Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor
  • 4.9 (18)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated twice weekly

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

  1. 21 hr ago

    How to Play the Role Life Gives You - Stoic Wisdom for Chaos with William C Spears

    Stoicism is not soft self-help - it's the philosophy that helped prisoners survive torture, submariners survive confinement, and warriors keep their heads when everything else is falling apart. William C. Spears shows why this ancient mindset still matters on the ocean floor, on the battlefield, and in your everyday life. I chat with William C. Spears, an active-duty US Navy submarine officer and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy, to explore why stoicism resonates so deeply in military life. From the brutal reality of hot bunking and months underwater to the moral pressure of captivity, William explains why the Stoics were right about freedom, duty, and character - even when you have zero control over the situation around you. You’ll discover: Why the submarine environment is the ultimate test of composure and team culture How Vice Admiral James Stockdale turned Epictetus into a survival framework in the Hanoi Hilton The Stoic meaning of honour, and why it matters when nobody is watching How the four cardinal virtues - wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice - work together in real life Why the dichotomy of control is more than a slogan when your options are limited by pressure, fear, or fate William also breaks down how to apply Stoicism outside the military, whether you're facing parenting stress, illness, grief, work pressure, or just trying to be the kind of person others can rely on. This conversation makes the case that virtue isn't abstract philosophy - it's practical training for being a better human under pressure. Time Stamps 07:18 The Influence of Stoicism in the Military 18:14 The Dichotomy of Control in Submarine Operations 27:51 The Essence of Stoic Virtue 29:58 Understanding Virtue in Stoicism 35:46 The Cardinal Virtues Explained 38:42 Applying Stoicism in Daily Life 43:53 Choosing the Hard Path 46:39 The Warrior Mindset Beyond the Battlefield 51:39 Playing Your Role in Society     Resources  William’s Book: Stoicism As A Warrior Philosophy Website: https://williamcspears.com/ X: htttps://X.com@WilliamCSpears Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/william.c.spears/ Substack: https://williamcspears.substack.com/   Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Play the Role Life Gives You - Stoic Wisdom for Chaos with William C Spears

  2. 3 days ago

    Your water bottle is influencing your response to stress: Wisdom Wednesdays

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  3. 5 days ago

    Choose Growth Over Discomfort With Carly Taylor

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  4. 7 Aug

    The Science of Aging, Nutrition, and Hormonal Optimisation with Dr. Michael Aziz

    What if the key to living longer and feeling revitalised isn’t about cutting carbs or fats, but about comprehensively understanding and balancing your hormones, nutrients, and lifestyle? In this episode, I speak with anti-aging expert Dr. Michael Aziz as we challenge mainstream nutrition myths, revealing how saturated fats, seed oils, and stress influence the aging process and how you can turn the tide in your favour. Key Takeaways •    Why fat is NOT the enemy, debunking myths about saturated fats and the truth behind their role        in heart health, supported by surprising global longevity data from France and Switzerland.•    How sugar and seed oils cause oxidative damage and inflammation, and why balancing omega-       3 and omega-6 fatty acids is crucial for your arteries and lifespan.•    The profound impact of stress hormones like cortisol and leptin on weight, aging, and vitality,            and practical strategies to optimise hormone balance.•    The groundbreaking hallmarks of aging and why epigenetics holds the secret to extending                health span, including simple lifestyle hacks inspired by blue zones.•    The latest research on mitochondria, the cellular batteries, and how cutting-edge therapies like          peptides, NAD boosters, and red light therapy could supercharge your cellular energy.•    Why the future of longevity may lie in advanced, doctor-prescribed peptides and hormones, and        how to navigate the risks and benefits safely.   Time Stamps 00:55 - Misunderstandings about saturated fats and the demonisation of natural fats 02:05 - The French paradox and longevity linked to butter, cheese, and saturated fats 03:10 - The role of seed oils, processing impacts, and omega 6 fats in inflammation 04:30 - Interaction between sugar, high insulin, and saturated fat processing                07:00 - The importance of balancing hormones to prevent aging and manage weight  07:55 - The downstream effects of high cortisol levels and stress management strategies 09:20 - Evolutionary biology perspective on stress responses and modern health implications            11:00 - The comprehensive approach of The Perfect Ten Diet in hormone balance  12:30 - How updated food guidelines compare to Dr. Aziz’s foundational dietary principles 13:45 - Leptin's role in weight regulation, sleep, and hormonal health                                        15:00 - The importance of natural, whole foods versus processed chemicals              16:00 - The hallmarks of aging - mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and epigenetics                  18:30 - The hierarchy of aging mechanisms with a focus on epigenetic alterations                20:00 - How lifestyle impacts genetic expression and longevity                                                         22:00 - The role of sirtuins, fasting, and nutraceuticals in promoting healthy aging                24:30 - Blue zones and the importance of gut health through fermented foods                   26:00 - Gut microbiome, vitamin K2, and mitochondrial support through diet                 28:00 - The mitochondria’s critical role and how to support cellular energy                     30:00 - Red and near-infrared light therapy benefits for mitochondrial health and testosterone            33:00 - Decline of testosterone levels in men and strategies for optimisation                      36:00 - Hormone replacement therapy differences between synthetic and bioidentical options                                                                                                                                                                      37:30 - The importance of testosterone in women and hormonal balance                                   39:00 - The risks and benefits of testosterone therapy for young men                                        41:00 - The emerging role of GLP-1 drugs and their impact on weight and metabolic health                44:00 - Peptides: current landscape, regulation, and potential    48:00 - Future directions in anti-aging therapies and the need for rigorous research 50:00 - The impact of misinformation and the importance of credible health information   Resources Books: The Perfect 10 Diet The Ageless Revolution Website:  https://www.michaelazizmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelazizmd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.aziz.184 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmichaelaziz   Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Science of Aging, Nutrition, and Hormonal Optimisation with Dr. Michael Aziz

  5. 4 Aug

    It's not just the amount of sleep that matters - timing is also key: Wisdom wednesdays

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  6. 2 Aug

    The Job of Resting With Carly Taylor

    This week's Mojo Monday looks at rest, and why so many of us have forgotten how to actually do it. Drawing on the concept of Yojo from Morita Therapy, Carly explores the idea that rest isn't something you earn after burnout, it's part of the treatment itself. We unpack why scrolling isn't rest even though it's where most of our downtime goes, what real rest actually looks like in a busy week and why switching off matters more than the activity itself. If you're constantly "on duty" with no one to relieve the shift, this one's for you. Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness, which is the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take meaningful action under pressure. Her work integrates modern psychology with Eastern and Stoic approaches, helping people build resilience, live with purpose, and respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity, courage and steadiness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. 31 Jul

    Christian O'Connell: Embracing Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Reinvention in Midlife

    Most people are living a performance, not their true selves until they realise that authenticity and vulnerability are the secret weapons to deeper connection and success. Christian O'Connell, a seasoned radio host and author, shares candid stories of midlife awakenings, panic attacks, and the surprising joy of owning your messiness. His journey from top UK radio star to authentic Australian broadcaster reveals how embracing vulnerability can transform your relationships, career, and sense of purpose even in the toughest moments. We explore the importance of vulnerability, presence, and resilience in shaping a fulfilling second half of life. You’ll discover: How Christian’s midlife panic attacks and life-changing choices led him to reinvent his career and life abroad. The powerful connection between authenticity, vulnerability, and meaningful relationships, backed by real stories from his own life. Practical techniques for staying present, managing criticism, and showing up as your true self on and off the mic. Why burning your escape routes and risking vulnerability can unlock resilience and genuine success. The art of creating conversations that feel more like real connection than performance   Timestamps 02:14 - Reflection on performance versus authenticity at midlife03:09 - The significance of panic attacks as a wake-up call04:50 - How panic attacks led Christian to embrace a more adventurous life09:05 - Building connection through storytelling: lessons from the Australian show12:15 - The upsides and downsides of midlife: grief, loss, vitality, and energy14:21 - the importance of routines, presence, and perspective in mental clarity17:52 - Creating a show that feels like a real conversation and owning the mundane22:06 - Shifting from confidence to presence in performance22:35 - Authenticity as owning messiness and vulnerability23:04 - The courage needed to speak truth despite fear of judgment37:38 - The profound moment helping his mother-in-law in her final hours40:28 - How connection and shared vulnerability can turn tragedy into a gift42:53 - The significance of owning your flaws and the power of kindness44:18 - The potential for vulnerability to foster deeper human connection50:31 - Reinventing oneself through coaching, storytelling, and purpose-driven work52:44 - Building resilience with new projects and passions in midlife55:31 - The importance of community, contribution, and shifting perspective Resources Christian's latest book: Unscripted: The Radical Art of Being Yourself Website: https://christianoconnell.com/ Radio show: https://www.thechristianoconnellshow.com.au/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrchristianoconnell/  X: https://x.com/oc?lang=en     Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Christian O'Connell: Embracing Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Reinvention in Midlife

  8. 28 Jul

    There's a new kid on the block when it comes to longevity: Wisdom Wednesday

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4.9
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About

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

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