Podcast

Press Play: Top 5 Podcast Episodes May 2021 to Power Your Growth

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‘Netflix and chill’ is so 2009. We’re now in the age of YouTube/Instagram/Facebook/TikTok videos and getting lost in its labyrinth. With all this time we’re spending staring at screens, it’s no wonder it has taken a toll on our health and wellbeing.

Thankfully, there’s an alternative — podcasts. Much more than just background noise or repurposed radio, podcasts are in a league of their own. They’re audio-on-demand covering an array of topics, anywhere from the messiness of being human (we’re looking at you, Dax Shepard) to strategies for greater happiness (have you heard of Marie Forleo?) to true crime stories (definitely check out True Crime Obsessed) and so much more.

At Mindvalley, we have two major podcasts:

Both were created to bring the best minds together to discuss powerful ideas in personal growth for your mind, body, spirit, and even entrepreneurship and work productivity.

If you’re a part of Mindvalley’s All Access, these podcasts wonderfully support your quests and masterclasses. And if you’ve yet to discover the All Access, the episodes in this podcast are fantastic to supercharge your growth. 

So, we’ve put a list of the top five Mindvalley podcast episodes of May 2021 for some motivation and positive mindset vibes. Take a break from being a screen zombie, plug in your earphones, and press play.

The Mindvalley Podcast

If you’re looking to learn skills that you weren’t taught in school, then The Mindvalley Podcast is a great place to start. Hosted by Vishen Lakhiani, Mindvalley’s founder and CEO, this podcast contains incredible insights from innovators and visionaries worldwide.

Here are three we think you’d find interesting:

#1: Body Language Tips That Make You More Attractive Instantly | Allan Pease

Have you ever read those articles about famous people with a body language expert analyzing the celebrity’s every movement? (Oprah’s interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry comes to mind.)

Well, it seems that psychology is involved when reading someone’s body language. Our bodies reveal how we feel in ways we may not even realize. If you’re feeling nervous, you might bite your lip, or if you’re feeling flirtatious, you might play with your hair. How you feel inwards — whether you’re happy, sad, angry, holding back, telling the truth, lying, and so on — is often reflected outwards by way of body language.

According to Allan Pease, an expert on selling, relationships, and human communication, “60 to 80 percent of all the impact you are making when you’re face to face is done non-verbally.” 

Actions speak louder than words

If there were any truer words ever spoken, it would be ‘actions speak louder than words.’

Because in school, we’re taught to speak with enunciation and write with impeccable grammar. However, many of us aren’t taught the art of body language — how to use it or how to read it.

When we’re going out on job interviews, we’re often given a crash course on facial expressions and how to sit in order to convince the interviewer to hire us. Or when we’re looking to be in a relationship, we’re advised on how to dress, what to do with our hands, how to flip our hair, and other tips in order to score a date.

But to actually be taught on the subject of body language? The answer is most likely ‘zero.’ (Unless we read a book on it like Allan’s book, The Answer.)

In this motivational podcast episode, Vishen and Allan discuss the aspects and importance of nonverbal communication, and how you can use this skill for allure. If you want to express what you mean, be able to connect better, and build stronger and more rewarding relationships, definitely tune in.

Listen out for:

  • The importance of body language in your life
  • What you’ll find in Allan’s book, ‘The Answer
  • The key to getting what you want
  • Body language in dating and relationships
  • Aspects of body language you need to know to create attraction
  • Best body language tips for online meetings
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MW4gglncNeWVMzL14zgsl?si=0a2fe630bf7e40da&nd=1

#2: End Self-Sabotage With Breathwork and Energy Healing Tools | Dr. Nicole LePera

Self-sabotaging — how do you feel when you hear the word? You might be taken aback. Appalled, even. Your defense mode comes up. You might also say, “I don’t sabotage myself.”

Unfortunately, many of us do.

Many of us do things that get in the way of our intent. That’s what self-sabotage is. It’s eating that extra cookie while you’re on a diet. Or watching the next episode of the Netflix show instead of cleaning the house. Or even getting to your assignment after you rearrange the living room furniture.

These actions can stem from both genetics and our environment. Even though they are subtle and may not seem damaging at first, these actions, if continued, can lead you down a rabbit hole of self-betrayal patterns, create abundance blocks, and make it more and more difficult to get out of.

How can you get unstuck?

Recognize your patterns, heal from your past, and create yourself. In those pivotal moments when you realize that you’re stuck, you want to be equipped with the skill to cope with your emotions and walk away from the destructive habits and behaviors that no longer serve you.

The way to be unstuck is to begin a consistent practice of being conscious,” says Nicole LePera, a holistic psychologist with a huge following on Instagram, where she shares tools for transformation with an ever-growing community of #SelfHealers.

In this episode, Nicole and Vishen discuss the influence genetics and environment have on our behaviors and habits. You’ll also learn how breathwork and being conscious will help you break free from these traumatic cycles, allowing you to create who you truly want to become.

Listen out for:

  • Why your patterns and habits are shaped by others
  • The key to becoming conscious of your patterns and how to get unstuck
  • The definition of self-betrayal
  • Two different types of breathwork
  • The secret to creating new habits
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C39sq8QLOYnWiN6hJAkR8?si=e7773f0335f94431&nd=1

#3: How to Boost Your Energy Level and Live Healthier | Dr. Steven Gundry

If you find yourself feeling drained of energy more often than you’d like to, you might want to tune in to this episode with Dr. Steven Gundry.

Dr. Gundry is one of the world’s top cardiothoracic surgeons and a pioneer in nutrition, as well as a medical director at The International Heart and Lung Institute Center for Restorative Medicine. For the past two decades, he has studied the microbiome and now helps patients use diet and nutrition as a life-changing form of treatment.

In this episode, he and Vishen share powerful ideas about the ‘Energy Paradox,’ which also happens to be the name of Dr. Gundry’s latest book.

What’s the ‘energy paradox’?

It is the absurd idea that we’ve accepted as true: modern life is the cause of constant fatigue.

It also doesn’t help that the pandemic lifestyle — working from home, being in lockdown after lockdown, being distracted by multiple gadgets, having the options of Netflix or Disney+, and so on — has contributed to this belief. And so we turn to energy bars or caffeine as our go-to picker-uppers.

However, when you look at other societies, particularly hunter-gatherer societies, you won’t find words for fatigue or tiredness. Because this feeling of ‘brain fog’ and exhaustion is not normal. Unfortunately, our modern-day beliefs have convinced us otherwise.

What’s the cause of low energy levels then?

According to Dr. Gundry, the problem is how we treat our gut.

There is a connection between our gut and our brain, and when we’re not giving our gut the TLC it needs to function healthily, it affects our immune system. That, then, affects our physical, mental, and emotional health. And in turn, it affects our energy levels.

So, tune in to this episode to understand more about your gut, your microbiome and mitochondrial health, and how immune malfunction affects your mental and physical health. Bonus, you’ll also learn how you can create and sustain energy.

Listen out for:

  • What low energy really is
  • Difference between mitochondria and leaky gut
  • How microbiomes help our health
  • What Americans can do about their unhealthy food
  • How energy snacking affects your performance
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wUINf8bOwuUeBsgMgxBgI?si=5101760b0c234aa2&nd=1

Superhumans at Work

We spend a good portion of our waking hours doing this one thing: work. With the pandemic still ongoing, the job landscape and workplaces are constantly getting a makeover. 

So, if you’re looking for motivation to get on with your career or inspiration to realize your dream, tune in to the Superhumans At Work podcast. Hosted by Jason Campbell, this podcast is dedicated to connecting you with authors, executives, and entrepreneurs who share insights that will help you grow in the workplace.

Here are two episodes we think you’d find useful:

#4: 4 Highly Effective Habits to Become the Most Influential Person in the Room | Jason Harris

When you think of a persuasive person, who comes to mind? A politician? Maybe a car salesman? Or an advertising practitioner perhaps?

Interestingly, a recent Gallup poll rated these three professions as the least honest. However, Jason Harris, co-founder and CEO of award-winning creative advertising agency Mekanism and best-selling author, disagrees. Although he uses persuasion techniques with his clients and their consumers, he doesn’t feel like he doesn’t do it in an untrustworthy or dirty way. 

I feel like some of those techniques could be used for personal growth for people in everyday life,” says Jason.

How to be influential and persuasive

As opposed to what many of us have been told all our lives, persuasion is more about personal character than about facts and arguments. And according to Jason, someone who’s successful at being influential and persuasive is conscious of being:

  • Original
  • Generous
  • Empathetic
  • Soulful

Look at some famous people in history who’ve made great changes in society by being positively influential and persuasive. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Coco Chanel, Mother Teresa, and Malala Yousafzai are only a handful of amazing people who’ve changed the world without being manipulative.

One other thing this group of influencers does is make their values known. We know that Nelson Mandela stood for equality, Coco Chanel changed the face of fashion, and Malala Yousafzai fought for girls’ education.

But what if you don’t know what you stand for?

Well, reflect on the kind of person you are or want to be. Write down your goals and a vision statement. Think back to the sweetest and most painful moments in your life and how you felt about them. Jason says, “you find your values in good and bad times, but they get tested during the hard times.”

So, if you want to learn how to be persuasive in a positive and influential way, head over to this episode and press play. Both Jasons have really interesting things to say about strengthening this aspect of our character in order to make your mark in this world.

Listen out for:

  • The intention behind Jason’s book
  • 4 habits that make people more influential
  • How to be original in your business
  • Persuasion and generosity in personal growth

#5: How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty | Nancy Levin

Nancy Levin is on a mission to set boundaries and reclaim selfishness.

Most people seem to have this idea that other people cross our boundaries and this is a big myth that I’m going to bust because the truth is, if our boundaries are being crossed, we are the ones crossing them,” says this Master Coach, creator of Levin Life Coach Academy, and bestselling author.

Hold up. Doesn’t she mean that when your boundaries are being crossed, other people are the ones crossing them?

No, you read right the first time.

What does ‘setting boundaries’ mean?

Boundaries are the limit that you set around what you will or will not do, will or will not tolerate, and will or will not accept. And according to Nancy, when you know your boundaries are your responsibility, to set and maintain, it’s up to you (and no one else) to uphold, respect, and honor them.

For instance, if you say that you don’t take calls after 10 o’clock at night, you’re setting your boundaries. But if you pick it up after 10 p.m. you’re crossing your own boundaries.

More often than not, resentment occurs when you say ‘yes’ when you want to say ‘no’. That is a telltale sign of needing to set boundaries. And at times when we say ‘no’, guilt sets in. However, in this context of boundaries, guilt means you’re honoring your own needs and you’re on the right track.

Granted, having too many boundaries can lead to people refusing to spend time with you. And too little may make you feel like you have no privacy. So, having a healthy amount of boundaries can actually be the difference between having a healthy, happy relationship and a toxic, dysfunctional relationship — with yourself and with others.

One research paper looked at new mothers who were willing to delegate and able to set boundaries with their partners. It highlighted how important it was to her self-care and her relationship with her partner.

Isn’t it selfish to set boundaries?

Nancy believes otherwise. She explains, “we’ve disowned ‘selfish’ to such a degree that we praise ourselves for being selfless. And in selfless, we disappear.”

Setting boundaries enables you to carefully choose and consciously curate the content of your life. And in this way, selfishness, self-care, and self-love make up the trifecta that allows you to honor yourself.

So, if you can resonate with any or all of these points, listen to this episode where Nancy and Jason discuss practical tools to help you take inventory of your boundaries.

Listen out for:

  • The actual definition of boundary and why it is so important
  • One of the primary ways we cross our boundaries
  • Steps to keep your boundaries
  • How not to feel guilty when you put yourself first

Press Play

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that listening to podcasts can benefit your brain? A 2016 study by UC Berkeley found that listening to narrative stories (like podcasts) can stimulate numerous parts of your brain, such as boosting your endorphins while listening to a comedic podcast or releasing oxytocin with a meditation podcast.

Now you know that your brain benefits from listening to narratives, imagine how powered up it can be when listening to podcasts that help you grow.

There’s nothing more captivating than a person vibrant with life and passion and pursuing their calling,” says Vishen.

Tune in now to The Mindvalley Podcast and Superhumans At Work.

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Tatiana Azman is a content writer for Mindvalley and a Certified Life Coach. With a background in spa and wellness as well as being a cancer survivor, she's constantly on the lookout for natural, effective ways that help with one's overall well-being.

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