Elissa Epel on Telomeres and How our Choices Affect Them and our Health

In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works. Key Takeaways: [00:06:40] Neuromyths and neuroscience understanding. [00:09:31] Lizard brain myth debunked. [00:12:37] Constructed emotions vs. hardwired reactions. [00:16:24] Language and emotional understanding. [00:18:55] Change and brain plasticity. [00:24:41] Willpower and self-control dynamics. [00:30:36] Addiction vs. Habit Distinction [00:33:21] Aging versus dementia distinction. [00:38:24] Cognitive testing for memory concerns. [00:40:43] Alzheimer’s disease research trends. [00:44:47] Hearing loss as a risk factor. [00:49:24] Sleep’s impact on brain health. [00:51:20] Social connections and mental health. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Sarah McKay, check out these other episodes: Understanding How the Brain Works with Lisa Feldman Barrett Eating for Brain Health with Lisa Mosconi How to Harness Brain Energy for Mental Health with Dr. Chris Palmer Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 Maalis 202559min

In this episode, Mark Rowland attempts to unlock the wisdom of dogs and discusses what they know about living a good life. He takes on some of life’s biggest, weightiest questions, like, what is meaning, how should we live, and explores them through the lens of our four-legged companions. It’s about philosophy. It’s about dogs, and it’s about the age old question of how to live a good life. Key Takeaways: Dogs live without the burden of reflection, which allows them to be fully present and undivided. Meaning in life is more important than the meaning of life—it’s found through alignment with who we are. Dogs are natural philosophers, offering insights through their simplicity and joy in daily life. Humans live two lives—lived and examined—while dogs live one, leading to greater contentment. Dogs embrace small pleasures with full-hearted joy, something humans often overlook. Love is central to a meaningful life, whether expressed through connection, passion, or presence. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Mark Rowland, check out these other episodes: How to Find Zest in Life with Dr. John Kaag Shamanism and Spirituality with John Mabry How Perception Creates Reality with John Perkins Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Maalis 202548min

In this episode, Sahil Bloom explores the idea of redefining wealth and the truth about money and happiness. He also shares a different definition of wealth – one that goes beyond financial success and taps into time, purpose, and relationships. Learn how to start finding the balance between striving for more while appreciating what’s right in front of us. Key Takeaways: The trap of “more” and the power of “enough” Why time is your most valuable currency How to create a “Life Razor” that guides your biggest decisions The hidden cost of success and how to redefine it on your own terms How to balance ambition with presence and joy For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Sahil Bloom, check out these other episodes: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money with Elizabeth Husserl How Relationships Shape Our Happiness and Well-Being with Robert Waldinger How to Discover What Matters Most in Life with Tami Simon Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Maalis 20251h 1min

In this episode, Spring Washam discusses how to overcome struggle and find freedom. She explores the extraordinary life and spiritual wisdom of Harriet Tubman—not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for breaking free from our own inner prisons. Spring dives deep into the intersection of spirituality, justice, and personal transformation. Key Takeaways: How Harriet Tubman’s unshakable belief in freedom shaped her legacy Why struggles and hardships are often the gateway to growth and resilience The connection between historical abolitionism and inner liberation The role of ancestral wisdom and spirit guidance in healing How to cultivate hope and courage in times of division and uncertainty Why storytelling is a powerful tool for remembrance and resistance For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram If you enjoyed this episode with Spring Washam, check out these other episodes: Deep Transformation with Spring Washam (2020) Spring Washam (2017) Life Lessons with Dr. Edith Eger See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Maalis 20251h 11min

In this episode, Yung Pueblo discusses relationship mistakes and how to love better. He explores how attachments can masquerade as love and how true connection requires flexibility, and shares this powerful insight: attachment is just a deep form of inflexibility—it can look like love, but it’s often about control. Diego also delves into why growth, kindness, and compassion are green flags in a partner, and how to advocate for personal needs without clinging too tightly to rigid expectations. This insightful discussion offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Key Takeaways: Attachment vs. Love – Attachment can often masquerade as love, but it’s really a deep form of inflexibility and control. True love allows for freedom and growth. The Power of Emotional Flexibility – Our ability to adapt, shift perspectives, and embrace change is essential for healthy relationships. The Role of Personal Growth in Love – Your relationship is only as strong as your willingness to grow. When both partners prioritize self-awareness, connection deepens. Kindness and Humility as Green Flags – Instead of looking for perfection in a partner, look for their willingness to grow, their kindness in difficult moments, and their ability to see beyond their own perspective. The Danger of Comparison – Social media can create unrealistic expectations in relationships. Instead of comparing, focus on what truly matters in your connection. Balancing Freedom and Commitment – Love thrives when we allow each other to change and evolve while staying committed to the relationship. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Yung Pueblo, check out these other episodes: How to Feel Lighter with Yung Pueblo The Art of Poetry and Prose with David Whyte Life Through Poetry with IN-Q Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 Maalis 202558min

In this episode, Liz Fosslien discusses how to be okay when life feels overwhelming. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by emotions like anger, envy, or uncertainty—and then feel guilty for feeling that way? Liz challenges some of the biggest myths about emotions. She also dives into why negative emotions aren’t actually bad, how perfectionism holds us back, and why uncertainty feels so unbearable. She shares research-backed insights and actionable strategies to help us navigate difficult feelings in a more constructive and self-compassionate way. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Introduction to Big Feelings and Emotional Myths 05:55 – The Illusion of Certainty and Why We Overestimate Risk 14:37 – The Cycle of Anxiety, Thought Filtering, and Anxious Fixing 22:53 – Perfectionism as Fear of Failure and How to Break the Pattern 32:35 – The Power of Language: How “Always” and “Never” Reinforce Negative Thinking 38:39 – Comparison Isn’t the Problem—How to Use It for Growth 48:54 – Time Chunking: A Survival Strategy for Emotional Overwhelm 54:49 – Closing Thoughts: Accepting Big Feelings as Part of the Human  Experience For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Liz Fosslien, check out these other episodes: Embracing Emotions at Work with Liz Fosslien (2019) Befriending Difficult Feelings with Adreanna Limbach Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Maalis 20251h 2min

In this episode, Janice Kaplan explores the happiness formula and how to use your body to transform your mind. She discusses the powerful connection between our bodies and our minds. Drawing from her latest book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness, Janice shares groundbreaking research on how our physical state directly influences our emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being. You'll discover how simple bodily changes—like posture, movement, and even temperature—can dramatically impact our happiness. Key Takeaways: How your body sends signals to your brain that shape your emotions Why small physical changes (like sitting up straight or smiling) can boost your mood The surprising ways environment and sensory input influence perception and behavior How chronic pain can be “rewired” in the brain and why movement is key to relief The underestimated power of touch and human connection in emotional well-being Why new experiences—no matter how small—can dramatically improve happiness For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this episode with Janice Kaplan, check out these other episodes: Ruth Whippman on the Complexity of Happiness How to Unleash the Power of Happiness and Success with Emma Seppala Hope for Healing Chronic Pain with Yoni Ashar Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Maalis 20251h 3min

In this episode, Nikki Eisenhauer shares the #1 mindset shift to stop overthinking and start living. She explores the profound role of insight, emotional maturity, and personal responsibility in personal growth. With her extensive wisdom gleaned from her 17+ years of experience working with highly sensitive individuals, she dives into why some people change while others remain stuck, how overthinking can become a trap, and the importance of balancing self-compassion with accountability. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Insight is the Key to Change 04:37 Maturity Matters More Than We Think 08:37 Your Feelings Don’t Have to Drive the Bus 14:09 Overthinking is a Coping Mechanism 33:40 Stillness is a Superpower in a Distracted World 45:41 Personal Responsibility is Empowering, Not Harsh If you enjoyed this episode with Nikki Eisenhauer, check out these other episodes: How to Harness the Chatter in Your Head with Ethan Kross Overthinking and Internal Soundtracks with Jon Acuff For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Helmi 20251h 10min