Growth Island

Growth Island
  • 4.8 (28)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Growth Island is a podcast about how to become and be the best version of yourself. The focus is on strategies, tools, and blueprints for a meaningful life. I interview high performers and experts within nutrition, meditation, exercise, relationships, business, general health and lifes bigger mysteries. More info at www.growthisland.com

  1. 28 AUG

    World Champion Niclas Larsen: Mastering Fear, Resilience & True Toughness—Revealed!

    In this episode, World Champion fighter and performance coach Niclas Larsen reveals the untold truths about resilience, fear, and the warrior mindset. From nearly losing his leg to capturing world titles, Niclas shares the rituals, inner battles, and mental frameworks that forged his path back to glory — and how those same lessons apply far beyond the ring. This is not just a story about fighting, but about how every man can rise stronger when life hits hardest. Niclas Larsen is a professional Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, and Mental & Performance Coach. He became the IMC World Super Welterweight Champion in 2020 and the WBC Muay Thai World Super Welterweight Champion in 2021. Today, he helps men, entrepreneurs, leaders, and troubled youth harness resilience, overcome fear, and activate their inner warrior in life and business. He explains: ◻️ How nearly losing his leg reshaped his entire perspective on life and performance. ◻️ Why resilience is built in silence, not in the spotlight. ◻️ The secret rituals that give him calm before chaos. ◻️ How to turn fear and aggression into your greatest strengths. ◻️ Why most men misunderstand toughness — and what true strength really is. ◻️ How lessons from the ring translate directly into business and leadership. ◻️ The mindset shift that separates those who break from those who rise. ◻️ Why finding peace in pain is the ultimate edge. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:21 – What toughness really means and why emotions matter 05:21 – Brave, strong, and walking in with confidence: pre-fight mindset 09:16 – The “life mantra” Niclas uses to switch state on command 13:35 – The exact words he repeats to center himself under pressure 25:00 – Near-amputation: the hospital moment that changed everything 26:23 – Rehabilitation: forced pause, relearning to walk, rebuilding identity 29:59 – The mental tool he relies on to regain control fast 34:50 – Beyond “just change your mindset”: a body-first route to calm 47:02- Niclas advice to his 10 year old self. 49:27 – Growth until the very end: Niclas’ mantra for life and legacy Follow Niclas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niclasrlarsen/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niclas-ricky-larsen-907074235/  Growth Island-Mads Friis: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast:...

    53 min
  2. Sleep Expert, Daniel Gartenberg: The Truth About Sleep Tracking That Big Tech Won't Tell You

    13 AUG

    Sleep Expert, Daniel Gartenberg: The Truth About Sleep Tracking That Big Tech Won't Tell You

    In this episode, world-renowned sleep scientist Dr. Daniel Gartenberg reveals the surprising truths behind sleep tracking, the real science of deep sleep, and how common mistakes are silently wrecking your recovery, and the future tech of sleep. Dr. Daniel Gartenberg is a sleep scientist and the founder and CEO of SleepSpace, where he develops innovative solutions to improve sleep quality and health. He is also the Senior Sleep Health Advisor to CPAP.com. With a PhD in cognitive psychology from George Mason University and over 15 years in sleep research, he has secured more than $3.5 million in grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Aging. He explains: ◻️️Why chasing a "perfect sleep score" can actually ruin your sleep. ◻️The #1 mistake people make with sleep trackers and how to fix it. ◻️Hidden breathing issues that silently damage your deep sleep and health. ◻️How wearable accuracy works — and what big tech doesn't tell you. ◻️The surprising link between deep sleep and long-term brain health. ◻️Future breakthroughs in sleep technology over the next 5 years. ◻️How to build the ultimate nighttime routine for recovery and focus. ◻️Why melatonin isn't the magic pill you think it is. ◻️The science of waking up naturally and feeling fully recharged. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Top tips for better sleep and building a consistent rhythm. 04:29 – Boosting deep sleep with sound tech. 06:20 – How does this small startup beat big tech companies in sleep tracking accuracy? 08:17 – How do sleep labs measure your brainwaves and sleep stages? 12:59 – The danger of obsessing over perfect sleep scores. 21:02 – The most proven therapy for falling asleep faster and insomnia. 22:34 – How at-home tests uncovered Daniel’s hidden sleep apnea. 40:30 – Myths about night owls and sleep timing. 44:25 – Melatonin myths and better supplement options. 50:26 – Lighting and phone hacks for better sleep. 53:32 – The future of sleep tech and health startups. Follow Daniel: Website: sleepspace.com Download the App: https://sleepspace.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.snooze/ ED Talk: https://shorturl.at/nFRZP Growth Island-Mads Friis: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/growth-island/id1436400072 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/growthisland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-island Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Iw8IvNKwDEs5Rg7YWaJnP

    58 min
  3. #119: Nancy Duarte - the formula the best communicators use

    04/10/2022

    #119: Nancy Duarte - the formula the best communicators use

    What made Steve Jobs such a powerful communicator? Tune into this episode of Growth Island w/ Forbes-featured communication expert/bestselling author Nancy Duarte to find out, and more how translating numbers into narratives help you win in business. In this talk, Nancy Duarte discusses the mechanics of making great presentations, the secrets to a powerful speech, and how to communicate better with your team and stakeholders. Drawing on real-world examples from her work with clients including Apple, Nancy provides concrete tips that will make you a more persuasive and effective communicator. If you’re someone who aspires to transform into a flawless communicator, the expert tips shared by Nancy in this episode will definitely help you grow. Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:16 Introduction 1:33 How did Nancy get into speech and communication? 3:38 What makes a speech epic and impactful? 5:53 Nancy’s top three speeches of all time 8:03 Top tips for a great presentation 14:56 Suggestions about good presentations one can apply today 16:54 Does using busy, dense or heavy slides always work while presenting? 19:03 Common mistakes to avoid while presenting 21:20 Nancy’s experience with people’s attention span 21:45 One thing Nancy wishes she would’ve known 10 years ago 27:53 What differentiates Nancy from others in her field 28:39 How does Nancy overcomes her biggest challenges 31:03 Tips on how to communicate better with your spouse 32:39 Are we actually in heaven? 33:59 Industry misconceptions about communication that must be clarified 37:55 What does Duarte, Inc. do as a company 38:14 What does Nancy prefer doing these days 40:59 Where can people find Nancy Duarte 41:32 Three tips for a happy, healthy and meaningful life Connect with Nancy Duarte Twitter: www.twitter.com/nancyduarte LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nancyduarte/ Resources Duarte, Inc. website: https://www.duarte.com/

    43 min
  4. #118: Lassi A. Likkanen - How to Build the Best Sauna and How To Use Sauna for Health

    20/09/2022

    #118: Lassi A. Likkanen - How to Build the Best Sauna and How To Use Sauna for Health

    Can going to saunas four times a week save you from a severe heart attack? Researchers says YES. In this video, we discuss the history and health benefits of saunas with Lassi A Liikkanen, author of the Amazon bestseller "The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design". Lassi is also a renowned expert in the construction of saunas and takes us through Finland’s history and present state of sauna development and innovation. If you're interested in learning more about saunas, this is the perfect video for you! Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:15 Introduction 01:34 Lassi’s journey into sauna research 03:25 Health benefits of saunas 06:28 Are people always naked in Finnish saunas? 08:50 Key aspects while designing the ideal sauna 13:21 Types of heaters commonly used and why 16:19 Do electric heaters really emit negative ions? 19:03 Are the Finnish outraged about the protest against wood-burning heaters? 22:42 Quick Fire question round with Lassi about saunas 29:28 Is everyone slowly acknowledging the benefits of sauna? 31:47 Main difference between a good sauna and a bad sauna 33:42 How to ensure good ventilation in a sauna? 36:09 Lassi’s opinion on infrared and hybrid saunas 37:55 Common misconceptions about infrared saunas 39:41 Finland’s current state of sauna development and innovation 41:34 Discussing Lassi’s sauna hat 43:02 Lassi’s advice to people who want to visit saunas 45:18 Where can people find more about Lassi 46:11 Three tips for a happy, healthy and meaningful life Connect with Lassi A. Liikkanen Twitter: https://twitter.com/lassial LinkedIn: https://fi.linkedin.com/in/lassial Resources Website: https://saunologia.fi/

    49 min
  5. #117: Dr. Wayne Hall - The New Science About Psychedelics and How to Use Them

    06/09/2022

    #117: Dr. Wayne Hall - The New Science About Psychedelics and How to Use Them

    Are you curious about psychedelics and drugs? Let’s hear what the experts have to say. In today’s episode of Growth Island, Professor Wayne Hall discusses his research into psychedelics, their potential benefits and harms, and how they might be used to help people struggling with addiction. He also comments on recent developments in the field of psychedelic research, including the increasing popularity of micro dosing. Wayne Hall is an honorary professor at the University of Queensland's National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research. Wayne has advised the WHO on the health effects associated with cannabis use, the viability of drug substitution therapy, the scientific quality of the Swiss heroin trials, the contribution of illicit drug use to the global burden of disease, and the ethical implications of genetic and neurological addiction research. If you’re curious about trying psychedelics and micro dosing, the sheer knowledge and guidance offered by Wayne in this episode would undoubtedly help you make a wise decision. Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:24 Introduction 1:30 Wayne’s journey into researching about psychedelics 2:42 What are psychedelics? 4:47 Current status on research about Ayahuasca 7:35 How can psychedelics be used for treatment 10:39 Ketamine vs Psilocybin - which is safer? 12:38 The truth about microdosing 14:10 Finding the right funding for psychedelic research - easy or tough? 15:56 Who should be extra careful while trying microdosing 17:31 Where will psychedelics be viewed in society, ten years from now? 19:39 Why were psychedelics not a part of academia before? 22:37 Exploring the science-backed benefits of cannabis 28:30 Biggest challenges in psychedelic research 30:08 How to stop being addicted to illicit drugs? 34:05 What guided Wayne to reach such career heights 36:16 Three tips for a happy, healthy, and meaningful life 37:28 Where to find more about Wayne Hall Connect with Wayne Hall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-hall Resources www.researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/1067

    39 min
  6. #116: Udo Erasmus - Learn about the Fats that heal and Fats that kill

    23/08/2022

    #116: Udo Erasmus - Learn about the Fats that heal and Fats that kill

    Did you know that Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that have health benefits for both mind and body? Tune into today’s episode of Growth Island for amazing unknown facts about whether olive oils are bad for you, and much more. In this interview, Udo Erasmus, author of "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" and "The Omega Diet," discusses the benefits of consuming omega fats, the healthy diet he recommends, and more. In this episode we discuss: 👉 Udo’s journey 👉 How heat affects oils 👉 Why is olive oil promoted so aggressively 👉 How industry has changed the way we eat 👉 Udo’s diet 👉 Food as a religion 👉 Good sources of omega fats 👉 And so much more… This discussion reflects upon Canadian biochemist Udo Erasmus' commitment to educating people about the benefits of Omega fatty acids and making healthier dietary choices, which stems from his personal experiences. Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:15 Introduction 1:28 Udo’s journey from war into fats and oils 7:01 What we get from oils 8:50 Does heat damage oils? 10:23 Why you should choose extra virgin olive oil over normal olive oil 13:15 Why is olive oil promoted heavily 19:25 How industry has changed how we cook and eat 21:32 How to cook according to Udo 25:41 Udo’s diet 28:05 Food as religion 34:05 What are the good oils 36:48 Lack of oil drys out the skin 40:27 Good sources of omega fats 47:38 Using science and principal to find truth 58:00 Where you can find Udo Erasmus 58:42 Udo’s advice for a happy, healthy and meaningful life Connect with Udo Erasmus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/udoerasmus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theudoerasmus/ Resources Udo’s Website: https://udoerasmus.com/ Udo’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Fats-That-Heal-Kill-Cholesterol/dp/0920470386 Udo’s choice website: https://www.udoschoice.com/

    1h 1m
  7. #115: Dr. Caroline Leaf - New Breakthroughs in Mental Health You Can Implement Tomorrow

    09/08/2022

    #115: Dr. Caroline Leaf - New Breakthroughs in Mental Health You Can Implement Tomorrow

    Can you stop trauma from happening? No, sometimes it is unavoidable but what we can do is weaken and rewire the damage that it has done using your minds capacity to heal, Dr. Caroline Leaf is my guest on Growth Island this week. Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc in Logopedics, specializing in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology. Since the early 1980s she has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health, and the formation of memory. She was one of the first in her field to study how the brain can change (neuroplasticity) with directed mind input. Dr. Leaf is also the bestselling author of Switch on Your Brain, Think Learn Succeed, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, and many more. She teaches at academic, medical and neuroscience conferences, churches, and to various audiences around the world. In this episode we discuss: 👉 The challenges of early neuroplasticity research 👉 The difference between the mind and brain 👉 The connection between your gut and brain 👉 How to harness the power of neuroplasticity to your advantage 👉 The 4 areas of focus of neuroplasticity 👉 And so much more… If you find yourself struggling to heal from past trauma or just looking to improve your mind this episode gives you a better understanding of how to improve your specific situation. Keynotes: 1:19 Caroline’s Journey 2:17 The challenges of early neuroplasticity research 5:34 The difference between mind and brain 9:40 How the gut microbiome is connected to the brain 12:40 What Dr. Leaf talks about in her new book and how to harness neuroplasticity 19:40 Concrete steps to drive neuroplasticity 27:40 The 4 areas of focus of neuroplasticity 35:14 Labeling your emotions helps you deal with it better 39:42 Caroline’s advice of how to live a happy, healthy and meaningful life 42:00 Where to find Dr. Caroline Leaf Connect with Dr. Caroline Leaf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrCarolineLeaf/videos Resources Dr. Caroline Leaf’s website: https://drleaf.com/

    44 min
  8. #114: Dr. Alessandro Prigione - Using Stem Cells to Grow Back Eye Sight and Other Applications

    26/07/2022

    #114: Dr. Alessandro Prigione - Using Stem Cells to Grow Back Eye Sight and Other Applications

    Soon women will be able to reproduce on their own. This statement may scare some of you or may be comforting to know, but it’s all thanks to the power of stem cells. I have with me an esteemed guest Dr. Alessandro Prigion on the show this week. Dr. Alessandro Prigion is a professor of Pediatric Metabolic Medicine at the Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf, Germany and Editor-in-Chief of the journal Stem Cell Research (Elsevier). He’s the person you talk to when you need to learn anything about stem cells. In this episode we discuss: 👉 What are stem cells 👉 The use cases of stem cells 👉 The ethical issues it poses 👉 The power of cell reprogramming 👉 Limitations of stem cells 👉 Understanding and strengthening your mitochondria 👉 And so much more… If you're interested in learning more about stem cells this is the place to start. Keynotes: 1:17 Dr. Prigion’s journey into researching stem cell 2:52 What are stem cells? 10:09 What can we accomplish using stem cells today and in the future 12:48 Rejuvenating the eye using stem cells 14:20 Homosexual couples can get pregnant 15:49 Can we build our muscles using stem cells 17:35 The uses of stem cells 21:42 The ethics involved when working with stem cells 25:05 Is creating organs with stem cells the same as 3d printing it 26:54 Genome editing with CRISPR CAS the 3 pillars of health 29:07 Limitations for longevity using stem cells 30:53 Research is hard work 32:30 How to know the real breakthroughs from the scams 34:36 Understanding mitochondria 37:36 Strengthening your mitochondria 39:30 What Dr. Prigion to stay on the top of his game 41:34 Dr. Prigion’s advice for living a happy, healthy, and meaningful life 43:36 Where you can find Dr. Prigion Connect with Dr. Alessandro Prigion Twitter: https://twitter.com/aleprigio Resources Dr. Alessandro Prigion’s Lab Website: https://www.neurosciences-duesseldorf.de/principal-investigators-and-junior-researchers/alessandro-prigione

    45 min
See All (121)

4.8
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Growth Island is a podcast about how to become and be the best version of yourself. The focus is on strategies, tools, and blueprints for a meaningful life. I interview high performers and experts within nutrition, meditation, exercise, relationships, business, general health and lifes bigger mysteries. More info at www.growthisland.com

Information

  • Creator
    Growth Island
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Growth Island