Mettle Brain

Today's guest is Sarah Jenan. In this conversation we discuss mantra, specifically her experience with the Japji Sahib. Sarah also shares her experience with kundalini yoga.Sarah discusses her beautiful thoughts on mantra and the ability it brings to shut down the mind's default mode network.  We discuss what she believes happens to the brain subconsciously when  it has mantra, meaning mind wave.I specifically loved hearing about Sarah's experience of practicing this kind of mindfulness. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a short Monday Morning Musing. This is coming to you on the cusp of Thanksgiving. I give you this small labor of love this Thanksgiving holiday. I value the ideas in this so much and wanted to share them with you. I share an experience involving a broken fish bowl and some moving moments that happened in response. Thank you for listening! Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a Monday Morning Musing with me, Heather Brockbank Miller. This is a short 10 minute episode on Hans Christian Andersen's rough beginnings. Did you know Hans Christian Andersen had four failed career attempts, and a horrible experience in school? These included: three failed apprenticeships, a dead end in the theater, and a very rough experience in school owing to the fact that he had a cruel and disparaging teacher. He experienced a deep depression, and almost gave up on writing! In this musing I recommend a few short stories of his like "The Tallow Candle", "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Duckling", and "The Little Mermaid." I pose a few questions to you listener that will hopefully inspire you to read Hans Christian Andersen and keep trying in all aspects of your life despite any failures. If Hans can do it, so can you! Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a 10 minute Monday Morning Musing with me (Heather Brockbank Miller). I share how I found what fed my spirit this last week: beauty.  It was a strange week: my mind felt fine, my body felt fine, but my spirit might as well been out of gas. This is the 'Monday Morning Musing' on beauty. I found a deeper realization that beauty is one of the things that elevates me out of the ball pit of the not self/neurotic ego/shadow or as I introduce in this morning musing: the shrieking crow. I share the language we use at home when we make mistakes. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

When it comes to being true, be true to you! Don't think it through, you know what to do, just do it too! This episode is a short 10 minute Monday Morning Musing sharing my opinions about being yourself and finding that clear lens. Today's episode is another Monday Morning Musing on perspective. I recently found some renewed clarity and then simultaneously found my missing pair of sunglasses, very ironic. I use this story of finding my lenses as a framework to the idea of being yourself:  run your "M.O." and you'll find clarity. I think deep down we all know what works for us and how to be ourselves.  In the last few minutes I share some words from John Muir to serve as a reminder of the restorative power in nature.  Keep trusting in running your M.O, or as I mentioned in the episode, your dharma. Keep doing the things that make you happy (like my example of sweeping). There is so much wisdom remembering that you just have to be the best you! Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Magnus Toren is the Director of the Henry Miller Memorial Library, which is tucked away in a spectacular redwood grove in Big Sur, California.  Born in Sweden, we discuss a few highlights of Magnus's journey through life, including leaving Sweden for an epic seven years of sailing around the world. Magnus opens up about and what he's learned from nearly 30 years running the library and meeting people from all around the world. He shares a few book recommendations and what values has served him finding his way through love and life.  Wow, did he have an answer! Don't miss it! This episode is just over 33 minutes for your easy listening pleasure. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

In this episode I share my experience trekking in the Himalayas with my family and muse on this quote from William Blake: “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things tho' narrow chinks of his cavern.”    –William Blake.  Through the course of writing this episode I searched for answers to this question: how do we cleanse our doors? I share what I have gathered in this  Monday Morning Musing.  Please feel free to share your experience cleansing your doors of perception at heathermiller@metttlebrain.com. I am considering doing a follow up interview in a few months sharing listener's results. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is with Chris Blum creator of the podcast, Spirited Soul.  Chris shares sound baths on her podcast that she records in her home, episodes range anywhere from 10-30 minutes.  Chris started the podcast when she could no longer give her sound baths baths in-studio due to the pandemic.  I sat down wanting to learn more about sound waves, and what is happening to your body during a sound bath? In this episode we discuss how sound rebalances the brain and what happens as sound is carried from the bowls and into your body. Chris explains why many feel initially uncomfortable in sound baths. Chris shares her journey becoming a sound practitioner and the huge breakthrough she had quieting her mind. Chris answers the signature questions of this podcast: what has seen you through hard times, and my favorite, what do you love about yourself? Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a short 13-minute Monday Morning Musing on soaking up all the goodness in your life through sincere gratitude. I share a metaphor involving a certain Parisian chair that showed me how easy it is to pine for something  you already have but lack the awareness to see it. In this episode, I pose the question to the listener: are you're pining for something outside of your life experience that perhaps you already have but haven't recognized? This episode is a reminder to breathe, stop,  look, really look, and ask yourself: "Where am I?"  "What am I experiencing?" Can you see someone else's experience and still soak up your reality without any outside validation, and sincerely be grateful without mental bypassing that is so common in self-optimization rituals. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is with the ever charismatic Will Wood. Wil is a family man and business owner. He owns the shop Love to Cook with his wife Lauren Wood. Wil discusses his life learnings both personally and professionally. Wil is honest and open about his health: his journey with ADD, two very hard years he experienced after suddenly losing his energy after a race and flu triggered a downward spiral, and what gives him so much of his energy now--joy and fun! Wil shares his journey getting up and out of that place, the role his marriage played in helping him through that period and the value of putting in the painful work. Wil lives in Cache Valley, UT with his wife Lauren and his three kids. Check out their store, Love to Cook for kitchen equipment and cooking classes. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

In this episode I discuss a little about life with three different animals: rabbits, a bird, and our miniature golden doodle Little Ann. I also share a piece I've written called the cala lilly paradox about unrecognized growth. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is a Monday Morning Musing on some interesting ideas from poet and author Robert Bly and Jungian analyst Marion Woodman. The poet Antonio Machado wrote, “All things die, and all things live forever; but our task is to die, to die making roads. Roads over the sea.” Woodman and Bly use this poem throughout their work to reference what it's like working with the unconscious, it's like building a road onto the sea. The unconscious is exactly that-completely unconscious. Woodman and Bly use the power of myth and story because it’s flexible, and not literal. Woodman and Bly do workshops together and have written books and even made a film together. Woodman recommends writing and reflecting on your dreams. In the book, The Maiden King by Marion Woodman co-wrote with Robert Bly the reader is taken through a journey to reunite the masculine and feminine. In this episode I share a few ideas that Woodman and Bly lay out in the chapter, The Inner Marriage from "The Maiden King." Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is a short 10-minute Monday morning musing with me, Heather Miller. I read a poem by Antonio Machado called, "The Wind, One Beautiful Day." It goes like this. The wind, one brilliant day, called to my soul with an odor of jasmine. 'In return for the odor of my jasmine, I'd like all the odor of your roses.' 'I have no roses; all the flowers in my garden are dead.' 'Well then, I'll take the withered petals and the yellow leaves and the waters of the fountain.' The wind left and I wept. And I said to myself: 'What have you done with the garden that was entrusted to you?' In the last half of this episode I share my thoughts on the pandemic and loss, a few metaphors on growth, and give a recommendation for Jungian analyst Marion Woodman and Robert Bly’s work. It’s vast. Finally, I share a thought on interdependence and what can happen when we come together. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This is a short 10 minute 'Monday Morning Musing' on three key grounding ideas to keep in the front of your mind as you pivot in new directions this 2021 year. First, find peace amidst the continual battle with the entropy of life. I share my own struggle with accepting the reality that yes, the second law of thermodynamics is real, the kitchen unfortunately will not stay clean. Money will be made; money will be spent. I discuss finding peace alongside the never-ending process of the doing and undoing that is this ephemeral life. Secondly, the power focusing on our dreams has in our lives to bring us back to life and how we create the value to those dreams. I share a stanza from the iconic Dave Matthews song Grey street and the question how do we keep our lives rich with color when we feel grey? The third and final idea comes in a form of a question: can you believe in happy endings? How do you perceive your life? What stories do you tell yourself about it? Is it working? Is it not working? Do you ever say to yourself, "I have the most amazing life!" Don't drink the Kool-Aid of false narratives. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's morning musing is a re-release of one of my personal favorite Monday morning musings that I love revisiting from time to time. I discuss the idea of collecting and connecting to yourself. What does your internal morning sweep look like? Where is your awareness? Are you plugging into yourself or do you have displaced emotion landing on others. Today's short 12 minute musing is about owning yourself fully and how to do that. This episode promotes finding our individual infinite "okayness" and then loving others from that place. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This is a short ten minute musing on the wonders of the gingko tree. You may see gingko trees often lining your streets, but did you know that the gingko tree is actually one of the oldest species of tree or plant on earth? The gingko is sometimes referred to as a living fossil as its species is prehistoric. In this episode I share a few details on what makes the gingko tree so remarkable from a scientific and symbolic perspective. In Japanese culture the gingko is revered after surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The 170 gingko trees were among the few living things to survive the blast and each are named and dedicated with their own plaque. The gingko tree is not only a physical relic from the dinosaurs but a living symbol not too different from the legend of the Phoenix. Its rise from ash however is not myth but truth, everyone mistook the trees for dead until Spring for until then the exterior of the trees were completely dead. Gingkos have a highly structured cell system at their core called cambium which saved just enough energy for new growth . Check out Peter Crane's beautifully illustrated book, Gingko: The Tree That Time Forgot. I share a poem Crane includes in his book by Johann Goethe about the gingko. This musing is dedicated to my dad who deeply loves the Japanese people and their culture. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is a short speech intended for anyone who has ever felt up a creek without a paddle. Today in this morning musing I share my belief that if you love what you have and use it-- with that mindset it will be enough. I share an experience I had fishing with my boys: my fellow fishermen on the dock said, "I didn't have enough line to catch fish"- in fairness the line I did have wasn't very long-with little to spare but we kept at it and ended up catching a lot of fish. Despite multiple recommendations to quit we didn't, someone lent us some slightly better bait and voila, success! Remembering this day brings me a lot of optimism when I feel flooded and doubting, "is what I have enough?" I find it very easy to defer to the authority of others and let someone else determine, "is this enough, can I enter the arena?" I I love the thought enough is as good as a feast, and as Julie Andrews poignantly observed in an interview with her daughter "if we can be grateful in our life for what is working amidst trying to tackle what isn't life feels a lot more bearable." I've started thinking now, "if you feel up a creek without a paddle- use what you got and maybe see if you can borrow someone's chair!" Don't let anyone say you can't try! Nobody puts baby in a corner and if you ask me, I say you have it! Believe it!Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is a short fifteen minute grab bag of ideas: a book and recipe recommendation, what I've been reflecting on these last two weeks, and the wonders of a hand held massager. Yes you read that correct, where have you been all my life hand held massager? Does everyone but me know how grounding that is? I discuss briefly Atul Gawande's book, Being Mortal and the blog piece on Dylan Thomas from Maria Popova. I've read it three times this week. Check it out! The last two elements go hand in hand and facilitates a critical head space that isn't always natural to be in. I arrived here serendipitously and wanted to pass it along. Enjoy! Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a morning musing on my recent move to the Central Coast of California and a few ideas that I have been reflecting on over the last month, i.e. "we all need to be carried sometimes". I share a thought from a new friend in passing that "there is a seat at the table for everyone." I recall a quote from a previous interview, "I love my mistakes" and one of my favorite treasures the idea "mistakes are allowed." I reflect on my longing for the feeling of community after weeks of missing those seemingly meaningless but meaningful moments with people you think you don't know yet gleam so much connection from. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is a Monday Morning Musing (recorded on a Friday for some extra enthusiasm). I have two beautiful thoughts to share with you to give you a boost in your week. The first is a recommendation from a podcast series that I am loving called, "this movie changed my life" which is a mini series from On Being Studios. The episodes are short and the content is fantastic. I really enjoyed the 'Toy Story' episode. The next is my own movie recommendation about a movie that has changed my life, the 1964 classic Mary Poppins. Have you seen it recently? I share my awe for this film and what I have come to notice that makes this film go from a diamond, to a diamond mine. It's all too easy for all of us to lose our way on occasion. Revisit it! Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Kerry Wilde is a soul adornment stylist. In this episode we discuss the art of adornment: dressing for your second skin, having the outer be an expression of the inner like wearing a second skin. In this episode Kerry discusses her work around adornment, how she came to do this work, and how others can find their second skin. Kerry walks the listener through the process of dismantling patriarchal pieces within the mind that block the ability to express the true inner self. A great question to ask yourself is, "Who are you dressing for?" Kerri's aodrnment process has a lot more depth and nuance than just what styles to choose. Kerri is teaching embodied styling. Kerry opens up about her female embodiment journey- walking the maiden to mother path. She combines her spiritual work with her passion and advocacy for fashion. Kerry has a long history working in the fast fashion industry, she spent years traveling to factories all over the world as a garment technologist. Kerry has seen first hand the price of fast fashion.Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's morning musing is about the middle way. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t feed the extremes?” I share how holding mentally to this phrase has provided fortitude in stressful situations, and helped me see more opportunities to let things be: "Don't Feed The Extremes". I came across this idea from Michael Singer and love it. I’ve always agreed with Pascal who said: "if you can keep something beautiful in your mind, you can endure a many great things." I've always loved holding onto beautiful phrases and this is one of them. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a Morning Musing with me, Heather Miller. This is a short 15 minute episode with some reflections and quotes from the book, "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer. I share my surprise of how powerful his ideas about navigating the psyche were, how systemic in nature the ideas felt—Singer overlays a framework of being along with his views on living. This book isn't simply another "spirituality" genre book. His ideas on allowing, moving beyond resistance, losing the addiction to the psyche, and his experience of enlightenment (which he tries to teach) gives this book it’s own distinct place in the canon of self help. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

In today's episode I talk with Djamila Zangre. She is from Burkina Faso (West Africa). We discuss women's empowerment, Burkina Faso, and her career trajectory. Djamila is a model and airmen in the US Air Force. Djamila's family came to the United States in 2009 when her father won the entry lottery. Djamila's mother was the first in generations to receive an advanced education, inspiring herself and others. Zangre also produces and sells her own skin line made with shea butter from Ougadougou a city in Burkina Faso. She joined me from North Dakota where she is currently stationed. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Atlanta native, spiritual and metaphysical enthusiast Nicole Perkins sits down with me and discusses her work as a certified Inner Voice Facilitator. She shares what it is, how she found it, and her experience working with her own inner voice. Nicole shares her journey of peeling back the layers of armor and taking continual baby steps to get to her own worthiness. Nicole shares how working with her own authority has brought greater authenticy and how others can work with their own inner voices as well. Be sure to catch the end of the episode when Nicole actually drops into her inner voice to answer the quintessential Mettle Brain question: What do you love about yourself? Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Kera Thomspon is a force. We sat down together and discussed her work and other roles she juggles including: the on-court entertainment host for the Utah Jazz, yoga instructor, mother, and creative. She shared what keeps her in joy, and how she’s navigated what doesn’t. Thompson discusses balancing career and family. We compare notes on our individual integration journeys and the ongoing process from moving through that maiden archetype to mother. Thompson currently lives in Salt Lake City, UT with her husband and four children. Thompson shared what practices she has in her life that foster authenticity and how that has aided in developing her intuitive eclectic design aesthetic that permeates all aspects of her life. Thompson has a background in interior design and created a company called, Interwoven that also has influenced her design. She shares some distinct thoughts on navigating duality and feeling whole. “The larger your light, the larger the shadow that is cast.” -Richard Rohr. Thompson shared some sound advice that has served her well: embrace what resonates, let things go, become accountable for your “drishti” and everything you're taking in. Thompson speaks beautifully about transcending the boxes in your life whether that's through journal writing or developing an attitude of non attachment. You can find Kera Thompson on instagram at kera_thompson sharing some of her writing, design, and family life there. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a Monday Morning Musing about the underdog in us all. This is a great time to reflect and overview our life with this Covid-19 pandemic happening around us- slowing down our normal day to day pace of life. I pose a few questions intended to create a headspace to experience that underdog journey but through a podcast. Are you familiar with the underdog narrative, and do you identify with it? In the past what chapters of your life have you experienced transformation? Any areas you would like to see change when things begin to return back to normal-albeit a new one?Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's interview is with Rachel Brockbank, or Tishmal as she's known to her fans. Rachel is a singer, songwriter currently pursuing a professional career in music. She is also family. She talked with me the same day she dropped her new song, I Have Dreams, that she wrote in collaboration with D.J. Kaskade. Rachel joined me remotely to discuss her new release and how she became the performer and artist she is now. Rachel shares how she grew beyond the comfortable identify of being a song writer and the process of being broken down and rising into the resilient open hearted stage performer she is now. Rachel shares what it means to her to be human and what she remembers to bring herself back home to herself. Rachel shares some advice for her younger listeners and we talk about the power of dreams and how they can bring us back to life. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a morning musing with some interesting facts about Bob Ross and his show, The Joy of Painting. I share a variety of clips from his show. There is also a small cameo from a true Bob Ross fan. (You'll have to listen to find out who!) Did you know that Bob Ross spent the first 20 years of his career as a drill sergeant in the military? It's a little hard to imagine the calm voice of Bob Ross yelling at people to wake up, clean their room, or wash the latrine. In this episode I share a little about his transition from the military to his painting studio at PBS. At his core Bob Ross believed everyone had intrinsic artistic talent that could be brought out with a little bit of patience and practice. He made thousands of episodes and all the while he believed and held for people that anyone could experience the joy of painting. He's inspired millions to paint. This is a very curated bit of inspiring information to lift your spirits in this COVID-19 quarantine time. Take a little Bob Ross time. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is a short morning musing update on my life here. I share a dose of optimism for our current COVID-19 quarantine with questions like, "why is the sky blue?" I am 11 days into our 'Stay at Home' order here in Orange County and things are feeling pretty heavy around here. I share a few excerpts from books that have serendipitously crossed my path that have brought a little wonderment and curiousity to my vantage point. This moment in time feels akin to 14th century England and the plague that rocked London - wait, that's just like the book I'm currently reading about with my son in the Newbury award winner, "The Door in the Wall." Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is with my husband, Ryan Miller. We are home! To give you an idea of timelines, governor Governor Newsom has just ordered a stay at home order to all CA residents. The situation around this Corona virus is a fluid one and constantly unfolding. I asked Ryan to sit down with me and share his thoughts on COVID-19, his story, and a few insights on life. I don't know anyone more well informed on global news than Ryan. He has a background in political science, anthropology, and has a passion for travel which colors his already global perspective. Ryan has always been a news hound and at a time when there is so much information moving his insight has been a comforting one. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

We often hear the value of keeping a journal. Great minds like Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Mark Twain, Oliver Sachs, and Frida Kahlo, to name a few, kept journals. My guest today, Allison Pond, shares a passion for maximizing the power of keeping a journal and writing in general. Allison Pond has a treasure trove of knowledge on expressive writing. Allison is certified in teaching expressive writing through the Therapeutic Writing Institute (T.W.I) and has held numerous workshops. She is here today to share some of her knowledge on how to use writing to gain deeper self realization and draw on our individual well of capacity. We end our interview with a few specific writing exercises including her own illustration of a two way dialogue with “money.” Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

In this short 13 minute M.M. (Morning Musing) episode, I share my thoughts about not identifying with the thinking mind. I share my favorite thought influencers on the mind and what experience I remember to empower myself when I am buying into thoughts that don't serve my best interests. How many times have you realized you were wrong when you really thought you were right? Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Chances are you have heard of Roald Dahl, probably even read a few of his books. In today's Morning Musing I share a few insights that I have taken to heart from studying the life and works of Roald Dahl, did you know he's actually written 34 books? In Dahl's last book, Billy and the Minpins published after his death, there is a particularly poignant last line, "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." In this episode I share just how easy it is to have a "been there done that" vantage point on life- I've caught myself falling into this death trap all too easily. This episode is geared to facilitate a reframe on the ordinary, fuel resilience, and hopefully recapture your interest in the beautiful life and work of Roald Dahl. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today I am sharing the words of British philosopher Alain De Botton. Because of the busy holiday season and Christmas next week we discussed over e-mail.I am sharing his answers here in this short ten minute episode. I was fortunate to have stumbled onto Alain De Botton and his work years ago. His books cover subjects like love, travel, architecture, and literature. Botton is also one of the founders of the organization The School of Life. The School of Life is just what it claims to be, a school of life. It is a rigorous idealogical organization intended to help you with the important things that you were never taught to handle in school. His novel A Course of Love and Essays on Love I particularly love. Listen to the episode to hear his answer (via e-mail) of what helps give him mettle, his call to humanity, and something to keep in mind on the subject of boundaries. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is with anesthesiologist Dr. Rachel Allen. In this episode we compare mutual life notes and learn from one another. We cover ground on topics like awareness, consciousness, the brain, how to create space in the mind to see who we really are and how we can differentiate from the not self narratives we buy into. Rachel discusses the dynamic at play in one's own mind in the thought process "this isn't who I want to be". Rachel encourages looking at that, "Wait, if "this" isn't who I want to be who's "I" and who's "This?" It's different." Rachel shares why that distinction is paramount and how to lengthen that brief moment in time to better grasp who you yourself are. In the last 15 minutes of our interview Rachel and I discuss the clinic, Satori, she's opened with her husband Scott Allen who is also an anesthesiologist. Satori is the buddhist term for sudden enlightenment. Their clinic offers ketamine injections to heal anxiety and depression, as well as lidocaine administered intravenously for nerve pain. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

In this episode I sit down with M.F.T. Kelly Faust McCann. We discuss the value religion played in her life, specifically the Mormon faith. As a therapist Kelly has helped many people through their faith transitions. Kelly shares a profound analogy derived from Buddhism that significantly helped her shift and transcend. We discuss the idiomatic expression: "don't throw the baby out with the bath water" in which something good, albeit sacred, is thrown out when trying to get rid of something bad. Kelly describes what that means to her in reference to her journey no longer being a participating Mormon. Kelly shares her building blocks to greater meaning and purpose in her life including: prayer, community, humility, and faith. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Jared and Erin are the creators of Mozz Artisan Pizza. In this episode we discuss their story, Mozz, and Jared's unique story overcoming a heroine addiction. Jared is one of the lucky few that have been able to thrive after being on the other side of a dabilitating heroine addiction. Jared shares his story overcoming some serious low points, i.e. robbing a bank - via note. Jared is the first person to describe his story as "absurd" but as he so poignantly points out in our interview he could either, "drown himself in shame or be grateful and forgive". We discuss how to remember that the past isn't more powerful than the present. Erin, Jared's wife and fellow owner in Mozz shares her insight on self awareness and what she's learned from Jared's addiction and how it's transformed her life. Be sure to not miss their excellent communication advice in the last ten minutes! Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's episode is with Joanie Sprague, host of 'The Little Bit' podcast. We discuss getting out of the cycle of poverty, the privilege of beauty, and living life with integrity. Joanie shares a little about her experience teaching women of all ages how to use power tools in her once a month class in Huntington Beach. Joanie opens up about lessons she's learned, what she's always held onto in every stage of her life, as well as some fascinating stories from her time working as a world renowned model. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is with Dr. Nikki Arguinzongil, a naturopathic doctor in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Nikki and I discuss gut health, her experience with horrendous eczema, healing from leaky gut, and other related aspects of having a healthy microbiome. Dr. Nikki shares some inspiring words that will help you stay motivated or get motivated about your health. I ask some honest questions around the rigidity of these more restrictive diets and how we can find the middle way. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Do we treat the people nearest and dearest to us like they matter the most? Today’s morning musing is a collection of questions and metaphors designed to help bring awareness to how much we may be behaving against our values.*There is no intention of a derogatory nature towards Russia—the title references a metaphor made in the episode of old Soviet Union Russia paranoia. How much do appearances matter? Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Today's Morning Musing is about collecting and connecting to yourself. What does your internal morning sweep look like? Where is your awareness? Are you plugging into yourself or do you have displaced emotion landing on others. Today's short 12 minute musing is about owning yourself fully and how to do that. This episode promotes finding our individual infinite "okayness" and then loving others from that place. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is a Monday Morning Musing featuring M.F.T. Kelly Faust McCann. Today we discuss the relationship we each have with our own bodies and how we get to know ourselves. Kelly shares her ideas of thinking of our bodies as separate from ourselves. She shares that by giving your body a name it will become easier to listen to it. What does Shelby need? What does i.e. Rose, Spike, Doug need? Does Spike need to go for a run? We discuss how easy it is to ignore the subtle pleas from our bodies. Kelly shares that if we can name our bodies and begin to talk to them we will find a source of great clarity- for we all have the answers within us. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Lesa Vander Bie is an artist and psychotherapist in the Laguna, Newport Beach area. In this episode we discuss how to develop resilience in ourselves. Lesa shares some profound insights about what gets in the way of sustaining true resilience. Lesa shares her insight on recovery from compassion fatigue/burn out/loss of self. Lesa started noticing that something was off after a series of hard experiences and despite her efforts couldn’t quite get that same resilience back. Throughout this episode Lesa shares how she was able to heal that compassion fatigue and regain her full capacity. Lesa has crossed paths with many people silently suffering through the same reality. For that reason, Lesa is speaking about what she’s observed and believes about bouncing back when you suddenly find yourself unable to. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

In celebration of Mettle Brain's one year anniversary, I am releasing one of my earliest podcasts, re-produced in it's raw form. This episode is with Summer Myers. Summer is an art therapist and has become an expert at seeing the inner landscape of our lives. She shares how we can create more joy in our lives through creativity. Summer explains that creativity is a human drive, like hunger or even a sex drive, and without satiating it we will become sick, as it is essential that we reflect our internal experience. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Jessica Bragado is a health practitioner formally trained in Holographic Kinetics, an Australian Aboriginal healing modality. Although Jessica primarily leans on her gifts working with spirit to address issues either trapped in the body or in the greater energy field of her patients. Jessica has a diverse clientele including Veterans and children. Jessica was raised in the Bible Belt and speaks beautifully of the balance required using her gifts in such a conservative part of the country. Jessica has been communicating with spirits since she was a small child, i.e. seeing deceased ancestors of strangers and/or medical issues. Jessica shares some of the knowledge she's gathered being a practitioner including how to get in touch with your own spirit and how to rid yourself of that which may not be serving you. Throughout our conversation Jessica touches on the power of the mind, and the stories we reinforce. Jessica shares a few personal experiences while using her gifts and gives some interesting hypotheticals on people suffering with migraines, social anxiety, and personality disorders. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is part of my series, "Morning Musings" which means you are listening to me, Heather Miller. In the future if you like these short 10 minute episodes, just look for M.M in the title of the podcast and you will know whether or not it's a Morning Musing. Today I discuss one of my favorite messages on love that J.K. Rowling weaves into the book, "Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix." I read this with my kids last week on a camping trip. Through her characters, Rowling explains that it's your capacity to love that is your greatest gift, and that it is this very gift that will bring suffering. This pain is part of being human. Truthfully, I was completely overcome with emotion. I can't remember the last time I have cried from such a deep place. I wanted to share this beautiful message. I encourage anyone who doubts their inherent goodness to listen to this episode. Sometimes we get flipped in our heads and we forget who we are. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Have you ever heard of "The Ship of Theseus"? It is a fascinating thought experiment that I discuss in this episode of Monday morning musings. I came across the allegory of The Ship of Theseus twice in a day and found myself deep in thought about how change is happening at a deep level. I pose some interesting questions and insights to think about in light of this allegory: what are you trying to preserve in yourself? Do you have the tools you need to create? What about your significant other, have key aspects of them seem to have vanished? Of course, life is an adventure... but after reflecting on The Ship of Theseus life is even more of an adventure than I ever anticipated. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

This episode is with Paul Brockbank, he is currently the CEO of Yours.co. He is a charismatic leader in his community and my Dad. I am so proud to be able to share some of his ideas that have shaped and guided my life. Paul has developed a tried and true process of edification and renewal that he shares. Be sure to catch his answer to the question, "what do you love about yourself" at the end. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Nikki (Arguinzoni-Gil) is back to share more about what she's learned and seen working with patients for over a decade. We discuss some of the differences she sees between men and women. Dr. Nikki does it all with her patients: inflammation, chronic pain, infertility issues, hormone balance. She is also a gifted cranial therapist. Nikki also works with people of all ages and she described some of the the things she sees a lot of in each generation. i.e. finding your footing in your 20's, or trying to feel like yourself again in your 50's. No matter what the age Dr. Nikki describes what healing involves at any age, asking for help. Dr. Nikki gives some particularly sage advice to people in the midst of menopause/andropause. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)

Lynda Bunnell is the Director of The International Human Design School. She is also the author of the widely published book The Definitive Book of Human Design, The Science of Differentiation. Human Design is a growth system created in 1987 by founder Ra Uru Hu. We discuss how she came to study and teach Human Design. Lynda was initially a skeptic of Human Design and she addresses what changed her mind in this interview. Lynda encourages listening to our bodies instead of our minds. She breaks down the differences between splenic and emotional authority, how to identify the not self, and how our auras talk to one another. Support the show (http://www.mettlebrain.com/contact-1)