self-exploration

Welcome back to another episode of The Viall Files: Ask Nick Edition! This is a special one as we invite Dr. Nicole LePera to chime in on your burning questions. Before we get to our callers, Dr. Nicole Lepera shares her general advice on modern dating, her journey to becoming a psychologist, and her experience being in a throuple. Then we get to our callers… 

Our first caller is ‘d*ckmatized’ by her ex. After multiple dates with other men, she can’t get over the chemistry and convenience she had in her previous situation. Our second caller found her husband on Grindr, a gay dating app. She’s thinking of getting a divorce, but doesn’t want to out his sexuality to his family. Our final caller has already decided she wants a divorce, but is unsure how to tell her husband. They have kids, he has a drinking problem, and she hasn't reached out to an attorney yet. What should her timeline be?

“Give yourself a moment to maybe try on not being ok for just a second”

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In this episode, author Dennis Stemmle explores how students can define purpose and passion in their lives and select a major that aligns with their God-given gifts and interests, effectively shaping the person they aspire to be both during and after college. 

The Launch Mission can be found online at www.thelaunchmission.org

Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelaunchmission

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelaunchmission

Check out Dennis' book, Insider's Guide to College Success

Welcome to Season 2 of Let's Talk About Woo!

In this episode I tackle the subject of Spiritual Narcissism and share my own personal experiences in the hope it might help you if you are experiencing something similar.

Spiritual Narcissism Episode Breakdown

3:15 - Trauma - all trauma is valid regardless of how big or small you believe it to be.

4:30 - The importance of empowering ourselves

5:15 - My personal experience of spiritual narcissism

10:27 - Advocating for yourself

12:30 - The red flags to look out for

16:25 - Recognising patterns of behaviour

20:30 - Common traits of spiritual narcissism

21:40 - The lesson

23:30 - Shoutout to Sabrina Piergrossi

25:10 - Guru mentality

25:50 - I was a spiritual narcissist!

29:30 - Summary

I would love to hear from you with your thoughts and experiences so please come and join me in The Spiritual Network facebook group!  I also love tags on social media so tag me in your posts and stories using the hashtag #ltaw2024

And if you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share it with anyone you know that might love it too.

See you next time!

Often when we think about sex, we only think about the physical. We only think about the other person's enjoyment or what sex should  look like rather than what it could look like. Many of us have a very outdated understanding of what good, even great sex feels like and even less of an idea around how to achieve greater levels of pleasure and intimacy.

In today's episode, we bring on the incredible Gina Gutierrez, co-founder of the audio erotica app, Dipsea to discuss how we can use story telling, fantasy, self exploration and mental imagery to have better sex in our 20s. We uncover the psychology behind why we love romance novels, how libido and desire changes (and improves) as we reach our 30s and some of the outdated, misconceptions about sex that we need to debunk. Listen now! 

For 30 days of Dipsea for FREE follow this link: https://www.dipseastories.com/PSYCH20 

Download Dipsea here: https://www.dipseastories.com/ 

Follow The Psychology of your 20s: https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laurie's former student and friend, Dr. Maya Shankar, has a Pushkin podcast we love called A Slight Change of Plans. If you like The Happiness Lab, then this show is right up your alley. In this episode, Maya and author Michael Pollan discuss the fascinating science of psychedelics and how they have the power to transform our minds and improve our mental health. You’ll also get a glimpse into Michael’s personal experience with psychedelic trips and how they unlocked a singular kind of joy within him. Plus, you'll hear him try and convince scaredy-cat Maya to give them a try. 

You can hear more from A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get your podcasts. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, you are going to learn how to have better sex. You have an appointment with a leading sex expert, Dr. Emily Morse. I will be the first to admit that I want to have better sex, but I don’t know how to achieve it.

And I’m asking all the uncomfortable questions you want to ask.

This conversation is going to make you think differently about this topic and inspire you to prioritize pleasure and connection in bed, no matter your age, relationship status, or gender.

And if you are saying, “This doesn’t apply to me,” or as my friend just said, “I’m in way worse than a drought! At this point, I’m a born-again virgin."

No, you’re not. And this episode is for you too, because our expert says improving your solo sex life is the first step.

You may not want your little ones to listen because, when it comes to confessions about sex, I'm going first.

Dr. Emily claims that everything you have been taught or observed about sex is WRONG.

Wait. WHAT??...

Dr. Emily is insightful, and this conversation is hilarious and actionable.

You will learn:

• The 3 unexpected ways you are killing your sex drive.
• How to get out of your head when you’re in bed.
• Why meditation and sex might be the combo you need to orgasm.
• You are NOT alone if you cannot orgasm from penetration.
• How to tell time with your vulva (yes, it is a thing).
• Masturbation without shame and secrecy.
• Why skipping foreplay is ruining your chance of having great sex.
• The 5 ways your self-awareness ignites hot and steamy sex.
• Let’s stop faking orgasms. Know the four steps to how you can really get there.

Grab your mirrors and vibrators, and leave your inhibitions and embarrassment at the door. And according to our expert, it’s amazing foreplay to talk about sex. So why don't you and your partner listen to this together? You’ll thank me later.

Maybe we’ll call these sex episodes “Listen and Lube”?

Xo, Mel

In this episode:

• 2:40: Great sex starts here first.
• 5:20: Can you relate with these sex questions from our listeners?
• 9:00: The 3 elements that kill our desire to connect.
• 10:20: My ‘killer’ sex life right now, in the raw.
• 13:25: What partner are you?
• 17:30: Let’s unpack our lady parts. What exactly is a vulva?
• 20:20: One big reason why we are all being disserviced as young adults.
• 24:00: I love the empowering name Dr. Emily gives for masturbation.
• 24:30: The 3 reasons not to wait for someone else to give you pleasure.
• 28:00: It wasn’t until I got this from my friends that I learned to masturbate.
• 30:25: There are thousands more nerve endings in a clitoris than we thought!
• 33:00: Why are women so uncomfortable about asking for what we need?
• 35:30: The 3 T’s you need to start an awkward conversation with your partner.
• 37:40: Never talk about sex in this room.
• 38:40: Be prepared that your first awkward conversation will go this way.
• 43:05: 5 Pillars for having great sex.
• 46:06: Do this exercise with your partner to feel more relaxed and in control.
• 48:25: A technique to do on your own during sex to make you more present.
• 49:55: What happens in your body when you orgasm?
• 50:38: Is it healthy to have multiple orgasms?
• 52:55: What to do when you’re in a relationship that has become just friendly.
• 55:10: Learn to do this to increase your chances of having an orgasm.
• 57:00: How can vulva owners ask for what they need sexually?
• 59:20: It often takes between 20-40 minutes for this to happen.
• 1:01:40: How many times a week should we be having sex?
• 1:04:30: What to do when you’ve not had sex for a long time.
• 1:06:35: How is your current sex life tied to your childhood needs?
• 1:07:40: The difference between fantasy and fetish.
• 1:11:05: Jumping back into dating after divorce from 30 years of marriage.
• 1:11:58: Becoming intimate again after getting sober.
• 1:12:55: Why can’t I handle the intensity of pleasure?
• 1:13:45: How to have healthy intimacy when you’ve experienced trauma.
• 1:16:53: See a pelvic floor therapist if this happens when you have sex.
• 1:17:46: Is it possible for women to have sex and not get attached emotionally?
• 1:20:45: What is the “Yes-No-Maybe List”?
• 1:21:15: 5 steps to having the best sex of your life.

Want more resources? Go to my podcast page at melrobbins.com/podcast.

Disclaimer

In today’s episode, we are trying something new, and absolutely anything goes. You’ve been flooding my inbox with questions, problems, sticky situations, and big, big dreams and goals.

So today, because you asked, I am going to show up and deliver the hard truth, the surprising advice, the tricks to get you out of any pickle, and the inspiration that you need to take that next step.

Nothing is off the table. So don’t f***ing blame me when I tell you how it is. 

I’ve got a pile of hundreds and thousands of YOUR questions, and I’m giving you the coaching you need.

This might be my favorite episode I ever recorded.

We are going to cover:

• When it’s time to walk away from a friendship (hint: when these 2 things disappear).
• How it’s about damn time you stop dating for potential.
• How to use the ‘Let Them Theory’ to protect your energy.
• ONE tool you need to make decisions without overthinking.
• What’s keeping you from getting a raise or promotion, and more importantly, what should you do to get it.
• How to get someone you love to go to therapy (and when it’s time to walk away).
• Why a mid-life crisis is actually your greatest opportunity.

Oh, and we will cover my favorite swear word for the season (I can’t write it here, so you’ll have to listen).

You will laugh with me in this episode, and you will also get advice you need to hear. 

But don’t blame me if it is TMI—you asked for it!

Xo, Mel

P.S. If any little ones are listening, put those headphones on!

In this episode:

• 1:40: How do you know when to walk away from a friendship?
• 9:00: How do you make decisions without overthinking?
• 10:20: How do women negotiate a fair salary with a boss?
• 11:55: Mel, what were your dreams when you were a girl?
• 14:40: How do you get someone to go to therapy when they need it?
• 25:50: How can you be vulnerable with word vomiting everything?
• 26:30: Mel, what’s your favorite swear word?
• 28:20: You need to hear the advice I give about the BS of a ‘mid-life crisis’.
• 30:50: Betsy’s husband is missing out on life, and she needs help.

Want more resources? Go to my podcast page at https://melrobbins.com/podcast.

Disclaimer

Scott Jeffery Miller is currently FranklinCovey’s senior advisor on thought leadership, leading the strategy, development, and publication of the firm’s bestselling books. He is also the host of the podcast “C-Suite Conversations with Scott Miller”, which features interviews with the world’s top executives, as well as the author of the multivolume series Master Mentors: 30 Transformative Insights from Our Greatest Business Minds.

In this episode, Larry Hagner welcomes Scott Jeffrey Miller, who embarks on a revealing journey from his bachelor days to fathering three boys. Scott candidly discusses his transition into parenthood, unexpected career trajectory, and his latest book that focuses on his passion for mentorship. Moving away from traditional perceptions, the conversation illuminates the essence of parenting as a mutual learning experience, thus underlining mentorship's role in shaping a child's self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth.

Scott Jeffrey Miller underlines the importance of appreciating a child's unique abilities and contributions. He advocates the practice of "naming their genius," a validating method that can enhance a child's self-worth and enable them to meet challenges head-on. He also compares the parent's role to that of an archaeologist, gently unearthing a child's passions and aspirations, thus enabling children to own their journey.

Also pivotal is the role of parents as validators who affirm their child's capabilities. However, Scott cautions against over-validation, which can diminish the impact of genuine achievements. He also touches on the significance of clear boundaries, using his own strict rules around behaviors like drinking, drugs, and tattoos as an example, to steer children towards positive behaviors.

In summary, Scott paints a compelling picture of parenting as mentorship and validation. This model encourages the nurturing of a child's inherent strengths, mutual growth, and the setting of boundaries. By embracing this approach, parents can foster strong connections with their children, providing them with a trusted confidant and mentor throughout their lives.

www.thedadedge.com/friday115

www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

www.greatmentorship.com

www.scottjeffreymiller.com

In this episode we started chatting about all things MOON and we were so fortunate to have Monkia Anna on the call with us, who is an Astrologer, Coach and Author of the Astro-Luna Journal: Self-Exploration and Empowerment Through The Moon and Astrology!

As always, this is just a segment of the full conversation and the rest of the chat will be shared over the next few episodes.

If you would like to add to this discussion or if you would like to connect with any of the guests featured on the show, please join us in The Spiritual Network Facebook Group.  This is also where we share details of forthcoming podcast recordings that you can be part of if you feel called.

Featured on this episode:

Lilli Badcock - Sound Reiki Master, Professional Singer and founder of Sing To Heal Ltd.

Connect with Lilli here!

Monika Anna - Astrologer, Coach and Author

Connect with Monika here!

Through an exploration of why we judge ourselves, others, and the world around us, this podcast dives deep into how our judgments can be both natural and harmful. As we uncover the real power behind our judgments, we must ask ourselves: are we really in control of our judgments, or do we hold the power to be in control of ourselves?

I was counseling a client about their food habits and judgments when things suddenly took an unexpected turn. Uncovering a pattern that extended far beyond food and deep into our beliefs and behaviors, I set out on a journey of self-exploration and awareness to help others liberate themselves from the chains of judgment and find their true selves. What I found was both surprising and inspiring - a truth that changed the way I saw the world.
If you're feeling frustrated and hopeless about not being able to accept yourself, embrace self-love, and be your true self despite all the self-criticism and negative body image that you battle with, then you are not alone!

Have you ever heard that, in order to love yourself, you must eat whatever you desire, that comparing yourself to others will make your self-esteem rise, or that self-judgment will help you achieve your goals? As a woman who struggles with self-judgment and body image, you may have heard these myths, but I'm here to share the truth about overcoming judgment in eating habits and self-perception.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Reflect on your own judgments and ask yourself if they are true, who decided they were true, and if everyone in the world agrees with them.
• Start questioning your beliefs and judgments when you hear yourself saying should or shouldn't.
• Consider how societal norms and expectations have influenced your judgments and beliefs.
• Analyze your judgments about food, behavior, appearance, and other aspects of life.
• Practice being more aware of your judgments and the emotions they evoke in you.
• Give yourself permission to judge, but avoid acting on those judgments in a negative way.
• Work on reducing the strength of your judgments by becoming more aware of them and questioning their validity.
• Reevaluate your beliefs and judgments about what is appropriate or civilized behavior.
• Challenge societal expectations about gender roles, body image, and other aspects of life.
• Share your experiences and insights about judgment with others, either in conversations or by creating content such as podcasts or blog posts.

The Nuances of Judgment
In daily life, judgment is a natural occurrence involving categorizing situations or people as positive or negative. While it is impossible to completely avoid judgment, it is essential to understand the nuances of our judgments and how they feel internally. By becoming hyper-aware of these judgments, individuals can begin to question and analyze their thoughts, rather than automatically acting upon them. This awareness allows for introspection and growth as an individual navigate challenging situations. Elizabeth Sherman delves into this topic on her podcast, discussing the importance of confronting and analyzing the judgments we hold about ourselves and others. Through engaging in conversation with her clients and audience, Elizabeth encourages the recognition of these judgments and the importance of questioning their validity. Acknowledging that it's impossible not to judge, she emphasizes the impact that understanding our thoughts and their origins can have on improving self-perception and relationships with others.

“When we think other people are judging us, we are actually judging ourselves because we don't actually know what other people are thinking about us.” - Elizabeth Sherman

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/podcast/122

We return to Joe's journey, where his years-long chase after a momentary experience of oneness slowly expires.

Learn more about our free workshops and online courses at artofaccomplishment.com

We invite you to experience our work. Reserve your spot at view.life/explore

Joe takes us on a walk through his childhood and early life, from the suburbs of Connecticut to fleeing the revolution in Iran. A green mohawk and an 8-second hit of oneness.

Learn more about our free workshops and online courses at artofaccomplishment.com

We invite you to experience our work. Reserve your spot at view.life/explore

We discuss ‘Life Coaching’, what’s real, what’s not and how making change needs to be a truly holistic approach.

Resources:

Tony Robbins
Sabrina Percy Coaching
Steven Bartlett
Jocko Podcast

Our sense of identity is composed of the ideas and emotional states — even the gut reactions — that we identify as who we are. Identity is how we recognize ourselves. It guides the structure of our thoughts, emotions, and visceral responses.

Most people don’t spend their lives learning how to make their identities more transparent. We often think it’s hard to change aspects of ourselves. The reality is that transforming our identity isn't inherently difficult — it's just that a large part of it is allowing the unfelt emotional experience that our beliefs about ourselves hold in place. It’s hard to change identity from our head, and it's hard to change aspects of identity that we aren't even aware of.

If you're running a business or team, it's absolutely being influenced by your identity. Identity limits the emotions we're willing to feel, the information we're willing to receive, and the actions we'll consider taking. These patterns propagate from leadership into a company.

In this episode, Joe and Brett share perspectives and tools to see and feel through the limits of identity on the intellectual, emotional, and physical levels. They explore how bringing awareness and transparency to our unconscious structures of identity can reduce rigidity and cultivate a healthy, adaptive sense of self. 

"Having a fight with your identity is only more identity — it makes it stick harder. The object isn’t to get away from identity, kick it, or beat it into submission: it’s to love it and see what it is."

- Which aspects of your identity have recently been brought to your awareness? 
- What emotional or visceral experience came along with these insights?

Learn more about our free workshops and online courses at artofaccomplishment.com

We invite you to experience our work. Reserve your spot at view.life/explore

Producer Ben Spring, questions Charley about the uncanny similarities between the first three guests and they dive deeper into the real mission behind the podcast.

How he embraced his sensitivity, started to feel again and built the courage to express himself.

How he navigated the learnings of his childhood conditioning and maintained a loving relationship with his parents.

How he went from commitment phobe to creating magical intimate relationships.

Esmond explains how to take the first steps to self-exploration and ultimately ask : “What do I really want?”

Resources:
Healing the Shame That Binds You      John Bradshaw

Esmond Baring:
The Privileged Man
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