Podcasts about Shy Guy

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz offers powerful insight into what to do when you feel like giving up. Whether you're trying to build confidence, face your fears, or push through challenges, there are times when progress feels slow and resistance feels overwhelming. Dr. Aziz unpacks the real reason we feel discouraged and why it's often not about the actual results we're getting. You'll discover how unrealistic expectations and unconscious comparisons can drain your motivation and how to shift back into momentum with self-compassion and clarity. Packed with honesty, humor, and actionable tools, this episode is a reminder that you're not broken, you're just human. And the key to long-term change isn't forcing yourself forward, but learning how to keep going with heart.

Jess has blue balls, Shy Guy gives us a cruise update, and we ask you for your tips for Halloween. Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/nick-jess-and-duckoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz reveals the secret to boosting confidence while dissolving anxiety and it's not another breathing exercise or mindset hack. It's a deeper shift in how you see yourself and how you approach life. Most people try to overcome fear by gritting their teeth and pushing through. But what if you could unlock a bold version of yourself that actually wants the challenge? Dr. Aziz introduces the powerful identity of the Bold Explorer a part of you that thrives on uncertainty, risk, and discovery. Whether you're working to speak up at work, approach someone you're attracted to, or just stop overthinking every social interaction, this episode gives you a new way to show up with strength, courage, and yes, more fun. Ready to activate the version of you that's fearless, adventurous, and fully alive? Tune in now and start living like the bold explorer you were born to be. --------------------------------------------- If you've tried all the “calm down” hacks—meditations, breathing apps, mantras—and still find anxiety waiting for you at work, on dates, or before you speak up… this is for you. There's a faster path than soothing your nerves in the moment: change who's showing up. When you do, confidence rises and anxiety dissolves—without white-knuckling your way through it. “Confidence isn't something you earn— it's something you remember.” The One Shift: Become the Bold Explorer Anxiety spikes when the “stay-safe” part of you takes the wheel. Instead, step into a different identity: the Bold Explorer—the part of you that seeks growth, welcomes the unknown, and chooses meaningful risk over comfortable stagnation. Explorers don't wait to “feel ready.” They move toward the edge on purpose. Try this: Before a conversation, meeting, or date, pause and say (quietly or aloud), “I'm a Bold Explorer. Let's see what's here.” Notice how your posture, breath, and tone shift toward grounded courage. “Boldness is always rewarded: with aliveness, with wisdom—and often with wins.” Why This Kills Anxiety (and Builds Real Confidence) Most people dip a toe outside their comfort zone, endure the fear, then retreat. That trains your body to associate growth with threat. The Explorer flips the script: discomfort becomes a signal of aliveness, not danger. When your brain interprets the moment as chosen adventure, your nervous system calms and capability expands. Two guaranteed payoffs every time you act boldly: Aliveness — You feel more awake, present, and powerful. Wisdom — You learn faster through doing than by rehearsing in your head. Make It Practical: An Explorer's Daily Reps Name the Expedition. What's today's “edge”? Speaking up once in a meeting? Starting a conversation? Sending the pitch? Write it down each morning: “Today's exploration = ___.” Use the 5% Rule. You don't need to cliff-jump. Reveal 5% more, ask one deeper question, take one bolder step than yesterday. Anchor the Identity (Cold Shower Primer). Tomorrow morning, take a 30–60 second cold shower. Not for biohacking bragging rights, but to train your brain: I move toward what's uncomfortable on purpose. Then carry that energy into the first bold action of your day. “Don't wait to feel brave. Act—then let your feelings catch up.” Final Word: This Is Who You Are You're not building a new self from scratch—you're remembering the part of you that has always been willing to try, to learn, to live fully. When the Explorer leads, anxiety loses its grip because there's nothing to defend—only something to discover. You can do this. Stand a little taller. Breathe deeper. Choose one bold step today. And watch how confidence rises while anxiety quietly fades into the background.

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz issues a bold 7-day challenge that just might transform your confidence: stop apologizing. Not when you bump into someone, but the deeper, more compulsive “I'm sorry” that leaks out when you speak up, have needs, or reveal who you are. If you've ever found yourself saying “Sorry to bother you” or “I'm sorry, that was probably too much…”—this episode is for you. Dr. Aziz reveals why chronic apologizing isn't just a bad habit—it's a deep, unconscious signal that says “I'm not allowed to exist as I am.” You'll learn how these little apologies sap your power, disconnect you from others, and reinforce toxic self-doubt. Packed with stories, humor, and a clear 7-day “apology fast” experiment, this conversation will help you ditch the reflex, reclaim your voice, and show up unapologetically real. Ready to stop shrinking and start owning your space? Tune in now and begin your 7-day confidence reboot.---------------------------------------------- How many times did you apologize today? If you're like most people, it's probably more than you realize. “I'm sorry” slips out when we bump into someone, when we speak up, when we share something personal, and when we even exist in a way that might inconvenience someone. But here's the truth: you're not being polite—you're being powerless. For one week, I want to challenge you to stop apologizing unnecessarily. What happens next might shock you. The Addiction You Don't Realize You Have Over-apologizing feels harmless—like good manners. But in reality, it's an emotional addiction. Every “I'm sorry” is a tiny attempt to soothe discomfort. You're trying to make sure no one's upset, that no one disapproves, that everyone's okay with you. It's a self-soothing reflex, just like reaching for sugar or scrolling endlessly on your phone. It gives you a micro-hit of safety… at the cost of your power. The moment you say “sorry” when you've done nothing wrong, you send a subconscious message to yourself: “I'm a problem. I shouldn't exist this way.” And you don't just say it once—you reinforce it dozens of times a day. The Cost of Compulsive Apologizing At best, this habit makes you seem uncertain. At worst, it damages your confidence and your relationships. When you apologize for having an opinion, for asking a question, or simply for speaking up, people don't feel more comfortable around you—they feel disconnected. It's like you shared a genuine moment, and then poured cold water all over it. I've seen clients apologize for being seen: “I'm sorry, I know I'm talking too much.” “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you.” But when you say sorry for simply being human, what you're really saying is: “I'm sorry for who I am.” And that is the one apology you must stop making—forever. The 7-Day Apology Fast Let's make this practical. For the next seven days, go on what I call an Apology Fast. That doesn't mean you never apologize. Real apologies—where you've acted outside your values or hurt someone are powerful and healing. But all the other ones? The nervous, automatic, I just want you to like me apologies? Those go. Here's how: Notice it. Catch yourself the moment you say “sorry.” Interrupt it. Imagine the gentle but firm correction: “Ah-ah. Leave it.” (Yes, like training a puppy!) Replace it. Instead of “sorry,” say something direct and grounded. Try “thank you for your patience,” “excuse me,” or simply say nothing at all. Keep score. See if you can reduce your unnecessary apologies each day. The Real Transformation When you stop apologizing for existing, something beautiful happens: You start to take up space. You start to feel solid. You start to respect yourself. And that shift ripples outward. People listen more closely. You speak more clearly. You move through the world as someone who knows—deeply—that they belong. So, for seven days, no unnecessary “I'm sorry.” Just you unfiltered, unapologetic, and free. Because confidence doesn't come from being perfect. It comes from finally realizing you have nothing to apologize for.

Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 10 Interrogated Until Dawn In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.             Wakefulness is a race we cannot not win; Sleep is remorseless as all salvation should be           "Are you his real girlfriends?" Gerry, a shorter, stout girl with short black hair inquired. "It doesn't work that way," Chastity confessed. "Zane is our property and we rent him out for social functions." "No you don't," I laughed. "Chastity and Hope are good friends and we came out for dinner and a movie." "If you aren't dating anyone in particular there is going to be a party next Saturday. It is by special invitation only, it is a block party but we could call you when we find out," Erin offered. "Hey, babes," this guy greeted us, or more appropriately, the ladies around me. He was rather average looking; perhaps he would have looked better if his face wasn't constantly burned by the Sun and he avoided smoking joints and drinking so much. I figured he was about twenty or so. He was unlikely to have anything resembling a regular girlfriend or even regular sex because he paid little heed to his looks or his wardrobe. His chief companion was a weasely guy; not the shifty sort, but the blood-thirsty feral kind. He was short and wiry with an anger that came from unrealized ambition and recognition; probably a vicious fighter but used to striking from the blind side. The final guy was tall and skinny, suffering from shyness exacerbated by the presence of women. Erin and Gerry looked at the new guy, snorted derisively and turned back to me. "Here's our number," Erin said as she took out a pen and wrote her digits on my palm. "Call on Thursday and we'll tell you where we can meet." I nodded because I was grappling with the rudeness these girls were showing this guy and his buddies. "What, going to be a party?" the guy leered. "By invitation," Erin responded, "College students only." I was starting to feel for this guy. "What, is Zane boy and his Kappa Sig whores good enough for you sluts, but real working men are not?" he taunted us. "Don't do that," I warned him, putting a hand to his chest as he stepped forward and tried to put his hands on Erin's and Hope's asses. I'm not sure what Erin would do but Hope was likely to dislocate his jaw. "Take your hand off me, jack ass," he growled. His weasely buddy looked ready to pounce. "We should call it a night," I told the ladies. "Erin, Gerry, I'll call later. Ladies, let's get out of here." Erin and Gerry tossed a worried look dumbass's way, then smiled to me and left. My companions and I left by a different way. Since we were heading out the easiest way to the parking lot, the three guys followed us. "Hey, you sissy bastard, why are you afraid to share?" he mocked me, but really, was sissy bastard the best he could do? I sensed him coming up behind us as we exited the mall so I spun around, as did the girls. "So how much do these Kappa Sigs cost?" he chuckled. "It can't be that much if you are buying these whores two at a time. I'll give you twenty for them both." "Walk away, Zane," Chastity urged me quietly. "Let it go." "You are right," I bit down my anger, "not only does he not have the money, he couldn't satisfy a woman even if he could convince one to accept payment." "Mother fucker," he snarled, and shoved me back. I had had enough. "Go back to your playmates," I warned him calmly, "I'm not someone you want to be badmouthing ladies around." "Whatchya gonna do, Fucker?" he shot back. "How about when I finish kicking your ass, I'm gonna bang both the bitches you brought tonight? Then I'm going to ride those whores you were on the video with." "Oh, you shouldn't have said that," breathed Hope. I was not the one she was admonishing, either. "Apologize to these two ladies right now and pledge to never go near the Kappa Sigs and I'll let you leave here under your own power," I responded. "I was afraid this shit-hole would never fight," the weasel guy sneered. I looked to the third guy. "Do you know the number for the hospital?" I asked him. He nodded. "Good." The main talker started to shift his body into an aggressive stance but had the nerves of a bully, not a fighter. My first strike rocked him back on his feet and gave me the time I needed for his buddy. The buddy got a quick but unskilled jab off. I blocked it and popped him hard, nearly knocking him over. I spun back to the Talker, set him up with a strike, and then kicked him so hard that I sent him flying out of the fight. The Weasel lashed out again; I caught his arm and drove my knee into his stomach. I kept that up for eight more knee-strikes until he ceased struggling and slumped to the ground. "Make that call," I told the third guy, then grabbed my girls and ran for the car. "Why are we running?" Hope asked as we got into my car. "They already know who I am but you two are unknown. Face it," I reasoned with them, "if you two get dragged down to the police station, that could be big trouble." "And since you are already known, you are screwed," Chastity muttered. "Yes, basically. Once I get you two safely back to your dorm, I'll turn myself in and deal with the consequences," I informed them. "We'll talk to Gorman when we get back," Hope said. "That kind of voids the reason for fleeing the scene," I pointed out. "What is it about you, dates, and the police?" Chastity chided me. "Hey, now, only half my dates have ended with police involvement," I complained. "Zane, do you realize how horrible those odds are?" Hope noted. "Does this mean no second date?" I joked. "I think we want a do-over on this one," Hope grinned. "I think we were all hoping for a different kind of excitement when we got back to your place." "Groan, it would sort of suck for you two to be in my room when the cops come for me," I sighed. That was the end of our conversation, because it would suck and we had no choice. Once I had Hope and Chastity back to their dorm, I made my way back to my place and changed. Since we were normally required to be in uniform, we had gone to Aunt Jill's to change into 'normal' attire, but I had decided we didn't have the time for it on the way back. I gave Coach Gorman a call and explained the events, minus my two friends. She told me to stay put. It was past midnight when I received a call from the Coach. "Zane, please come to my office," she told me. "I'll be right there," I responded, as I slipped off my bed. The campus was still and dark as I made my way to the Security Center. There were only two offices with lights on, that of the night officer and Gorman's office. Inside, I found Gorman behind her desk and a Sheriff's Deputy sitting in a chair opposite her and angled to look at me and the door. "I told you he would come," Gorman reprimanded the officer. "He ran once; I had reason to believe he would rabbit again," the man answered. "Cowardice is not a trait I attribute to Mr. Braxton," Gorman commented dryly. "That may be the case," he replied. "Mr. Braxton, I want to ask you some questions about what happened at the mall this evening around 9:30." "I went to see a movie. When I came out, I was accosted by three men, and when I attempted to leave, they followed me to the parking lot where I proceeded to beat the crap out of them," I confessed. "So you admit putting two men in the hospital?" the Sheriff's Deputy inquired. "Yes, sir. I struck the taller one in the face, pivoted and did a downward block to the smaller guy, following through with an uppercut to his jaw. I did another strike to the first guy, then did a jump kick, sorry Coach, to his sternum, putting him out of the fight. The smaller guy righted himself, struck, and I caught him in an arm bar. I then brought my knee to his stomach, sorry Coach, and struck him repeatedly with it, sorry Coach," I outlined the fight. "Thank you. But why are you apologizing to Coach Gorman?" the Deputy asked. "He's apologizing for not using Karate moves," Dana informed him. "I'm his Karate Coach as well as Head of Security." "And a hell of a soccer coach, or so I'm told," I grinned sadly. "That is nice. Now, there was a report of two women being with you," the officer said. "Who were they? I need to interview them." "I'm not going to deny there were other women there but I won't name names. There could be academic consequences for fighting and I want to spare them that," I explained. "Son, I could tack on a charge of obstruction of justice to go with your two counts of assault and one of fleeing the scene of a crime," he related. "Okay. Do what you have to do," I declared. "I will not turn on my friends." "In that case, I am placing you under arrest," the Deputy stated, as he stood up and Mirandized me. He brought out the cuffs and led me away. Back at the Sheriff's Office, I sat down with SD Burrows, my arresting officer, and we worked on his report. It turned out I could type and he could peck, so I convinced him to dictate the report for him because I desperately needed some sleep. A female Sheriff's Deputy gave our case, and me, a double-take. "What have you got here?" the woman asked. "Two counts of Assault, fleeing the scene, and obstruction of justice," Burrows said. "Zane Braxton?" she inquired. "Yeah. We have him in a report for that fight at the Kappa Sigma House last Saturday, though no charges were filed," he informed her. "I went to the University, that's Freedom Fellowship, and he turned himself in." "Why did you run?" She turned to me. I groaned and lowered my head. "Apparently, he was protecting the identity of the two women he was with; most likely fellow FFU students," Barrows filled her in. She nodded and went on her way. "Okay," he said when we finished, "let's get you processed and put you into the general holding cell. Do you want to call your lawyer?" "I'd rather get some sleep," I confided in him. "You will be arraigned tomorrow morning at 9:00 so have someone by then," he advised me. After that was the tedious process of fingerprints and the pictures before they finally moved me to the 'overnight' holding cell. Inside were two benches and nine guys. Five crowded onto one bench, two biker-type guys lounged on the second bench, and two were left to stand against the bars. I was really tired. "I'm really tired," I explained to the more tattooed and bald biker-guy, "get off my God-damn bench." There was a hush in the cell. "What did you say, Pussy?" the guy said as he stood up. He had an inch on me and fifty pounds or so. His buddy was standing as well. "I've put two guys in the hospital tonight already. I'm more than willing to put your heads through the bars, Asshole. Now get off my God-damn bench," I growled. "Braxton, I don't want any trouble from you," a passing Deputy commented. "What's he in for?" the lead biker asked the Deputy. "He put two guys in the hospital for talking to his ladies, as best as we can figure," the officer stated. "What are these two in for?" I inquired, while keeping my eyes on the bikers. "Misdemeanor drug possession," the Deputy answered. I smiled evilly at the bikers. "Get off my God-damn bench. I need a nap," I seethed and they back-side-stepped out of my way. As I said, I was really cranky. For whatever reason, no one attacked me in my sleep, and I was definitely dead to the world within five minutes of my head hitting the hard surface of my contested bench. I dreamed of ice cream and pizza, and scantily clad babes bringing me ice cream and pizza, confirming that while exhausted, I was not dead. "Mr. Braxton," a strange yet not totally unfamiliar voice said as she shook me awake. I looked up into the deep, earthy brown eyes of the female Deputy that I'd seen earlier. "They need you in Interrogation Room One." I sat up and rubbed my eyes, realized I didn't have a watch, so I inquired as to the time, a little past 2:00. "Okay, but I've already confessed," I mumbled as I stood up. "I'm not sure what more I can say." She turned and walked out of the cell, where a second female officer was holding the door. Alarm bells were going off. While I've never been to a US jail before, I'd seen enough police procedural shows to know the cops never let the convict get behind them. Girls do it all the time, when they want to show off their ass, and I stupidly was caught doing just that, as her smirk over her shoulder revealed. She shut the door when I left and walked down the hall with one in front of me and one behind. Sure enough, they took me into an interrogation room, and the unknown one took a seat opposite me while the slightly more familiar one stood behind my chair. "Mr. Braxton, we understand you have refused your right to counsel; is that correct?" the one with Urquhart on her name tag said. "Technically, no. I have refused to call for a lawyer but I plan to engage one in the morning," I admitted. "We would like to ask you some questions, if that is okay?" Deputy Urquhart said. "Sure," I leaned back. The other officer put her hands on my shoulders. Without really thinking about it, I reached across my chest to the opposite shoulder and ran my fingertips along the fingertips of the woman's hand. My interrogator noted the gesture. "You were in an altercation at the Kappa Sigma House last weekend. What can you tell us about that?" she asked. "I imagine saying things like 'it wasn't official' and 'it was within city limits' is pointless, so I guess I was shoved into the girls' bathroom by five guys and got my ass kicked," I explained. "Five guys decided to beat you up? Was there a reason?" she persisted. The other officer began rubbing her fingers along with mine. "Short story, none of your business; longer version, these frat boys were messing with some of the ladies I came to the party with and I got the ladies away. Later, they came for payback and a fight ensued. I got my ladies out, then went back to the Kappa Sigs to see if everything was okay." "But neither the FFU girls nor the Sorority pressed charges so we don't know who they are, and now you are in another fight, women are involved, but you won't tell us who they are either," she outlined. "Basically, yes," I replied. "You are looking at some very serious trouble if these girls don't step forward or you don't tell us who they are," she explained. I took the time to move my free hand behind me and onto the thigh of the officer there. In seconds, I had spider-climbed my hand to her crotch. She tensed up, pushed away from me, then rocked forward until her breasts bracketed my head. "Well, since that's not going to happen, how about we get something to eat?" I sighed. I figured that sleep wasn't likely so I might as well toss around some sexual innuendo to lighten the mood. "You are looking at serious jail time and your first thought is to order out?" the interrogator questioned. "I was hoping to eat in, actually," I grinned. "Oh, and what makes you think that is going to happen?" she questioned me with a sexual undertone. "Two female officers, you are not taking notes, and I've been frigging your partner behind my back for nearly a minute now without her putting my head through the table," I explained. She stared at me for a second, not sure if I was exhibiting bravado or I was really playing into their game. Apparently her partner expressed to her visually that I was indeed playing with her. "Well, what do you have in mind?" she gave a lopsided grin. "I'm Haley and she's Tara." "First off," I stood up, moved the chair away, and turned to Tara, "I'd like to do this." I ran my hands down her sides, around to cup the ass she'd shown me in the cell while I kissed her. Tara pulled my lips down to her ear and neck while I raised her leg up until her knee was at my hip level. When I began working on her belt buckle, her hands came around and helped me until it swung loose and she lowered it to the ground. A rapid mutual stripping off of the clothes followed. "You two want to slow down?" Haley joked as she came up behind me. "Fuck, this thing is huge," Tara gasped past me to her partner. Since her hand had surrounded my cock, I had to imagine she had a flair for the dramatic. "He's twice as big as my husband." Oh, Hell! Husband? I guess if I was a better guy, I'd end things right now, but I'm an okay guy, not a saint. "If he complains, remind him that he's sleeping with that tramp of a sister you have," Haley teased. "God, yes," Tara moaned happily, "Let's get a condom on this bad boy and see if he performs as advertised. If he's anything like his video, I can't wait to show this to Bill and let's see how he likes it." "Whoa," I interjected. "Who is your husband, Bill, and is he going to want to kill me?" Tara slid down my body, licking my shaft and balls as she went, retrieved a condom from her pants, and came back up along the same path. "Don't you worry, Zane; he's a bouncer at the Fallout Shelter," Tara assured me. Clearly I had no idea what that was so Tara enlightened me. "It's a popular college club. You can't get in there legally anyway." "Your sister?" I questioned. As for the club, was an ID the only thing in the way? Simple. "She's a bartender there, the slut. She's still pissed that I put her husband away," Haley explained. "What'd he go in for?" This was getting more and more twisted. Haley began rubbing her nearly naked body against mine from behind. "Arms trafficking. He was sentenced to twelve years down in Fairview," Haley murmured, "Now, let's put that tongue to better use." Arms trafficking, at least I'm learning about firearms at school. I turned Tara around and pushed her up against the table next to Haley. "How are we going to do this?" Haley asked. "You both get up on the table and I'll give it a shot," I told them. "I am so far past exhausted that I feel invincible." I crouched down, placing Haley's left and Tara's right between my legs, and began to massage their cunts in tandem. I moved up to Haley first, kissing her cunt lips, then making three passes with my tongue, parting her lips and tasting her fluids as they began to flow. I then transferred my attention to Tara, this time sucking on her already excited clit. "Make out," I suggested to the objects of my affections. "We are not like that," Tara told me. Well, that sucked, or more like, I was going to be the only one sucking, which made my job a lot harder. Now I had to increase the activities of my fingers to keep them boiling, and finally I sent Tara over the edge with clitoral stimulation with my lips and teeth. "Oh, God!" she cried out shrilly. Her legs wrapped around my shoulders and squeezed me tightly to her, temporarily pulling my hand away from Haley's honey trap. The second I could pry myself free of Tara's legs, I stood over Haley and began sliding my cock into her hot, steamy cunt. "Ah," she moaned, "give it to me just like that, oh, yeah." I pushed in slowly. By her tightness, I figured it had been some time since she'd had sex. "Oh, fuck, she went on. "Bigger than Chris?" Tara chuckled, somewhat breathless. Chris? Who the fuck was Chris? If I had to deal with another husband, I was going to seek out a non-extradition country. "Chris?" I ground out, as I picked up my pounding of Haley. "My, ugh, ex, ugh, damn, you are , ugh, good," Haley grunted. "Caught, oh, yeah, him, banging a, ugh, co-ed, ugh, divorced his, ass." What the hell? Could no one in this town keep it in their pants? Had I come home to where I truly belonged? "How is he?" Tara asked. "I'm, hmm, plotting out, yeah, baby, that, ugh, mile, oh, good, between his, hmm, school and, fuck, yeah, his home." Haley urged me on harder with her thighs on my ass and her fingernails on my shoulders and back. Lucky me; Lancaster city limits end right past the Kappa Sigma house, then it's all county up to the campus gates. I already had a city cop waiting for second round and now I was adding to frustrated Sheriff's Deputies figuring out how to commit legal malfeasance on my ass. I was so distracted, I literally collided with Haley's face as she grabbed the back of my head and pulled me down. Kissing, I understood; the licking of Tara's juices off my face is somewhat unexpected. I caught Tara mesmerized by the show, though I was really not in a position to push them together because Haley started going off. "You bastard," she growled, "bastard, bastard, fuck, fuck, you Bastard!!" She bucked up against me with powerful jabs that rotated and lifted her hips into my downward thrusts. She made this hissing noise through her clenched teeth as her orgasm gripped her body in one massive seizure. How exactly do you explain fucking a female officer to death? "Did, is she going to be okay?" Tara worried. How in the Hell am I supposed to know? "Oh, Gawd," Haley finally gasped. "Do you date older women?" "Ah, I don't know, since I may be going to prison soon," I responded cautiously. "That's not going to be a problem," Tara said seductively as she tilted my sweaty face her way. "Those guys dropped the charges. Your lawyers are processing you out right now." "A less deviant personality would be upset by what you two just did," I groaned, "but since the sex has been really good and I haven't cum yet, all I really want to know is, do we have to stop now or can we keep going?" They exchanged glances, then turned on me with a hunger worthy of she-wolves. Fortunately, I was feeling pretty damn Alpha wolf right then too. Yes, I'm an idiot. An hour later we were all finishing getting dressed when I slumped back on the table and put an arm over my eyes to shield me from the overhead florescent lights. "You okay, Zane?" Tara asked. "Nothing wrong here, but I did have this fantasy that I'd get a good night's sleep tonight. I'm not sure how I'm going to get through classes," I relayed to them. "The weekend is almost here," Haley said as she pulled me up and off the table. I stumbled into her arms and she gave me one more saucy kiss. "Now we better produce your body before too many questions are asked." "Don't worry, we'll keep in touch with you to make sure those guys don't cause you any trouble," Tara grinned. "Which guys?" I asked for clarification. "Exactly," Haley smiled. Translation: whatever excuse works. "Let's go." We three had all made it out the door and about fifteen steps down the hall when a voice called out behind us. "Zane." It was Hudson Lane, the school's lawyer. My two new friends and I turned around and I didn't have to be told how bad things were. Lane and another woman had come out of the door next to the interrogation room I'd just left. That would be the room on the other side of the one-way glass. "Hey, Ms. Lane," I grinned, even as the blood drained out of my face. "Been here long?" "About an hour," she smiled knowingly. "I can explain," I gulped. My two cop buddies were very silent on the matter. "This is going to be good," Lane told the woman standing next to her. The stranger looked intrigued. "See, I ended up in a cell with some drug smugglers and it necessitated a full-body cavity search," I offered hopefully. "While that is a possibility, far-fetched perhaps, why were the officers required to also be without their clothing?" the unnamed lawyer asked. I stared at her. "That's Zane's way of asking who you are," Hudson smiled. "Oh, my apology. I'm Sophia Brigitte Messier. I was hired to represent you in this matter," the lawyer answered. "Oh, okay. The officers discovered that they might have had drug residue on their uniforms and had to remove them before the drugs could take effect," I lied. "And the physical Olympics that ensued?" Brigitte smirked. "CPR, I was having a bad reaction to, something," I groaned. "For an hour? You are lucky to be alive," she said with a straight face. "I often feel that way too, lucky to be alive, that is," I clarified. "Officers, I think we are done here tonight," Lane told my female Deputies. They both took a deep breath, Tara smirked at me, then they both departed down the hall. "Let's go, Zane; it is time to get you home." I moved aside so that Lane and Messier could walk past me, but Lane put her hand to my back and moved me forward. "No, you don't," she laughed. "You need to get to campus before daylight." "Couldn't you stash me in a motel room for twenty-four hours?" I stifled a yawn. Lane shook her head and steered me out. As I was leaving the station, a short, burly Deputy brushed past me. His name tag read Chris Urquhart. Well, fuck a duck, Haley's ex is a Sheriff's Deputy too. "Zane, are you okay?" Lane asked with some concern. "Let's get out of here before that guy figures out I just nailed his ex-wife," I whispered to her. "My car is this way," Brigitte motioned to us, and we hastily made to her car and sped away. "Just so I have this straight," Brigitte turned to Lane, "you let this guy live among an entire school of young ladies?" "I'd trust my daughter if I had one," Hudson declared. "Zane's reliable and loyal, if sexually, " "Promiscuous, aggressive, dynamic, Brigitte added. "I can only imagine how this story is going to be received around the bar where I hang out. I'm not sure anyone will believe me." "This has never happened to you before?" Lane teased us both. "Going to a hospital and intimidating witnesses, happens all the time. Going to the station to retrieve my client, only to find him, I don't even know how to describe all those sexual acts he perpetrated on those two female officers, still having sex with two of his arresting officers, how does this happen to someone?" Brigitte wondered. "That's Zane," Lane answered. "Zane, have you ever turned down an offer of sex?" "Recently," I thought about it, "technically, yes I have." "Really?" Lane sounded surprised. "Well, she said I could do anything to her, and I told her I wanted to cuddle," I told them. "Does that count?" "A girl throws herself at you and all you want to do is cuddle?" Brigitte said. "If it wasn't for what I witnessed over the past hour, I might think you were gay." "She is a really nice girl who is worried about the nature of our relationship. She didn't really want to have sex, she wanted to be appreciated, so I held her and talked to her and we fell asleep in each other's arms," I explained. "Is this the guy you think is a threat to our girls at Freedom Fellowship?" Lane questioned. "I actually wish my boyfriend had felt that way. He was all about quick sex and rolling over, and private time was spending the night at a club with his friends," Brigitte mulled it over, then, "Oh, God, I unloaded on the two of you. I don't even know either one of you." "Zane makes women around him do all kinds of crazy things," Lane chuckled. "Blame him." "Honestly, Ms. Messier, you need to take a good swim to unwind," I noted. "Not power-laps either, but diving and swimming deep, fun stuff." Silence followed. "How did you know I was a swimmer? I competed in college," Brigitte inquired. "You have that kind of body, plus the way your roll your shoulders and hips," I responded. "I thought you would say something like my breasts were small," she stated. "What do you mean? You have great breasts. That green half-cup is a really good choice for you, too," I told her. "How, Brigitte stammered. "I notice women," I explained. "Brown eyes, set tight on an aquiline nose, shoulder length black hair, but you probably feel you need a haircut, fine bone structure, five foot ten, and maybe 115 pounds, slender, and you regularly wax." More silence followed. "How old is he, again?" Brigitte asked Hudson. "I swear he's only eighteen; we checked. All we can figure is that it is genetic. Apparently his father was a real hellion," Lane related. "We are lucky there aren't dozens of little Zane s out there." "Maybe that is why my Dad told me to never use my real name when I first asked him for dating advice," I mused. "I thought your parents died when you were fifteen," Brigitte asked. "They did, but I started dating when I was twelve," I enlightened her. "You were dating when you were twelve?" Hudson gawked. "If it is any consolation, she was sixteen," I offered. "How do you date a sixteen-year-old when you are twelve?" Brigitte wondered. "She was upset because some other girls were bothering her. I started up a conversation and then I asked her out and she said yes," I stated what was obvious to me. "Tell me you didn't have sex," Lane said. "No, I didn't have sex. I was a virgin until I went to Thailand," I filled them in. "No sex of any kind?" Brigitte asked. "I didn't say that. I mean, she was gorgeous and, filled out so much more than girls in my class, and she wanted to show me stuff," I continued. Silence followed us into the campus parking lot. "We'll see you up to your room," Hudson told me as we got out of the car. At this point, I figured I could make a run for it, but then Gorman would probably let them into my room eventually anyway. I considered leaving the campus forever but I couldn't leave Rio behind. Finally, I surrendered to the inevitable. Not because I'm egotistical or believe I'm sexually irresistible but because all I want to do is sleep, and that seems to draw women to me like nails to a magnet. My life would have been so much easier if I'd lied and told Brigitte she was a stick and claimed Hudson was unremarkable. Of course, my hell-bound mind referenced that Hudson was definitely bi-sexual and Brigitte was lonely. "I need you to sign some papers," Brigitte told me as we entered the dorm. "Can I grab a shower first?" I responded. Ms. Messier and Lane exchanged looks. "Of course, Zane," Lane replied. "We'll go over our notes until you get back." In reality, lawyers are struggling guys in cheap suits with bad diets and an under-developed sense of humor. In my world, they are leggy babes with overcharged libidos and a penchant for mixing business with pleasure. I fully expected a lesbian love fest when I got back to my room from my shower so I was a bit surprised when I got back and found them sitting on opposite ends of the bed in awkward conversation. I'm standing there with a white towel around my waist and my flesh covered in a sheen of steam-borne water. Brigitte couldn't take her eyes off me and licked her lips like I was a piece of prime rib. Hudson looked at her and visually teased me seductively; she had used me as bait to get at her newfound colleague. I'd hate her if she wasn't so damn hot. I'm going to have to add Nuvigil to the Viagra I need to start taking. "Zane, why don't you sit down next to Brigitte and we can conclude our business," Hudson smiled and gave me a wink. Great, I've gone from her sex toy to her accomplice. I sat down next to Brigitte, our thighs rubbing against each other. She nervously pulled out some papers and a notepad from her briefcase and held them up for me to look over. At the same time, Hudson scooted down the bed until she was wedged in on my other side. "Here is the itinerary I followed," she began. "Okay, good," I nodded. I would have paid more attention except Hudson touched my jaw and pulled my head away from Brigitte and my lips into hers. "My interview, maybe I should, Brigitte stuttered, then fell totally quiet when I rested a hand on her thigh right above the knee. Hudson and I kept making out, even after she pushed me back on the bed and hovered over me. I kept a hand resting on Brigitte's hip and I felt her shift so she was closer to facing the two of us. "Keep him busy," Hudson suddenly told Brigitte as she pulled up and away and began taking her shirt off. She looked back and forth between me and Lane for three seconds before leaning in on me. "Are you okay with this?" she said in a throaty growl. I figured less was more so I simply nodded. She started kissing me tentatively so I ran my hand through her hair and pulled her closer. Her position was ungainly so I figured she'd turn on her side and lay beside me. Instead, she vaulted me and straddled my hips. "Are you really sure you are okay with this?" she panted. "If you are asking me if I want to have sex with you, then yes, I have been fantasizing about having sex with you since I first saw you, Brigitte." Not really the truth, but she did have a nice, firm, athletic body and I did want to know it better. On my tombstone I want these words transcribed: He was just curious. "Thank God," she confessed, as her eyes lit up with passion, "because I haven't had sex in nine months and watching you for the past hour and a half has been murder." "Are you going to make love to him with your clothes on?" Hudson teased Brigitte. "Oh, right," Brigitte admitted. She rolled off toward Hudson and began hiking up her skirt and working down her pantyhose and panties. "Don't go anywhere," she demanded of me. "This is my room; I'm hardly going to make a run for the door," I joked back. I pulled off my towel, rolled onto my side, and returned to kissing Brigitte. Every time she revealed a new portion of her body, I dove on it, tasting, kissing, and nibbling every inch. Hudson finished getting undressed first despite Brigitte's frantic efforts. She was content to watch me and the new lawyer go at it. When Brigitte finished stripping she pulled me on top of her with her legs pinning my hips to her. I reached between her legs and stroked her kitty. "Is there anything you want me to do first?" I questioned her with a husky tone. She let me rub my fingers over her cunt several times before she nodded vigorously. "Scoot to the top of the bed," I requested. Brigitte crab-walked to the head of the bed while Hudson let her move past, then shot me a 'clever boy' look. I crawled forth on all fours between Brigitte's legs and gave her a famished look before lowering my lips to her muff. "Umm," she moaned as I rested my upper lip against her clit while I inserted my tongue deep into her liquid folds, already dripping with her need. I worked her over for over a minute before I noted Hudson poised right above my head. I parted Brigitte's legs farther apart and began kissing down her thighs toward the underside of her knees. "No, Brigitte pleaded. "Close your eyes and concentrate on my lips," I instructed her. When she did so, I exchanged another quick look to Hudson, then went lower on Brigitte's thighs. Hudson's arms straddled Brigitte's body and she lowered her face onto Brigitte's cunt. "Yeah," Brigitte purred, as Hudson slowly sucked on her clit. We kept up the pressure on our latest friend for several minutes before she finally clued in that there were two sets of lips engaging her body's erogenous zones. "Ms. Lane, Hudson, I don't think, oh, Brigitte's protest was stifled by Hudson's vigorous suction of her clit. I gave Ms. Messier about fifteen seconds to decide whether or not she wanted to fight Hudson off but when her hands quested down to gently hold Hudson's head in place, I was sure we were okay. I moved outside of Brigitte's legs and slowly forced her onto her side. Hudson responded expertly and soon I was kissing her ass cheeks and Hudson was lapping her cunt. Hudson was tuning up her cunt while I teased and penetrated her anus with the occasional sojourn lower so that Hudson and I could kiss between her legs. That intensified Brigitte's arousal and within a minute, she began trembling. "You two, are incredible," she gasped out desperately. "I'm going, going to cum!" She bucked a few times, then went off. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, Yes, Yes!" she growled. Brigitte wasn't a screamer but her orgasm carried a subsonic undercurrent that made the skin tingle and the blood pump faster. As she came down we positioned ourselves farther up Brigitte's body, sandwiching her between us. "How do you want to handle this?" Hudson threw out there. "I still need a stiff, hard cock," Brigitte pleaded. "Okay," Hudson grinned wickedly. "Brigitte, we will '69' with you on top and Zane will mount you doggy style." "I'm not really into girls, sorry," Brigitte apologized. "You don't have to do anything to me," Hudson lied to her" "but I want another shot at your clit while Zane bangs you." Brigitte gulped, then nodded, and the ladies positioned themselves quickly enough. Several things ensued, primarily the exposure of Hudson Lane as a persistent witch who usually gets her way. Just as important, Brigitte isn't a 'slammer', she's a 'slow stroke' kind of girl. She likes the feel of a strong rod slowly pushing in and out of her as it rubs against her vaginal walls. She's not about friction but sensitivity. Another little trick was, every fifth stroke into Brigitte, Hudson would pull me out and insert nearly two-thirds of my meat down her throat, then reinsert me back into Brigitte, which is pretty freaking Awesome. That last bit of Ms. Lane's plan was a combination of stamina, curiosity, and lustful arousal. For the first minute or so, Brigitte kept her head up and avoided looking down at Hudson's inviting spread. Hudson would ungulate her hips and moan occasionally but wouldn't play with herself. Eventually, Brigitte was drawn to look at Hudson's glistening lips and finally touch them. A few cautious, coaxing strokes turned into a finger dipping in and an excited squeal from Hudson. Brigitte took the encouragement for what it was and began to seriously work Hudson's lips over with the first and third fingers while finger-fucking with the middle. Hudson hungrily sought out more attention and before I knew it, Brigitte had lowered her lips to Lane's engorged clitoris. To remind Lane she wasn't getting away with murder, I reached under Brigitte and tortured Hudson's nipples with a vengeance. Maybe that wasn't the best way to teach Hudson a lesson because she began exploding all over the place seconds later, it is that whole seduction thing, no doubt. That left me with nearly a minute to concentrate solely on Brigitte and I did so by leaning over her body, reaching around and massaging each breast lovingly, from tender flesh to rigid nipple. Her climax had the unintended consequence of Brigitte biting Lane on the inner thigh hard enough to leave visible teeth marks and elicit a loud squeal from Hudson. Brigitte tumbled to the side in a jumble of arms and legs with Hudson. I crashed backwards, sprawling over the foot of my bed. I lay there, exhausted, wasted, broken, and spent physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Lane appeared like some hazy spirit over me and smiled. "Now it is my turn," she demanded. Rio loves me. I'm sure if I begged her to put a knife through my heart she would do it. I put that suggestion on my 'To Do' list. Relationships, consequences, and women in need. "Zane," Barbie Lynn whispered to me as she shook my shoulder. I swear I only got to sleep ten minutes ago. I blearily looked around me. Brigitte was face down on my left snoring softly, her black hair splayed everywhere. Hudson was asleep on my right, an innocent smile on her lips visible because her head was turned toward me. Then there was Barbie Lynn who looked both amused and nervous as she was trying to wake me up without disturbing the two professional women to either side. "You need to get up," she continued to hiss. "I don't want you to miss your shower." Yes, I had already had a shower recently, but I'd also been milked of every last ounce of energy in the interim. Gingerly I climbed over Hudson, but half way there she stirred and started to wake. "Go back to sleep," I murmured to her. I kissed her on the cheek; she grinned, wiggled beneath me and then went still. My cock had been resting on her ass when this happened and sprang to life in one last suicidal effort at manhood. Barbie Lynn grabbed a towel and my shower kit and led me by the hand down the stairs. When we stepped out into the hall she wrapped the towel around me, stroking my hard-on. "If you like," she purred, "I'll take care of that for you." She had no idea why I started to sob uncontrollably. She put an arm around my shoulder and led me to the showers in silence. My cadre of shower-buddies was already there when I arrived. I nodded a few greetings then walked straight into a cold spray of water, hanging my head and letting the chill push me back toward consciousness. "What's wrong with him?" Opal asked Barbie Lynn. "He was arrested last night," she told the assembled group. "You go, Boy!" Rio exulted. She's a freak. "He was on a date with Hope and Chastity," Iona spoke up. "I'll find out what they know." "Anyway, I went up to find him and there he was with all those bites and scratches all over his body, plus he had Ms. Lane and some other woman I don't know in bed with him, asleep." "Ms. Lane, the school lawyer?" Brandi babbled. "The very one," Barbie Lynn affirmed. "I suppose it is too much to hope for that they had clothes on?" Iona sighed. "Sorry, no. Naked as the day they were born with that freshly and thoroughly fucked glow all about them," Barbie Lynn giggled. "Well, who is going to ask him what happened?" Opal demanded. "I don't know," Brandi intervened. "He looks like he's about to die." "Nah, I know that look," Rio snickered. "He's past the 'about to die' phase. Right now, he's at the 'praying for death' phase." The water warmed up and I decided it was time to actually get clean so I poured out some shampoo and worked it in. Signs of life on my part quieted the conversation and quickened the girls to finish up their own cleaning functions. Later Opal insisted on shaving me while Brandi began cataloging the sexual details the women had left on my body. "Whoa, the bite marks on his shoulders are smaller than the ones on his ass," Brandi enlightened the remaining girls. Iona and Rio had already beaten a hasty exit and had I been more alert, I would have been terribly worried. As it was, Barbie Lynn guided me back to my door and let me go up alone. "Umm, hey, Zane," murmured Hudson as I began getting dressed. She had rolled over and was looking at me as I zipped up my pants. "Good Morning, Hudson. Barbie Lynn Masters was up here earlier, reminding me to use the shower, and she saw both of you," I informed her. "Oh, God, where am I? Oh, God, what have I done?" moaned Brigitte into her pillow. I walked to her side of the bed and sat down. I let my hand rub her shoulder blades and brushed her hair away from her neck. "You didn't do anything immoral or illegal," Hudson said. "Technically, Zane was never your client but a person of interest to your client. We are all of legal age." "I'm in some teenage boy's dorm room," she muttered. "I had hopes of making partner one day too." "How do you feel?" I asked. "I'm beat," she sighed. I kissed her on the back of the neck. "Don't." I kissed her lower, where the neck flows into the shoulders. "Don't, Another kiss along the top of the left shoulder blade, "Oh, a final kiss to the top of the shoulder. "Damn," she moaned. "I hope you had a good time because I certainly did," I whispered into her ear. "I did," she admitted. "I'm, still thrumming inside. That last orgasm, she couldn't put it into words, though I was sure Hudson was feeling very self-satisfied right then. "Don't worry about anything. Stay in my room until 9:00 then slip over to Ms. Lane's office while we are at Assembly, then make a public showing of leaving from there and heading out. Everything will be okay," I assured her. "I'll look after her, Zane," Hudson Lane told me. "How about I set the alarm clock and you two get some sleep?" I suggested. Hudson pouted, then let it turn into a knowing grin. "Okay, but what about you?" Hudson noted. "You look like Death warmed over." "Thanks," I joked through the fatigue. "How come only women are allowed to look even more desirable after sex, while men simply look worn out?" Brigitte rolled onto her side and stared at me. "Is he for real?" she wondered to Hudson. "Absolutely," she chuckled back. "Look at his pants if you don't believe me." Damn it, I was hard again. "Zane, have you ever thought about interning at a law firm?" Brigitte asked. "I'm in Pre-Med," I answered. "Change majors," she commanded. Hudson laughed. "Be careful, Sophia Brigitte Messier, there are at least a dozen young ladies on this campus who will deeply resent you poaching their favorite freshman," Hudson snickered. Brigitte looked at me with a twinge of sadness and regret. "Hudson knows how to reach me if you ever have need of me," I told her. "Please understand that while what we did was very pleasurable, I am here to graduate with a degree in something." "Yes, that whole being eighteen and all," Brigitte sighed. "I understand." "Zane," Hudson huffed, "do you want to see Brigitte again?" "Absolutely; there is something to be said for her tight swimmer's body," I replied," and she's definitely got spirit." "I'm not another one of your college co-eds," she chastised me, but with a smile on her face. "Why not? You are as wild and vigorous as any eighteen-year-old I know," I responded. Brigitte's mouth fell open in shock. "I, well, because I'm a graduate of Georgetown Law School; third in my class," she stammered. "One never stops being young; you merely forget how," I quoted someone from somewhere, but I was too tired to remember the specifics. "I hope that if any job opportunity every stops you from being as sexy as you are now, you turn it down." "Imagine what he's like when he's actually trying to seduce you," Hudson smiled. "I repeat my earlier question: are you sure you want to unleash this boy, man on an all-girls campus?" Brigitte grinned. "I swear, the next girl I get to seduce here will be the first," I groaned. "They rarely give me the chance or the time before, well, things happen. Frankly, I've only romanced one girl here and she's not too interested." "Who is that?" Hudson inquired. "Christina Buchanan," I shrugged, "a beautiful, intelligent senior who seems to have enough sense to not get too involved with me." Brigitte shook her head and chuckled. "She's my employer. She hired me to get you out of jail." I wasn't sure how long I stood there digesting that news because the next thing I recalled was Hudson calling my name. "Zane? Zane? Are you okay?" "Huh?" I muttered. "You zoned out there for a minute. You really need some sleep," she observed. "I won't argue with that, but it doesn't seem likely," I noted. "I am going to call Ms. Goodswell and ask her to get you half the day off," Hudson stated. "You aren't going to hear me argue," I grinned as I flopped down on the bed. I assumed she called but I was out before she reached her phone. Getting Through The Day I slept through a nice little struggle between Rhaine and Barbie Lynn. Rhaine had been sent promptly at 7:00 to deliver me to the Chancellor. Barbie Lynn had been warned of the visit, and my condition, by Virginia Goodswell, and held her off long enough for Doctor Larson to get there and defuse the situation. By the time the Chancellor made a second run at me, Hudson and Brigitte had made their exit and Ms. Lane was able to cover for me and my 'condition'. At 11:30 I received a call from Lane to 'remind' me that I had to bring by the papers she'd 'left' with me when she escorted me from the jail the night before. I found the paperwork that Brigitte had wanted me to sign last night, read it over, and then signed them. After that, I grabbed my stuff and headed for the Dining Hall. For a nice change, I was one of the early arrivals, getting my food and grabbing my spot in peace. I had started working on my salad when I spotted Iona running right at me. "Zane!" she cried out as she hugged me. "I was so worried about you." "I was a little exhausted, Iona," I squeezed her back. "There was nothing to worry about." "You were in jail, Silly," she lectured me. "A really prisoner could have hurt you." Iona was missing the fact that I put two people in the hospital. Mentioning that I threatened two bikers over a bench to sleep on would definitely be unwise. "I was in no real danger. They didn't put me in with any bad people; mainly drunks and minor drug charges," I embellished the facts. She rested her head on my shoulder (I was still sitting) and sighed. "Well, Rio and I were still worried," she murmured. No sooner had Iona headed off to get food than Rio came up. "Hey, little brother, we have got to get you a prison tattoo now," she laughed. "Rio, I was in County lock-up for four hours. I didn't even get to use the communal toilet," I joked back. "So, how many hotties did you bang? Quick, tell me before Iona gets back," Rio grinned. "They don't house men and women together," I pointed out. "Oh, like concrete walls and iron bars are going to slow you down," she teased. "Fine, I swear I did not have sex with any female, or male, inmates," I pledged. "Damn, she frowned for a second, then she brightened up. "You nailed a cop!" I lowered my head with embarrassment. "Well, fuck," she crowed, "you nailed two? More?" I pointed to the lunch line. "Go get some food, damn it!" I growled. She skipped off, overly pleased with herself, and all I could do was shake my head. Before Iona returned, a dozen more of my friends stopped by to see if I was okay, if I was molested in prison (they are weird friends), and to confirm that I'd really put two guys in the hospital for threatening two FFU girls. Iona and Rio were sitting down with me when Raven came up, looking conflicted. "Well, I don't imagine you made any progress on our project," she asked. "No. I said I'd get stuff this weekend so we could start Monday," I assured her. "Fine; try to stay out of jail and not fight anybody, and get some sleep," she stated. Raven gave me a curt nod, turned and left. "Zane," Rio sighed, "you've gotten another one into your orbit." "No," I insisted, "we are studying together; that's all." "So she came over here to ask totally irrelevant questions she already knew the answers too?" Iona mused. God is laughing at me and trying to drive me crazy. Chastity and Hope came walking up next, looking less pleased than I hoped they would. "We need a moment outside," Chastity cautioned me. I stuffed as much food as possible into my cheeks before getting up and following them out; I'd missed breakfast after all. The trail led outside where Christina, Faith, and Heaven waited. In a strange reversal of events, Heaven looked fearful for me and Christina looked like she wanted to bite my head off. Even Faith held some sympathy toward me. I got to them, tried to smile, but Christina cut me off. "Can you try to not fuck everyone in sight?" Christina snarled. "Honestly, all I wanted to do was get back to my room and get some sleep," I swore. "What did he d

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz shares the Top 3 Keys from the Extremely Confident Conversation Master Training—a powerful 3‑day virtual workshop designed to help you break free from self‑doubt, deepen real connections, and show up fully as yourself. Whether you attended the event or missed it, this episode distills the most transformative takeaways you can apply right now to create more ease, connection, and confidence in every conversation. Discover how to reignite your natural desire for connection, rebuild your innate capacity for authentic conversation, and dissolve the illusion that you don't belong. Dr. Aziz reveals why connection is not optional—it's essential—and how to overcome the hidden beliefs and fears that keep your heart closed or your confidence limited. Packed with humor, stories, and actionable insights, this episode invites you to open your heart, take bold social risks, and remember that you already belong.

Retropol ruller videre! I dag snakker vi om et par fiender fra Mario-serien. Den nest heldekkende skapningen Shy Guy, og Goomba, som på ungarsk betyr "Sopp". Musikk hentet fra Mario Party 3, 4 og Mario Kart 8.Be sure to check out our friend's odyssey channel: https://odysee.com/@F.D.Four:9Contact erlendvaageskar@gmail.com if you wish to use the video for X purpose.Lenker:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/64IL72CmS4EnaNBLI0WFdySpotify for creators - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/retropolApple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retropol/id1537295185?uo=4Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/4hi8admrRadio Public - https://radiopublic.com/retropol-WDE0P9Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/retropol.bsky.socialOdysee: https://odysee.com/@Retropol:c

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz reveals the surprising antidote to anxiety—and it's not a breathing trick, mindset hack, or self-soothing technique. It's something much deeper, much more powerful... and much more liberating. If you've ever struggled with social anxiety, performance anxiety, or general fear about future events—this episode is for you. Dr. Aziz breaks down what actually creates anxiety (hint: it's not the situation itself) and why so many well-meaning efforts to manage or eliminate anxiety fail. You'll discover how attachment to specific outcomes fuels fear, and how opening to all outcomes can set you free. Packed with stories, metaphors, and practical insights, this conversation invites you to stop clinging, start choosing, and reclaim your peace and personal power.

Can a witches blessing lift Duckos Broncos Grand Final curse? Jess asked what did you go out for and come back with and Shy Guy does spon con!Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/nick-jess-and-duckoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Approaching women as a shy, introverted guy can feel terrifying. But that shyness is actually your hidden advantage. In this episode of “How to Get a Girlfriend,” dating coach and bestselling author Connell Barrett reveals 5 powerful shifts to help introverts confidently meet women in real life. You'll also discover his go-to icebreaker that almost always works.BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH CONNELL TO LEARN ABOUT 1-ON-1 COACHING:http://www.DatingTransformation.comEMAIL CONNELL FOR A FREE COPY OF HIS BESTSELLING BOOK, “DATING SUCKS BUT YOU DON'T”: Connell@datingtransformation.com

We unpack the new fake wedding trend in India, the team call Shy Guy on his "day off" and we ask you 'have you broken the unbreakable?". Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/nick-jess-and-duckoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel stuck trying to be "nice" all the time? Always avoiding conflict, worrying what others will think, and saying yes when you mean no? In this episode, Dr. Aziz reveals the hidden cost of people-pleasing—and why it's one of the most dangerous habits you can have. From parenting to relationships to work decisions, this pattern can quietly lead you into situations that drain your time, money, confidence, and joy. With humor and real-life examples, Dr. Aziz shows how the gentle current of niceness can pull you far off course. You'll hear stories from his own life—including a recent run-in with a pushy salesman—that bring this dynamic to life in vivid detail. Most importantly, he helps you recognize where this pattern shows up in your world so you can start making new, empowered choices. If you're ready to stop being the “good boy” or “good girl” and start being you—bold, real, and powerful—this episode is your invitation. Listen now and take the first step toward more confidence, freedom, and self-respect.--------------------------------------------- Welcome to another episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, where we tackle the challenges of social anxiety, people-pleasing, and self-doubt to help you confidently show up as your true self. Today's episode is about breaking free from the crippling grip of anxiety—specifically, how the need to control your environment can intensify your feelings of anxiety and hold you back. Why Do We Feel Anxious? Anxiety is an uncomfortable and unsettling feeling, often accompanied by thoughts of worry or fear. It's that nagging voice in your head telling you that something bad is going to happen, causing your body to feel on edge, frantic, or even panicked. Anxiety can show up anywhere—whether it's in social situations, at work, or in personal relationships. But what if I told you that the key to reducing anxiety isn't about finding a quick fix or a silver bullet, but about changing how you relate to the anxiety itself? The Need for Control: The Root Cause of Anxiety Here's the truth: Anxiety often stems from the need to control. When we feel like we need something to happen a certain way—whether it's for people to like us, to be successful, or to avoid discomfort—we trigger anxiety. We think, "If I don't control this, something bad will happen." For example, consider the anxiety we feel about sleep. Maybe you're stressed about getting enough rest, but the more you stress about it, the harder it becomes to fall asleep. This is a perfect example of how our need to control a situation causes the anxiety itself. The more we believe that we need to control the outcome, the more anxiety we create. Stand-out Quote: "Anxiety comes from the need to control. The more you try to control something, the more anxiety you create." Shifting Your Relationship with Anxiety So, how do we break free from the grip of anxiety and control? The solution isn't a magic pill or a one-time fix. It's about awareness and practice. Acknowledge the need to control: The first step in breaking the cycle is recognizing when you're trying to control something. Notice how your thoughts tell you, “I need this to go right, or else.” Sit with discomfort: Instead of avoiding discomfort or trying to control it, choose to face it. Anxiety will always be present when we try to control our emotions or outcomes. By allowing yourself to feel the discomfort without attaching a need to control it, you can start to decrease its power over you. Let go of the “or else”: Remind yourself that even if things don't go as planned, you will be okay. By choosing to stop controlling and embracing uncertainty, you take back your power. The Long-Term Solution: Training Yourself to Think Differently The real liberation from anxiety comes when you train yourself over time to think and act differently. Just like building muscle at the gym, overcoming anxiety takes consistent practice. The more you practice letting go of the need to control, the less anxiety will dictate your actions. It's not about never feeling anxious again. It's about learning to respond differently to anxiety when it arises. You can train your nervous system to become more regulated, even in the face of discomfort. The more you practice this, the stronger your sense of confidence becomes. You Have the Power to Change If you're ready to break the avoidance cycle and take control of your anxiety, the first step is acknowledging the need to control and learning how to let go. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but remember—you don't have to do this alone. You can train yourself over time to build lasting confidence and handle life's challenges without anxiety taking the lead. Action Step: Today, notice when you're trying to control something. Whether it's a conversation, your schedule, or how others perceive you, take a moment to breathe and remind yourself that it's okay not to control everything. Let go, and see what happens. Remember, the path to confidence is built one step at a time, and you are capable of taking that first step today. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are and know on a deep level that you're awesome.

Welcome to PTBN Pop's Video Jukebox Song of The Day! Every weekday will be featuring a live watch of a great and memorable music video. On today's episode, Andy Atherton is watching “Shy Guy” by Diana King from 1995.   The YouTube link for the video is below so you can watch along! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szjaHbjhauk

Are you caught in the gentle current of people-pleasing? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz breaks down the hidden dangers of being “too nice”—how it shows up in everyday decisions, subtly steers your life off course, and costs you more than you realize. With real-life stories (including a surprising run-in with a John Deere salesman), Dr. Aziz shows how saying “yes” when you mean “no” drains your power—and how to reclaim it.

In this empowering episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz sits down with sales expert Colin Yearwood, who helps coaches and entrepreneurs grow their businesses by mastering the skill of sales—without manipulation or pressure. Colin shares his powerful journey from avoiding sales entirely to embracing it as a vehicle for freedom, purpose, and service. You'll hear how he overcame the fear of rejection, stopped giving his services away for free, and discovered how sales can be one of the most selfless things you do when done with heart.Whether you're a coach, creative, or just someone who wants to feel more empowered asking for what you want in life, this conversation will give you the tools to stop fearing sales—and start seeing it as a way to help others. Listen now and discover how changing your mindset around selling can transform your business, your confidence, and your life. ------------------------------------------------------------- In this engaging episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz is joined by Colin Yearwood, a sales expert who helps coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs grow their businesses by mastering the skill of sales. Colin shares his fascinating journey from hating sales to embracing it as one of the most important tools for helping others—and for creating a life of freedom and purpose. Are You Afraid of Selling? You're Not Alone For many, the thought of selling is fraught with fear and discomfort. Colin confesses that he used to despise selling, even going so far as to give away his services for free. But that changed when a mentor pushed him to confront his resistance. He learned that selling isn't about convincing or manipulating others—it's about serving and guiding people to the resources they need to improve their lives. Why Selling Can Be a Force for Good Colin explains that selling isn't about pushing products or services on people who don't need them. Instead, it's about helping others get the solutions they're looking for—solutions that could make a meaningful difference in their lives. He says, "Selling is one of the best things you can do if you want to make a difference in the world." Through sales, you can reframe people's thinking, offer them clarity, and help them bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be. The Key to Sales: Confidence and Detachment One of the core lessons Colin teaches is the importance of being unattached to the outcome of a sales conversation. He encourages people to shift from a place of neediness—where the focus is all on getting the sale—to a place of serving, where the focus is on genuinely helping the person you're talking to. This mindset shift not only makes you more confident, but it also makes the sales process more authentic and less stressful. The Real Story Behind Rejection A common fear in sales (and life) is the fear of rejection. Many people take it personally when someone says no. Colin dispels this myth by reminding us that rejection isn't about you—it's about the offer. He explains, "They're not saying no to you. They're saying no to the offer, not the person." This shift in perspective can make a huge difference in how you approach sales conversations and navigate the inevitable no's. What Mindset Helps You Succeed in Sales? Colin shares that his mindset going into any sales conversation is one of curiosity, empathy, and openness. Instead of focusing solely on closing the deal, he focuses on understanding the person he's talking to—what their needs are, what their challenges are, and how he can help them overcome them. This approach leads to better sales outcomes and deeper connections with potential clients. Sales Is Just Another Way to Build Connections At the heart of sales is connection. Colin points out that the best salespeople are those who approach every conversation with an open heart and a genuine interest in helping others. This means showing up authentically, being willing to listen, and not getting caught up in the fear of rejection or the need to make a sale. When you focus on connection, the sales process becomes much more natural—and far less intimidating. Takeaways: The Power of Sales and Service For anyone struggling with the fear of selling or worrying that they're being “too pushy,” Colin's advice is simple but profound: "Selling is about service. It's about helping people get what they need." By embracing this mindset, you can shift your approach to sales—and life—away from fear and manipulation, and towards authenticity, connection, and genuine support. Get Out of Your Own Way Colin reminds us that the key to success in sales (and life) is showing up as the best version of yourself. The more you invest in your personal growth, the more naturally your sales skills will improve. And even if you're not a natural-born salesperson, with the right mindset and the willingness to learn, you can succeed and make a meaningful impact on others. Listen Now for More Sales Wisdom This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone looking to overcome their fear of selling and build a successful business based on serving others. Whether you're in sales, entrepreneurship, or just looking to improve your confidence in life, Colin's story and expertise will inspire you to shift your mindset, embrace the process, and start showing up with confidence. Final Thought: Selling doesn't have to be about manipulation or pushiness. It can be about connection, service, and helping people make a positive change in their lives. By embracing this mindset, you'll not only improve your sales skills—you'll also create deeper, more authentic relationships and open doors to greater success and fulfillment. Listen to the full episode for more practical tips and powerful advice on overcoming fear and rejection in sales and turning your fear into confidence.

Producer Babs nearly died, we talk dancing with diggers and we need to get Shy Guy a birthday present but what?Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/nick-jess-and-duckoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this revealing episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz takes you deep beneath the surface of people-pleasing to uncover the root cause of "nice" behavior—and how to break free from it once and for all. Whether it's avoiding conflict, constantly agreeing, or feeling guilty for asserting yourself, these behaviors are all symptoms of one deeper fear. Dr. Aziz shows you how to stop managing a dozen surface habits and instead zero in on the core emotional driver that keeps you stuck in patterns of approval-seeking and guilt. You'll learn why the real path to confidence and freedom isn't about “trying harder” to be assertive—it's about upgrading your internal rules and learning how to handle the uncomfortable feelings you're trying to avoid.

Do you worry you're coming off as too needy—in dating, friendships, or business? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz breaks down what “neediness” really is, why it's often just fear in disguise, and how to shift from anxious grasping to calm confidence. You'll learn how to spot the difference between healthy desire and emotional urgency—and what to do when you feel that panicky “I need this to go right” energy.

Ducko cops it from the fashion police, Jess has a proposition for Producer Babs and we talk to the President of the Enhanced Games!Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/nick-jess-and-duckoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this eye-opening episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz introduces what might be the most underrated yet transformational key to building confidence and reducing social anxiety: expanding your capacity. It might not sound glamorous, but this principle is the real “magic juice” for lasting confidence. Dr. Aziz explains that every person has an emotional and psychological threshold for discomfort—whether it's rejection, conflict, criticism, or awkwardness—and those with social anxiety often have a lower capacity in these areas. The breakthrough? Confidence grows not by avoiding discomfort, but by intentionally leaning into it. By reframing your experiences as opportunities to expand your capacity rather than threats to avoid, you open the door to extraordinary growth. Whether it's speaking up at work, handling rejection in dating, or saying what you really think in a group—these are not scary “failures” to avoid but moments to train your emotional muscles. Dr. Aziz shares stories from real client breakthroughs, including one man who concluded after a single awkward phone call that he should “never talk to a woman on the phone again.” Through humor and insight, Dr. Aziz reveals how easily we draw limiting conclusions and how much power we reclaim when we choose to stay in the discomfort zone just long enough to grow.

In this refreshing episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz dives into a deceptively simple question with massive implications: “Are you apologizing too much?” Most people don't even realize how often they say “sorry”—not just in words, but in their tone, posture, and energy. If you constantly feel responsible for other people's reactions, discomfort, or expectations—even when you didn't do anything wrong—you're likely trapped in a loop of unconscious over-apologizing. And that loop isn't just exhausting—it's eroding your confidence and subtly reshaping your relationships. Dr. Aziz breaks down how unnecessary apologies stem from overactive guilt systems and people-pleasing conditioning, often developed in childhood. You'll discover how to recognize the difference between healthy, empathy-based apologies and guilt-driven ones that actually weaken connection. Plus, you'll learn a simple internal filter: before apologizing, pause and ask yourself, “Did I actually do something wrong?” Then, try this bonus lens—what would I tell a friend to do in this situation?

You've had a tough childhood, and have moved homes several times The one thing that makes you feel at home throughout it all is country music. As you get older, you discover that maybe country music isn't just home, it's also your future. Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Whose Amazing Life? on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or Wondery Kids+ Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/whose-amazing-life/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy with Dr. Aziz — and today we're going straight into one of the most common, painful, and persistent feelings that quietly runs so many lives:

Welcome to today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy with Dr. Aziz! If you've ever felt stuck, procrastinated, or told yourself “I should…” but still didn't follow through — this episode is for you. Dr. Aziz reveals the three powerful secrets to breaking out of avoidance and finally taking the action you know will move your life forward. Whether it's social confidence, career growth, health habits, or daily routines — it all comes back to one key truth: Confidence is a byproduct of action. In this episode, you'll discover: Why resistance, groaning, and procrastination are totally normal (and how to break through them) The surprising way your identity story might be keeping you stuck How to use pain as powerful leverage (yes, really!) The missing piece that makes it way easier to follow through Why pleasure in the future is the key to taking action today Dr. Aziz also shares his personal story of emotional pain, transformation, and how one pivotal night in his 20s changed everything. If you're ready to overcome avoidance and create a life that energizes and fulfills you, this episode will give you both the mindset and momentum to start now. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you often find yourself stuck in the cycle of procrastination, avoiding tasks that you know could improve your life? Whether it's taking social risks, having difficult conversations, or simply getting things done, we all face moments when it feels impossible to take action. In this post, I'm going to reveal the three secrets to breaking free from inaction and boosting your confidence. Secret #1: Recognize the Pattern The first step in overcoming procrastination and avoidance is to recognize the cycle you're in. It often starts with the feeling of fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of discomfort. You know you should act, but instead, you avoid the task. You tell yourself “I should,” but you don't follow through. This internal tension leads to resistance, and eventually, you may find yourself stuck in a negative identity—thinking of yourself as someone who just can't follow through or is too scared to act. The first secret is to notice this pattern. Acknowledge that you're caught in it and make the decision to do something different. The more you notice it, the more you can break free from it and start acting from a place of empowerment, not fear. "Confidence is a byproduct of action. You won't feel confident until you take action." — Dr. Aziz Secret #2: Use Pain as Leverage Pain is one of the most powerful motivators for action. In fact, research shows that we are twice as motivated by pain as we are by pleasure. The key is to leverage pain in a constructive way. Ask yourself: What is the cost of inaction? If you keep avoiding something, where will it take you? In the case of social anxiety, it might be loneliness or missed career opportunities. By focusing on the pain of staying stuck, you can create a sense of urgency and motivate yourself to act. However, it's essential to not get lost in despair when reflecting on this pain. Instead, take ownership of the situation and realize that you can change things. When the pain of staying where you are exceeds the fear of the unknown, you'll finally take the leap. Secret #3: Focus on the Pleasure of Action While pain can push you to act, pleasure is what will keep you going. We often resist action because we focus on the discomfort of getting started, but if you shift your focus to the benefits of taking action, you'll find yourself motivated. For example, if you're avoiding a workout because it feels hard to start, remind yourself of how good you'll feel afterward—the energy, the sense of accomplishment, the pride in doing something for yourself. By training your mind to see the pleasure on the other side, you'll feel more compelled to take action. "Are you willing to be uncomfortable now to experience the extraordinary in your life?" — Dr. Aziz Taking Action: Your Next Step Now that you know the three secrets to taking action, it's time to put them into practice. Start by recognizing the patterns that hold you back, use pain and pleasure to motivate yourself, and take action even when it feels uncomfortable. If you want to make real progress in your life, the key is consistent action. The more you act, the more confidence you'll build. It's time to break free from the cycle of procrastination and start living boldly. Remember, confidence comes from doing—not waiting for the perfect moment or feeling ready. Take action today, and watch your confidence grow! You are capable of so much more than you realize. Keep going, and you'll soon be amazed at how far you can go. 4o mini

This week's episode takes a little breather from the KRZ playthrough as people catch up with Acts II & III. There's a good reason for that: Steam Next Fest happened last week, and a lot of people dived right into the ocean of demos. In fact, the GITW patron community played over 150 demos collectively then voted on their favourites. So this episode we have some honourable mentions, the community's top five, and then my own top five best of the fest. (You can watch the video version of the main segment here: https://youtu.be/nVfZDZIbq3A.)I also discuss the channel's recent little patron influx, and talk about trying to make podcasting and video-making into a part time job. If you're up for supporting me on that road, thank you so much — head here: https://www.patreon.com/gaminginthewild. And big thanks to boss tier patrons Shy Guy and Hollow, and new patrons Paolo, Rob, Gerudo, Bayleafu, Noah, Ethan, Dom, Brandon, Jeremy, and Toph. And all the veteran patrons too!In the roundup: AC Shadows, Everhood 2, Wanderstop, Monster Hunter Wilds.Follow the show on Bluesky here: https://tinyurl.com/gitw-blueskyAnd elsewhere on social media: http://gaminginthewild.carrd.coAnd as always, thanks for listening, enjoy the show!

FIRST 33:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict AFTER 33:00: Full Spoiler Review This week's See It or Skip It has us exploring this year's Oscar field a little deeper by diving into the mind-bending The Substance (2024), now playing on MUBI (in the US/UK). Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, this psychological body horror promises to push boundaries and challenge audiences with its bold, unsettling vision. Join Ian and Shai as we step into the eerie world of The Substance to see if it delivers a chilling, thought-provoking experience or if it crumbles under the weight of its ambition. Does it bring a fresh perspective to horror while exploring deeper themes, or does it lean too heavily on shock value without enough... substance? We'll examine the film's storytelling—What larger themes and ideologies does this lean into or is it just a straight up horror film? How does Demi Moore's performance anchor the film, and does she reinvent herself in this daring role? And how does Margaret Qualley complement or contrast her, adding to the film's psychological intensity?  And do you know whose kid she is?  Ian couldn't believe it. We'll also break down the film's striking visuals and grotesque horror elements.  Did the film's themes of identity and transformation resonate, or did they get lost in the chaos? And how does the film's score heighten the unsettling atmosphere?  And how was this film snubbed in the cinematography category? Shai couldn't believe it. Finally, we'll debate whether The Substance can overcome some questions in its own internal logic. Does it deliver a profound, lasting impact, or does it leave you more confused than captivated?  We'll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last? We've all heard the phrase, nice guys finish last, but is it really true? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz dives into the hidden costs of being too nice—how people-pleasing can hold you back in relationships, career, and life. But don't worry, the solution isn't to become a jerk. Instead, you'll discover the real opposite of nice: authenticity. Learn how to express yourself boldly, set boundaries without guilt, and step out of the nice cage so you can stop finishing last and start living fully. If you're ready to break free from the fear of upsetting others and claim your confidence, tune in now! --------------------------------------------------------------- You've probably heard the phrase, “Nice guys finish last.” But is it really true? What does it mean for you? Are you doomed if you're too nice? Isn't being nice a good thing? If you've ever wondered about the impact of people-pleasing on your life, you're in the right place. In today's post, we'll dive deep into the origins of this phrase and, more importantly, how being overly nice may actually be holding you back in life. I'll share with you some powerful insights and actionable steps to stop pleasing others at the expense of your own happiness, so you can start living more boldly and authentically. The Real Cost of Being "Nice" Being nice might sound like a virtue, but when it's rooted in fear of rejection and disapproval, it can actually harm your relationships, career, and even your health. Niceness isn't the same as kindness. Kindness is about genuinely caring for others, but niceness is driven by a desire to avoid conflict or rejection at any cost. This people-pleasing behavior can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, burned out, and ultimately, overlooked by others. “Niceness is not kindness; it's fear. Fear of being rejected, judged, or abandoned. When you live in fear, you end up losing yourself.” If you've ever said “yes” when you really wanted to say “no,” you know exactly what I mean. This habit of putting others' needs above your own comes at a price — one that often leads to frustration, resentment, and even physical symptoms like burnout. The Myth of "Nice Guys Finish Last" The phrase “nice guys finish last” originated in the world of sports, when Leo Durocher, a baseball manager, claimed that being overly nice was detrimental to success. The idea was simple: in competitive environments, the nicest person is often the one who gets passed over or overlooked. But what does that mean for you in your everyday life? Being nice out of fear doesn't just hurt you in sports; it's a pattern that shows up in every part of life. Whether it's at work, in relationships, or in social situations, excessive niceness can make you feel like you're finishing last. You might be overlooked, undervalued, or even taken advantage of because you haven't learned to assert your needs, wants, and boundaries. Breaking Free from the "Nice" Cage Here's the good news: You can break free. The opposite of being nice isn't about becoming a jerk or a narcissist; it's about being authentically you. It's about expressing your true thoughts, setting boundaries, and confidently saying “no” when you need to. “The opposite of being nice isn't being mean, it's being authentic. You don't need to please everyone to win in life. You need to please yourself first.” In my upcoming event, Not Nice Live, we'll dive into how you can shed the pattern of people-pleasing and start living in alignment with who you truly are. We'll explore powerful tools and practices to help you break free from the cage of niceness. You'll gain clarity on why you've fallen into this pattern, how it impacts you, and most importantly, how to start shifting it during the event — and carry those changes forward into your life. The Permission to Be Bold Imagine a life where you confidently say no when you need to, ask for what you truly want, and express your feelings without fear of judgment. That's the power of reclaiming your authenticity. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with consistent practice and the right support, you'll start to feel a sense of freedom and empowerment. “The true cost of staying nice is the regret of not living fully. The cost is a life that's out of alignment with who you are meant to be.” I know it may sound like a far-off dream, but this is within your reach. You can step out of the shadows of people-pleasing and step into the light of being unapologetically yourself. The best part? You don't have to do it alone. Action Step: Start Reclaiming Your Rights Today As a first step, start by giving yourself permission to do one thing you've been holding back on. Maybe it's saying “no” to an invitation you don't want to accept, or expressing your true feelings about something that's been bothering you. Write it down, say it aloud, and practice it every day until it feels natural. The more you practice, the more you'll internalize this new way of being. And I promise you, it will change your life. Remember, it's not about being rude or inconsiderate; it's about showing up as your true self, without fear of judgment. If you're ready to take your boldness to the next level, I invite you to join me for Not Nice Live in March. The event is virtual, so you can attend from anywhere in the world, and we're offering a special early-bird price right now. Don't miss out — this is your chance to step into the life you truly want, without the guilt.

How much influence do you really have over your life? More than you think. In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz explores the direct connection between your confidence and the results you create. Whether it's in social interactions, your career, or personal growth, hesitation and fear hold you back while boldness and self-trust open doors. Through a powerful real-life example, you'll see how the way you think shapes your experiences and the hidden ways self-doubt limits your success. Are you playing to win, or just trying not to fail? Tune in to discover how shifting your mindset can radically change your results. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What if I told you that the key to changing your life, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal goals, lies in how you show up with confidence? No, I'm not suggesting that you can control everything or that if you just get your confidence “right,” you'll always get what you want. But here's the truth: Your confidence has more power over your outcomes than you realize. Let's break down why this is, how it works, and how you can start taking control of your life right now. The Fear That Holds You Back Here's what most people don't want to admit: Confidence is a choice, and often, we choose to avoid it. Why? Because of fear. We fear that we're not enough—not smart enough, not capable enough, not lovable enough. And when we operate from this place of fear, we avoid the things that challenge us, we make excuses, and we often stay stuck in our comfort zones. You may have told yourself stories like, “I don't want to talk to that person; they probably won't like me anyway,” or “I shouldn't try that because I might fail and look stupid.” These stories might feel real, but they're just that—stories. And they keep you from stepping into your true power and potential. How Confidence Shapes Your Actions Let me share a story to illustrate this. Recently, I watched my son play his first basketball game of the season. He's a tall, scrappy 11-year-old who loves the game and plays with enthusiasm at home. But when he got to the game, he froze. His body language said it all—his shoulders were slumped, his arms hung low, and he wasn't trying to make plays. He was paralyzed by the fear of missing shots or messing up. I asked him what was going on, and through tears, he admitted, “No one passes to me.” The truth was, his inner critic—his own “Poopy Coach”—was running the show. His body was unconsciously signaling that he wasn't ready to play, and as a result, his teammates avoided passing him the ball. This is the same pattern that happens in life when we let our inner critic take over. When you play it safe and avoid risk, you're not just holding back in one area of life—you're restricting yourself in every area. The more you fear judgment, failure, or rejection, the more you limit the outcomes you could achieve. The Key to Transforming Your Confidence Now, here's where things get interesting: confidence isn't about eliminating fear—it's about being willing to take action despite it. It's about saying, “Yes, I'm scared. But I'm still going to try.” For my son, I helped him see that missing a shot doesn't define him. I suggested that he try to take more shots in the next game, even if they didn't go in. The goal wasn't to make every shot; the goal was to get comfortable with failure—because each time he takes a shot, win or lose, his confidence grows. This is where you can start to make the same shift in your life. Stop focusing on avoiding failure and start focusing on making progress. It's not about perfection—it's about showing up and doing your best. Take More Shots in Your Life So, here's your action step: What shots can you take this week? What risks are you avoiding? Is it speaking up in a meeting? Is it reaching out to someone you've been afraid to talk to? Is it stepping up and taking charge of your career or relationships? The next time you feel the urge to hold back, ask yourself, “What would I do if I had the confidence to act?” Then, take that action—even if it's uncomfortable. Your confidence grows each time you act despite fear. And most importantly, remember: If you don't succeed, it doesn't mean you're a failure. It means you're learning. Confidence isn't about being perfect—it's about embracing the journey and trusting that with each step, you're getting better, stronger, and more capable. Final Thoughts: It's Time to Take Control The truth is that your confidence is the key to your success. It's not a magic fix, and it's not about avoiding discomfort. But if you're willing to show up, take the shots, and keep going, you'll find that the outcomes you want in life are closer than you think. So, step up. Own your confidence. And watch as you start to control the outcomes in your life. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are, and to know deep down, that you are awesome.

Have you ever felt trapped by self-doubt or overwhelmed by negative thoughts about yourself? In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz explores how our minds play tricks on us, creating distorted beliefs that undermine our confidence. But what if you could flip the script? Learn why these mental patterns exist, how they hold you back, and what you can do to reclaim your confidence. Whether you're navigating social anxiety, professional insecurity, or just want to feel more self-assured in your day-to-day life, this episode offers insights that will shift your perspective and help you step into your best self. Tune in now!---------------------------------------------------- Confidence can seem elusive at times, especially when you're constantly battling inner doubts and self-criticism. But what if I told you that you can trick yourself into feeling high confidence? Now, I know this might sound strange at first. "Tricking yourself?" you might wonder. Isn't that just being fake? Well, let's take a deeper look at how this actually works—and how it can help you break free from the cycle of self-doubt. The Power of "Tricking" Yourself The concept of "tricking yourself" isn't about being dishonest or pretending to be something you're not. Instead, it's about flipping the negative, distorted thoughts you have about yourself and intentionally replacing them with a more positive, empowering narrative. Think of it as a fun little game, where you reprogram your brain to believe in your capabilities, even when your inner critic tells you otherwise. If you're skeptical about this approach, consider this: We're already tricking ourselves every day. Most of us are walking around with an internal narrative that tells us we're inadequate, unlikable, or just not good enough. These thoughts aren't grounded in reality—they're just distorted beliefs we've bought into. So why not "trick" yourself into the opposite? Why We Do It: The Safety Police There's a part of us that keeps us safe from discomfort—the "safety police" inside. It wants to protect us from potential pain and failure, so it distorts our reality to prevent us from taking risks. This is why we might assume that we're awkward, unworthy, or destined to fail in social situations. The safety police uses this distorted thinking to keep us from putting ourselves out there. But by tricking ourselves into believing that we are worthy and capable, we bypass this fear and begin to act with confidence. Real-Life Example: The Power of Perception Let me share a story from one of my clients. He and his friends were at a club, dancing, and he felt extremely self-conscious. He imagined that everyone around him thought he was awkward and uncomfortable. But after the night ended, he casually asked someone he had danced with if they thought it was awkward. To his surprise, she said it was great! That moment clicked for him. All the negative thoughts he'd had were simply made-up stories, and once he let go of those fears, he could enjoy the moment without the burden of self-doubt. This is how our minds work: we create stories, usually negative ones, about our abilities and how others perceive us. The trick is to flip the script and start making up positive, empowering stories instead. How to Put It Into Action Identify a Negative Story: Think about a situation where you typically feel insecure or self-conscious—maybe it's speaking up at meetings, going on a date, or trying something new. Flip the Script: Now, reframe that situation. Instead of imagining how awkward or unlikable you are, make up a story where everything goes smoothly. For example, instead of thinking, "I'll probably mess this up," tell yourself, "I'm confident and capable. I'm going to do great!" Practice It Regularly: The more you practice this technique, the easier it will become to automatically think in a positive, empowering way. Eventually, you'll find that these new beliefs start to feel just as true as the old, negative ones. The Takeaway: It's All Made Up Anyway Here's the thing: We are always telling ourselves stories—about ourselves and the world around us. Most of the time, those stories are negative, but there's no rule saying they have to be. You have the power to reframe your inner narrative and make up something that serves you, not something that holds you back. So next time you're faced with a situation that triggers your self-doubt, remember: It's all made up anyway. Why not make up a story that helps you feel confident, capable, and worthy of success? You might be surprised at how powerful this simple shift in thinking can be. You can start today. Trick yourself into believing that you are awesome—and watch how quickly your confidence follows.

Feeling self-conscious or insecure often feels like an unavoidable part of life, but it doesn't have to be. In today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz reveals the surprising way to feel less insecure and unlock your confidence: shift your focus outward. When you're insecure, your attention collapses inward, creating a loop of self-criticism and hyper-awareness. Instead of helping, this fixation often amplifies discomfort and reduces your ability to connect or perform. The secret? Focus less on yourself and more on others. Observe their actions, ask questions, or notice details like their interests or even their clothing. This simple practice can break the cycle of self-focus, reducing anxiety and creating natural, authentic connection. "Confidence isn't about being perfect—it's about being present," says Dr. Aziz. By shifting your attention from "me" to "we," you'll not only feel more grounded, but you'll also realize how little your perceived flaws matter. Start small today: pick one thing to notice about the people you interact with, such as their eye color or what excites them. The more you practice this, the more your insecurities fade into the background, leaving room for true confidence to grow. --------------------------------------------- Do you often find yourself feeling insecure or overly self-conscious? You're not alone. In fact, many people, even the most successful, capable, and attractive individuals, experience these feelings. But what if I told you that your insecurity might not have anything to do with your actual abilities or how others see you? Instead, it could be about where your focus is going. Let's explore how you can feel less insecure by simply shifting your attention. Insecurity Doesn't Reflect Your Value Most people think insecurity comes from a place of lack—that something is missing in their personality, appearance, or skills. Maybe you've felt this way too. You might think, “I'm not smart enough, attractive enough, or worthy enough for this situation.” But here's the liberating truth: insecurity and self-consciousness are often completely disconnected from how others perceive you. They're more about your own internal narrative. "Your insecurity doesn't equal others looking down on you. It's all an internal experience, often not visible to those around you." So, when you feel insecure or self-conscious, remember—it's a feeling you're having, not a reflection of how others see you. You might be assuming others are thinking something negative about you when, in reality, they may not even be paying attention to you the way you think they are. The Focus of Insecurity: It's All About You When you're feeling insecure, where does your attention go? That's right—you start hyper-focusing on yourself. “Am I doing this right? Did I say the wrong thing? Does my voice sound shaky? Are they judging me?” Insecurity creates a loop where you become obsessed with how others perceive you. The more you focus on yourself, the more you feel anxious. In fact, the more you try to control or perfect every aspect of yourself to avoid judgment, the worse it gets. Ironically, this self-obsession often leads to performance anxiety and stress, making your presentation, conversation, or interaction even less effective. "The more you try to perfect yourself, the more you create performance anxiety, which decreases your effectiveness and amplifies insecurity." The Secret to Freedom: Focus on Others Here's the twist: The solution to your insecurity is to stop focusing on yourself. When you expand your focus outward, you release the pressure to be perfect and open yourself up to real, meaningful connections. This shift from self-absorption to genuine curiosity about others is the key to overcoming self-consciousness. I worked with a client who often felt insecure in social situations. His self-focus was so intense that he couldn't fully engage with others. So, I suggested he try something different: observe and focus on other people, particularly on their clothing choices, their body language, and their interests. The more he did this, the less he focused on himself and the more relaxed he felt. "When you focus on others, you free yourself from self-judgment and open up to deeper connections." Putting It Into Action: Your Step Toward Confidence Here's your action step for today: Practice focusing on others. Whether it's noticing the details of people's clothing or listening deeply to their stories, consciously direct your attention outward. This simple shift will make you feel less self-conscious and more connected. The more you practice, the more your insecurities will fade into the background. Remember, you don't need to be perfect. You just need to be present with others. As you do this, your self-consciousness will shrink, and your confidence will grow. "By focusing on others, you can stop policing yourself and start living authentically." Try this out today and see how it feels. You'll be amazed at how much more relaxed and confident you can be when you stop obsessing over yourself and start connecting with others

Big thanks to podcast supporter Magic Mind, who are offering listeners 45% off their concentration shots. A genuine endorsement from me: I take one every morning, and I love them. There's a no-questions-asked refund policy, so you've nothing to lose — give it a shot (pun absolutely intended) at ⁠https://www.magicmind.com/GAMINGLTJAN⁠ *** This week's episode is a look ahead at all the intriguing indie games coming out this year. In the roundup: Dragon Age - The Veilguard, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Balatro. See the video version of the main segment here to check out the games in action: https://youtu.be/Wjfc7bKO50I?si=wkT9jMHrGjkQLNgz. If you like this podcast, you can support it on Patreon. You get instant access to 15 bonus podcast episodes, and an invite to join the awesome patron community: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild. Thanks to new supporters Michael, Glenn, Meisuko, and Garrick. Also thanks to loyal patrons and tier upgraders Juzzy, Zanem, and Andre, and boss tier patrons Hollow, Mike Sampier, and Shy Guy. And finally, thanks Dovetail for helping me organise the 2025 game release spreadsheet. Dovetail also maintains this Steam curator page, so you can see if games you're browsing come pod-recommended: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/ Thanks for listening everybody!

True self-confidence doesn't come from looking perfect, saying the right things, or playing a role—it comes from letting yourself be truly seen. In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz reveals the surprising magic ingredient to building lasting confidence: authentic sharing. When you allow yourself to share what's real—your thoughts, feelings, and experiences—you break down the barriers of fear and self-doubt. Instead of hiding behind a mask, you show up as your true self, and in doing so, you create genuine connection and trust with others. This level of vulnerability isn't always easy, but it's where real confidence lives. Start small: share 5% more of your authentic self in your next conversation and notice the difference. If you're ready to claim 2025 as the year you show up fully and boldly, tune in and discover how unveiling yourself can transform your confidence forever. ---------------------------------------------------------- Are you struggling with self-confidence? It might surprise you to know that the magic ingredient isn't about changing your appearance, gaining more knowledge, or getting a perfect track record. In fact, it's something far more powerful—and it's not about you at all. I'm Dr. Aziz, and in today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, I'll reveal the counterintuitive secret to building true self-confidence in 2025. The best part? You can start practicing it right now. The Key to True Confidence: Letting Yourself Be Seen The secret to true self-confidence isn't more self-help tools or tricks. It's about one thing: sharing. Not just sharing your favorite hobbies or where you're from, but allowing yourself to be seen and known as you are right now. This means being authentically yourself, even in moments when it feels uncomfortable. I call it “unveiling yourself,” and it's the key to breaking down barriers in your social life and relationships. When you let others see who you really are, the magic of confidence starts to build, because confidence is not about pretending to be someone else—it's about fully showing up as the person you truly are. “Intimacy is not about sex. It's about being seen for who you truly are.” Why We Hide Ourselves—and How to Stop For many, opening up and sharing who we truly are can feel risky. We worry that we'll be judged, rejected, or misunderstood. Maybe you've tried to fit in by playing a role or saying the things you think people want to hear. But here's the truth: playing a role doesn't build confidence—it breeds anxiety. True confidence comes from showing up authentically and letting people see the real you. When you “unveil” yourself, it's about being honest about what you're feeling in the moment. Whether it's vulnerability, anxiety, or joy, when you share that openly, you invite deeper connection. And that's the essence of confidence. Intimacy is Key A common misconception about intimacy is that it's tied only to romantic relationships. But intimacy is about true connection, whether it's with your partner, a friend, or even a stranger. Intimacy comes when you allow someone to see into you, and you do the same for them. Most people aren't comfortable with this level of intimacy. It's risky, and it's not always easy. But the beauty of intimacy is that it strengthens relationships and deepens bonds in a way that surface-level small talk never can. “The more you share, the stronger your connection becomes, and your self-confidence builds with every real interaction.” The Power of Vulnerability When I met my wife Candace, I decided to do things differently. I didn't want to hide behind any role or act. I wanted to be real, even if it meant feeling vulnerable. Instead of asking what I should say to impress her, I focused on what was true for me and shared that. What I found was shocking: Being vulnerable didn't push her away. Instead, it drew us closer and built a deeper connection. And, as a bonus, it boosted my confidence because I no longer had to pretend to be someone I wasn't. Your Action Step for Today It's time for you to practice unveiling yourself. Start small—pick one relationship in your life and share a little bit more than you normally would. Let yourself be seen and known for who you really are, even if it's just 5% more than usual. As you practice, you'll notice something amazing: Not only will your relationships deepen, but your confidence will grow. And the best part? You're going to feel more authentic and connected than ever before. “When you let go of the need to hide and share your true self, you unlock a powerful, unshakable confidence.” So, are you ready to claim 2025 as the year you step into your authentic self? Practice unveiling yourself, and watch your self-confidence soar. Let me know how it goes!

SCP: The Mason Blackwood Saga - A Complete RecapA compilation of all previous SCP Foundation episodes (Episodes 85-133), following former Navy SEAL Mason Blackwood's journey from his first encounter with the supernatural to the growing conflict between the SCP Foundation and the mysterious Redwood Bureau. In the shadows of our world, a secret organization known as the SCP Foundation works tirelessly to contain supernatural threats - creatures and objects that defy the laws of reality. But what happens when the lines between protector and threat begin to blur? Join us for this special compilation episode as we follow the harrowing journey of Mason Blackwood, from decorated Navy SEAL to something far more complex. After a fatal encounter with SCP-096 (The Shy Guy), Blackwood is mysteriously resurrected by the enigmatic Redwood Bureau, gaining inexplicable abilities but also drawing himself into a dangerous web of secrets. Together with his partner Chen, Blackwood faces off against some of the Foundation's most terrifying entities: SCP-049, a plague doctor with a deadly touch; SCP-4666, the nightmarish Yule Man who targeted Chen's family during Christmas; and finally, the catastrophic release of SCP-610, The Flesh That Hates, within the Foundation's own walls. As Blackwood uncovers the Redwood Bureau's sinister plans to weaponize these anomalies, he must confront an impossible question: in a world where monsters are real, who are the true heroes and villains? This special compilation includes all previous SCP episodes, providing essential background for new listeners and a comprehensive refresher for longtime fans before we dive into the next chapter of this chilling saga. Remember - in this world of anomalies and secrets, nothing is ever quite what it seems.   Follow Carman Carrion!    https://www.instagram.com/carmancarrion/?hl=en   https://twitter.com/CarmanCarrion   Subscribe to Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/0uiX155WEJnN7QVRfo3aQY   Please Review Us on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaky-folklore/id1550361184   Music and sound effects used in the Freaky Folklore Podcast have or may have been provided/created by:  CO.AG: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA Myuu: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSKnkKCKAQVxMUWpZQobuQ Jinglepunks: https://jinglepunks.com/ Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/ Kevin MacLeod: http://incompetech.com/ Dark Music: https://soundcloud.com/darknessprevailspodcast Soundstripe: https:// Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This reflective holiday episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy dives into the idea of giving yourself a profound, transformative gift this season—the gift of being on your own side. Dr. Aziz begins by acknowledging the universal concept of gift-giving during this time of year and how it ties into deeper self-reflection. Whether you celebrate Christmas, another holiday, or simply embrace the season as a time for rest and connection, this episode explores a different kind of gift—a gift that directly impacts your confidence and sense of self-worth. Dr. Aziz shares a touching client story to illustrate how distorted self-perceptions often hold people back, despite external evidence of their worth and capabilities. He emphasizes that confidence is an inside job, urging listeners to shift their internal dialogue and challenge toxic self-perceptions. Through practical advice, he highlights the importance of offering yourself the love, praise, and acknowledgment you may have been withholding. With humor and insight, Dr. Aziz leaves listeners with a powerful action step: identify the praise and recognition you long to hear from others and begin to offer it to yourself. This holiday season, take the opportunity to become your own biggest supporter and transform your confidence from within.-------------------------------------------------------------------- The Greatest Gift You Can Give Yourself This Holiday Season It's the season for giving, and if you celebrate Christmas, you're probably thinking about what gifts to give others. Whether it's the perfect present for a loved one or a thoughtful gesture, giving is a big part of this time of year. But here's the twist: What if the best gift you could give isn't something you wrap up for someone else—it's something you give yourself? In this episode, we're not talking about bubble baths or new gadgets (though those are nice, too). We're diving into the profound gift of self-love and self-acceptance—the gift that can transform your confidence and your entire experience of life. The Inside Job: Confidence Comes From Within One of the most powerful insights I've learned in my 20 years of personal growth is that confidence is an inside job. It's never about the external circumstances—your paycheck, appearance, or recognition from others. Sure, those things can give you a temporary boost, but real, lasting confidence comes from how you see yourself on the inside. And yet, so many people struggle with this. I recently spoke with a client, a beautiful and capable woman, who scored incredibly low on a confidence assessment I use. Despite her many strengths, she couldn't see herself the way others did. She felt unworthy, unattractive, and not enough. And even though she intellectually acknowledged that her perception was distorted, it still felt true. This is where the gift comes in. If you can begin to shift your perception of yourself, that's the real transformation. But how? Stop Starving Yourself of Self-Love What if you stopped waiting for external validation? What if you gave yourself the gift of love, approval, and acceptance right now, without needing anyone else's permission? For years, my client had been withholding these gifts from herself. She had been stuck in a pattern of self-criticism, not allowing herself to feel worthy or confident. And this had created a painful, long-standing “starvation” of self-love. But here's the thing: You don't have to wait another decade to feel good about yourself. You can start today by choosing to be on your own side. Instead of looking to others for validation, start practicing self-acknowledgment. See the beauty, strength, and positive qualities in yourself. Challenge the negative stories you've been telling yourself. When you realize that confidence comes from within, you stop relying on external sources to tell you who you are. You get to define it. Your Action Step: Give Yourself the Gift of Praise Here's a powerful action step to help you give yourself this gift: Think about the kind of praise or recognition you crave. What would you love to hear from someone important in your life? A loved one, a boss, a friend—what would make your heart swell if they said, “You're amazing because….” Write down those things. Don't just let this exercise pass by. If you feel resistance, take note of it. That's your inner critic trying to stop you from feeling good about yourself. Instead, sit with it and write out five things you would love to hear. These are the words that you need to give yourself, today. Confidence is Yours for the Taking Confidence is not something you have to wait for. It's something you can choose to cultivate. It's about stepping into your own power, taking ownership of how you see yourself, and practicing the gift of self-love, every single day. So this holiday season, give yourself the gift of being on your own side. Stop starving yourself of love and approval, and instead, fill yourself up with positive affirmations, praise, and belief in your own worth. It will change everything. Happy holidays, and may 2025 be the year you step into the most confident, bold, and authentic version of yourself!

A massive thanks to RED for helping research this video (especially that SCP-6237-J bit)! https://www.patreon.com/isyanderandkoda You already know how to please the Machine Gods at this point so thank you so much. And make your voices heard for which faction you would like to see next! -Isyander P.s for those of you who want to send stuff our way. Thank you in advance. Po BoxIsyander & Koda Po Box 1196, Tacoma, Wa, 98402, USAAnything below is made for (and by) the omnissiah. You can read it though, just a summary of the banger of a video you're watching.Welcome to your crash course on the SCP Foundation, a clandestine organization tasked with securing, containing, and protecting anomalies beyond human comprehension. In this orientation, we'll break down the Foundation's labyrinthine procedures, secret containment sites, and the bizarre cast of eldritch horrors, helpful blobs, infinite furniture stores, and towering oceanic eels lurking in the shadows. From the early days on internet forums to its evolution into a sprawling Wiki of cosmic-scale apocalypses, weird cognitohazards, and dark comedy, the SCP Universe offers endless rabbit holes to explore.We'll begin by covering the SCP format itself—those clinical containment logs and redacted data that heighten the tension. Then we'll dive into the Foundation's internal hierarchy: from hapless D-Class “volunteers” and veteran Level-2 researchers to the shadowy O5 Council. You'll learn how anomalies are categorized—Safe, Euclid, Keter, and beyond—and discover some of the most iconic examples, like the unstoppable Shy Guy (SCP-096), the lethal Hard-to-Destroy Reptile (SCP-682), the heartwarming Tickle Monster (SCP-999), the mind-bending Infinite IKEA (SCP-3008), and the horrifying Flesh That Hates (SCP-610). We'll discuss how the Foundation deploys Mobile Task Forces, distributes amnestics, and occasionally weaponizes anomalies themselves (looking at you, Thaumiel Class).In addition, we'll delve into overarching threats, including the ominous Scarlet King, who may (or may not) herald the end of everything. Finally, we'll crack open a few fan-favorite stories, highlight the comedic side with joke SCPs, and mention the bizarre corners of the Wiki—like 3,000+ images of a certain fur-favorite entity. Whether you're brand-new to the SCP fandom or someone who just discovered the horrifying brilliance of Procedure 110-Montauk, this orientation is your perfect primer on what makes the SCP Foundation such a vast, chilling, and darkly entertaining phenomenon. Prepare to step into a world where a “friendly gelatin blob” might be the last bastion of sanity in a cosmos of unstoppable beasts, and remember—Knowledge is a privilege… but it can also kill.———TAGSSCP Foundation, Secure Contain Protect, SCP orientation, SCP Wiki, eldritch horror, cosmic horror, SCP 096 Shy Guy, SCP 999 Tickle Monster, SCP 682 Hard-to-Destroy Reptile, SCP 610 The Flesh That Hates, SCP 1981 Ronald Reagan, Infinite IKEA SCP 3008, Scarlet King, containment procedures, O5 Council, D-Class, cognitohazards, memetic hazards, anomalous objects, Keter-class SCP, Euclid-class SCP, Safe-class SCP, Thaumiel, dark fiction, creepypasta, internet horror, horror stories, science fiction, patreon support, bonus episodes, fandom exploration, storytelling.————————————Opinions expressed in this video are solely those of Isyander & Koda and in no way reflect the views or opinions of Games Workshop Ltd.Artwork throughout this video is used for educational purposes. if you see your artwork and would like an art credit, message me.Support the show

n this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz delves into a universal and thought-provoking question: Do you talk yourself out of being authentic? Spoiler alert—most of us do. He explores how fear, doubt, and social conditioning can often lead us to hold back who we truly are, whether it's in how we express ourselves, the choices we make, or how we connect with others. Authenticity, as Dr. Aziz explains, isn't just a feel-good buzzword; it's a dynamic and evolving practice of aligning with who you are in the minutiae of daily life, in interpersonal relationships, and on a larger, soul-level path. Dr. Aziz shares personal stories, including how he confronted his own hesitations and fears, such as being vulnerable with his father or owning his unique interests and quirks. Through relatable examples, he illustrates the subtle ways we can hold ourselves back—whether by worrying about what others might think, fearing conflict, or simply dismissing the value of sharing ourselves. With warmth and humor, Dr. Aziz offers practical insights into identifying and defying these inner stories, encouraging listeners to step into their authentic selves and take bold, liberating actions that lead to greater self-connection and fulfillment.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Stop Talking Yourself Out of Being Authentic Do you talk yourself out of being authentic? Do you often hold back what you really think, feel, or want to say? If so, you're not alone. Most of us have been there at one point or another. In fact, for many of us, it can become a habitual response to avoid discomfort or judgment from others. But here's the thing: living authentically is one of the most empowering things you can do. And yet, it's something we often talk ourselves out of. In this post, I'm going to share the common ways we talk ourselves out of authenticity, and how you can shift that habit to step into a more powerful, true version of yourself. Why Authenticity Feels So Good (But Also Scary) Being authentic sounds great in theory, right? The idea of showing up as your true self, without pretending to be something you're not, is incredibly freeing. When you're truly authentic, you don't have to hide or put on a mask to gain approval. There's a sense of freedom that comes with just being you. But authenticity isn't always easy. Sometimes, it feels like a massive risk. It's not just about the small things—like how you dress or what you say. Authenticity also involves living in alignment with your values, making bold decisions in your career or relationships, and even letting go of things that no longer serve you. And to do that, you have to confront your fears head-on. How We Talk Ourselves Out of Being Authentic We all have those moments where we pull back from being our true selves. And it's often driven by the fear of judgment. Here are a few ways we talk ourselves out of authenticity: Fear of What Others Will Think This is the biggest one. Whether it's a conversation with friends, coworkers, or family, the question often lingers: What will they think of me if I say this or do that? You might want to wear a certain outfit, express a unique opinion, or share a vulnerable moment, but the fear of judgment holds you back. In some cases, it might even be about people from your past—friends from high school, or a critical family member who still influences your decisions, even though they're not in your life anymore. Worrying About Disapproval Another way we talk ourselves out of authenticity is by worrying about how we'll affect others. Maybe you want to share a disagreement, voice a different opinion, or express your true feelings, but you worry it will upset the other person. You might fear that you'll destabilize the relationship, so you choose to stay quiet instead. This fear of conflict or disapproval can keep you trapped in inauthenticity. Believing It's Not Worth It Sometimes, we talk ourselves out of authenticity because we think there's no point. For example, maybe you want to have a deeper conversation with a loved one about your feelings, but you tell yourself, What's the point? Maybe they won't understand, or it might cause unnecessary stress. It's easy to hold back because you don't think it will make a difference. But this is often just a defense mechanism to avoid vulnerability. The Power of Defying These Stories Here's the thing: when you challenge these fears, when you defy the stories you tell yourself, you reclaim your power. It's about recognizing when you're holding yourself back and deciding to do the opposite—whether that's wearing what you want to wear, sharing an authentic opinion, or stepping into a decision that scares you. Action Step: Start by identifying when you're talking yourself out of being authentic. Pay attention to the moments when you hold back—whether it's in a conversation, with a friend, or in your day-to-day choices. Then, choose to defy those stories. Take the risk. You might feel vulnerable at first, but over time, you'll discover the strength that comes with being fully yourself. It's Worth It: Even if someone judges you or the outcome is uncomfortable, living authentically will always feel better in the long run. You'll feel more alive, more empowered, and more at peace with who you are. And that's a life worth living. You Can Be Authentic You don't have to be perfect at it, and it doesn't happen overnight. But if you consistently choose to live authentically, you will experience a deeper connection to yourself and others. Start with small steps. Express your opinions. Wear what you want. Share your feelings. And as you do, you'll step into your full potential. Remember, authenticity is a moving target—it evolves with you as you grow. So, keep embracing it, and trust that each step you take is bringing you closer to the real, powerful version of yourself.

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz dives deep into the concept of social freedom—the ability to be your most authentic self in social situations without fear or inhibition. Social freedom isn't about achieving one final destination but embracing an ongoing journey of self-expression and courage. Dr. Aziz highlights how shedding the "cage" of social anxiety or niceness allows you to fully express your thoughts, feelings, and individuality in every interaction, from casual conversations to meaningful connections. Dr. Aziz breaks down two distinct paths to achieve social freedom: the 3% Path and the Jump-In Path. The 3% Path focuses on incremental, manageable growth—leaning into your edge by making small, consistent changes, like sharing one more authentic sentence or showing a bit more boldness in each interaction. On the other hand, the Jump-In Path is for those ready to dive headfirst into risk, shedding personas and embracing full authenticity in a powerful leap. Both methods, whether gradual or transformative, guide you toward becoming more expressive, authentic, and unapologetically you. Listen in to discover which approach resonates with your journey and how to set actionable steps to implement these transformative practices in your life. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you ready to break free from the grip of fear, self-doubt, and social anxiety? Imagine waking up tomorrow with the confidence to be completely yourself, no matter who you're around. It's not just a dream—it's something you can achieve, and today, I'm going to share two powerful paths to get you there. In this episode, we're diving into social freedom—the ability to express who you truly are in any situation without fear of judgment or rejection. Whether it's speaking your truth at work, sharing your thoughts with friends, or simply wearing what feels good to you, social freedom means you get to be you, unapologetically. What Is Social Freedom? Social freedom is all about being yourself in any social context. It's about feeling free to express your thoughts, your ideas, and even your emotions without the constant worry of being judged or rejected. It's not just about “acting” confident—social freedom comes from truly owning who you are. To give you a simple example, my son, who was nervous about reading his story aloud, almost held back his creativity out of fear. But after a little support and encouragement, he shared his story, and it was a beautiful moment of connection. That's what social freedom looks like: letting yourself share and fully express who you are. Two Paths to Achieving Social Freedom Now that you know what social freedom is, how do you get there? There are two distinct paths, and each offers a different approach to help you break free from the shackles of social anxiety. 1. The 3% Path: Small but Powerful Steps The 3% path is about gradually expanding your comfort zone by committing to just 3% more authenticity each time you interact. This could mean sharing one more thought, asking for something you normally wouldn't, or letting your true feelings show in a conversation. The beauty of this path is that it's manageable and gradual. A 3% shift is small enough to be manageable but impactful enough to create change over time. It's the power of consistent, incremental progress. Imagine making one small change in every social interaction—over time, these changes will compound, and before you know it, you'll be in a totally different place socially. 2. The Jump-Off-the-Dock Path: Dive Right In The second path is more drastic—just dive in. This is the “eff it” path. You decide to fully express yourself without holding back, even if it feels uncomfortable. Instead of approaching each interaction with caution and calculation, you just let go and say what's on your mind. You stop worrying about pleasing everyone and simply focus on being true to yourself. This path requires boldness. It's like jumping off a dock into the unknown. The first few jumps will be terrifying, but the rewards are immense: freedom, authenticity, and a sense of relief from constantly holding yourself back. You'll experience more of your true self, and the social anxiety that once held you back will begin to melt away. Which Path Is Right for You? Both paths will lead you to social freedom, but the key is choosing which one resonates most with you right now. The 3% path is great for those who want a slow and steady approach, while the “jump off the dock” path works best for those ready to make a big shift in a shorter time frame. Remember, there's no wrong way to go about this. What matters most is your willingness to take action, whether it's small steps or bold leaps. Take Action Now So, which path will you choose? If you're ready to take action, set a clear intention for how you want to move forward. Will you start small with the 3% path, or are you ready to dive in headfirst? The most important thing is to start. Lean into the discomfort. That's where the magic happens. If you're looking for more support on your journey to social freedom, be sure to check out my Mastermind program coming in early 2025. But until then, embrace who you are and know that your true self is enough. You've got this!

In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz delves into the fourth principle of sanity and victory: Almost Always On My Own Side (AMOS). Building on the previous principles—taking ownership, surrendering to life's flow, and embracing the process—AMOS introduces the idea of being consistently compassionate and supportive toward yourself. Dr. Aziz explores the concept of self-compassion as a transformative tool, helping you to let go of self-criticism and cultivate a nurturing relationship with yourself. He draws on both personal experience and years of clinical research, illustrating how shifting from self-attack to self-support can profoundly impact your confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Aziz emphasizes that being on your own side is not just about boosting self-esteem or acknowledging your worth when things go well. Instead, it's about offering yourself kindness and empathy, especially when you face setbacks or challenges. He provides actionable steps to practice AMOS in daily life, including simple yet powerful questions like, “What would I do or say if I were truly on my own side right now?” Whether you're new to the concept or already practicing it, this episode offers fresh insights and practical tools to deepen your self-compassion and unlock greater confidence. Tune in to discover how to step into a more aligned and supportive relationship with yourself.------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to today's episode, where we dive deep into the fourth principle of sanity and victory—a concept that can truly transform your confidence. If you've been following along, you already know the first three principles: I am the captain of my ship—taking full ownership of your life. Surrender is the ultimate life skill—accepting that you can't control everything, but you can control how you respond. The process is the purpose—embracing the journey rather than obsessing over the end goal. If you're feeling intrigued, then the next principle will change the way you see yourself, forever. It's called Almost Always On My Own Side (OMOS). What Does "Almost Always" Mean? At its core, this principle is about learning to be on your own side. It's about treating yourself as you would a close friend—compassionately, with understanding, and without judgment. You're probably familiar with the term "self-esteem," which refers to how much you value yourself. High self-esteem is about believing you bring value to the world; low self-esteem, on the other hand, is when you feel like you have nothing to offer. But what happens when you don't feel valuable, especially after making a mistake or when you're in the process of learning something new? This is where self-compassion comes in. Unlike self-esteem, which is dependent on how well you perform, self-compassion is unconditional. It's not about being perfect or achieving greatness; it's about acknowledging your struggles and treating yourself with kindness, regardless of the outcome. What Happens When You're Not On Your Own Side? Imagine being constantly followed around by someone who critiques everything you do. They point out every mistake, call you stupid, and tell you that you're not good enough. You wouldn't tolerate this behavior from someone else, so why do we allow this internal critic to rule our lives? For many of us, this critic becomes our default mode. We spend our days beating ourselves up, never allowing room for compassion or understanding. The truth is, this is insanity—it's a toxic pattern that drains our energy and holds us back from living fully. But when we practice being on our own side, we begin to shift from self-attack to self-support. We stop judging ourselves harshly and start lifting ourselves up with compassion, understanding that we are enough just as we are. The Power of Practicing OMOS When you begin to practice being on your own side, something amazing happens: You start to shift how you approach life's challenges. Instead of hiding from difficulties, you embrace them as opportunities for growth. This change in perspective is incredibly freeing, and it can radically alter your confidence. Why This Principle Is Key to Your Confidence So why is being on your own side so essential for building confidence? Because confidence isn't about being perfect; it's about embracing your humanity, mistakes and all. You need the courage to face your fears and take risks, even when things don't go perfectly. When you're on your own side, you develop the strength to keep moving forward—no matter how many setbacks you face. Take Action Today Now that you understand the power of being on your own side, it's time to put this principle into action. Start by asking yourself: How on my own side am I today? Can you treat yourself with kindness and compassion, even in moments of struggle? To take it a step further, think about one area of your life where you've been critical of yourself. Maybe it's your work, your appearance, or your relationships. Now, instead of criticizing yourself, show compassion. Acknowledge your struggles, give yourself some grace, and move forward with kindness. If you're ready for more transformation and support in this journey, check out my Unstoppable Confidence Mastermind, where we take principles like OMOS and apply them to real-life challenges, helping you build lasting, unshakable confidence. Remember, you're awesome, and you deserve to be on your own side. Start practicing today, and watch how your life begins to transform.

 For Patreon subscriber Greg Bristow! Fact of the Day: In the first Polish-language encyclopedia, the definition of Horse was: "Everyone can see what a Horse is".  Triple Connections: Daisy, Shy Guy, Lemmy THE FIRST TRIVIA QUESTION STARTS AT 01:27 SUPPORT THE SHOW MONTHLY, LISTEN AD-FREE FOR JUST $1 A MONTH: www.Patreon.com/TriviaWithBudds INSTANT DOWNLOAD DIGITAL TRIVIA GAMES ON ETSY, GRAB ONE NOW!  GET A CUSTOM EPISODE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES:  Email ryanbudds@gmail.com Theme song by www.soundcloud.com/Frawsty Bed Music:  "Your Call" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ http://TriviaWithBudds.comhttp://Facebook.com/TriviaWithBudds http://Instagram.com/ryanbudds Book a party, corporate event, or fundraiser anytime by emailing ryanbudds@gmail.com or use the contact form here: https://www.triviawithbudds.com/contact SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL MY AMAZING PATREON SUBSCRIBERS INCLUDING:   Linda Elswick Ansley Bennett Mom & Mac Lillian Campbell Lynnette Keel Natasha Raina NathalieJerry Loven Jamie Greig Rondell Merritt Sue First Nick Vogelpohl Adam Jacoby Adam Suzan Jeremy Yoder Chelsea Walker Carter A. Fourqurean Tiffany Poplin Bill Bavar Courtney Cassal Daniel Hoisington-McArthur Paula Wetterhahn Justin Cone Steven LongSue FirstKC Khoury Keith MartinTonya CharlesBen Katelyn Turner Ryan Ballantine Justly Maya Brandon Lavin Kathy McHale Selectronica Chuck Nealen Courtney French Nikki Long Jenny Santomauro Jon Handel Mark Zarate Keiva BranniganLaura PalmerLauren Glassman John Taylor Dean Bratton Mona B Pate Hogan Kristy Donald Fuller Erin Burgess Chris Arneson Trenton Sullivan Josh Gregovich Jen and NicJessica Allen Michele Lindemann Ben Stitzel Michael Redman Timothy HeavnerHarlie WestJeff Foust Sarah Snow-BrineRichard Lefdal Rebecca Meredith Leslie Gerhardt Myles Bagby Jenna Leatherman Vernon Heagy Albert Thomas Kimberly Brown Tracy Oldaker Sara Zimmerman Madeleine Garvey Jenni Yetter Alexandra Pepin Brendan JohnB Patrick Leahy Dillon Enderby John Mihaljevic James Brown Christy Shipley Pamela Yoshimura Cody Roslund Clayton Polizzi Alexander Calder Mark Haas Ricky Carney Paul McLaughlin Manny Cortez Casey OConnor Willy Powell Robert Casey Rich Hyjack Matthew Frost Joe Jermolowicz Brian Salyer Greg Bristow Megan Donnelly Jim Fields Mo Martinez Luke Mckay Simon Time Feana Nevel Brian WilliamsJordania of ZeilingriskS

Welcome back to Shrink for the Shy Guy! In today's episode, we dive into the third principle of sanity and victory: The Process is the Purpose. We often chase outcomes, believing they'll bring lasting happiness, but what if the true magic lies in the journey itself? Whether it's fitness goals, career achievements, or personal growth, embracing the process can transform your life. In this episode, I'll share personal stories of striving and thriving, and reveal how shifting your focus from results to growth can lead to greater joy, peace, and success. Discover how to reframe your goals, find purpose in the present, and become the person you're meant to be—one step at a time. Let's reclaim sanity and achieve victory together.-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to Today's Episode: The Process is the Purpose Hey there! I'm excited to continue our exploration of the eight principles of sanity and victory. Today, we're diving into the third principle: The Process is the Purpose. Recap of Previous Principles Before we get into this principle, let's quickly recap the first two: I Am the Captain of My Ship: This principle emphasizes taking ownership of your life and choices instead of feeling like a victim of circumstances. Surrender is the Ultimate Life Skill: This is about letting go of control and aligning with the flow of life, accepting that while we can take action, we don't control everything. The Process is the Purpose Now, let's unpack the third principle. Here's the little text I wrote to remind myself about this principle: The outcome is the carrot the divine uses to inspire. It is not the true purpose and it will not bring the permanent happiness you imbue it with. Withdraw the glamour from that fantasy and fully embrace the process. The process is the magic alchemy that transforms you into the next version you're meant to be. Seek out the discomfort, savor the victories, and feast on your life today. Understanding the Principle At its core, this principle is about shifting your focus from outcomes to the experiences and lessons found in the process. While we all have goals—be it personal, professional, or relational—focusing solely on the end result can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of unfulfillment. The Pitfalls of Outcome Obsession When we become too fixated on the results we want, we risk losing sight of the joy and growth available in our day-to-day experiences. This can lead to stress, overwhelm, and even burnout. You may find yourself striving for a particular outcome, believing that once you achieve it, you will feel permanently happy. However, this is often an illusion. A Personal Example Let me illustrate this with my own experiences. In 2018, after overcoming chronic pain, I got back into physical fitness and strength training. I set a goal to get a specific physique, thinking that achieving a certain look would bring me happiness. I meticulously tracked my calories and macros, constantly worrying about whether I was on track. This mindset led me to a place of tension and stress. I labeled that time in my life “The Summer of Striving.” I was so fixated on the outcome that I missed out on the joy of the process. Conversely, during a recent training period, I shifted my perspective. I realized that the joy of working out wasn't just in the end result but in how strong and capable I felt each day. I focused on the process of becoming fitter and stronger rather than obsessing over the specific outcome. This mindset transformed my experience into something enjoyable and rewarding. The Importance of Embracing the Process So how can you apply this principle in your life? It starts by recognizing that the process itself—everything you learn and experience along the way—is the true reward. Embrace the discomfort and challenges that come with growth. Instead of rushing towards the finish line, find ways to appreciate the journey. Action Step: Shift Your Focus Your action step for this week is to identify an area in your life where you're overly focused on the outcome. Take a moment to reflect on what you can appreciate about the process itself. Whether it's a hobby, a personal project, or a fitness goal, find joy in the everyday actions that lead you toward your aspirations. Remember, life is about the journey, not just the destination. Embrace the process, savor the victories, and recognize that who you become along the way is just as important, if not more so, than the results you achieve. Thank you for joining me today! I'm looking forward to exploring the next principle with you in our upcoming episodes. Until next time, embrace the journey and trust in the process!

Welcome to today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy! You are brave for clicking on this one because today we're tackling the gruesome three—failure, rejection, and not-enoughness. As we approach Halloween, it's time for some real horror stories—those emotions we avoid like the plague, yet they shape so much of our lives. Forget the bat-like creatures from horror movies; the fear of failure, rejection, and feeling like you're not enough are way scarier and far more avoided. But you're here, and that's already a bold step. This episode will shed light on these dreaded feelings, helping you realize that you're not alone and that the experience isn't as terrible as it seems when we look at it together. We're diving deep into how personalizing these feelings makes them so much worse and how to shift your perspective to make them more manageable. These emotions—failure, rejection, and not-enoughness—are what hold so many of us back from living the life we truly want. The good news? They don't have to. Let's dig into these feelings, challenge them, and see what's really going on beneath the surface. Thanks for joining me on this brave journey! Visit DrAziz.com to learn more and register for my upcoming virtual event, End Social Anxiety Now. ------------------------------------------------ You're brave. You clicked on this episode, even though the title probably made you wince: Failure, Rejection, and Not Enoughness. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're feelings we all try to avoid. But if you're listening today, that means you're ready to face them, and that takes courage.Halloween might be around the corner, but forget about spooky movies with bat-like creatures jumping out to scare you. The real horror? Facing failure, rejection, and that sinking feeling of not being enough. People will line up to watch a horror movie, but when it comes to willingly diving into their fears of failure or rejection, that's a different story.So, let's dive into these “Gruesome Three.” By the end of this post, you'll not only understand why they have such a hold over you, but also how to soften their grip and start living more freely. When Was the Last Time You Felt One of These? For many, it's probably quite recent. Maybe it's happening right now as you're reading this. These feelings don't need dramatic events to show up. You can feel like a failure just by not checking off everything on your to-do list. Rejection can come from someone taking too long to text you back. And not enoughness? That can hit just from looking in the mirror.For some, these feelings come and go, but for others, they can be a constant, suffocating presence. I know, because I lived there. When I had severe social anxiety, it was like living in a soup of failure, rejection, and not enoughness. And the worst part? The more I avoided those feelings, the more power they gained. The Insanity of Avoidance Most people's unspoken life plan is to avoid failure, rejection, and the feeling of not being enough. Seems logical, right? But here's the catch: these feelings find a way to creep back in. Even if you don't get rejected by someone because you avoid social situations, that feeling of not being enough might sneak in when you see someone else confidently talking to others.So we think, “Well, if I avoid these feelings, I'll be fine.” But avoidance isn't freedom. It's a life lived in fear. The Insane Setup We Create We've set ourselves up with impossible expectations: Every action I take should go exactly as I want. Every person I interact with should respond the way I want them to. If not, I'm a failure and I need to feel awful about myself.It's an insane setup. We're demanding perfection from ourselves and others, and when that doesn't happen, we slide down into a pit of shame and self-criticism. But here's the key: it doesn't have to be that way. A New Way Forward Instead of avoiding these feelings or allowing them to tear us down, what if we approached them differently? What if we didn't personalize every failure, rejection, or moment of not enoughness? What if we saw them as part of the human experience, something that doesn't define our worth?Here's a shift you can start making today: the action is the win. The fact that you're putting yourself out there, trying something, speaking up—that's the victory. Whether or not it turns out the way you want doesn't define your success.Zoom out. Look at the bigger picture of your life. Failure, rejection, and not enoughness are momentary blips in a much larger process of growth and learning. Your Action Step: Who's Making You Feel Not Enough? Here's the big question for today: Who's making you feel not enough?We tend to think these feelings just happen to us, like rain falling from the sky. But that's not true. These feelings come from patterns of thinking that we've been practicing, often without even realizing it. You have the power to change those patterns.So the next time you feel that sting of not being enough, ask yourself: Who's doing this? How am I creating this feeling?This simple awareness can start to unravel the grip these feelings have over you. Reclaim Your Power Failure, rejection, and not enoughness don't have to be terrifying, all-consuming monsters. By understanding them, seeing their roots, and changing your perspective, you can reclaim your power and live more freely.Until we speak again, remember: you are enough, just as you are. And you have the courage to create the life you want.If you want to dive deeper into breaking free from these patterns, join me for my upcoming virtual event. We're going to deconstruct rejection and give you tools to handle it in a whole new way. Head over to draziz.com to register. Let's replace that acid pit with a trampoline that bounces you right back into life!

Welcome to today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy! Are you ready to discover the one obstacle standing between you and extraordinary confidence? It might feel like there's a mountain of things in your way, but today, we're breaking it down to just one. Once you understand this obstacle, you'll see how to overcome it and create the confidence you've always wanted. In this episode, Dr. Aziz explores the root of what's truly holding you back—your own perception of what's possible for you. He'll help you challenge the beliefs and feelings that make confidence seem out of reach, and guide you towards taking the actions that will transform your life. Plus, learn more about the upcoming virtual event, End Social Anxiety Now, where you can immerse yourself in powerful strategies to accelerate your confidence journey. If you're ready to break free from discouragement and build the bold, confident life you deserve, this episode is for you. Let's dive in and uncover what's really possible for you! Visit DrAziz.com to learn more and register for the virtual event. ----------------------------------------------------- I'm excited to share something that might surprise you: there's only one obstacle standing in the way of you building an extraordinary level of confidence. That's right, just one. While it might seem like there are countless reasons preventing you from feeling confident, the truth is, they all boil down to this one key thing. Stick with me, and by the end of this post, you'll feel energized and empowered, ready to create the confidence you've always wanted. The Root of Your Confidence Struggles "Do you feel full, freely confident in every aspect of your life?" I'm talking about work, relationships, social situations, and dating. If your answer is anything less than "hell yes," it's time to ask why. Often, when we ask ourselves this question, we don't get a clear answer in words. Instead, it's more of a feeling—a heavy, discouraged, or hopeless feeling. In psychology, this is known as learned helplessness. It's the belief that no matter what you do, nothing will change, so you might as well give up. This hopelessness doesn't have to be extreme to hold you back. Even a small amount can zap your energy, prevent you from taking action, and make every step toward confidence feel like an uphill battle. The Real Obstacle: Your Perception of What's Possible The only thing truly blocking your confidence is your perception of what's possible for you. If you believe that building confidence is impossible, or that it will take too long, you'll inevitably undermine your efforts. Every setback will feel like proof that you're incapable, and every rejection will reinforce the idea that you're just not good enough. But here's the truth: the issue isn't your appearance, your social skills, your upbringing, or your personality. The real problem is your belief that those things define what's possible for you. As long as you hold onto that limiting belief, you'll be stuck in a cycle of inaction and discouragement. Shifting Your Perspective to Unlock Your Confidence To break free from learned helplessness, you must change your perception. Start by asking yourself: Do I believe that it's possible for me to create an extraordinary level of confidence? Not just in theory, but for you. This isn't about whether others can do it—can you?If your honest answer is no, it's time to challenge that belief. There's someone out there with your exact challenges who has achieved what you desire. Someone with your height, your upbringing, your experience level, or whatever other limitation you think is holding you back. So why not you? The secret to building confidence is simple: take action, even if it's uncomfortable. Confidence isn't something that appears out of thin air—it's built through doing. Lean into those small, uncomfortable actions. Whether it's saying hi to a stranger, sharing your thoughts in a meeting, or putting yourself out there in any way, every step you take builds the muscle of confidence. Reclaim Your Power Today "Do you really want to change your perception of yourself?" This is a crucial question because holding onto your limiting beliefs comes with hidden benefits. It might allow you to avoid rejection, escape discomfort, or protect yourself from potential failure. But in reality, those are just excuses that keep you stuck. You have the power to choose a different perspective. Reclaim your belief in yourself and be willing to take the necessary actions, even if they're challenging. Confidence is possible for you, and you can create it—one step at a time. Take Action Now Think about an area in your life where you feel discouraged or hopeless. Bring your attention to that feeling, and start questioning it. Do I want something different here? What benefits am I getting from keeping things as they are? Once you identify these patterns, you can begin to challenge them. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are, and to know, on a deep level, that you're truly awesome.

In today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, we dive deep into the origins of social anxiety and why understanding its roots is crucial for breaking free. Have you ever wondered when and why your social fears started? Whether it began in middle school or as a teenager, this episode unpacks how key moments from the past shape our present behaviors and anxieties. Dr. Aziz also shares personal insights on his journey with social anxiety and offers guidance on how to shift those limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Plus, you're invited to a special free masterclass, Three Golden Keys to Solve Social Anxiety, where you can discover practical steps to overcome these fears and start creating a radically different 2025. If you're ready to stop letting social anxiety define you, this episode is for you! Don't forget to visit DrAziz.com to sign up for the masterclass and continue your journey to confidence.------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes, it's absolutely possible to build your confidence quickly if you approach it the right way. But most people trying to boost their confidence on their own often make a few common mistakes that end up holding them back. As a result, they conclude: “I guess confidence just isn't for me” or “I'm hopeless.” This leads to them shelving their dreams of being confident and settling for a life of discomfort and self-doubt. As someone who spent 15 years struggling with low confidence, I'm here to show you the way out. Let's dive into the three biggest mistakes you might be making—and how to fix them. 1. Avoiding Discomfort One of the most common mistakes is avoiding discomfort. Many people think that building confidence is just about positive thinking or motivational talk. While that can help, there's only one surefire way to grow your confidence—facing discomfort head-on. Confidence grows through action, particularly the kind of action that feels uncomfortable. It's like building physical fitness: just as lifting heavier weights challenges your muscles to grow stronger, doing things that make you nervous will expand your comfort zone and your confidence. “Avoiding discomfort shrinks your confidence, while taking action—no matter how small—builds it.” If you avoid taking risks, like speaking up in a meeting or introducing yourself to someone new, your confidence will stagnate. But by embracing gradual exposure to these challenges, you can grow stronger bit by bit. 2. Relying on Harsh Self-Criticism The second major mistake people make is trying to motivate themselves through harsh self-talk. You may be familiar with the inner critic, the voice that tells you things like “That wasn't good enough” or “You're going to fail.” Many people mistakenly believe that berating themselves will somehow push them to be better. But the truth is, you can't beat yourself into confidence. Harsh criticism leads to avoidance and demotivation. Instead, you need to motivate yourself through self-compassion and celebration of small wins. Even if a conversation or task doesn't go perfectly, it's essential to acknowledge the effort you put in and the progress you've made. “You can't beat yourself into confidence. Celebrate your wins, even the small ones.” 3. Lack of Consistency The final mistake is expecting instant results and then giving up when things don't change overnight. Confidence isn't a one-time thing—it's a skill you need to practice consistently. Just like you wouldn't expect to get fit after one or two workouts, you can't expect lasting confidence after a few attempts. Aim to lean into discomfort at least three times a week. Whether it's starting a conversation, sharing your ideas, or speaking up at work, taking regular action over time will make all the difference. “Consistency is key. You don't need extreme efforts—just a little progress, again and again.” A Path Forward: Embrace Gradual, Sustainable Growth The key to lasting confidence is to be patient with yourself and stick with it over time. Make gradual exposure part of your routine, motivate yourself with self-compassion, and remain consistent in taking small, courageous steps toward growth. If you want to dive deeper into this process and have a proven roadmap, check out Confidence University. It provides a step-by-step guide, action plans, and support to help you build the confidence you deserve. Remember: you are not alone on this journey. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are and to know on a deep level that you are truly awesome.

Are you stuck in a cycle of social anxiety, feeling like it's just part of who you are? In today's episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, we dive deep into the concept of your "social anxiety identity." How much of your identity is wrapped up in social anxiety? Dr. Aziz breaks down how this hidden identity can control your interactions, limit your relationships, and ultimately hold you back in life. Through real-life examples and actionable steps, you'll learn how to uncover the stories you've been telling yourself and begin to rewrite your identity into one of confidence and ease. Social anxiety doesn't have to define you or your future. Also, Dr. Aziz shares details about his upcoming virtual event, End Social Anxiety Now (November 1-3), where you can dive deeper into breaking free from the grip of social anxiety and set yourself up for a radically different 2025. Don't miss out on early bird pricing! Listen in, and get ready to challenge your identity and take action toward lasting change.

Jeff and Christian welcome Brendon Bigley from Into the Aether back to the show this week to discuss Sony's $700 Playstation 5 Pro, mass walk-outs at Annapurna, Microsoft firing 650 more, and Tony Hawk hinting at a new game. The Playlist: Brendon: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Shy Guy Surfing, Shogun Showdown, Age of Mythology Retold Christian: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Jeff: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Shroom and Gloom Parting Gifts!

In this empowering episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz tackles one of the most challenging emotions—discouragement. Whether you're feeling stuck, hopeless, or weighed down by anxiety and pessimism, this episode is your guide to transforming those heavy emotions instantly. Dr. Aziz shares practical tools to shift your perspective and move from a place of helplessness to one of action and empowerment. Discover how to turn your discouragement into motivation, why taking action is the key to finding hope, and how you can start seeing the possibilities in your life right now. Plus, get a sneak peek into Dr. Aziz's upcoming virtual event, End Social Anxiety Now, where you'll dive deeper into these strategies and more. This episode is packed with actionable steps to help you break free from negative thinking and take control of your life. Tune in and start your journey towards a more confident, empowered you. -------------------------------- Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless? You're not alone. For many, these feelings of discouragement can spiral into anxiety or depression, making it seem like nothing will ever change. But what if I told you that you could shift this feeling instantly? In this blog post, we'll dive into how you can start turning things around today. Breaking the Cycle of Hopelessness Hopelessness isn't just a feeling—it's a perspective, a story you've convinced yourself is true. Thoughts like, "I can't change this" or "It's too hard" hold you back. Over time, these thoughts grow stronger, creating a mental prison of discouragement. You may find yourself thinking, Why even try? Nothing will change. "The perspective that creates discouragement and hopelessness is one that tells you ‘I can't change this,' but that's just a story you're telling yourself. It's not the truth." But the truth is, you can change things. The key to breaking free from hopelessness is to stop waiting for motivation and instead take action first. You see, action generates motivation, not the other way around. It's a simple concept but one that many overlook when they feel stuck. Take Action First, Motivation Follows Most people wait until they feel motivated to act. They think, Once I feel ready, I'll take that first step. But when you're feeling hopeless or discouraged, waiting for motivation is the last thing you should do. The secret to shifting your perspective is by going on offense in your life. This means taking proactive steps, even when you don't feel like it. Action brings clarity, momentum, and the confidence to keep moving forward. Waiting for motivation? That's backward. You need to create motivation through action. "You have to go on offense in your life. Action generates motivation, just like confidence is a byproduct of action." The Instant Shift: A Simple Process Here's a step-by-step process to instantly shift your mindset from hopelessness to empowerment: Acknowledge the Situation: Write down what's happening in your life. Instead of letting thoughts swirl in your head, put them on paper. This helps you see things as they are, without the emotional weight attached to them. Set a Clear Goal: What do you want to change? Be specific. Maybe you want to overcome social anxiety, build meaningful relationships, or simply feel more confident. Make sure your goal is clear and resonates with you. Connect to Your Why: Why is this goal important? What will achieving it bring you? Be honest with yourself. The deeper you connect with your why, the more emotional energy you'll have to move forward. Brainstorm Actions: Write down 10 things you could do to achieve your goal. Don't overthink it—just brainstorm. The more ideas, the better. Take Immediate Action: Pick one simple thing from your list and do it right away. This breaks the cycle of inaction and sets the stage for momentum. Why This Works When you're in a state of discouragement, your brain convinces you that change is impossible. The more time you spend in this state, the deeper you sink. But when you take action, even small steps, you start to see opportunities rather than roadblocks. "That story in your head about what's impossible is not true." By shifting your perspective through action, you're actively moving yourself out of the hopeless mindset and into one of possibility. You'll start to feel more empowered, and before you know it, your outlook on life will begin to shift. Final Thoughts: Every Problem Has a Solution The path to overcoming social anxiety, low confidence, or any challenge in your life isn't easy, but it's absolutely possible. It starts with shifting your mindset, taking action, and building momentum. No matter how long you've felt stuck, change is within your reach. If you're ready to dive deeper into these strategies and take bold steps to end social anxiety, join me for the End Social Anxiety Now virtual event from November 1st-3rd. It's designed to give you the tools, support, and immersion needed to make real progress. And remember, every problem has a solution. You just need to take the first step. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are and to know on a deep level that you are awesome.

In this empowering episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz tackles one of the most challenging emotions—discouragement. Whether you're feeling stuck, hopeless, or weighed down by anxiety and pessimism, this episode is your guide to transforming those heavy emotions instantly. Dr. Aziz shares practical tools to shift your perspective and move from a place of helplessness to one of action and empowerment. Discover how to turn your discouragement into motivation, why taking action is the key to finding hope, and how you can start seeing the possibilities in your life right now. Plus, get a sneak peek into Dr. Aziz's upcoming virtual event, End Social Anxiety Now, where you'll dive deeper into these strategies and more. This episode is packed with actionable steps to help you break free from negative thinking and take control of your life. Tune in and start your journey towards a more confident, empowered you. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like nothing will ever change? You're not alone. Many people battling social anxiety, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing habits experience discouragement and even hopelessness. These feelings can manifest as chronic anxiety or a heavy sense of pessimism, making it seem like there's no way out. But what if I told you that these feelings can be transformed instantly? Yes, it's possible, and in this post, I'm going to show you how. The Burden of Discouragement When discouragement sets in, it often brings along a companion: a negative story about your life. You might think, “I'll never overcome this,” or “What's the point of trying?” These thoughts don't just create a bleak outlook on the future—they also reflect a dismal view of yourself. This mindset can spiral into shame, anxiety, or even depression, leaving you feeling stuck and powerless. “The perspective that creates discouragement and hopelessness is one that tells you ‘I can't change this,' but that's just a story you're telling yourself. It's not the truth.” The Instant Shift The good news is that these feelings are not permanent. In fact, they can be shifted instantly because they're rooted in perspective, not reality. Unlike physical wounds that take time to heal, the mental and emotional states of discouragement and hopelessness are based on how you're choosing to see your situation. And the best part? You can change that perspective in a moment. Take Action, Generate Motivation One of the biggest mistakes people make when they're feeling down is waiting for motivation to strike before taking action. But as Dr. Aziz points out, this approach is backward. Motivation isn't a prerequisite for action—it's a byproduct of it. When you take action, no matter how small, you begin to generate the motivation and confidence you need to keep moving forward. “You have to go on offense in your life. Action generates motivation, just like confidence is a byproduct of action.” A Simple Process to Break Free Here's a step-by-step process to transform your state of discouragement into one of hope and possibility: Acknowledge the Situation: Start by writing down what's really happening in your life. This helps you see things as they are, not through the dramatic lens of your mind. Identify What You Want: Set a clear, specific goal. It could be something like “I want to feel more comfortable in social situations” or “I want to make new friends.” Make sure it's something that truly resonates with you. Connect to Your Why: Ask yourself why this goal is important to you. What will achieving it bring into your life? This is where you tap into the emotional energy that will drive you forward. Brainstorm Actions: Force yourself to come up with 10 actions you could take to move towards your goal. Don't worry about whether they're perfect or doable—just get them down on paper. Take Immediate Action: Choose one of the easiest actions on your list and do it right away. This will kickstart your momentum and begin to shift your perspective. Moving Forward with Confidence By following this process, you'll notice an immediate change in how you feel. You'll start to see possibilities where there were none, and you'll begin to believe in your ability to create change in your life. The key is to keep moving forward, taking one action at a time, and allowing that momentum to build. “If you follow this process, you'll find that you naturally start to sit taller, breathe deeper, and feel more empowered. That's what offense feels like in your life.” An Invitation to Go Deeper If you're ready to take your journey even further, consider joining Dr. Aziz for his upcoming virtual event, “End Social Anxiety Now,” happening November 1-3. This immersive experience will dive deep into the strategies and tools you need to transform your social anxiety into social confidence. You'll learn how to free yourself from the burdens of discouragement and step into a life of connection, authenticity, and freedom. Remember, every problem has a solution. Your feelings of hopelessness are not the end of the road—they're just the beginning of a new chapter where you can write your own story. Until next time, may you have the courage to be who you are and to know on a deep level that you are awesome.