Mark Matousek is the author of two award-winning memoirs, Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story and The Boy He Left Behind: A Man's Search for His Lost Father," as well as When You're Falling, Dive: Lessons in the Art of Living. His latest book Lessons from an American Stoic, detailing the big lessens we can take away from stoic Ralph Waldo Emerson, is avail ... Show More
Nov 20
339 | Breaking the Anxious Identity
<p>This episode dissects the "anxious identity" — how beliefs, values and daily habits (like doomscrolling or bingeing) shape who you are and fuel anxiety.</p>
<p>I explore the higher self versus the lower self, explain how confronting discomfort rewires the brain, and show how s ... Show More
23m 13s
Oct 23
338 | The Pornography Trap | The 7 Stage Addiction Cycle
<p>This episode explores the cycle of addiction—especially pornography—through neuroscience, personal narrative, and practical recovery steps. I explain how dopamine, triggers, and withdrawal create craving, outline a seven-step sequence of addiction, and offer strategies (replac ... Show More
42m 46s
Oct 1
337 | Persevere and Overcome Challenge | Dr. Kate Lund
<p>Dr. Kate Lund joins the Anxiety Project to share her journey from childhood illness to clinical psychologist and author of Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. We discuss building resilience through small, consistent habits—relaxation responses, journaling, routines, so ... Show More
47m 29s
Apr 2025
Reinvent Yourself: How to Let Go of Past Mistakes and Create a New Version of You
<p>In this episode, you’ll learn how to let go of regret, overcome regret, let go of past mistakes, and step into a powerful new chapter. </p><p>Today, Mel is joined by one of the most powerful and honest voices of our time: Charlamagne Tha God. He’s a Radio Hall of Famer, a thre ... Show More
1h 24m
Apr 2025
Stoic Advice for Handling Setbacks, Insults, and Death | William Irvine
<p dir="ltr">How to boost your psychological immune system, the stoic way.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.williambirvine.com/">William "Bill" Irvine</a> is the emeritus professor of philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is the ... Show More
1h 14m
Sep 2024
Johann Hari: Solving Loneliness and Taking Back Stolen Focus (E288)
<p>Johann Hari is a renowned writer and journalist known for his exploration of mental health, addiction, and societal issues. With several bestselling books under his belt, Johann brings a fresh perspective on how our modern world impacts our psychological well-being. </p><br><p ... Show More
1h 23m
Dec 2024
145: Why Men Struggle in Silence // Transformation vs Willpower: The Key to Lasting Change
<p>In this powerful episode of the Brave Co. Podcast, I sit down with Chris Cook, pastor, coach, and author of Healing What You Can’t Erase. Together, we dive deep into the challenges men face in today’s culture, where masculinity is often shamed, and emotional health is overlook ... Show More
53m 37s
Oct 2024
3343: 4 Lessons on Surviving and Thriving When Times Are Tough by Samantha Young with Tiny Buddha
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 3343:
Samantha Young shares the profound lessons she learned after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey highligh ... Show More
10m 32s