In this week's podcast on anti-aging strategies, I explore cellular senescence - what it is, how it's useful when we're young but promotes poor health when we age, and some things we can do to mitigate it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we become aware of our innate human nature and stop trying to control something that isn't controllable, we can break away from the mental prison we often find ourselves in and start to recognise that we have more freedom than we thought. Carly draws on the wisdom of psychotherapist, Irvin Yalom and existential philosopher, Jean-Paul Satre to help you gain insight into your human nature and recognise the freedom you have to choose how you live your life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening conversation, I sat down with Corey Jackson, a prominent figure in mindfulness research and emotional regulation, to explore the intricate world of mindfulness and metacognitive approaches to emotion. We traversed through the realms of Buddhist psychology, the impact of mindfulness on anxiety and depression, and the importance of attentional control.

What You'll Learn:

• Mindfulness and Metacognitive Therapy: Corey discussed the differences between traditional cognitive-behavioural models and metacognitive models. He detailed how the latter focuses on metacognitive beliefs and how adjusting these beliefs can affect anxiety and depression more effectively. This model, often overlooked, offers a promising avenue for those dealing with mental health challenges.
• Attention and Its Role: Corey and I delved into the critical aspect of attention in shaping our reality. Drawing parallels with William James's theories and contemporary neuroscience, we examined how controlled attention can lead to better emotional regulation. Corey emphasised the importance of knowing not just what you pay attention to, but how you attend to it, and how this awareness can transform your emotional and psychological well-being.
• Traditional vs. Modern Mindfulness Practices: A significant portion of our conversation focused on comparing traditional Buddhist mindfulness practices with the modern, often simplified versions popularised in the West. Corey highlighted the rich history and depth of traditional practices, which often encompass a broader system of mental cultivation beyond just breath awareness.
• The Importance of Judgments: We explored the role of judgments in our mental and emotional lives. Corey challenged the popular Western notion of nonjudgmental awareness, explaining how traditional practices encouraged good judgment to guide behaviour aligned with personal goals and virtues.
• The Role of Emotions: Corey shared insights from his work with emotional balance, particularly how emotions serve as signposts indicating important events. We discussed strategies from both Eastern and Western philosophies to manage emotions, transform emotional states, and cultivate a balanced emotional life.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindfulness as a Multifaceted Tool
• Attention and Emotional Control
• Judgment is Crucial
• Traditional Practices Hold Rich Insights
• Emotions are Indicative, Not the Enemy

Resources:

• Visit Corey Jackson's website for more about his work and offerings.
• Explore Amishi Jha's research on mindfulness and attention for further insights into the neuroscience behind these practices

Support and Share:

If you found this conversation insightful, consider exploring Corey's online courses to further your understanding and practice of mindfulness and emotional balance. Cultivating emotional balance is a skill that benefits everyone, and Corey’s expert guidance offers a valuable path toward achieving it.

00:59 PhD Journey and Challenges

02:45 Exploring Mindfulness Mechanisms

04:30 Metacognitive Model and Therapy

08:15 Traditional vs. Modern Mindfulness

10:13 Brooding vs. Reflective Rumination

12:45 Contemplative Practices and Wisdom

17:26 Secularisation of Mindfulness

29:08 Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Observing Thoughts

29:59 Comparing Buddhist and Tibetan Views on Thought Observation

31:23 Attention and Attentional Control in Various Fields

33:20 The Role of Attention in Tibetan Buddhism

35:07 Managing Anger and Emotional Reactions

37:28 The Stoic Approach to Anger

39:14 Paul Ekman's Insights on Emotions

44:17 Controlled vs. Captured Attention

50:41 Brain Activity Patterns in Meditators

53:15 Corey Jackson's Work and Online Programs

55:13 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I discuss another one of the Hallmarks of Aging - chronic systemic inflammation, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you , or someone you know, living a complaints-based life? In this episode, Carly Taylor talks through why we complain, how to get into solution mode (if there is one) and taking responsibility for how we ride the urge to complain wave. She'll leave you with a challenge - stop complaining for a day and notice what happens.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a groundbreaking dialogue, I sat down with Dr. Matt Bernstein, a veteran psychiatrist and the CEO of Accord, to explore how metabolic health impacts mental well-being. This illuminating conversation delves into the innovative field of metabolic psychiatry, revealing how metabolic interventions offer a new frontier for treating mental health disorders.

What You'll Learn:

• Understanding Metabolic Psychiatry: Dr. Matt Bernstein introduces the concept of Metabolic Psychiatry, emphasising how the brain's energy consumption is pivotal to mental health. We dive into how psychiatric conditions can stem from compromised metabolic health, transforming our approach to treatment.

• Training for Psychiatry: Dr. Bernstein takes us through his journey to becoming a psychiatrist, highlighting gaps in nutrition education throughout his extensive medical training.

• Metabolic Health and Psychiatry: We delve into how metabolic health is crucial for brain function. Dr. Bernstein discusses the energy needs of the brain and how metabolic strategies can serve as powerful interventions for mental conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Metabolic Health as a Mental Health Cornerstone: Dr. Bernstein advocates for a foundational approach, building mental health treatments around metabolism.

• The Critical Role of Lifestyle: Emphasising the influence of exercise, diet, and light exposure, Dr. Bernstein highlights the potential of lifestyle modifications to transform mental health care.

• Pioneering Research and Future Directions: Dr. Bernstein is optimistic about ongoing research that promises to further validate and explain the efficacy of metabolic mental health interventions. However, concerns loom about mainstream psychiatry's willingness to adopt such approaches, reminiscent of challenges faced in epilepsy treatments.

Resources:

Explore Accord MH to learn more about their innovative approach and services in metabolic psychiatry.

Connect with Dr. Matt Bernstein through LinkedIn to follow his journey and contributions to the field of mental health.

Support the Conversation:

If you found this discussion insightful, subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform to help us continue bringing vital conversations to light.

Share this post with someone who might benefit from understanding the connections between metabolic and mental health—knowledge is powerful, and this could spark a significant change in someone's life.

00:40 Journey to Becoming a Psychiatrist
02:43 Metabolic Psychiatry Explained
03:32 Historical Context of Metabolic Treatments
03:52 Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy
08:45 Challenges in Psychiatric Training
14:15 Personal Story: Son's Mental Health Journey
17:19 Rethinking Psychiatric Diagnoses
21:40 Metabolic Treatments for Mental Health
24:01 Human Evolution and Modern Health Challenges
29:43 Role of Ketogenic Diet in Mental Health
35:50 Ketogenic Diets and Autophagy
35:58 Reducing Oxidative Stress
36:43 Impact of Simple Carbohydrates
37:26 Neuroinflammation and Mental Health
38:19 Ketogenic Diet and Neurotransmitters
42:00 BDNF and Brain Health
44:39 Microbiome and Gut-Brain Axis
50:01 Hormetic Polyphenols
53:23 Personalised Nutrition and Gut Health
54:50 Mitochondria and Metabolic Health
57:47 Accord's Comprehensive Mental Health Program
01:01:10 Future of Mental Health Interventions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Reynold's, author of Constructive Living, has taken the philosophies of Morita Therapy and Naikan to create an approach to life by the same name. In this episode, Carly talks about the action side of CL, where instead of waiting to feel better before we take action, we do what needs to be done, despite how we feel. This is sound, practical advice for daily living.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.