environments that shape you:
  • Physical: How lighting, clutter, and noise create invisible stress loads.
  • Social: How energy-draining relationships disrupt emotional safety.
  • Digital: How screen time and social media rewire your brain’s reward systems.
• New research on digital addiction: Including its parallels to gambling and the disturbing mental health impacts, especially among teenage girls.
• Why sleep matters more than you think: A look at how blue light disrupts melatonin and traps us in emotional feedback loops.
• The hidden cost of lifestyle fragmentation: Why multitasking and overexposure to digital noise are eroding our capacity for reflection and joy.

Plus, discover 3 science-backed interventions you can start today:

1. Mindful time journaling (without shame or judgment).
2. Inviting nature indoors through the biophilia effect.
3. Scheduling immersive outdoor time to reset your sensory system.

This episode isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about reclaiming agency over the spaces you inhabit and realizing you don’t have to be endlessly resilient. You just need the right environment to grow.

If you're ready to shift from burnout to balance, hit play—and subscribe to vpod.ai for weekly conversations that empower change.

Welcome to vod.ai, where we turn research into actionable insight—fast. In this powerful episode, hosts Mike and Susan tackle one of the most urgent public health issues of our time: the link between screen time, social media, and rising mental health challenges in adolescents and young adults.

Drawing from the latest longitudinal studies and large-scale data, they break down:
 • Why teens are now averaging 8.5 hours of non-educational screen time daily
 • The causal link between increased social media use and depressive symptoms
 • How passive scrolling fuels anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
 • Why direct messaging doesn’t carry the same psychological risks
 • The neuroscience behind platform addiction—slot-machine-style reward loops
 • The devastating impact of evening screen use on sleep and emotional regulation
 • Practical steps for users, families, and platforms—including value-sensitive design and family media plans

This episode isn’t just a warning—it’s a toolkit. If you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or digital native yourself, the message is clear: it’s not just about how much we use social media—it’s about how we use it.

Want your message featured across major podcast platforms for just $25? Reach out to [email protected]
 to sponsor the show.

Subscribe, share, and keep the conversation going at vod.ai.