Craft of Charisma

Guest Introduction: Madisyn Taylor is the co-founder and chief editor for the meditation website DailyOM. She is the author of several books, including “Unmedicated: The Four Pillars of Natural Wellness.” Today, she’s going to teach us how to live a happier and healthier life. Interview Summary: In this interview, Madisyn begins by talking about growing up in an abusive household, which led to years of anxiety and depression, self-medicating, and eventually severe illness. She explains how she came to recognize that these issues were tied to her childhood trauma. Madisyn then walks us through her journey of getting into meditation, journaling, and working with healers to rebuild her body and mind. She describes the many ups and downs, and what she learned about herself throughout this process. She also goes into more detail about her journaling practice and how it affected her. Next, Madisyn talks about her relationship with her boyfriend at the time, who eventually became her husband. She discusses how they met, how their relationship evolved and grew, and how it helped her through the healing process. Madisyn also describes how she added more color into her life, connected with new people, and rebuilt her social life. She then outlines the four pillars of wellness from her book "Unmedicated," and expands on the benefits of deep relationships and spending time in nature. She shares some of her daily practices for maintaining optimal physical and mental health. Madisyn explains how she continues to nurture her tribe, and talks about the importance of becoming a better listener. She also describes how becoming a better listener helped her gain more compassion and empathy. Madisyn then discusses her daily spiritual practice. We ask her how she developed the four pillars of wellness, and what her motivation was for the book. Finally, Madisyn talks more about DailyOM and her inspiration for creating it. She leaves us with some insights and advice for connecting with our intuition, discovering our needs, and developing our own wellness practice. Find out more about Madisyn: http://www.madisyntaylor.com/wp/ https://www.dailyom.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Kyle Ingham is the founder of The Distilled Man, a website that provides practical tips on social mastery, self-development, and the gentlemanly arts. Interview Summary: In this interview, Kyle starts by discussing his background and what inspired him to create The Distilled Man. He gives examples of tactical skills associated with being a well-rounded man, and explains how they act as a social bridge. Kyle then talks about recognizing gaps in his manly confidence, and shares the biggest lessons that he learned through the process of becoming a more well-rounded man. He also offers advice for developing social mastery, including increasing social confidence, building positive friendships, and developing charisma. Next, Kyle discusses some of the similarities and differences between making male friends and approaching women. He explains how false beliefs and self-judgement hold us back from developing friendships with other men. Chris shares his insights on how he sees these issues come up in his coaching and the men's groups that he's involved with. Kyle then offers advice for creating close friendships. Chris also talks about the process of developing deep connection and how rituals come into play. Kyle reinforces the importance of rituals in building and maintaining friendships. Chris and Kyle provide a number of examples of rituals that they partake in, and Kyle offers advice for creating simple and sustainable rituals. He then talks about how to cultivate inner game, find more inspiration, and improve our mindsets. He emphasizes the importance of taking action even when we don't feel ready. Kyle also shares recommendations for building and refining good habits. Finally, he expands on what it means to be a gentleman, and goes into detail on the most important gentlemanly skills. He leaves us with practical tips for small talk and extracting ourselves from conversations. Find out more about Kyle: http://www.thedistilledman.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Dawson Church is an award-winning health writer and researcher who has edited and authored a number of books in the fields of health, psychology, and spirituality. His best-selling book, “The Genie in Your Genes,” has been hailed as a breakthrough in our understanding of the link between emotions and genetics. His follow-up book, “Mind to Matter,” reviews the science of peak mental states. Dawson is also the founder of the National Institute for Integrative Healthcare. He shares how to apply the breakthroughs of energy psychology for health and athletic performance through EFT Universe, a site dedicated to alternative medicine. Interview Summary: In this interview, Dawson first talks about how he became interested in energy and healing from a young age. He touches on the different energy therapies and healing modalities that he's been researching over the past 20 years. Dawson then explains the 14 energy meridians in the body, and gives examples of how unblocking them can help with various issues. He also discusses how stress affects the brain, and how energy therapies significantly reduce stress. Next, Dawson briefly describes some of the healing modalities, including Reiki, EFT, and acupuncture. He goes into the research about how energy flows in the body, and how it can be measured. He also talks about master manifestors and why their brain waves tend to be more highly coherent. Dawson then reveals some of the new research around consciousness, and discusses the importance of replicability and provability of scientific research. He expands on the replication crisis in modern medicine and its potential causes. Dawson talks more about the process of how our brains and minds create reality, and shares a number of studies and examples from his latest book. He then offers suggestions for people who want to start doing energy work on themselves. He describes additional energy therapies, including movement, nature, EFT and acupressure, as well as meditation. Finally, Dawson discusses the motivation for writing "Genie in Your Genes," and expands on the correlation between energy work and epigenetics. Find out more about Dr. Church: https://dawsonchurch.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Jeremy McCarthy has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, opening and operating spas in luxury resort hotels. He is currently the director for spas and wellness at Mandarin Oriental Group. He began studying psychology early in his career, and 10 years ago, completed his Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Jeremy is the author of the book, “The Psychology of Spas and Wellbeing: A Guide to the Science of Holistic Healing.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Jeremy begins by discussing the main principles of applied positive psychology. He goes into detail on the five key human wants/needs: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. He also touches on the importance of vitality. Jeremy then explains how he applies psychology to his career in building experiences and spas. He describes how spas are one of the few places in modern society where we can disconnect from technology, have time in silence, and experience nurturing touch. He also talks about the key elements of well-being. Next, Chris and Jeremy share their thoughts on the unhealthiness of the modern food supply, as well as the communal aspect of cooking and eating with other people. Jeremy describes the current epidemic of loneliness and how it negatively impacts our health. Chris and Jeremy also discuss the importance of human touch and why it can't be replaced by technology. They expand on the connection between relationships, wellness, and longevity. Jeremy then revisits the importance of spas and how they contribute to self-healing. We ask him how people can nurture well-being outside of the spa environment. Finally, Jeremy discusses the importance of spiritual or communal gatherings and spending time outside in nature. He also expands on the holistic approach to wellness in Asian cultures, and goes into detail about mindfulness.  He clarifies his views on technology, and then shares his experiences with digital wellness retreats and detoxes. Jeremy reveals some of changes that people experience when stepping away from technology. He then discusses how modern technology is affecting dating and relationships. He leaves us with advice for navigating the challenges of technology and using it to our benefit. Find out more about Jeremy: psychologyofwellbeing.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. David J. Linden is a neuroscience professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is the author of several books, including “The Accidental Mind,” “The Compass of Pleasure,” “Touch,” and his latest book, “Think Tank.” Interview Summary: In this interview, David first discusses how neuroscience and the understanding of the brain has changed over the past several decades. He then explains how our senses are influenced by context, expectation, and emotion, and gives some examples of this. David goes into detail about the logical and emotional parts of the brain, and describes how sensory information diverges to these two parts. He also talks about how damage to the logical or emotional side of the brain manifests. David then explains how signals travel through the brain, as well as how electrical activity becomes unbalanced in certain brain disorders. He goes on to discuss where pleasure comes from, why we experience it, and how our reward circuitry works. David also explains how the neurotransmitter dopamine works, and gives some examples of how we constructively and destructively activate our reward system in everyday life. He talks about additional functions of dopamine and serotonin and how they affect our behavior. Next, David discusses the social nature of humans, and how our brains attune to the nuances of social interaction, body language, and opinions of others. He also reveals the purpose of emotion, and explains how emotions affect brain function and memory. David then explains how pleasure is produced and experienced in the brain, mind, and body. He goes into more detail about how pleasure is produced during exercise. He also talks about how artificially activating our reward circuitry can lead to compulsion and addiction. Finally, David expands on the connection between touch, heart, and mind. He discusses how touch activates different parts of the brain and affects our emotions. He then reveals the physical parameters of good touch and explains how we distinguish between positive and negative touch. David also talks about why physical touch is so important for human development, social interaction, and overall health. He closes with some insights and advice for maintaining mental function and having healthier relationships. Find out more about Dr. Linden: http://davidlinden.org/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Alex Hutchinson is a National Magazine Award-winning journalist who writes about the science of endurance for Runner's World and Outside, and frequently contributes to other publications such as the New York Times and the New Yorker. He is the author of several books, including “Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Alex starts by talking about his background and how he got interested in the science of fitness and endurance. He reveals some of the biggest things he's learned through the process of being a journalist and writing on these subjects. He also explains how the research in recent decades has shifted from the body to the brain to understand the mysteries of endurance. Chris and Alex share their insights on the gap between theory and application. Alex then discusses where he got the idea for his book Endure. Next, Alex talks about the most surprising and important things he learned during the research and writing process, as well as where the knowledge is still emerging. He explains how people can use subliminal messages to alter their performance. He then goes into more detail on extreme feats such as free diving. Chris and Alex also share their thoughts on Wim Hof and his extreme cold tolerance. Alex expands on the ultimate limits of human performance, and discusses why human athletic records keep occurring. Alex then expands on the connection between mind and muscle, and explains the difference between muscle fatigue and brain fatigue. He talks about how physical limits are often controlled or influenced by the brain, and reveals how to use motivational self-talk to change our performance. Alex also emphasizes the importance of differentiating between opinions and scientific facts, while also being open to new discoveries. He talks about where he comes across new knowledge through his research. We ask Alex about some of the other physical limits of the human body that he discovered while writing his book. He dispels a common myth about lactic acid, and touches on the limits of hydration and heat. He clarifies the difference between warning signals and our actual physical limits. Alex also expands on the muscle repair process and explains how muscle memory works. Finally, he offers strategies for training our minds to increase endurance and performance levels. He ends by going into more detail on his research and writing process. Find out more about Alex: http://www.alexhutchinson.net/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Ann Demarais holds a PhD in psychology from New York University. She is the founder of First Impressions Inc., and has more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, executive coaching, and communication training. She is also the co-author (along with Dr. Valerie White) of the book, “First Impressions: What You Don’t Know About How Others See You.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Ann starts by discussing her background and the work she does with her company. She reveals some common challenges that people face with first impressions. Ann then gives examples of open-ended and follow-up questions to ask in a conversation to show continued interest and take the pressure off. We ask her how to navigate a conversation when someone is talking too much and not giving us the opportunity to express ourselves. She also talks about the importance of making people feel good about themselves. Next, Ann expands on the idea of social generosity, and describes the four universal social gifts: appreciation, connection, elevation, and enlightenment. She provides examples of how to be thoughtful and give compliments. Ann goes on to explain why first impressions, body language, and facial expressions are so important. She reveals what makes a great first impression, and discusses how to utilize feedback to become more self-aware of the vibes we give off. She also explains how we can train ourselves to make more eye contact and smile more. Ann then talks more about what it means to be an effective listener, and dispels some common body language myths. She expands on the idea of presence and explains how to use mindfulness to improve the quality of our conversations. Chris discusses how charismatic people express curiosity and make the other person feel important. He also talks about the active process of connection, and how conversational flexibility is a reflection of our social and emotional health. Ann shares some additional insights and revisits the importance of feedback. Finally, we ask Ann how to distinguish between genuine and unfounded negative feedback. She explains how to effectively handle harsh feedback and assess the validity of feedback that we receive. She also offers strategies for releasing unfounded negative feedback, as well as soliciting feedback from our peers. Ann then talks about the importance of practicing self-acceptance. She leaves us with some insights and practical suggestions for building deeper connection and making better first impressions. Find out more about Ann: http://www.firstimpressionsconsulting.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Tom Cronin previously worked as a bonds and inflation swaps broker for 26 years. Highly stressed, he turned to meditation for help, and it ended up transforming his life. Tom left his successful career and founded The Stillness Project, which aims to transform and teach people the power of stillness and calm through deep meditation and coaching. Interview Summary: In this interview, Tom begins by talking about his previous career in finance and living a wild and crazy lifestyle. He then discusses how he got into meditation after having a meltdown in his late 20s, and how it led to a rapid transformation in his life. He goes on to describe several different styles of meditation and their purposes. Tom also gives examples of mantras and explains how to use them in different types of meditation. Next, Tom discusses brain wave frequencies, and how meditation helps lower our brain waves by reducing mental activity. He also talks about some of the different breathing approaches in meditation. He goes into more detail on the differences between zen meditation and deep transcending meditation. Tom then describes the deep sleep state that people experience when doing transcendental meditation, and how this carries over to everyday life. He offers practical guidelines for developing a consistent meditation practice. Tom then talks more about contemplative meditation and what it means to set intentions. He also provides advice for setting good intentions, and describes the two main types of intentions: self-serving and spiritual. He goes into detail on using gratitude as a form of meditation, and shares his insights on how this practice might change our experience of life. Tom then touches on loving kindness meditation and similar types of practices. He walks us through the seven chakras and talks about clearing blocked energy. Finally, Tom shares his insights on the ego, and discusses how different mindfulness practices approach the ego. Chris and Tom talk about different layers of connection and how the ego comes into play. Tom also explains what it means to be an aligned being, and gives examples of zen masters and yogis who fit this description. He closes with practical tips for reclaiming stillness in our day, calming the voice in our heads, and starting a meditation practice. Find out more about Tom: https://www.tomcronin.com/ https://stillnessproject.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Owen Fitzpatrick is an international best selling author, globetrotting psychologist, trainer, and speaker who is regarded as a leading expert on Influence. He has authored and co-authored several books, including “How to Take Charge of Your Life: The User's Guide to NLP” and “The Charismatic Edge: The Art of Captivating and Compelling Communication.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Owen first describes NLP and how he uses it in his work. He explains how to use NLP to reprogram our visualizations and internal dialogue, as well as communicate with and impact others more effectively. He goes into detail on the various factors that affect the way we feel, including our thoughts, self-talk, physiology, and body budget. Owen talks about how we filter the world through our beliefs. He also offers strategies for becoming aware of and changing limiting beliefs and shifting into more of a growth mindset. Owen then gives examples of questions we can ask ourselves to identify obstacles and poke holes in our limiting beliefs. He shares some additional insights on NLP and then talks about the other tools he uses in his work. Owen walks us through the process of restructuring our narratives in order to transition from a victim to a hero. He explains how we either change our reality to fit our beliefs or change our beliefs to fit our reality. Chris and Owen also share their thoughts on the relationship between our narratives and skill sets. Next, Owen talks about positive psychology and the difference between happiness and meaning. He offers strategies for increasing happiness and finding more meaning in our lives. He also discusses the importance of having the ability to be cynical about life while also being optimistic about the future. Owen then expands on the idea of anti-fragility, and offers insights for walking ourselves out of a fragile state. Chris shares two stories of people who went through traumatic experiences, and Owen explains how he'd work through those issues. Owen goes on to discuss the benefits of mindfulness practice. He describes the three main mindfulness techniques: observing our body, our thoughts, and our environment. He then talks about social awareness and explains how to recognize congruence and body language clusters. Owen also talks about relationship management, and gives examples of questions to ask to learn more about other people. He briefly discusses how he uses cognitive behavioral therapy in his work. Finally, Owen reveals the essential elements of charisma. He expands on what it means to be more authentic and expressive. He offers strategies for becoming more expressive, and gives some examples. Owen then discusses how to master the art of persuasion and influence. He goes into detail on the three aspects of influence and persuasion: the source of the message, the audience, and the message itself. He leaves us with advice for increasing our influence, having a greater impact, and becoming more of a leader within our social circle. Find out more about Owen: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Kristen Ulmer was recognized as the best female big mountain extreme skier in the world for 12 years. Since retiring as an athlete in 2003, she spent the next 15 years studying intently with a Zen Master. Kristen is now a thought leader, master facilitator, and fear specialist who radically challenges existing norms around this deeply misunderstood emotion. She is the author of the book, “The Art of Fear: Why Conquering Fear Won't Work and What to Do Instead.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Kristen starts by talking about her career as an extreme skier. She explains how repressing fear for many years led to PTSD and started causing problems in her life. She describes fear as the primary emotion beneath many other negative emotions. Kristen then goes into how PTSD manifested in her life, and reveals some of the near death experiences she faced during her skiing career. She also explains how we deal with emotions after trauma determines whether or not we develop PTSD. Next, Kristen discusses how her repression of emotions showed up in other areas of her life. She reveals some common signs of emotional repression. Chris also talks about the anxieties and traumas he sees in his coaching clients. Kristen then contrasts the way animals and humans deal with fear. She explains how the amygdala triggers the fight or flight response, and gives examples of the consequences of repression. She goes on to emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and feeling our emotions in an honest way. Kristen then explains how to go from a repressive to inclusive relationship with fear by starting a fear practice. She walks us through an exercise where we imagine talking to our fear as if we're talking to a person. She discusses how to accept, feel, and become intimate with fear, and gives an example of this process from her own life. Kristen gives additional examples of how to change our language around how we talk about fear. She also shares her insights on dealing with emotion shaming and expressing emotions around others. Finally, Kristen offers additional strategies for honoring our fear. She talks about some of her work with facilitating ski camps to improve athlete's relationships with fear. She also shares her thoughts on how we're using archaic models of repression in a modern world. Kristen then gives some examples of people who have an intimate relationship with fear. She goes into more detail on her personal journey of changing her relationship with fear and what she learned from this process. Find out more about Kristen: https://www.kristenulmer.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Art Markman is a cognitive scientist, author, and blogger. He is a professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, and is the Founding Director of the Human Dimensions of Organizations. Art is the co-host of the public radio podcast, “Two Guys on Your Head” for KUT Radio in Austin. He has also authored/co-authored several books, including "Smart Thinking," "Smart Change," and "Habits of Leadership." Interview Summary: In this interview, Art begins by talking about the two components of the motivational system. He explains why the go system is much more efficient than the stop system, and offers strategies to leverage the go system and increase our chances of achieving our goals. Art also describes how this process works in the brain, and how the functions of the outer and inner brain structures differ. He goes on to discuss why mindfulness helps us overcome rumination. Next, Art walks us through the process of reprogramming our brains and developing new habits. Chris talks about how our habits become anchored to relationships. Art then discusses how our communication patterns are laid down early in life. He offers insights on how to break out of old communication patterns and become more open and honest in order to build new trusting relationships. Chris also gives some examples of how he's become more open and honest in recent relationships. Art references his book "Smart Thinking," and expands on the connection between learning and creativity. Chris and Art share examples of new skills they've learned and how they've impacted other areas of their lives. Art also offers some quick insights for developing habits for long-term wellness and getting out of a rut. Chris describes how having a diverse set of experiences gives him greater diversity of thought. Art then discusses how this process works in the brain, and explains how we draw from our knowledge and our environment. Finally, Art expands on the relationship between the mind and the body. He talks about how sleep, social interaction, and stress affect our brain health, and offers tips for optimizing these aspects of our lives. Chris describes how we end up dreaming about unresolved issues. Art then goes into more detail on what the brain does during the different stages of sleep. He leaves us with some insights and advice on using language to our advantage, living a life free of regret, and overcoming fear. Find out more about Dr. Markman: http://www.smartthinkingbook.com/ http://www.kut.org/term/two-guys-your-head The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Keith Mitchell is a former All-Pro NFL football player turned Yogi. As a motivational mindfulness coach and holistic health and fitness advocate, he is committed to providing purposeful holistic tools that help others achieve optimal health, peace, and aliveness to the fullest degree. Interview Summary: In this interview, Keith first discusses his background, playing in the NFL, and then suffering a spinal injury that ended his career. He explains how learning conscious breathing and meditation helped him recover. He also talks about the importance of forgiving oneself and cultivating self-care and self-love. Keith then discusses why letting go of past trauma and improving our relationship with ourselves is key to finding meaningful connection. He walks us through the process of how he healed himself and became more emotionally open. Next, Chris talks about how a lot of men have a tough time feeling and articulating their emotions. He also shares his experience going through a connection exercise at Keith's workshop at Wellspring. Keith explains how it helps us look beyond the package and see where the substance is. He expands on the idea of masculine and feminine dynamics, and how it relates to connection and intimacy. Keith then talks about how to ground our energy by adding intention to it, and gives some examples of intentions. Finally, Keith discusses the importance of nutrition and herbalism. He explains how supplying ourselves with optimal fuel allows the body and mind to function at their highest levels. He also reveals some of the mentors who have most impacted and inspired him on his healing journey, and what he learned from them. Keith then shares his insights on the current state of masculinity and femininity in our culture, and how this dynamic needs to change. He explains how to become more human in order to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Find out more about Keith: http://www.keithmitchell59.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dan Millman is a former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor, and is now a writer and speaker. After an intensive, twenty-year spiritual quest, Dan’s teaching found its form as the Peaceful Warrior’s Way, expressed fully in his books and lectures. Dan is the bestselling author of 17 books, including “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” and “The Life You Were Born to Live.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Dan starts by discussing his background and why he developed the peaceful warrior's approach to living. He explains what it means to live as a peaceful warrior, discusses how this approach is based on universal or spiritual law, and offers advice on how to embody this approach. Dan emphasizes the importance of taking constructive action over trying to change our thoughts and feelings. He also explains how to work through our thoughts and feelings by developing presence and pure awareness. Next, Dan shares some recommendations for becoming more present. He also talks about the shadow side of being centered, where people often go through a phase of enhanced self-consciousness. We ask him why he thinks people who are more mindful and conscious tend to be happier. Dan then goes more in depth about his practice of becoming more conscious, and how it's changed over time. He expands on the idea of looking at daily life as our classroom or spiritual practice. He also gives examples of voluntary adversity, and talks about the hidden gifts of going through adversity. Finally, Dan offers his insights and advice for finding more purpose in our lives. He walks us through the five universal stages of the creative process as described in his book "The Creative Compass." He then talks about how to bring happiness to others and practice having compassion for ourselves. Dan explains the Goldilocks principle of relationships, and shares some insights and lessons that he's learned from his 43-year marriage. He also reveals the three questions that he contemplates on a regular basis to nurture and strengthen his relationship. Find out more about Dan: http://www.peacefulwarrior.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Shad Helmstetter is widely considered one of the pioneering leaders in the field of self-talk. He is the best-selling author of more than twenty books in the field of personal growth, including the classic “What to Say When You Talk to Your Self,” as well as “The Power of Neuroplasticity” and the “365 Days of Positive Self-Talk” series. Shad is also the founder of The Self-Talk Institute and The Life Coach Institute. Interview Summary: In this interview, Shad begins by talking about how he got into motivational psychology and self-talk. He explains why thoughts are the number one tool for rewiring the brain. He then discusses how to identify negative self-talk, and gives several examples. Shad offers strategies to identify our self talk, including being more mindful and uncovering the roots of our fears, as well as observing how others respond and react to us. He also explains how developing the habit of self-observation leads to self-awareness, which is the first step to confidence. Next, Shad discusses how we were all born to be successful, and how over time our minds get programmed by ourselves and others. He recommends starting a daily mindfulness habit, and writing down our negative thoughts, beliefs, and feelings to become aware of them. Shad then explains how neuroplasticity works and what the left and right prefrontal cortex control. He reveals why positive thinkers grow more neurons in the left prefrontal cortex, while negative thinkers grow more neurons in the right prefontal cortex. Shad explains how the amygdala triggers the fight-flight response, and how positive self-talk helps tame this response. He then gives examples of positive self-talk, and talks about how to change our self-talk to rewire our brains. Shad reveals how long this process takes to have an impact. He gives examples of the self-talk topics he has created, and explains how to recognize what area we need to focus on. Chris also shares a story about a former client who was able to connect with people much more easily after changing his internal dialogue. Finally, Shad offers practical tips on developing a daily self-talk practice. He talks about how self-talk helps improve various aspects of our lives, such as self-esteem, health, relationships, and more. He also describes how everything is interconnected, and improving one area of our lives leads to positive changes in other areas. Shad then gives examples of what self-talk topics to focus on together, and cautions against doing too much at once. He leaves us with some insights for living happier, healthier, and more meaningful and connected lives. Find out more about Dr. Helmstetter: http://shadhelmstetter.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Jon Levy is a behavior scientist, consultant, writer, and keynote speaker best known for his work in the fields of influence, networking, and adventure. He is the founder of The Influencers Dinner and The Salon, and the author of “The 2AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Jon first provides a detailed definition of adventure, and then walks us through the four stage process that all adventurous experiences follow. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right group of people, exploring a novel environment, and setting goals or constraints on our behavior. Jon also talks about how to push boundaries and increase the emotional value of the environment that we're in. He gives a number of examples and shares some of the crazy adventures that he's experienced. Jon then explains how the scope of our lives are directly proportional to our willingness to be uncomfortable. He discusses the benefits of adventure, as well as the biggest mistakes people make when pursuing adventure. He also describes what the peak-end rule is, and how to recognize when to end an adventure at the right time. We then shift gears and ask Jon about his work on influence and community building. He reveals the two factors that are key to achieving anything in life. Jon talks about creating The Influencers Dinner, and shares some of the interesting experiences and conversations from these events. He discusses the main elements for building great community, from big picture ideas to specific details. Chris explores some of the community ideas he's been developing recently. Jon also gives examples of important questions to ask ourselves before starting a community. He talks about some of his favorite communities, and reveals what makes them so strong and successful. Finally, Jon offers recommendations for those who want to build a circle of their people. He also gives examples of possible groups to start, and talks about a group he recently started to help marginalized communities. Jon and Chris then discuss some of the organizations that they're involved with, and what they've learned from these experiences. Jon leaves us with some insights on letting go of self-consciousness and focusing our energy on fun and productive activities. Find out more about Jon: http://www.jonlevytlb.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. John Arden is a psychologist with over 40 years of experience providing psychological services and directing mental health programs. His study of neuropsychology has inspired him to integrate neuroscience and psychotherapy, synthesizing the biological and psychological into a new vision for psychotherapy, known as Brain-Based Therapy. John is the author of 15 books, including “Rewire Your Brain,” “The Brain Bible,” and his latest publication “Mind-Brain-Gene,” which will be released on January 15th, 2019. Interview Summary: In this interview, John starts by discussing his focus on integrating various psychological perspectives and finding common denominators. He describes the main schools of psychology and gives examples of similar therapy approaches that use different language. John goes on to talk about secure and insecure attachment styles in both children and adults. He then gives some examples of how insecure attachment affects our brains and our behavior. Next, John debunks some pop psych myths and clarifies the difference between motor functions and how the cortex responds to and interprets our environment. He explains how anxiety and depression lead to avoidance, which makes those problems even worse. He then talks about temperament, and how we're all born with different emotional patterns. John also describes how we can rewire our brains and adopt new behaviors through nurturing. He provides examples of how to nurture self-care by challenging ourselves and expanding our comfort zones. Chris gives an example of working through issues with a client. John explains how exposure helps us overcome anxiety and induces neuroplasticity in the brain. He gives additional examples of how humans are exceptionally adaptive. Chris and John then share their insights on what might be driving the current political and social regression. John also explains how stress and fear make us more reactive and inhibit our ability to process complex ideas, and Chris offers some examples of this from his own life. John then discusses the five main factors of brain health: social connection, exercise, education, diet, and sleep. He describes how each of these factors affect our physical and psychological health, and offers strategies for optimizing them. Finally, John talks about how traumas are imprinted in our memory. He shares advice on how to depreciate these patterns and balance our stress response so that we can connect more deeply with ourselves and others. He also explains the concept of epigenetics and how lifestyle influences gene expression. Find out more about Dr. Arden: https://drjohnarden.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Ed Latimore is a former heavyweight boxer, physics major, writer, and speaker. Drawing from his unique life experiences, Ed blogs about self-improvement and shares the methods and strategies he used to turn his life around. He is also the author of several books, including “Not Caring What Other People Think Is a Super Power: Insights From A Heavyweight Boxer,” and a new book called "Sober Letters to My Drunk Self," which will be dropping on December 23rd. Interview Summary: In this interview, Ed first talks about his background and the struggles he faced earlier in his life, and what inspired him to start making changes. He discusses how he tapped into his vision of becoming an accomplished man. He also expands on the idea of wanting to feel in control of himself and his life. Chris then talks about how competency and health leads to a greater sense of control. Ed agrees, and stresses the importance of cultivating general life skills and physical and mental fortitude. Next, Ed and Chris talk about having regrets and wishing they did things differently. Ed explains why dealing with struggle is actually better for our personal growth than having things go well. He also reveals what holds a lot of young men back, and discusses the idea of delaying gratification in order to achieve long-term success. Chris talks about past relationships not working out because he didn't have other aspects of his life together. Ed then explains how financial stability affects the types of relationships we can pursue. Finally, Ed and Chris describe how overcoming challenges leads to the wisdom that they use for the basis of their work. Ed talks about his struggles with overcoming negative habits, quitting drinking, and his mission in talking about sobriety. He explains how true confidence comes from having competency and mastery. Ed and Chris also talk about the importance of being honest and congruent with ourselves and communicating that to others. They emphasize the importance of taking risks, making mistakes, and learning. Find out more about Ed: https://edlatimore.com/ https://soberletters.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Christopher Sunyata coaches people how to lean into intensity while still remaining open and relaxed no matter how challenging life gets, expanding their success at work into success with family and intimate relationships. Drawing upon decades of practice and study under masters of yoga, Taoist exercises, and Buddhist meditation, Christopher teaches us how to access our own depth by learning to listen to and trust our body, reclaiming our passion and life energy, and creating intimate relationships that deepen in love and chemistry over the years. Interview Summary: In this interview, Christopher starts by discussing his background and how he got into the work that he does. He talks about coming to the realization that he was contributing to a lot of dysfunction in his relationship. Christopher also shares his experience studying under David Deida, and explains how he used yoga and breathwork to reconnect with his body and increase intimacy in his relationship. He then recounts a traumatic event he went through as a child, and describes how he carried this trauma in his body and breath for years later. Christopher explains how he released his trauma through yoga and meditation. He goes into more detail on specific practices, including hatha yoga and holotropic breathing, and Chris describes his experience at a holotropic breathing class. He also expands on the idea of heart intelligence and how breathwork helps us access it. Christopher then talks about suppressing emotions, and how men's groups provide a trusting environment for us to express our emotions and release trauma. We ask him how his transformation has affected his relationships. Next, Christopher discusses how the inner work and meditation practices helped him through the divorce process with his first wife and helped him overcome depression. He also describes how his life has been better than ever since meeting a new woman and getting remarried. Chris then talks about how men’s work has given him a broader vocabulary to express his emotions and understand other people's emotions. Christopher goes on to explain how inner work affects intimacy. He discusses the potential for spiritual realization through sexuality. Christopher then explains how men can develop multi-orgasmic capacity. He discusses how to experience greater pleasure during sex by peeling away the ego, increasing awareness, and surrendering to vulnerability. He also offers strategies and resources for men who want to build deeper connection and intimacy. Finally, Christopher expands on the idea of looking at your partner as a mirror. He talks about how to guide a woman through authentic pleasure. He offers some last insights on how to connect more deeply with ourselves, our life force, and our partner. Find out more about Christopher: https://christophersunyata.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Matt Fitzgerald is an endurance coach, sports nutritionist, and bestselling author of more than 20 books, including “The Endurance Diet” and “80/20 Triathlon.” Matt has been a runner since age 11, and today he’s going to share the wisdom that he's gained through his personal experience, and from studying the world's best athletes. Interview Summary: In this interview, Matt begins by talking about his love for running and writing, and how he combined these passions into a meaningful career. He explains how he learned to trust his intuition and follow his bliss. We ask Matt where he uses his intuition in other areas of his life. He discusses his marriage, and shares the story about how he met his wife, and how their relationship evolved over time. Matt also reveals the most important lessons that he's learned from his experience in endurance sports. He explains how running has helped him develop a higher level of mental toughness and resilience. Matt then discusses how he overcame intense anxiety before races. He offers advice for people who want to get into endurance athletics. He also reveals common mistakes that people make when first getting started, and gives examples of external motivators that might hold people back. Matt goes on to talk about the educational and social components of competitive racing. He describes the differences between recreational and elite athletes. He also emphasizes the importance of choosing advisors carefully, and talks about some more training myths and mistakes. Next, Matt explains what professional athletes do consistently well. He talks about balancing mental toughness with self-trust and good judgement. He also describes his experience living and training with a group of professional runners last summer, and shares some of their motivators. Matt then goes into detail on their training and workout routines, as well as their daily schedules. He discusses what they eat, and gives some examples of their typical meals. He shares his thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of different diets, and offers advice on how to determine our optimal diet. Finally, Matt describes how he works with his clients to develop sustainable diets by making small changes. Chris talks about using intuition to listen to our body, as well as how his cravings change depending on how in or out of shape he is. Matt then discusses some of the rehab strategies that elite athletes use. He references his recent injuries and explains what he did to recover. He also talks about common stretches and warm up routines that athletes do before workouts. Matt leaves us with his thoughts on the importance of mentorship and coaching, and how to find the right people. Find out more about Matt: http://mattfitzgerald.org The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Mark Gober is the author of the book, “An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life.” His worldview attempts to flip the prevailing view in science that consciousness comes from the brain. Mark has became convinced that biology does not produce consciousness; rather, consciousness produces biology. Today, he’s going to share his theories on human consciousness, and what that means for our lives. Interview Summary: In this interview, Mark first talks about how he got interested in the topic of consciousness. He breaks down the old paradigm that biology produces consciousness, and then defines what consciousness is. He explains where he thinks it comes from, and what led him to that conclusion. Mark then references a couple of phenomena, including particle entanglement and the observer effect, which show how physics breaks down at very small scales. He expands on his theory that consciousness experiences itself through different physical lenses. Next, we ask Mark how this idea has changed the way he thinks about and approaches the world. Chris explores some counterarguments and possible limitations of Mark's theory. Mark then talks about near death experiences and provides some examples from his book. He goes on to discuss "wizard-like abilities" such as telepathy, precognition, and remote viewing, and reveals the scientific evidence for these phenomena. Chris shares his insights and connects Mark's theories to modern technology. Mark then explains what psychokinesis is and offers additional examples and evidence. Chris comments on the limitations of the human mind. Finally, we ask Mark about the implications of this new paradigm of consciousness in terms of how we feel and how we relate to each other. He expands on the notion of interconnectedness, and how it becomes irrational to do harm to others if we're all part of the same consciousness. Chris also relates Mark's ideas to autonomous cars and human needs, and Mark offers some last insights. Find out more about Mark: https://markgober.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Joshua Weiss is a speaker, consultant, and negotiation and conflict resolution expert. He is the co-founder, along with William Ury, of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project. Joshua has designed and facilitated negotiation and conflict resolution solutions for businesses, global organizations, governments, and individuals. He is the author of “Trouble at the Watering Hole,” and “The Negotiator in You.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Joshua starts by discussing his background and how he got into negotiation and conflict resolution. He explains why conflict occurs, and how people can benefit from learning the skills of negotiation. Joshua then gives some examples of how to use negotiation in our relationships and everyday life. He talks about the importance of slowing down the process and understanding what's important to the other side. He also explains the difference between tangible and intangible needs.  Next, Joshua reveals some of the silent barriers to negotiation, including assumptions and psychological biases. He walks us through a negotiation tool called the Ladder of Inference, and explains how it works. He then gives an example of how he works with his clients to recognize and check their assumptions. Joshua goes on to describe some other silent problems in negotiation, including confirmation bias, entrapment, and suppressing emotions. He also explains how to embrace negotiations in an emotionally intelligent way. We ask Joshua how to manage emotionally charged negotiations. He emphasizes the importance of stepping away and settling down before making decisions. He also explains how to empathize and understand the other person's motivations and intentions. Chris then talks about how the negotiation process often helps him gain clarity on his intent. Joshua discusses how to adequately prepare for negotiation. He references Ron Heifetz's “Leadership Without Easy Answers” and “Leadership on the Line,” as well as Mike Wheeler's "The Art of Negotiation." Chris talks about control and how unexpected things can cause us to become angry, frustrated, or anxious, and taint our communication. Joshua discusses the balance betwen planning and going with the flow. He then explains why effective listening is so important in negotiation, and offers tips on how to become a better listener. Joshua also describes the two conversation modes: debate mode and dialogue mode. He expands on the idea of gathering information in a non-confrontational manner, and provides examples of great questions to ask. Joshua goes on to discuss the role of empathy in persuasion. He also clarifies the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness, and offers advice on asserting ourselves and our interersts more effectively. Finally, Joshua explains why it's important to shift from a mindset of competition to cooperation in negotiation, and gives a practical examples of how to implement this. He describes the two main approaches to negotiation: positional and collaborative. He then offers some last words of wisdom and shares his favorite negotiation resources.  Find out more about Dr. Weiss: https://www.joshuanweiss.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: UJ Ramdas is the Co-Creator of the Five Minute Journal and Co-Founder at Intelligent Change, a company that takes leading psychology research and real-world tested self-improvement advice and distills it into actionable tools that help people make lasting positive change. Interview Summary: In this interview, UJ begins by discussing what inspired him to get into self-improvement. He talks about moving from India to Canada alone at age 17, and what he learned from this experience. UJ then goes into some of the self-improvement concepts that most resonated with him. He also references Tony Robbins, and explains how journaling and reading books helped him crystallize ideas and gave him the confidence to go after what he wanted. UJ expands on the idea of having to grow up when he moved to Canada. He talks about not wasting time, making decisions, and learning to survive on his own. He also explains why and how he was emotionally closed off for a long time, and how this affected various aspects of his life. We then ask UJ to describe his process for expanding his emotional vocabulary and reconnecting with his feelings. He discusses the importance of learning to process and heal emotional trauma. Next, UJ goes in depth on his process for releasing trauma. He provides a detailed definition of trauma, gives examples of possible causes, and explains how trauma works and affects us. He also gives examples of addictive behaviors that we might use to numb emotional pain, and programs or statements that get locked into the pain. UJ then discusses the benefits of expanding our range of emotions. He talks about how to unnumb pain and reprogram ourselves by removing addictions and getting in touch with our feelings. UJ goes on to discuss the importance of journaling and how it has impacted his life. He walks us through the five questions that he developed for the Five Minute Journal. He also shares some of the benefits of consistent journaling, and offers advice for developing a consistent journaling practice. Finally, UJ recommends a few books around trauma, including "The Drama of the Gifted Child," "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts," and "The Artist's Way." He leaves us with a simple tip: to make someone smile today. Find out more about UJ: http://www.ujramdas.com https://www.intelligentchange.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Tim JP Collins is a speaker, coach, and the host of The Anxiety Podcast. Drawing from his own personal experience, he provides coaching, education, accountability, and peer support to help people overcome anxiety and reclaim their lives. Interview Summary: In this interview, Tim first shares a story about having a panic attack during a work presentation. He talks about how this led to a major meltdown in his life, where he started questioning everything, and even contemplated suicide. He then discusses why anxiety is a sign that your life is out of alignment, and gives some examples of how dysfunction can manifest. Tim goes on to talk about the tools he discovered to help overcome his anxiety. He emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise, and describes the specific changes that he made. He also discusses some of the major life changes he made, including quitting his job and moving across the country. Tim then reveals some of the common underlying issues that fuel anxiety. He talks about how self-criticism, resistance, and avoidance make anxiety more intense. Next, Tim discusses why acknowledging, accepting, feeling, and sharing your anxiety is the key to overcoming it. Chris offers his insights on sharing our feelings with others, and talks about how some people reciprocate, while others close off. Tim cautions against oversharing, and expands on the idea of respectfully sharing with the right intensity, intent, and articulation. He also talks about how vulnerability deepens our relationships. We ask Tim how to deal with people who are emotionally shut down, and he offers advice on finding the right people to share with. Chris talks about some of the groups and organizations that he's been involved with, and how he's benefited from them. Tim then describes his first experience attending a retreat, as well as starting his own retreat for people in his community. Finally, Tim discusses how his work and healing journey has changed him since his meltdown. He shares his gratitude, and talks about the moving messages that he receives from people he helps. He then goes into detail on the diet, exercise, and lifestyle practices that he's used to overcome anxiety. Tim explains how he intentionally picks the people that he surrounds himself with. He also offers insights on developing organic confidence and resilience. Find out more about Tim: https://www.timjpcollins.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Suzanne Eder is an award-winning writer, teacher, healer, and personal guide with over 15 years of experience helping clients to develop self-love and learn how to listen to and act on their intuition. She authors a monthly column in Living Well Magazine, and she is the author of the book, “10 Ways to Find Peace Rather Than Panic When the World Has Gone a Little Crazy.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Suzanne first talks about her background and what inspired her to get into energy healing and wellness. She discusses some of the most important concepts that she learned from her education at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Suzanne explains how our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and intentions create our experience. She also gives some examples of how she has seen this manifest in her life. We ask Suzanne how someone can differentiate between their soul's true longings and needs that might originate from external or societal influences. Chris and Suzanne also talk about how our desires tend to evolve and change over time. Suzanne offers advice on finding our calling and moving towards greater fulfillment. She then shares a story to illustrate how her work has impacted the lives of her clients. Next, Suzanne discusses how we can create space to develop awareness and connect with our intuition. She goes into detail on how to set intentions, and offers effective strategies for connecting with our intuition, including meditation, mindful movement, and journaling. Suzanne also guides us through a simple meditation from the Institute of Heartmath. She then gives examples of open-ended questions to ask ourselves when journaling. Suzanne explains how to practice being an advocate for ourselves and build energetic momentum towards what we want. She talks about how building momentum not only generates ideas in our minds, but attracts opportunities right to us. Suzanne gives an example of this from her own life. She then expands on the concept of vibrational mix, and what causes us to feel conflicting thoughts and emotions. Next, we ask Suzanne how somebody can recognize that they’re feeling an irrational fear. She explains where fears originate from, as well as why we tend to attract what we fear. Suzanne emphasizes the importance of developing a sense of self-worth and strengthening our relationship with ourselves before building a relationship with someone else. She reveals common signs that we need more self-love, and talks about how to cultivate it. Suzanne goes on to discuss how identify and challenge limiting beliefs. She also explains how to become mindful of our self-talk and disengage from fears, doubts, and judgements. Finally, Suzanne discusses how beliefs and intentions impact the way we show up in the world, and provides examples. She talks about why it's important to continually create emotional and psychological space in order to stay in touch with our intuition. Find out more about Suzanne: https://suzanneeder.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Faith Harper is a licensed professional counselor and board supervisor, certified sexologist, certified clinical hypnotherapist, and certified applied clinical nutritionist in private practice in San Antonio, TX. She is the author of several books, including “This is Your Brain on Anxiety: What Happens and What Helps” and “Unfuck Your Brain: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-outs, and Triggers.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Faith begins by talking about anxiety, where it originates from, and why we experience it. She goes into detail on four main strategies for dealing with anxiety: behavioral activation, grounding, stress management response, and hypnotherapy. Faith also discusses how to approach emotions with neutrality and curiosity. She explains how labeling, fighting, or holding onto emotions intensifies and prolongs them. Chris then talks about expressing and repressing emotions, and Faith expands on the differences in emotional vulnerability between men and women. We ask her how a man can evolve from unawareness to a point where he’s aligned with his own values and sense of integrity. Faith explains how to approach ourselves with self-compassion. She also talks about taking responsibility for our reactions and responses to others. She gives some examples of how to express emotions in different situations. Next, Faith discusses how people change the dynamics of relationships when they change, and why people are often resistant to change. She goes into detail on how anxiety affects our minds and bodies, and references Robert Sapolsky's "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers." She also explains why depression and anxiety are two ends of the same cord. Faith then expands on how emotions are stored in the body and brain. She describes what EAM memories are, how they're created, and how they're activated.  Faith talks about pendulating emotions, titrating responses, and figuring out where we feel emotions in our bodies. She explains how somatics and mindful movement practices such as yoga and qigong help with building awareness of our bodies and responses, as well as trauma recovery. Faith goes into more detail on what somatic therapy is and how it works. She references Peter Levine's books, including "Waking the Tiger," and David Emerson's work with trauma sensitive yoga. Next, Faith explains what fascia is, how accupunture activates it, and how fascia connects to different nerves. She also talks about neurofeedback, which we discuss more in depth on our podcast with Dr. Andrew Hill. She goes on to explain how depression affects our minds and bodies, and refences her new book: "This is Your Brain on Depression." Faith offers some strategies for overcoming depression, and emphasizes the importance of self-care.  Faith then discusses how nutrition and physical health affects the brain. She talks about common vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, and shares her insights on different diets, including keto, paleo, and vegan. She also offers practical advice on choosing the right diet. Faith then explains why movement is so important, and goes into more detail on qigong. She describes what happens in the body physiologically that causes us to feel better when we move and exercise. She references Dr. Ray Long's books on yoga.  Finally, Faith talks about the benefits of mindfulness, and offers practical tips for meditating. She also shares her insights and advice for dealing with difficult people and situations, and references another new book she has coming out: "Coping Skills." Faith then discusses the relationship between healing and connection, as well as what makes for great connection. She explains how she models healthy relationships in her therapy practice. Faith leaves us with advice for improving our interactions and bringing our best selves to the table. Find out more about Dr. Harper: https://www.faithgharper.com http://www.theintimacydr.com

Guest Introduction: Ali Zain has been one of Chris Luna's best friends for many years. Today, we have him on the show to talk about his personal transformation and how he cultivated deeper intimacy and connection in his dating and sex life. Interview Summary: In this interview, Ali starts by discussing his background, dating experience, and journey of personal exploration. Chris and Ali talk about why there's a lot of potential shame associated with sexual ability. They also explore the idea of modern male role models, and how bad role models can cause us to develop warped perspectives. Ali then explains the three types of approaches that men have regarding sex. He explains the importance of letting go of the ego and being present in order to develop deeper intimacy and connection. Next, Ali talks about the lies we tell ourselves, and shares the realizations that he's had when it comes to accepting and embracing insecurities. Chris talks about guys who have sexual problems due to anxieties and insecurities. Ali offers some practical tips for overcoming these issues. He then goes into the second part of his story, including his wellness journey that led him to become a more well-rounded person. Ali describes his experiences at various personal development retreats and seminars. He also explains why he quit porn, ejaculation, and sex for two and a half years, and how this changed him. Chris asks Ali about an article that he wrote on The Good Men Project, which ended up going viral. He discusses why he wrote it, what it meant to him, and what he wanted to communicate. He also explains how he's become more open and honest about his intentions with women. Ali then talks about what he gained from going to various personal development workshops and retreats. He reveals some of the issues that he was dealing with at the time, including anger and self-hate. He discusses how these issues manifested in his life, and what he did to overcome them. Ali goes on to talk about how porn reinforces the need for sexual variety. He explains how it made him less present, and then expands on the idea of being present, particularly in dating and sex. He also describes how he used to feel very disconnected after sex, and why becoming more open and vulnerable helped him to work through this. Finally, Ali talks about how his sex life has changed since going through his personal transformation. He discusses tantric sex and full-body orgasms. He then offers some last tips and recommendations for experiencing greater intimacy and connection, and having better sex. Find out more about Ali: http://alizain.net The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Andrew Hill is one of the top peak performance coaches in the country. He holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCLA's department of Psychology, and continues to do research on attention and cognitive performance. Dr. Hill is the founder of Peak Brain Institute, and host of the Head First Podcast with Dr. Hill. He is also the Lead Neuroscientist at truBrain, and lectures at UCLA, teaching courses in psychology, neuroscience, and gerontology. Promotion: Listeners that mention this show will receive 10% off services at Peak Brain Institute with code CHARISMA (excludes equipment purchases). Interview Summary: In this interview, Andrew starts by discussing his background and the work he does in neuroscience and peak performance. He then describes the process of neurofeedback, and gives examples of brain problems that it can be used to treat. Andrew also explains how the brain evaluates our environment, attention, and behavior. He goes into detail on how PTSD affects the brain, mind, and body, as well as how it can be measured and treated. Next, Andrew explains how brain neurons fire and communicate with each other. He describes the different brain wave frequencies (delta, alpha, and beta) and reveals what activities cause our brain waves to increase and decrease. He then discusses how brain waves are measured, and how positive reinforcement works in neurofeedback. Andrew reveals how many neurofeedback sessions it takes before people start seeing significant changes. He also talks about how neurofeedback helps the brain become unstuck and more flexible over time. Andrew then discusses how he would work with people who are in depression. He talks about some of the subtle side effects of neurofeedback, and why it's not a one size fits all approach. We ask Andrew how people can nurture brain health by paying attention to their bodies. He discusses the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, and offers advice on developing a mindfulness practice. He also recommends loading up our working memory and directing attention on certain types of tasks to combat anxiety and stress. Chris talks about having better focus after cutting out excessive consumption of news and social media. Andrew then shares his insights on managing stress and being selective about the information we engage with. FInally, he explains the process of neuroplasticity and how the brain changes. Andrew discusses how nootropics and biohacking improve brain health. He also recommends seeing a functional medicine doctor to check for health issues that impact cognitive function. He leaves us with more information about Peak Brain's services. Find out more about Dr. Hill: http://peakbraininstitute.com https://www.trubrain.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dan Brule is a modern day teacher and healer. He is a world-renown pioneer in the field of Breathwork, and leader of the worldwide Spiritual Breathing movement. Dan trains people to use the power of breath and breathing to relax and energize their body, focus and expand their mind, calm and balance their emotions, and nourish and uplift their soul. He is the author of several books, including “Just Breathe: Mastering Breathwork for Success in Life, Love, Business, and Beyond.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Dan first discusses his background and what inspired him to get into breathwork. He talks about traveling through India and China in search of eastern breathing practices, and reveals what he learned on this journey. He then explains the two main aspects of breathwork: breath awareness and conscious breathing. Dan gives examples of how conscious breathing impacts the body and mind. He also talks about reconnecting to creativity by reconnecting to our body and spirit. Chris describes how men often disconnect from their emotions, and Dan explains how to channel emotional energy through the breath. Dan shares a story about coaching Tony Robbins to show how combining relaxation and breathing unlocks our potential. We then ask Dan how to recognize if our body is relaxed. He discusses muscle relaxation and breath awareness, and walks us through the box breathing technique. He also explains how relaxation and breathing enhance the three centers of consciousness. Next, Dan explains the two main branches of the nervous system. He describes diphragmatic breathing and how it activates the vagus nerve. Dan also discusses how to recognize if we're breathing properly, and describes the three breathing spaces in the body. He talks about how threats and emotional suppression lock up the breath. Chris then shares his experience of working through traumas and breathing into his emotions. We ask Dan about the benefits of being connected to our emotions. He also elaborates on the Aikido principle of one-pointedness. Dan goes on to explain how we bury traumas and emotions in the subconscious mind. He discusses how to recognize if we're supressing, as well as how to connect with and release trapped emotions. He also describes how breathing affects our sensitivity and intuition. Chris shares a story about a time when he felt hypersensitive to people's emotions. Dan then clarifies the difference between sensitivity and hyperreactivity, and talks about how the primal brain works. He offers basic breathing techniques to release tension, such as sighing and yawning. Dan discusses how to experiment with the parameters of the breath. He also talks about slowing the breath down for anti-anxiety effects. Dan reveals the health benefits of breathing in the range of 4-8 breaths per minute. He references Dr. Richard Brown and discusses Coherent Breathing. He then explains what heart rate variability is and how breathwork improves it. Dan also talks about how we develop breathing patterns that create stress and anxiety. He describes how to undo this by monitoring the breath and training ourselves to slow it down.  Finally, Dan discusses the physiological practice of breath awareness and conscious breathing. He explains what prana, chi, and life force mean, and how they're connected with breathing. Dan also talks about using modern technology to measure the scientific benefits of breathwork. He discusses how our breathing patterns influence our emotional, psychological, and physiological state. Dan leaves us with some practical tips to build awareness, breathe more consciously, and develop a breathwork practice. Find out more about Dan: https://www.breathmastery.com http://justbreathebook.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Nate Bagley is a relationship researcher on a mission to rid the world of mediocre love and help people create amazing relationships. He is the founder of The Loveumentary Podcast, as well as his blog, First 7 Years, and is the CEO and co-founder of Unbox Love. Nate is also offering a gift for listeners of this podcast! You can get access to it by visiting this link: https://www.first7years.com/gift Interview Summary: In this interview, Nate begins by describing his early struggles with dating and love. He talks about how he quit his job and started traveling around the country interviewing couples, and shares a story of one couple that stands out to him the most. Chris also discusses a recent breakup and some of his past struggles with relationships. Nate goes on to reference a recent Jordan Peterson talk that he attended, and summarizes his insights on self-awareness, vulnerability, and trust. We then ask Nate to discuss the qualities of couples that make their relationships stand out. He emphasizes the importance of dedication to personal growth, and prioritizing action over insights. He also explains how partners can get on the same page and implement these concepts. Nate then gives some examples of how he and his wife assess their relationship and make each other feel loved. He discusses additional qualities of great couples, including kindness, and shares a story of another memorable couple that he has interviewed. Next, Nate talks about how to develop healthy relationships, deal with difficult situations, and express kindness even when being emotional. Chris expands on navigating the line between presence and vulnerability, and how this affects the people around him as well as his emotions. Nate goes on to discuss the importance of focusing on the little things, and explains why great relationships are built on rituals. He gives some examples of rituals that he and his wife have created. He also reveals the connection between the ratio of positive to negative interactions and the health of a relationship. Chris and Nate then talk about doing AirBnB and share their thoughts on space and intimacy. Nate discusses the pervasiveness of loneliness, and how it negatively affects our health. He summarizes a book that he recently read called "Hold Me Tight" by Dr. Sue Johnson. He goes on to provide some more examples of rituals that he does with his wife and that he's seen in other couples. Nate offers strategies for resolving conflict, reigniting passion, and discussing finances. He also expands on the benefits of doing chores together. Finally, Nate discusses how to develop the skill of being intentional with your relationships. He talks about knowing and incorporating your values into your everyday life, and shares some of his most important values. Chris expands on his desire to nurture his sense of humor and playfulness, and Nate connects humor to the idea of telling the truth and feeling safe. Nate then highlights the keys to awesome relationships, and talks about what leads to trust and deep connection. Find out more about Nate: https://loveumentary.com https://www.first7years.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Tripp Lanier is a professional coach who works with people all over the world to help them get out of the rat race, become an authority in their field, and make a great living doing the work they were meant to do. He is also the host of The New Man Podcast: Beyond the Macho Jerk and the New Age Wimp, where he interviews experts and authors from all walks of life. Interview Summary: In this interview, Tripp starts by discussing his background, why he got into personal development, and how he became a coach. He talks about how we often fall into the trap of running away from what we're trying to avoid, rather than moving towards what we want. Tripp then reveals the four things that everyone wants to experience: freedom, aliveness, peace, and love. He expands on what it means to have the freedom to be who we truly are. He also talks about developing self-awareness so that we can tap into our inner guidance system. Next, Tripp describes what it means to feel a sense of peace. He explains how trying to outrun our shadows undermines us, and talks about how to bring our shadows into the light. Tripp then expands on what aliveness entails. He discusses how to navigate the space between comfort and uncertainty to get more fun and enjoyment our of life. He gives some examples of how he pushes both his coaching clients and himself into new territory. Chris also talks about how he feels most alive when he's living on the line between presence and vulnerability. Finally, Tripp discusses how setting rules and going on autopilot causes us to shrink back into comfort. He goes on to talk about the importance of having love and connection in our lives. Chris shares his insights about a recent breakup, and explains how traumas prevent us from connecting and being present. Tripp describes how we become armored, and why letting go of our armor leads to more rewarding relationships and interactions. He also cautions against judging others where they are on their journey, and getting stuck in relationships for who we want the other person to be. Find out more about Tripp: http://www.tripplanier.com/ http://www.thenewmanpodcast.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Richard Brown is an Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at Columbia University. He has taught and worked as an integrative psychiatrist for over 30 years, and is also a certified teacher of Aikido, yoga, Qigong, and Open Focus Meditation. Throughout his career, Richard has developed novel treatments—herbs, nutrients, mind-body practices, and other technologies—for people who didn’t respond to conventional medicines. He has authored and co-authored numerous books and publications, including “How to Use Herbs, Nutrients, and Yoga in Mental Health Care” and “The Healing Power of the Breath.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Richard first discusses his background, the work he does, and how he got into it. He talks about the various mind-body techniques that he's learned over the years, and how he incorporates them into his practice. He also describes the five ways that our lives change when we adopt a spiritual practice. Richard then goes into more detail on meditation and breathing. He discusses some of the research that shows the physical and mental benefits of meditation and breathing practices. He also talks about the different people and groups that he's worked with throughout his career. We ask Richard how breathing and meditation help people deal with the traumas that they acquire. He explains how emotional traumas take us out of the present, and how breathing and meditation increase presence. Richard then discusses how the nervous system works, and how we carry stress in our bodies. He describes the stress response or sympathetic branch of the nervous system, and its two components: the stop/look and pleasure/reward system. He also talks about how long-term stress affects the nervous system. Next, Richard explains how neurochemicals such as dopamine and endorphins are released, and how they affect us. He talks about how exposing the body to a range of challenges tones up the nervous system, and references Scott Carney's book "What Doesn't Kill Us." He then describes the soothing/bonding or parasympathetic branch of the nervous system. Richard gives some examples of activities that release oxytocin in the brain. He also explains what the vagal nerve is and how it functions. He discusses how breathing practices enhance the soothing/bonding system and improve our stress response. Richard goes on to reveal the rate of breathing that has an optimal effect on the body and mind. He references a few studies that show the incredible benefits of a long-term slow breathing practice. He then describes the three phases of how PTSD develops. Richard explains how stress interferes with our ability to relate and work with others. He also talks about how breathing improves heart rate variability, and why heart rate variability is the single best predictor of health. He describes what coherent or resonant breathing is, and walks us through how to practice it. Richard discusses how breathing synchronizes our body, mind, and spirit, and how this enhances cognitive function. He shares a story about a client who overcame multiple addictions and transformed his life after developing a consistent breathing and qigong routine. Chris then talks about acquiring traumas, having a breakdown, and using mind-body techniques to heal himself and gain clarity. Finally, Richard expands on the analogy of thinking of your mind as a tablecloth. He emphasizes the importance of practice, and reminds us that it takes time to build up these skills, but they are life-changing in the long run. Find out more about Dr. Brown: http://www.breath-body-mind.com/richard-brown-md.php The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Isaiah Hankel received his doctorate in Anatomy & Cell Biology and is an expert on mental focus, behavioral psychology, and career development. He is the founder and CEO of Cheeky Scientist®, a career training company that specializes in helping PhDs transition into corporate careers. He is also the director of Hankel Leadership®. Isaiah is the author of several books, including “Black Hole Focus” and “The Science of Intelligent Achievement.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Isaiah begins by discussing his background in academia and the various projects that he's working on. He explains what Cheeky Scientist® does, and talks about his motivation for creating it. Isaiah then reveals the biggest gaps between formal education and industry jobs. He talks about the importance of confidence and changing our perspective to open up new opportunities. He also expands on the curse of knowledge and how uncertainty is tough to deal with. Chris talks about how we craft narrative for ourselves, and Isaiah explains how we create an indentity through our narratives. Isaiah shares his personal journey, and offers some strategies for breaking away from our identity and carving a new path. He also talks about the power of resolve and commitment. Isaiah then goes into detail on breaking patterns by feeling our needs consistently, being gentle with ourselves, and using data and feedback. He describes the three most important psychological needs: growth, autonomy, and connection. He talks about how to recognize if our needs are not being met. Next, Isaiah provides a number of examples on using data and feedback to measure progress and foster growth. We ask him to discuss his motivation for writing “Black Hole Focus.” Isaiah talks about deconstructing purpose into who, what, how, and why, and elaborates on each. He also walks us through how to map out our perfect day, and align our desired goals and outcomes with our perfect day. Chris then talks about how we often repeat patterns that no longer serve us. Isaiah elaborates on the idea of choosing our own adversity. He explains how to do this by asking ourselves better questions. Chris discusses the importance of asking for help and using data to solve specific problems. Isaiah talks about getting outside perspectives from trusted advisors. He also explains why the more agreeable we are, the worse we fare in life and career. He discusses how to get more clarity and recenter our focus by stepping away and going on a relationship fast. Chris then talks about how he has cultivated more clarity and purpose by disconnecting from social media and news, going on retreats, and meditating everyday.  Isaiah explains how he uses apps to track how he spends his time. He also reveals where he sometimes falls into time traps. He emphasizes the importance of aligning monetary goals with the amount of time and energy spent on achieving them. Finally, Isaiah leaves us with some parting advice and words of wisdom. He reiterates listening to ourselves, going on a relationship fast if necessary, and looking at the data. He also reminds us to ask better questions to help us expand outside our current algorithm. Find out more about Dr. Hankel: https://www.isaiahhankel.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Robin Dreeke is a former US Marine Corps Officer and former head of The Behavioral Analysis Program. Today he is a recognized expert, author, and lecturer in communication, behavior, and trust-building. He is the founder of People Formula, and the author of several books, including “The Code of Trust: An American Counterintelligence Expert's Five Rules to Lead and Succeed.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Robin first discusses his background and experience in the U.S. Naval Academy, Marine Corps, and the FBI and counterintelligence. He talks about coming to the realization that he had the wrong leadership and soft skills for building trust. He then expands on the idea of being a resource to others to help them achieve what they want. Robin goes into the main needs that we all seek to fulfill: peace, prosperity, and health. He also describes what healthy relationships look like, and why they're a key part of achievement and success. Chris talks about letting go of the ego in order to connect with others, and Robin explains how ego and vanity undermine us. He emphasizes that all humans seek to be affiliated with and valued by others, and discusses the importance of making people feel great about themselves. Robin then provides examples of questions to ask to understand people's priorities. He also discusses the essentials of listening, and explains how to have a mutual exchange that's authentic and free of competition. Next, Robin expands on The Code of Trust, and walks us through the five main tenets in his book. He talks about how to discover someone's goals, priorities, context, speak the language they want to hear, and craft the encounter. Robin offers a number of examples on how to apply each of these tenets. He then describes four ways to make a person feel valued and affiliated in a conversation. He discusses how to seek thoughts and opinions, talk in terms of the other person's priorities, validate or seek to understand, and power with choices. We ask Robin to share the most important things that he learned about communication and behavior while in the Marines and as head of the Behavioral Analysis Program. He talks about his first evaluation in the Marines and how it changed his perspective. Then he explains how he learned the skills of trust and leadership while working in the FBI recruiting spies. Robin emphasizes the importance of sincerity, generosity, and genuineness. He also discusses why manipulation destroys trust, and how to demonstrate congruity between your words and feelings. Robin then expands on the idea of being a resource for others. He talks about what healthy relationships mean to him, and contrasts them with unhealthy relationships. He also discusses the importance of honesty and transparency, and describes how people respond when communicating with full honesty and transparency. We ask Robin how he identified and developed these frameworks for building trust and leadership. He explains why trust became such a big value for him, and how his experience in the Marines contributed to this. Finally, Robin describes his process of going over the conversations he has each day. He explains how to mitigate self-centeredness by taking note of people's strengths and priorities. He also discusses how he and his wife nurture healthy communication in their household. We ask Robin how he met his wife, and how he knew that she was the person he wanted to marry. He talks about their relationship, and shares some of the things that he's grateful for. He leaves us with practical advice for finding a life partner. Find out more about Robin: http://www.peopleformula.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Antonio Centeno is a former US Marine turned men’s fashion expert. He is the president of A Tailored Suit and the founder of Real Men Real Style, where he produces content to help men dress professionally & build wardrobes that complement their individual style. Interview Summary: In this interview, Antonio begins by discussing why clothing and grooming have such a big impact on the way people perceive us. He explains how what we wear accentuates certain physical traits. Antonio then talks about the most common mistakes that men make with clothing and style. He explains why fit is important, and offers practical tips for finding the right fit and wearing clothes that make us look well-proportioned. He also talks about the association between attraction and symmetry. Next, we ask Antonio how men with unconventional body types can find the right clothes. He gives examples of classic pieces that always work, and offers a better looking alternative to t-shirts. Antonio also offers his insights on how to figure out what casual style works best for us. He discusses how hair color and skin tone affect the types colors that we should choose with clothing. Antonio then explains how to build out an interchangeable wardrobe. He emphasizes the importance of not overthinking and wearing clothes that we feel confident in. Finally, Antonio talks about foundational pieces, and how they differ depending on personal taste and where we live. He also offers practical tips on how to select shoes that set us apart. Antonio suggests focusing on creating a few main outfits and then making small adjustments and improvements over time. He explains his process for developing a series of outfits. As a last piece of advice, Antonio recommends looking to our favorite celebrities to get inspiration for choosing our style and outfits. Find out more about Antonio: https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/ https://atailoredsuit.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Jonathan Robinson is a psychotherapist, speaker, and bestselling author of several books, including “More Love, Less Conflict - A Communication Playbook for Couples.” Today, he’s going to teach us specific strategies to help us better communicate with, and understand, the people we love, so that we can have more love in our relationships. Interview Summary: In this interview, Jonathan starts by sharing some of the struggles and family issues that he faced during his childhood. He explains how this sparked his interest in self-help, and talks about what he did to heal himself. Jonathan then goes into some communication tools that we can use to improve the quality of our lives and relationships. He discusses the importance of appreciation and vulnerability, and how they deepen connection. He also describes how providing understanding and empathy for others will draw people to you. Jonathan then offers additional strategies for demonstrating understanding and empathy, including being a good listener. He gives examples of different types of questions and statements that we can use to create greater intimacy in our interactions. Chris and Jonathan also talk about how in today's world, we often sacrifice depth and quality for quantity in our relationships. Jonathan describes how we bond through shared vulnerability. He provides examples of how to effectively communicate how we feel and what we want. Next, Chris talks about expressing and articulating emotions, and gives examples of positive and negative emotions listed in Jonathan's book. Jonathan then offers strategies for resolving conflict in relationships. He explains what the "yellow light method" is and how he uses it to resolve disagreements with his wife. Jonathan also talks about why blame never works, and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and focusing on appreciation. He discusses how to become aware of our own triggers as well as our partner's triggers, and how to deal with them effectively. Jonathan expands on the idea of taking responsibility, and explains how relaxing defensiveness eventually leads to forgiveness. He also talks about the importance of sincere apologies and how they affect our relationships. He gives some practical examples of taking responsibility and apologizing. Finally, Jonathan discusses how improving our communication skills will automatically lead to greater connection and emotional depth. He talks about how our ability to communicate determines the quality of our relationships, which in turn affects our sense of happiness. Find out more about Jonathan: https://findinghappiness.com/ http://morelovelessconflict.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Jon Vroman is a keynote speaker, coach, and the co-founder of Front Row Foundation. He is the host of the Front Row Factor Podcast, and the #1 bestselling author of “The Front Row Factor: Transform Your Life with The Art of Moment Making.” Today, he is going to teach us how we can create moments that will deeply connect us to the people we care about most: moments that we, and the people we love, will remember forever. Interview Summary: In this interview, Jon begins by describing what moment making is, and shares a touching story from the Front Row Foundation. He explains why moment making is important, and gives some examples of how we can create meaningful moments in our lives. He talks about consciously creating the future, experiencing the present, and celebrating the past. Jon also emphasizes the importance of how we communicate with others. He explains how the ratio of positive to negative comments is strongly correlated with the health of our relationships, both in business and in our personal lives. Jon then provides a number of examples of moment making in the business world. He talks about going the extra mile and giving personalized thank you notes to customers, as well as the importance of pictures and gift giving. Jon goes on to discuss how to gain clarity on our values and priorities. He recommends periodic journaling and self-inquiry to evaluate and reevaluate our values. Jon also emphasizes the importance of living a life of service and giving. He talks about how to figure out what people want and commit to helping them reach their dreams and goals. Chris discusses the idea that we nurture certain values out of people. He also talks about how people want to be seen for who they are. Jon then explains how we can honor who people are at their core, while also amplifying certain values or recognizing when they're selling themselves short. He gives two examples, one about himself, and one about his son and his parenting, to illustrate this point. Finally, Jon discusses why we need to be mindful of how we show up for people. As a last insight, he encourages us to get out there and recognize the power we have to make moments.  Find out more about Jon: https://frontrowfactor.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dan Griffin is an internationally recognized author, speaker, thought leader, and expert on men’s relationships and masculinity. He is the CEO and lead consultant at Griffin Recovery Enterprises, Inc., and the host of The Man Rules Podcast. He is also the author of several books, including “A Man’s Way Through Relationships: Learning to Love and Be Loved.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Dan first describes how he struggled with internal questions and confusion around masculinity for many years. He talks about beginning this exploration into vulnerability and expressing emotions while in recovery from a serious addiction. Dan then goes into the three main concepts that he deals with in his work: The Water, The Man Rules, and The Woman Rules. He describes The Water and The Man Rules in more detail. He also discusses his experience in men's recovery groups, and Chris comments on his recent experience at a men's group retreat. Next, Dan talks about how we all want to love and be loved. He explains why connection and intimacy are contradictory to The Man Rules, and how being more intimate and vulnerable can trigger a lot of stress and conflict. Chris then discusses some of his struggles with emotional vulnerability. Dan talks about how deep The Man Rules are entrenched in our lives. He goes on to describe the essence of conscious masculinity, and how all relationships are about three things: connection, disconnection, and reconnection. Chris then talks about how being fully present and conscious leads to naturally attracting women and emerging as the leader of a group. Dan cautions that it's a lonely road to becoming more present and conscious. He also explains why he believes that the pursuit of success is one of the greatest downfalls of men's work. Chris clarifies his original statement, and emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are. Dan then elaborates on the idea of spiritual bypassing, and how the tools we use for increased consciousness can end up becoming blocks to consciousness. Chris and Dan discuss some of the ways that consciousness can lead to disconnection. Chris then explains how quality leaders develop. He also talks about the challenges that his clients face, and how their desires evolve over time. Dan shares some of his traumas, and talks about how they defined him for a long time. He describes his process of acknowledging and moving beyond them. Chris mentions how traumas pass down through families, and Dan emphasizes that we repeat what we don't repair. Dan goes on to discuss The Woman Rules. He explains how The Man Rules and Woman Rules are opposites, and why the path to healing is different for men and women. He also stresses why it's important for men and women to learn to empathize with each other. Chris talks about victimization and the different traumas that men and women face. Dan then explains how the Man Rules and Women Rules, left unchecked, can play out in ugly ways in our interactions. Finally, he describes the Karpman Triangle, and how people interact with each other in relationships in three main ways: victim, perpetrator, and rescuer. Find out more about Dan: http://www.dangriffin.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Aaron Walker has been a business entrepreneur and life coach for nearly 40 years. He is the president and founder of View From the Top, a life and business coaching company that helps men grow in success and significance. He is also the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind Group. Aaron is the author of the book, “View From The Top: Living a Life of Significance,” and the co-author (with Thomas Schwab) of “The Mastermind Blueprint: Building a Rich Life.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Aaron starts by discussing his background and what inspired him to pursue a path in self-development. He shares a story about a traumatic car accident that he was involved in earlier in his life. He describes how this experience affected him, and what he learned on the journey of trying to find resolution. Aaron then talks about how to live a life of both success and significance. He defines his criteria for success, and explains how to find significance by meeting the needs of others. We ask Aaron what the first steps would be for people on the journey of figuring themselves out. He talks about taking a personal assessment of your identity, ideals, and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of mastermind groups and surrounding yourself with trusted advisers. Aaron also explains why focusing on a bigger purpose is the key to sustaining long-term motivation. He then offers advice on how to build mentor relationships. He also touches on a new book about mentorship that he's writing with Seth Buechley. Next, Aaron expands on what he calls the "18/30/60 Rule." He talks about how to develop a growth mindset, and references the book "Mindset" by Carol Dweck. Aaron then discusses what he attributes his early successes to. We ask him how he gained the clarity to know what he should be working on each day. Aaron talks about the role that faith plays in his life. He also explains why it's important to narrow your focus. He describes how he prioritizes and establishes boundaries in his life in order to nurture his relationship with his family. Aaron goes on to discuss his relationship with his wife. He talks about the importance of communication, and explains how he learned to express his emotions through both life experience and mastermind groups. We ask Aaron why he chose his wife as his life partner, what stood out to him about her, and what has surprised him the most on this journey. Finally, Aaron explains the benefits of mastermind groups and how they work. He also talks about what made him decide to write his book, and what people might learn from reading it. Find out more about Aaron: https://www.viewfromthetop.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Elliott Hulse is an internationally renowned strength & conditioning coach, strongman, author, social media celebrity, mentor, holistic life coach, and inspiration to millions. Elliott is the founder and CEO of Strength Camp and Grounding Camp, and is the author of the book, “KING: The Four Layer Approach To Becoming The Strongest Version Of Yourself.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Elliott starts by discussing how he got into strength and conditioning coaching. He talks about his greatest teachers and mentors, including his uncle and his father, and shares the most important lessons that he learned from them. Elliott goes on to describe the connection between the mind and the body. He explains how emotional pain and trauma manifest in our bodies. We ask him how he sees traumas carried in both himself and his clients. Next, Elliott shares his knowledge about bioenergetic analysis and discusses its origins. He explains what muscular armory is, and outlines the seven main bands of muscular tension that people develop. He also discusses how tension affects our breathing, and reveals some physical symptoms of muscular armory. Elliott then talks about how deep breathing exercises release tension and can bring up a variety of intense emotions. He emphasizes the importance of expressing and having an objective view of our emotions. Elliott then explains how confronting trapped emotions purges our demons, and how doing so allows us to become our true selves. He reveals common signs of trapped emotions. He then offers strategies to first become aware of and then confront them physically. Elliott goes on to discuss the ego and what a healthy ego-self axis entails. He also talks about thoughts, including where they originate from, how they undermine us, and how to observe them objectively. Elliot goes more in depth on Bioenergetic Grounding. He explains why it's more effective than modern meditation and confronts the struggles of life on a deeper level. He then gives some examples of how angels and demons invade the body. Lastly, Elliott describes his meditation practices, as well as the purpose and benefits of meditation. As a final insight, he emphasizes that charisma is spontaneous, and naturally becomes a part of who we are when we clear emotional blocks and let our real selves shine. Find out more about Elliott: http://www.elliotthulse.co/home http://strengthcamp.com/home/ http://groundingcamp.com/upcomingcamps/ http://kingsinitiation.com/king/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Anthony Recenello is a New York Times featured social and dating expert, and the founder of Wolf and Garden, a company that helps successful men become iconic bachelors and meet their soulmates. Interview Summary: In this interview, Anthony begins by revealing some of the common issues that come up with his clients. He explains how most social and dating problems are manifestations of fears and insecurities. He then discusses how he started out teaching social skills to children and discipline to parents. Anthony describes what effective discipline entails. He talks about how childhood discipline carries over to our adult lives. He also discusses the differences between those who know how to deal with their emotions, and those who don't. Anthony goes more in depth on controlling and mastering emotions. As an example, he walks us through the process he would use if he wanted to feel happy. We then ask Anthony where a guy should start if he has little or no dating experience. He talks about the importance of cultivating happiness, health, and success, and offers practical advice in each of these three areas. He also explains how quality women will naturally come into your life when you're happy, healthy, and successful. Next, we ask Anthony how a man should approach a woman and start a conversation. He emphasizes why men should focus on assessing if someone is a good fit for them, rather than building attraction. Anthony describes the mindset of men who are successful with women. He also explains why treating a woman like a friend is the key to developing a deeper romantic connection. Anthony talks about being honest in expressing your interest in a woman. Chris then discusses context and developing social and emotional intelligence to recognize when a woman is and isn't interested. Anthony goes on to discuss why dating issues are usually a sign that you're pursuing the wrong people. He emphasizes the importance of figuring out who you like and who you connect with. Anthony then describes how he works with his clients to develop an archetype of their ideal woman. Finally, he shares his insights on overcoming neediness. Anthony explains how giving is the key to healthy relationships and love. He also reiterates that we naturally become more attractive by being in control of our emotions and focusing on our values. Find out more about Anthony: http://www.wolfandgarden.com/ http://www.soulmatemethod.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Philip McKernan is an inspirational speaker, writer, and filmmaker. He works with entrepreneurs and business leaders all over the world who seek clarity about their future and want to move through roadblocks. Philip is the creator of the documentary, “Give & Grow,” which explores how the gift of giving makes us feel more worthy and alive. He is also the author of several books, including “Dead Man Walking” and “Rich on Paper Poor on Life.” He has a new book called, “One Last Talk: Why Your Truth Matters and How to Speak It,” which will be released on November 6th, 2018. Interview Summary: In this interview, Philip starts by talking about how pain inspired him to get into the work that he does. He reveals the tipping point that finally pushed him to make a change, and describes how intuition guided him down this new career path. Philip discusses the common types of problems that come up in his workshops. He walks us through his approach for dealing with underlying problems such as low self-esteem, loneliness, and anger. He explains how he helps people realize their problems, understand them, and then make adjustments to course-correct. We ask Philip how his work impacts the lives of his clients. He talks about bridging the past with the present, taking ownership of our lives, and understanding our gifts vs. our talents. Philip describes how the process of becoming more authentic is ongoing throughout our lives. We then ask him how his human experience has affected and influenced his work. Philip also reveals some of the personal issues he's worked through, and what made him decide to go to therapy. He explains why we all have a moral obligation to seek help and deal with our issues. Philip discusses how going through therapy affected and changed him. He expands on the idea of self-compassion by sharing a story about a man who attended one of his workshops. He explains how our self-talk influences the course of our lives. Philip also reveals one of the most impactful moments that he's had with a client. We then shift gears and ask him to discuss the main idea behind his first book, "Dead Man Walking." He talks about mindset vs. soulset, as well as leaning into our souls and following our intuition. Next, Philip discusses how success can trap us, and what we can do to get out of it. He provides some examples of how people often over-identify with the things that they do. He then goes more in depth on the concepts of mindset and soulset. Philip goes on to talk about his second book, "Rich on Paper Poor on Life," and explains how people can recognize if they're suffering. We ask him to discuss what he did to get to the point where he feels at peace with himself. He talks about the importance of letting go of things that aren't serving you, and taking action in the absence of clarity. Finally, Philip discusses his upcoming book, "One Last Talk," including where he got the idea for it, and what he came away with after writing it. He describes the concept of One Last Talk, and explains how sharing your truth can be very cathartic and therapeutic. Philip summarizes one of the most meaningful and profound speeches that he's heard from the One Last Talk participants. He then talks about how discovering his truth has affected his life and his health. He offers advice for people looking to discover their truth. Find out more about Philip: https://philipmckernan.com/ https://giveandgrow.com/ https://onelasttalk.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Akshay Nanavati is a Marine Corps Veteran, speaker, adventurer, entrepreneur and writer. He is also a success coach at Human Potential Development, and the owner and founder of Amara Adventures. Akshay is the author of the book, "Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth and Happiness." Interview Summary: In this interview, Akshay first shares his background, from suffering with drug addiction in his teens, to serving in the military, to dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, and depression after returning home, and finally overcoming those struggles and creating Fearvana. He talks about what inspired him to join the military, as well as some of the lessons that he learned while serving. We ask Akshay how people can take these lessons from war and apply them to their ordinary lives. He also explains how being grateful for suffering leads to growth and empathy. Chris talks about how some of the biggest traumas have allowed him to build the deepest connections. Akshay describes his process for fully experiencing the depth of different emotions. He then goes into more detail about his struggles after the military, including alcoholism, PTSD, and going through a divorce. He talks about how his alcohol addiction developed, took a toll on his life, and nearly pushed him to commit suicide. Akshay also describes how PTSD affected him, and how he overcame it. He acknowledges his intensity, and talks about how he embraces it and thrives on it. Next, we ask Akshay to discuss what drives him. He shares his long-term vision, which involves helping people navigate struggle and live a life of boundless bliss. He also talks about how gaining clarity has affected his day to day life and how he feels. Akshay describes the two different types of challenges: ones we purposely seek out for growth, and ones that life throws our way. He offers constructive ways to deal with challenges, including exercising awareness, and using obsession to let your life path consume you. Akshay then explains why it's important to embrace fear, struggle, and adversity. He discusses how taking this approach has changed his life. He goes on to explain how people can leverage negative emotions or situations and use them to their benefit. We ask Akshay how people can feel more alive and increase their sense of happiness and abundance. He talks about how struggle cultivates confidence. He also emphasizes the importance of exercising and eating healthy, and makes some practical recommendations. Next, Akshay discusses how people can gain clarity and direction in their lives, and discover their worthy struggle. He explains how to work backwards from the lifestyle that you want to create. He also talks about how mentorship plays into his life, and offers advice on finding great mentors. Akshay then describes how to shatter self-imposed limitations and achieve extraordinary goals. He talks about how commitment is the key to success, and leads to the development of courage, capabilities, and confidence. Finally, Chris talks about using 90-day goals, and asks Akshay to expand on his process of setting and achieving goals. Akshay provides effective strategies for breaking destructive habits and replacing them with more beneficial habits. He also explains how to enhance productivity and accomplish greater results in less time. As a last piece of advice, Akshay reiterates that one of the most important life skills is to develop a positive relationship with struggle. Find out more about Akshay: https://fearvana.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dan Doty is a writer, filmmaker, coach, and mentor. Dan spent many years as a wilderness therapy guide, and later had a successful career as a director and producer of wilderness-based TV and film. He is the co-founder (along with Owen Marcus) of Evryman, an organization that focuses on men’s work, also called deep work. He is also the host of the Evryman Podcast. Dan has an important message for men about their emotional health, and discusses what men can do to become better partners, fathers, community members, and leaders. Interview Summary: In this interview, Dan begins by sharing his background and journey through several different careers. He talks about starting Evryman to address the two biggest issues that men face in today's world: emotional suppression and social isolation. He expands on what these issues might look like in someone's life. Dan then explains how men's groups help solve suppression and isolation by practicing vulnerability. He also talks about how his personal relationships have improved as a result of opening up. Dan describes how the birth of his son pushed him to fully commit to this paradigm of feeling more. He also shares how he was able to improve his relationship with his father. Dan then explains what it means to be fully present. He offers advice on how to be more present by slowing down, becoming aware of what's happening in ourselves, and then being fully there for others. Dan goes on to discuss how men's groups can help with dating and relating, and how they've impacted his relationship with his wife. Next, Chris shares the story of how the relationship between his parents fell apart, and about a friend whose marriage became strained. Dan elaborates on being vulnerable in the right contexts and with the right people, and how it takes practice to develop this skill. He then debunks the idea of the rugged individual and figuring things out on your own. He discusses the importance of social connection and the negative effects of loneliness. Chris talks about opening up to people in safe spaces. Dan applies the concept of titration to vulnerability, and explains how to cultivate openness through repetitions and small steps. He also references a similar concept from Steve Kotler's book about flow states. Chris then shares some of his past traumas that he's had to work through. Finally, Dan describes his first experience with a men's group. He also talks about how men's groups can be attributed to many of his successes in life, including building connections and starting new careers. Find out more about Dan: http://www.dan-doty.com/about/ http://www.evryman.co/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Srini Pillay is a world-renowned Harvard-trained psychiatrist, executive coach, keynote speaker, consultant, clinician, and brain researcher. He is the founder and CEO of NeuroBusiness Group, and is currently an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is also the author of several books, including, “Life Unlocked: 7 Revolutionary Lessons to Overcome Fear,” “The Science Behind the Law of Attraction,” and “Tinker Dabble Doodle Try.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Srini starts by discussing his background, interests, and the many different projects that he's involved with. He goes into more detail on the three tech startups he's working on, including a digital platform for people to interact in a more conscious way. He expands on the idea of conscious communication, and explains how it helps us to deepen relationships and enhance motivation. We ask Srini how people can pay greater attention and be more engaged and present in their conversations. Srini then talks about how unconscious fear disrupts fluent thinking. He discusses where fear and anxiety originate from, and how they affect both the brain and the body. He provides some examples of common fears that people struggle with. Srini emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in building connections and intimacy. He then offers strategies for overcoming fear and anxiety and becoming more vulnerable and authentic. He walks us through the CIRCA framework for dealing with feelings of overwhelm. Next, Srini explains how to use self-talk to boost confidence. He also shares some effective methods for breaking negative thought patterns and bad habits. He then talks about how the brain changes, as well as the correlation between blood flow and neural pathways. We also ask Srini how conscious thoughts evolve into unconscious habits. He expands on the idea of cognitive rhythm. He discusses how focus hinders brain power, and offers some examples of unfocusing techniques to enhance our minds. Srini then reveals the science behind the Law of Attraction. He provides several techniques to active the Law of Attraction and manifest more of what we want in our lives. He also describes cognitive empathy, and gives an example from his therapy work with couples. We then shift to Srini's latest book, “Tinker Dabble Doodle Try.” He discusses what motivated him to write it, and emphasizes the importance of using strategic unfocus to enhance our brains. Srini describes how he uses unfocusing in his life, and provides examples of how his coaching clients and therapy patients have benefitted from it. He goes more in depth on several unfocusing techniques, including positive constructive daydreaming. He also explains how he schedules unfocus time into his daily routine. Srini expands on the idea of behaving more like the exception than the rule, and discusses the cognitive benefits of adopting this mindset. Finally, we ask Srini how he structures his schedule and his approach to new problems. He also talks about what drives him to explore and pursue so many different disciplines and projects. Find out more about Dr. Pillay: https://drsrinipillay.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Jeff Haden is a ghostwriter, speaker, LinkedIn influencer, and Inc. Magazine contributing editor. In 2017, his online articles for Inc. attracted more than 20 million readers. He is the author of several books, including “The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Jeff starts by discussing his background and how he transitioned into a career in writing. He explains what originally drove and motivated him on his first career path in manufacturing, and then what made him feel disconnected and pushed him to make a change. Jeff describes how he started making life choices with more awareness. He also emphasizes the importance of finding meaning by taking action and not passively waiting for something to happen. Next, Jeff talks about some of his first writing gigs. He reveals what people often do wrong when wanting to start a side hustle, and offers advice on building credibility. Chris also shares his story of how he started coaching. Jeff discusses what he's learned about success from meeting and interviewing successful people. He then goes more in depth on the first press release that he wrote, including his research and refinement processes. Jeff explains how being self-critical helped him get through his initial writing gigs. He discusses the advantages that he gained from his prior career. He also talks about removing self-indulgence and perfectionism and focusing on hitting the expectations of a project. Jeff then goes into how his wife has encouraged and supported him, and how choosing her as his partner has affected his life's path. He explains how they collaborate on decisions. He then offers his insights on finding a great life partner and focusing on the qualities that really matter. We ask Jeff what commonalities he's noticed among highly successful people. He talks about the importance of focusing on the process instead of the end goal. He then describes what motivation is, where it comes from, and how affects the way we think, feel, and act. Finally, Jeff provides some practical motivation strategies, and explains why saying "I don't" instead of "I can't" is much more effective for dieting or quitting bad habits. He also offers some last tips for people trying to figure out their own life path and find clarity. Find out more about Jeff: https://www.jeffhaden.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Zachary Stockill is a researcher, writer, coach, and podcaster. He is the founder of RetroactiveJealousy.com, and the author of two books: “Overcoming Retroactive Jealousy,” and “Everyday Joy.” Zachary has a podcast called “Humans in Love,” which features relaxed conversations about culture, relationships, and personal development. Interview Summary: In this interview, Zachary begins by discussing his background and some of the projects that he's working on, including his passion for music. We ask him how music affects his life and the choices he makes. He also reveals some of the artists that have been most profound to him. Zachary then explains what retroactive jealousy is and how it impacts compatibility and our view of our partner. He discusses where he got the idea to explore this topic and shares his experience of suffering from jealousy in early adulthood. Zachary goes on to talk about some of the causes of retroactive jealousy, including the socio-cultural influences. He reveals the two common elements of retroactive jealousy. He also describes OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and offers tips on how to get out of that vicious cycle. Chris and Zachary then share their thoughts on perfectionism and discuss how it undermines our relationships and other aspects of our lives. Next, we ask Zachary how to manage fears and insecurities regarding relationships. He emphasizes that the recurring theme is that their woman is their world, and explains how guys can recognize this in themselves. He notes that many of his clients fit into the category of people-pleasers, a topic which we discuss more in our podcasts with Dr. Robert Glover and Dan Munro. Zachary then offers practical suggestions for how guys can reconnect with their masculinity, purpose, and independence. Zachary discusses his involvement with men’s groups, and how they helped him through his issues. Chris then talks about working through emotional trauma, as well as attracting the right and wrong people. Finally, we ask Zachary how someone can recognize if jealousy is a problem for them, and what they can do to overcome it. He walks us through his meditation practice, and discusses the benefits that he's experienced. Check out the link to his guided meditation below. Chris and Zachary also talk about why presence is an important key to building relationships. Find out more about Zachary: https://www.zfstockill.com/ https://www.retroactivejealousy.com/ https://www.retroactivejealousy.com/guided-meditation-retroactive-jealousy/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Dr. Ian Kerner is a licensed psychotherapist and nationally recognized sexuality counselor who specializes in sex therapy, couples therapy and working with individuals on a range of relational issues. He is often quoted as an expert in various media, with appearances on The Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show, and NPR. He also regularly contributes to CNN Health, and lectures frequently on topics related to sex and relationships. Ian is the bestselling author of several books, including “She Comes First: The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Ian starts by talking about his background and where the idea for his book came from, as a result of discovering his own unique sex script and working around his sexual problems. He reveals how long it takes the average man to orgasm compared to the average female. We ask Ian how men and women can bridge the gap between their different orgasm times. He then explains the makeup of the clitoris, it's different parts, and where the real source of sexual pleasure is for a woman. Next, Ian discusses the process of orgasm and how men and women orgasm differently. He shares insights and tips for how men can prevent a woman from losing an orgasm. He also talks about the different types of orgasms that women can have. Ian then discusses why good sex requires a combination of both physical stimulation and psychological arousal. He provides some examples of how men can incorporate more sexual language during intimacy. Ian goes on to describe the two different desire paradigms in men and women: spontaneous desire and responsive desire. He offers advice for how men can engage in the process of seduction and be more mindful of their partner's experience. Ian also talks about the three main categories of sex: procreational, relational, and recreational. He explains how sex has evolved over the years, and how he works with couples to establish a rec-relational model for sex. Ian then discusses what the g-spot is, how to find it, and the best sexual positions to stimulate it. He talks about why oral sex is one of the most consistent ways that women feel pleasure, and why it's a great way to deal with erectile dysfunction. He also describes different ways of giving oral. We then ask Ian why mindfulness is important during sex, and he shares some tips on how to be more present. He goes more in depth on oral sex, including why it should come after foreplay, how long to do it, and how to transition from oral to intercourse. We ask Ian to talk more about the neural circuitry involved in sex. He discusses the pleasures and values of comfort sex, and offers insights on how to balance between novelty and familiarity. He also emphasizes the importance of foreplay and waiting to move to the genital region during arousal. Ian then describes the different parts of the female genitalia. He also explains the difference between female ejaculation and orgasm. Finally, Ian discusses how men and women each have their own unique sexual templates. He talks about learning our own, our partner's, and integrating both. He also elaborates on the snuggle gap between men and women, and offers insights on what men and women can do after sex to continue the sense of attachment. Ian leaves us with some practical tips on how men can deal with anxiety related to sex. Find out more about Dr. Kerner: https://www.iankerner.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Our guests today are Dr. Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long. Dan is a professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University. Mike is a trained physicist and award-winning writer. Dan and Mike are the co-authors of the new book, “The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Dan and Mike start by discussing where they got the idea for their new book. They describe what dopamine is, how it functions in the human body, and how it affects our thoughts and behaviors. We then ask them how understanding the idea of dopamine can help us to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. They go on to talk about how modern technology stimulates the same receptors that we used to stimulate with drugs and alcohol. They also explain how dopamine focuses on maximizing future resources, and is incapable of ever being satisfied. Chris provides an example of getting a similar high from both pigging out and then dieting. Dan describes the three different dopamine pathways: desire, control, and physical movement, and explains how they work. We then ask Dan and Mike to discuss the role that dopamine plays in relationships, love, and sex. They offer advice on avoiding the friend zone, as well as managing longer term relationships and transitioning from a future to present focused mindset. They also explain how dopamine and the present focused neurotransmitters fluctuate throughout different phases of a relationship and during sex. Dan and Mike offer some tools on how to become more present, counteract desire, and get our dopamine circuits back in control. We ask them why mindfulness is so effective, and they provide some examples on how to be mindful. Dan then discusses the role that dopamine plays in addiction. He and Mike go on to talk about how dopamine affects ambition, and they offer tips on finding our passion and getting passionate about our work. Lastly, they discuss the role of dopamine in creativity. They explain why dreams can be a rich source of creativity, and demonstrate how to use dream incubation to solve problems. Dan and Mike discuss why creative types are often more forgetful or scatterbrained than other people. We ask them if this is changeable or generally fixed throughout someone's life. Chris then describes how the way he operates has changed through different phases of his life. Dan expands on the creative process, including the brainstorming stage versus the refinement stage. He and Mike also offer advice for aspiring creatives. Finally, they talk about some of the other topics covered in their book, as well as the key takeaways that people will get from reading it. Find out more about Dan and Mike: http://www.danielzlieberman.com http://mikelongonline.com https://moleculeofmore.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Mark Bowden is a keynote speaker and world renowned expert in human behaviour, body language, and communication. Mark has done presentation training and communication coaching for Fortune 500 CEOs and G8 Leaders. He is the creator of TRUTHPLANE®, a communication training company for anyone who has to communicate with impact to an audience. Mark is the author of several books, including the bestseller “Winning Body Language,” and his most recent release, “Truth and Lies,” which he co-authored with Tracey Thomson. Interview Summary: In this interview, Mark first discusses the work that he does with business professionals to help them deliver more effective and engaging presentations. He explains how he developed an acute awareness of visual images and how nonverbal factors influence communication. Mark then talks about validation and the need to feel safe and accepted, and reveals some of the evolutionary reasons behind these needs. He also references Dr. Paul Ekman and his work with micro-gestures and emotions. Next, we ask Mark why body language is such an important part of communication. He talks about the various aspects of body language, and dispels some common misconceptions. Chris discusses why people sometimes send mixed signals. Mark then provides an example of how reading between the lines can bring up biases and feelings. He explains why the power is in what happens around something, such as the environment, context,  and meaning, and not the thing itself. Chris also talks about the ease of meeting people depending on where you are and who you're with. Mark then offers strategies for making better first impressions and winning the best opportunities to meet people. He explains why the typical advice of "just be yourself" misses the mark. He discusses the balance between understanding the needs of others and satisfying and expressing ourselves. Mark then reveals the two most important social skills: lying and telling the truth. Chris and Mark go on to explain the idea of power and its relation to size and position. They also talk about healthy levels of validation needed in order to connect with people. We ask Mark how people can become more aware of their body language and make improvements. He explains what rapport is and offers tips on how to gain it. He then discusses how to become more influential by appealing to people's deep psychological needs. Mark and Chris go more in depth on the need of acceptance, and Mark explains how to let people know that they are accepted. They also talk about how people define themselves, and how personality is a continuum. Mark offers some practical ways that people can experiment with their personalities. He also discusses additional tools to build rapport besides mirroring, including space and time. Finally, we ask Mark how people can become more adept at reading others, and how to tell when someone is being truthful or deceptive. He describes situations where we should assume positive or negative intent of others. Mark then offers some last tips on how to use the knowledge discussed in this interview to become more successful with making friends, dating, and building relationships. Find out more about Mark: http://truthplane.com/home/people/mark-bowden/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Gary John Bishop is a leading Personal Development expert and coach who has impacted thousands of people worldwide. He is known for using an "urban philosophy" approach to coaching and transformation that represents a new wave within personal empowerment and life mastery. He’s been able help people get, what many would would describe as, miraculous results in the quality of their life and in their performance of the areas of their life that matter most to them.
 Gary is the bestselling author of the book “Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Gary begins by discussing his journey into personal development and coaching. He talks about confronting and challenging behavior that he once thought was acceptable, but came to realize it wasn't. Gary then defines what awareness means to him, and describes how he developed more awareness to the way he showed up to the people around him. He also explains how self-righteousness fractures our relationships. Next, we ask Gary how someone can identify the root causes of why their life feels like a mess. He emphasizes the importance of setting aside our feelings and focusing on changing our actions rather than our thoughts. He also explains how to embrace uncertainty and risk, and how this helps us find meaning and growth. We then ask Gary how to separate our thoughts from reality. He talks about becoming an observer rather than an enactor of our thoughts. He also discusses how to keep promises by bridging the gap between where you are now and the action you need to take to fulfill those promises. Gary then offers advice for curating goals in the unknown. He elaborates on the process of achieving something he's never done before by using the example of how he wrote his book. He also explains how to uncover the beating heart of our internal dialogue, eradicate victimhood, and get over our past. We ask Gary how people can recognize the reality they've created for themselves. He gives examples of questions people can ask themselves to change their frame of reference and discover where they're holding themselves back. Gary goes on to discuss how to become more resilient and learn to push through obstacles and adversity. He describes what relentlessness is and why it's such a vital part of success. We then ask Gary to expand on the idea of expecting nothing and accepting everything. He talks about why control is an illusion and how expectations undermine us and lead to conflict. He also emphasizes the importance of choice and practicing acceptance. We ask Gary to describe the process of becoming who we want to be and what it involves. He talks about how to live with integrity, take ownership of our triggers, and evaluate what we bring to the table in our interactions and relationships. Finally, Gary reveals what he thinks are the biggest myths in modern relationship advice. He explains why we need to take personal responsibility in our relationships and all aspects of ourselves, and how doing so will ultimately improve the quality of our lives. Find out more about Gary: https://garyjohnbishop.com/ The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast

Guest Introduction: Brian Tom O’Connor is an actor, theater director, cabaret performer, and formerly depressed guy who stumbled onto the source of joy and happiness in the background of all experience. He is the author of the book, “Awareness Games: Playing With Your Mind to Create Joy.” Interview Summary: In this interview, Brian starts by discussing his background and where he got the idea for his book. He talks about how he suffered from depression for many years, and through his quest to change, discovered the concept of non-duality. We ask Tom to share what he learned from studying non-duality. He describes the process of self-inquiry, the importance of acceptance and love, and where happiness comes from. He then defines awareness and explains how it's both similar and different from mindfulness and meditation. Next, Tom walks us through a short game from his book, called "Expanding and Contracting Awareness". We ask him what people might experience when they first start playing awareness games. Tom then shares some other games, including "Slippery Mind," and "Be a Mirror". He discusses where he got the ideas for these games, as well as some of the feedback that he's gotten from his students. Tom also talks about how becoming more aware has changed his life. He notes that he's not depressed anymore, is more easily able to deal with anxiety, and has more rewarding and connected relationships. Tom then expands on the idea of not controlling things. He explains how being overly controlling of our emotions blocks us from happiness. He offers strategies on how to be more observant and accepting of our emotions. Tom walks us through an awareness game to use when we're feeling bad, called "Include, Include, Include". He also discusses how people can start to develop more awareness in their daily lives. Tom then describes a few of his favorite awareness games: "The Circle of This," "Big Body," and "Wandering Awareness". Finally, we ask Tom to talk about some of the other changes that he's noticed in his life as a result of being more aware. He discusses how his irritability has decreased, and how he's more adept at learning new skills and technologies. He also describes how his relationships have improved, particularly with his husband. Tom emphasizes why it's important to focus on the good qualities in people, and on how you receive everything, rather than focusing on people's faults and trying to change them. Find out more about Brian: https://www.playawarenessgames.com The Craft of Charisma Podcast is also available at: bit.ly/Soundcloud-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Stitcher-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iTunes-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/Spotify-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/GooglePlayMusic-CofC-Podcast bit.ly/iHeartRadio-CofC-Podcast