Human School

Miles Adcox
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  • Self-Improvement
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We’ve been taught everything except how to be human. In a world obsessed with output, Human School is where we study what happens within. Hosted by Miles Adcox, this podcast was born from a journal entry during a breakdown –– a reminder that struggle isn’t weakness; it’s instruction. Through raw conversations with world-class experts, therapists, and thinkers, Human School reframes pain as purpose, productivity as presence, and leadership as inner clarity. If you are navigating personal growth, emotional health, and self-discovery, you are in the right place. Welcome to Human School.

  1. 3 days ago

    How to Stop Self-Sabotaging and Finally Finish What You Start with Jon Acuff

    What is procrastination actually costing you? Turns out, almost everything. In this episode, Miles Adcox welcomes author and speaker Jon Acuff to Human School for an honest, practical, and deeply encouraging conversation about procrastination, overthinking, and the strange ways our minds block the lives we want to live.   Jon opens up about his own struggles with anxiety, the danger of old "soundtracks," and why the hardest part of a new goal is often the weight of past failures. Packed with humor and tactical wisdom, Jon and Miles break down how to retire broken soundtracks and finally give yourself permission to be remarkable.   Looking to shift the way you think? Onsite offers transformational experiences to help you live the life you deserve. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04zCzKf0⁠  In This Episode, You'll Learn:  The real psychology behind why we avoid the things we want to do most.   How to shift your internal soundtrack using the "Retire, Replace, Repeat" method.   Why optimism is a daily practice, not a personality trait.   How to separate fear from decision-making so you can finally cross your finish line.  Learn more about Jon and grab a copy of Procrastination Proof: https://jonacuff.com/ Stay Connected to Human School:  Human School on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04zCFsz0  Miles on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04zCBRJ0  Learn more about Onsite: https://hubs.la/Q04zCzKf0  Follow Human School on Substack: https://hubs.la/Q04zChTr0 Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome Jon Acuff – Author of Procrastination Proof 02:00 - The 34-Year Delay 06:00 - Growing Up Anxious and Running Hot 09:30 - Scars as Lighthouses & The Power of Going First 13:30 - Mental Health, Rumination, and Mindset 16:00 - Live Coaching: Unpacking Miles' Book Goals & Resistance 22:00 - High Performers and Changing Your Fuel Source 27:00 - Repetition, Symbols, and Soundtrack Cards 31:00 - Experiential Healing, Empathy, and Feedback Loops 35:40 - Writing for Teenagers and Handle-Making 44:50 - Why We Procrastinate: The Bad Solution 49:30 - Jon's Corporate Exit & The Birth of His Blog 54:30 - The Internet, Online Anger, and Identity Follows Activity 58:45 - Finding Peace in the Storm & Practicing Optimism 01:04:00 - Tactical Tools: Paper Shrinks Fear & Owner's Manuals 01:08:50 - Success Hang-ups & The Fear of Being Remarkable 01:14:00 - Unpacking Money Scripts and Celebrating Wins 01:22:00 - Growth is Non-Linear: The Reality of Healing 01:26:40 - Writing Brave & Jon's Upcoming Book on Optimism 01:30:00 - Counseling, Faith, and Following Overreactions 01:36:30 - Writing vs. Rewriting & Fear Gets a Voice, Not a Vote

    How to Stop Self-Sabotaging and Finally Finish What You Start with Jon Acuff

  2. 6 Oct

    Ashley McBryde on Sobriety, Generational Trauma, and Unlearning Survival

    "They said, 'We need you to stop.' And I said, 'I need me to stop, too.'"  Grammy-winning country artist Ashley McBryde joins Miles for a deeply moving, unfiltered conversation as she reflects on her roots in the Ozarks, the complexities of generational trauma, and what it truly means to be seen.   Ashley opens up about her long relationship with alcohol, the terrifying night that led her to treatment, and how getting sober allowed her to finally hear her own voice and recognize the person in the mirror. This is a powerful discussion on unlearning old programming, re-parenting your younger self, and why true art doesn't require a dark place.  If you’re ready to begin a new chapter, Onsite offers transformational experiences to help you live the life you deserve. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04zdx0K0  Episode Chapters:  00:00 – Introducing Ashley McBryde 05:00 – Growing Up in the Ozarks & Early Musical Roots 17:00 – Nervous System Responses, Childhood Trauma, and Inner Child Work 44:00 – Generational Trauma, Religion, and Re-framing Family Dynamics 56:00 – The Reality of "High-Functioning" Addiction & Stepping Into Recovery 1:18:00 – Finding Pure Joy in Sobriety and Making Art Without Suffering   Stay Connected to Human School  Human School Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04zdtB60  Miles Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04zdw7Z0  Subscribe on Substack: https://hubs.la/Q04zdt6t0  Onsite: https://hubs.la/Q04zdx0K0

    Ashley McBryde on Sobriety, Generational Trauma, and Unlearning Survival

  3. 30 Sept

    How to Find Peace When a Relationship Can't Be Fixed with Matthias Barker (Live from the Transform Trauma Conference)

    What happens when the mental health expert becomes the one navigating a family crisis? In this deep and deeply personal conversation, therapist and author Matthias Barker sits down with Miles at the Transform Trauma Conference –– Europe’s largest mental health and wellness conference in Oxford, England –– to open up about his own journey through family estrangement, grief, and reconciliation.   Together, they break down the real-world stuff we all deal with: why healing must come before forgiveness, the difference between setting a healthy boundary and running away, the traps of modern pop psychology, and what it actually takes to find "peace with what's possible." Whether you're a mental health professional or just trying to navigate your own family system, this conversation offers real tools for real life. Learn more about Transform Trauma and other Master’s Events: https://mastersevents.com/  Are you unfurling your own stories around family, trauma, and mental health? Onsite offers transformational experiences to help you live the life you deserve. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04xQ6_l0    Episode Chapters:  00:00 - Welcome to Human School... LIVE! 01:45 - Meet Matthias Barker: From drama kid to building a platform 05:00 - The Family Crisis: Addiction, divorce, and estrangement 07:00 - Learning from Grief Expert David Kessler 11:00 - The Intersection of Trauma and Grief in Family Conflict 15:30 - Peace with What’s Possible: Rethinking reconciliation 26:30 - The Research on Contempt and Emotional Abuse 31:30 - Boundaries vs. Avoidance: When to engage and when to step back 39:30 - The Danger of Pop Psychology and Weaponized Therapy Speak 49:30 - The Trap of Rumination vs. True Psychological Healing 55:30 - The Hardest and Most Meaningful Parts of Being a Helper Stay connected to Human School  Substack: https://hubs.ly/Q04xQ71f0  Miles on Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q04xQ6Y40  Human School on Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q04xQ71f0  Onsite: https://hubs.la/Q04xQ6_l0

    How to Find Peace When a Relationship Can't Be Fixed with Matthias Barker (Live from the Transform Trauma Conference)

  4. 22 Sept

    The Selfish Reason to Be Generous with Philanthropy Expert Rondal Richardson

    What if the secret to improving your own life, health, and happiness had nothing to do with self-care and everything to do with giving back? In this episode of Human School, host Miles sits down with long-time music industry veteran and philanthropist Rondal Richardson to flip the script on how we think about generosity. Because you don't need millions of dollars or a massive platform to make a real impact. Today, Rondal shares remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from his 40-year journey in the music business—working alongside legends like The Judds, Garth Brooks, and Naomi Judd—and how an "almost Oprah moment" changed the trajectory of his life.   You’ll also discover practical ways to get involved in charity, how to know which organizations and causes to align with, and why the best way to heal your own life is often to show up for someone else.  If you're in middle Tennessee, join the Music Community Foundation for a Give Like Dolly event this weekend: https://www.giving9to5.com/ Stay Connected Follow Human School on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04xQ4Zt0 Follow Miles on Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q04xQ50V0 Subscribe to Our Substack: https://hubs.ly/Q04xQ55q0 Looking to dive deeper into your own story? Onsite offers the opportunity to come back to yourself. Learn more here: https://hubs.ly/Q04xQ53Z0 In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction to Rondal Richardson and entertainment philanthropy  00:54 – Meet Rondal Richardson, founder and executive director of the Music Community Foundation  00:03:00 – The story of meeting Miles through Naomi Judd  00:15:30 – The Oprah Winfrey connection 00:23:40 – Rondal’s origin story: starting on the road at age 17  00:32:15 – Touring with Garth Brooks and country music history  00:40:50 – Making the pivot from the music industry to philanthropy  00:46:00 – The psychological and physical benefits of service  01:03:40 – Vetting charities: Charity Navigator, 990s, and finding your cause  01:17:40 – The impact: Raising $350M+ and the work of the Music Community Foundation  01:30:30 – Purpose through pain, community support, and looking forward

    The Selfish Reason to Be Generous with Philanthropy Expert Rondal Richardson

  5. 16 Sept

    What My Daughter Knows About Stress That I Forgot

    We spend an enormous amount of energy trying to learn how to be healthier, less stressed adults – but what if the answer isn't learning something new, but remembering what we knew before we got so complicated?  In this special solo episode of The Human School Podcast, host Miles Adcox hands the microphone to his seven-year-old daughter, Birdie Rose. With zero media training and absolute honesty, Birdie shares her thoughts on art, missing teeth, strawberries and ketchup, and what makes her feel closest to the people she loves. In this conversation and reflection, Miles unpacks four unexpected lessons on stress, curiosity, presence, and connection that children carry naturally — lessons that adults spend a lifetime trying to find their way back to. In this episode:  00:00 - Introducing Birdie Rose: The 7-Year-Old Podcast Guest   01:20 - Lesson 1: Curiosity Over Certainty (The Power of "I Don't Know")   04:00 - Lesson 2: Presence Over Productivity (Why Play Doesn't Need a Reason)   05:50 - Lesson 3: Expression Over Impression (Strawberries in Ketchup and PR Filters)   07:45 - Lesson 4: Relationship Over Performance (What Kids Actually Want From Us)   09:40 - Finding Courage: How We Regulate Fear Inside Relationships   11:45 - Final Encouragement from Birdie (And How to Keep Showing Up)  If you’re looking for ways to connect back to yourself, Onsite can help. Learn more about our experiences: https://hubs.la/Q04xcj150 Follow Human School: https://hubs.la/Q04xcj450 Follow Miles: https://hubs.la/Q04xch_N0 Subscribe to Substack: https://hubs.la/Q04xcj3y0

    What My Daughter Knows About Stress That I Forgot

  6. 8 Sept

    How to Rewire Your Brain for Peace, Creativity, and Purpose with Dr. Martha Beck

    Are you living the life you actually want, or are you just trying to please everyone around you?  In this episode of Human School, Miles sits down with world-renowned author, sociologist, and life coach Dr. Martha Beck for an exceptionally honest and deep conversation on human nature, breaking free from anxiety, and finding your true path.  Martha shares her personal journey — from her time writing for Oprah’s Magazine and earning degrees from Harvard, to radically transforming her life by committing to a full year of total honesty. Together, Miles and Martha explore the biological roots of anxiety, how societal expectations force us to sell out our true nature at an early age, and how simple creative acts can serve as a direct antidote to mental distress.  In this episode, you’ll discover:  The Root of Modern Anxiety: Why our current educational and social systems conflict with human evolution.  The "Visual Cliff" Study: How children learn to judge their own worth by watching the adults around them.  The Power of Caving Early: Why learning to apologize quickly and drop ego heals relationships faster than anything else.  Creativity vs. Anxiety: How engaging the creative parts of your brain actively shuts down panic and stress.  The "One-Degree Turn": How making tiny, honest shifts in your day-to-day choices can completely realign your life.  The K.I.S.T. Method: A practical, step-by-step tool using Kind Internal Self-Talk to navigate intense panic attacks and internal conflict.   Whether you’re feeling burned out, stuck in people-pleasing patterns, or simply searching for more peace in your daily routine, this episode provides a compassionate roadmap back to your whole self.  Onsite offers a range of experiences to do life-changing work around your story and what your body might be holding onto. Learn more at www.experienceonsite.com     Episode Chapters:  00:00:00 Welcome Martha Beck  00:02:46 What Comfort Means Today   00:04:41 Root Causes of Modern Anxiety   00:07:08 How Kids Learn Self-Worth   00:13:21 The "Cave Early" Practice   00:15:53 Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain   00:21:05 The Real Curriculum of Life   00:24:00 Ancestral Wisdom & Magic   00:28:13 African Hospitality & Ubuntu   00:34:52 Finite vs. Infinite Games   00:44:03 Using Art to Fight Anxiety   00:47:38 Guided Visualization Exercise   00:54:02 Finding Magic in Technology   01:00:52 Humanizing High Performers   01:08:18 Living One Year Without Lies    Connect with Human School:  YouTube: https://hubs.la/Q04wFHGz0  Human School on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04wFHPK0  Miles on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04wFJHn0  Follow Human School on Substack: https://hubs.la/Q04wFJZt0

    How to Rewire Your Brain for Peace, Creativity, and Purpose with Dr. Martha Beck

  7. 3 Sept

    "I Had to Learn to Live Again" — Amy Grant on Starting Over at 65

    What happens when life completely rewires your timeline overnight?  Six-time Grammy winner Amy Grant joins the show for an exceptionally raw and vulnerable conversation about navigating back-to-back life-altering health crises — from emergency open-heart surgery to a traumatic brain injury that forced her to pause everything.  Amy candidly opens up about the physical reality of memory loss, the emotional weight of starting over at 65, and why she ultimately decided to write a eulogy to her younger self. She also breaks down the worst advice she received early in her career, and how letting go of control allowed her to finally embrace the gift of unplanned interruptions.  Whether you are navigating your own unexpected life shift, recovering from trauma, or searching for margin in a chaotic world, this episode is a masterclass in grace, resilience, and true freedom.  Key Takeaways from This Episode  Interruptions are often invitations. Real growth happens when you stop viewing life's disruptions as obstacles and start viewing them as redirections. Release past versions of yourself. Holding onto who you used to be prevents you from accepting and healing who you are right now. Margin isn't extra time — it's intentional space. Recovery and peace require actively protecting your energy from external expectations.  Are you looking for support after your own season of change? Onsite offers a range of experiences to do life-changing work around your story and what your body might be holding onto. Learn more at www.experienceonsite.com    Episode Chapters:  00:00 - Dragging Old Suitcases: Amy Grant’s New Season  00:38 - "Don't Talk So Much, Just Sing"  06:01 - The First Recording at Age 15  08:24 - Overcoming Limits  12:22 - The "River of Life" & Facing the Waterfall  20:56 - Health Scares: Open-Heart Surgery & the Bike Accident  27:17 - Living with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)  31:02 - The Assignment: Writing a Eulogy to Her Younger Self  35:57 - Undoing Childhood Scripts and Deconstructing the Past  40:15 - Finding "Margin" and the Story of the Good Samaritan  45:24 - Morning Rituals: Unplugging from Autopilot  50:13 - Turning Pain into Grace and Finding Identity  01:10:53 - Rewiring the Brain: Neuroplasticity and Healing  01:12:24 - "Lead Me to Those I Need": Surplus and Need  01:19:00 - Post-Traumatic Growth and Repurposing Your Story  01:24:24 - Navigating Fame, Criticism, and Living off the Screen  01:31:17 - Collaborative Music and Embracing a Life Reset  01:37:19 Breathwork   01:40:09 Marriage is the Great Rock Tumbler  01:47:59 Closing Prayer Sendoff  Connect with Human School:  YouTube: https://hubs.la/Q04vZlYs0  Human School on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04vB96T0  Miles on Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04vB9CJ0

    "I Had to Learn to Live Again" — Amy Grant on Starting Over at 65

  8. 25 Aug

    Overcoming Self-Judgment and Walking Through Grief with Judah & the Lion

    When life throws loss, grief, and change your way, how do you allow the pain to transform you rather than destroy you?   In this episode of Human School, host Miles Adcox sits down with Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald of the alt-folk band Judah & the Lion on the release day of their album, Process. Together, they walk through a raw and vulnerable conversation about what it truly takes to heal.   Judah opens up about losing family members to mental health struggles, navigating divorce, and working through addiction while performing on major stages around the world. Brian shares his perspective on stepping into fatherhood while on tour, keeping the band's brotherhood intact through dark seasons, and learning to redefine identity. From the metaphor of a caterpillar in a cocoon to learning how to stop harsh self-judgment, this conversation is a grounded reminder that transformation is messy, but hope is always available.     In this episode, we discuss:  The Cocoon Metaphor: Why real emotional growth requires letting go of who you were.  Grief & Mental Health: Processing tragic loss, addressing addiction, and separating the symptom from the disease.  Self-Compassion: Overcoming shame, letting go of control, and learning to speak kindly to yourself. Parenting & Growth: Navigating big life transitions and raising kids while working through your own past.Behind the Songs: The spontaneous origin story behind their track "Prism".    Memorable Quotes:  "The caterpillar has no memory of wings." — Judah Akers   "We're not through the pain, but we're in it together, and there's hope." — Brian Macdonald   "Addiction is a symptom. Shame, guilt, and not knowing yourself... are the disease." — Judah Akers   "It's okay to be scared and brave at the same time. You can actually do both." — Miles Adcox     Episode Timestamps:  00:00:00 – Meet Judah & The Lion 00:04:42 – The Metaphor of Transformation 00:11:42 – Fatherhood & Evolving Identity 00:15:39 – Unpacking Rock Bottom & Vulnerability 00:21:44 – Growing Up & Early Influences 00:36:34 – The Band’s Origins & Personal Loss 00:47:31 – Brotherhood & Supporting Each Other Through the Storm 00:50:23 – Addressing Addiction, Shame, and Grief 00:00:21 – Mentors, Support Systems, & Encouraging Voices 01:07:33 – The Meaning Behind "Prism" 01:11:46 – "Open Your Eyes, Kid" 01:24:20 – "Scared and Brave at the Same Time"   Links & Resources:  Stream Judah & the Lion's Music  Learn more about emotional wellness intensives at Onsite Workshops  If you loved this episode, please rate and review Human School on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more people who need these conversations!  Follow Human School  Instagram: https://hubs.la/Q04v8Q7K0 Follow Miles: https://hubs.la/Q04v8QcZ0 Human School YouTube:  https://hubs.la/Q04v8Qdh0

    Overcoming Self-Judgment and Walking Through Grief with Judah & the Lion
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About

We’ve been taught everything except how to be human. In a world obsessed with output, Human School is where we study what happens within. Hosted by Miles Adcox, this podcast was born from a journal entry during a breakdown –– a reminder that struggle isn’t weakness; it’s instruction. Through raw conversations with world-class experts, therapists, and thinkers, Human School reframes pain as purpose, productivity as presence, and leadership as inner clarity. If you are navigating personal growth, emotional health, and self-discovery, you are in the right place. Welcome to Human School.

Information

  • Creator
    Miles Adcox
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Miles Adcox
  • Show Website
    Human School

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