Thought Experiment Called Life - Mindset, Resilience, Creativity, and Intentional Living

Greta Hotmer - musician, martial artist, herbalist, and educator
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A grounded exploration of self-discovery, mindset, healing, and intentional living. Hosted by Greta Hotmer, musician, martial artist, herbalist, and lifelong creative, this podcast follows the real, nonlinear path of personal growth, resilience, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Each episode blends honest conversation, personal storytelling, emotional wellness, nervous system care, and practical tools for embodied healing and self-trust. Topics include mental health, creativity, mindfulness, the mind-body connection, chronic illness, reinvention, and living with purpose in an overstimulated world. Whether you’re navigating transformation, rebuilding your relationship with yourself, exploring new ways of thinking, or seeking deeper meaning, these conversations invite you to slow down, listen inward, and return to yourself again and again. Subscribe on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & more! https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife www.gretahotmer.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4 days ago

    Stop Waiting for Permission: How an Indie Filmmaker Creates His Own Path | Evan Alderson

    A few weeks ago, my podcast nightmare happened in real life. I had an awesome interview with up-and-coming indie filmmaker Evan Alderson, signed off, and then realized I hadn’t recorded ANY of it. Mortified doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thankfully, Evan was incredibly gracious and agreed to do it all over again. The irony of not pressing record while interviewing a filmmaker is not lost on me. 😅 Evan made the unexpected choice to turn down a “deal of a lifetime” in Hollywood because he decided he wasn’t for sale. Instead, he left LA, moved to Colorado, started his family, and continued building his career as an independent filmmaker on his own terms. In this conversation, we talk about indie filmmaking, creativity, risk, Hollywood, making your own opportunities, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start following your own path. Evan is currently in post-production on his feature-length horror film Devil in the Trunk, filmed entirely in Colorado with an all-Coloradan cast and crew. We also talk about why constraints can actually make you more creative, the business of filmmaking, storytelling, following the doors that open, and why you have to decide what you’re willing to sacrifice for the life you want. As someone also building a creative life and career here in Colorado, I’ve loved discovering the incredible community of filmmakers and creatives here who are proving that you don’t have to wait for permission to make the thing you’re called to make. If you’re a filmmaker, Evan is also teaching a four-day Film Intensive starting October 4th, covering how to develop, finance, produce, and distribute a feature film. Go here for more info: www.filmintensive.com Whatever your creative pursuit is, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling a little more inspired to trust that call from within and go for what lights your soul up. Please share this with anyone you think might benefit from this conversation. ❤️ As always, join me on Substack for more information, behind the scenes, and more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife SPONSOR: If I could recommend one longevity supplement, it'd be this one. Liposomal NAD+, glutathione, methylated B vitamins, and more to support cellular energy, healthy aging, and everyday vitality. Get 10% off with my code. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stop Waiting for Permission: How an Indie Filmmaker Creates His Own Path | Evan Alderson

  2. 2 Sept

    From the UK to the USA: Former British Police Officer, Counterterrorism Firearms Instructor & Operator, Paramedic, Martial Artist, Rescue Dog Dad, & Compassionate Human

    This week I'm excited to introduce you to a dear friend and fascinating human, Paul Landreth-Smith. Paul spent 18 years in British policing, including time as a counterterrorism firearms instructor and operator, later became a paramedic, and now manages security for five hospitals in the Kansas City area. He's also a martial artist, BJJ practitioner, rescue dog dad, husband, and a Brit turned American. But what I've always appreciated most about Paul isn't his impressive resume. It's the compassion, curiosity, and humanity he brings to all of it. His life has revolved around service, and he has a unique perspective on what it means to stay calm, help people, understand different cultures, and live a good life. In this episode, we talk about: • British policing & counterterrorism • Moving from the UK to America • Becoming a paramedic • Hospital security & crisis response • Staying calm under pressure • BJJ & martial arts • Compassion and kindness • British vs. American culture • Religion, politics & common ground • How our brains perceive reality • Rescue animals & unconditional love • Curiosity and questioning assumptions • What it means to live a good life • Leaving things better than you found them I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and leave with a few new ideas, questions, and perspectives to carry with you. Please share with someone who you think may benefit from this conversation. xo, Greta As always, join me on Substack for more information, behind the scenes, and more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife SPONSOR: If I could recommend one longevity supplement, it'd be this one. Liposomal NAD+, glutathione, methylated B vitamins, and more to support cellular energy, healthy aging, and everyday vitality. Get 10% off with my code. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 18 Aug

    You Are The Hero of Your Journey: The Human Impact of Telling Your Story & Chasing Your Dreams

    This week I’m talking with filmmaker, storyteller, festival director, and champion of creatives Brian Salay, founder of the StoryMode Independent Short Film Festival (SISFA) in Colorado Springs. And this conversation is a pretty perfect example of why I keep telling myself to do the things that make me uncomfortable. A few months ago, I almost left a film networking event because my social anxiety was through the roof. Instead, I stayed. I met Catalina, who recruited me to compose the score for the 72 Hour Kickass Film Festival. We ended up winning Best Film, and I won Best Score. Then I went to another networking event, met Brian, invited him on the podcast...and now I'm performing at his film festival. Sometimes the thing you almost talk yourself out of is the thing that you've been waiting for. Brian and I talk about filmmaking, creativity, the Hero’s Journey, chasing dreams, community, AI and human creativity, why storytelling still matters for our humanity, and why you don't always have to make money from something for it to mean something greater. We also somehow end up talking about pirates. 🏴‍☠️ SISFA is happening this weekend in Colorado Springs, and Brian has created something that goes far beyond simply screening films. It’s a celebration of storytellers, creativity, and the very human need to share our stories with each other. If you’ve been sitting on a creative dream, waiting for the “right” time, I hope this conversation gives you a little inspiration to go do the thing. Sometimes magic happens because you showed up...even if you show up anxious or feeling unworthy...your presence is all that's required. Please share with someone who you think may benefit from this conversation. xo, Greta As always, join me on Substack for more information, behind the scenes, and more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife SPONSOR: If I could recommend one longevity supplement, it'd be this one. Liposomal NAD+, glutathione, methylated B vitamins, and more to support cellular energy, healthy aging, and everyday vitality. Get 10% off with my code. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    You Are The Hero of Your Journey: The Human Impact of Telling Your Story & Chasing Your Dreams

  4. 6 Aug

    Where to Start with Supplements & Herbs for Foundational Health (From an Herbalist & Nutritionist)

    If you're overwhelmed by the endless supplement recommendations online, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the foundational supplements and herbs I actually use after years of studying therapeutic herbalism and integrative nutrition, living with chronic Lyme disease, and training as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. We'll cover multivitamins, fish oil, vitamin D, magnesium, digestive enzymes, NAC, fiber, herbal infusions like nettle and oatstraw, and how to choose high-quality supplements backed by science. Whether you're just getting started or looking to simplify your routine, this episode focuses on building a strong foundation instead of chasing the latest wellness trends. Full links & coupon codes to everything I mentioned on my Substack: https://thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com/p/the-supplements-and-herbs-i-never Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Where to Start with Supplements & Herbs for Foundational Health (From an Herbalist & Nutritionist)

  5. 16 Jul

    Service Over Ego: Lessons from a Martial Artist & Stunt Performer with Tim Rook

    What can martial arts teach us about confidence, resilience, parenting, and living with purpose? In this episode, I sit down with martial artist, stunt performer, entrepreneur, and coach Tim Rook to talk about overcoming childhood bullying, building confidence through martial arts, teaching self-defense to kids, setting healthy boundaries, leadership, and why choosing difficult things often leads to the most meaningful life. We also dive into stunt work, personal growth, and how the challenges we survive can become the foundation for helping others. If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment, share it with someone who could use it, and if you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. Those simple actions make a huge difference in helping these conversations reach more people. As always, join me on Substack for more information, behind the scenes, and more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife SPONSOR: If I could recommend one longevity supplement, it'd be this one. Liposomal NAD+, glutathione, methylated B vitamins, and more to support cellular energy, healthy aging, and everyday vitality. Get 20% off with my code. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Service Over Ego: Lessons from a Martial Artist & Stunt Performer with Tim Rook

  6. 30 Jun

    The Self-Improvement Trap: Stop Trying to Fix Yourself

    Sometimes we can get caught in a loop of always trying to fix ourselves when on our healing journey. Our culture supports this mindset as well with its endless advertising cycles that exist nearly everywhere. You could be thinner, smarter, richer, happier, etc, etc. What happens when we stop trying to fix ourselves and remember our wholeness? That is what I am beginning to explore in this episode.  This is a huge topic and one that I will likely return to but for now I am here to share a message that I have had to remember many times…there is nothing wrong with you or me…it doesn’t mean we don’t continue to grow, it just means we don’t look at growth as a sign of something about us that needs to be fixed. We can grow without judging ourselves, trusting that there is something within us that wishes to unfold when we simply allow it to and when we give ourselves the nurturing that we need. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with someone you think might resonate with it. Thank you for being here. Greta ❤️ Join me on Substack for the full details of this episode: https://substack.com/@UCkXpZJPV3QL6bsBuSvRw4PQ 👉 Get 20% off and help your cells age brilliantly with liposomal NAD+, glutathione, and more from Sunny Within. Supporting your body's natural cellular repair processes as you age. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Self-Improvement Trap: Stop Trying to Fix Yourself

  7. 18 Jun

    Jeff Mount on Self-Love, Healing Childhood Trauma, Pilgrimage, Nature, & Finding Your Way Back to Yourself

    Thank you for your patience with this week’s episode. Our schedules have been a little upside down as we’ve adjusted to new care protocols for our senior kitty, Maynard. The good news is he’s responding well and has been back to his usual rascal self, which has never made me happier. For the next few weeks, I’ll likely be releasing episodes every other week so I have more time for editing, these conversations, and sharing the many gems each guest brings to the table. Thank you for being part of this adventure with me. This week’s guest is Jeff Mount, author of Seeking Thin Places: How Sacred Travel Heals, Awakens, and Restores the Soul. I first knew Jeff as a larger-than-life Krav Maga instructor, but reading an advance copy of his book revealed a deeply thoughtful and soulful explorer devoted to the inner journey. We talked for nearly two hours about healing, pilgrimage, spirituality, masculinity, and what it means to pursue a more meaningful life. In a culture that often teaches men to armor up and suppress their emotions, Jeff offers a powerful example of emotional depth, self-awareness, and healthy masculinity. His book releases August 11 and is available for pre-order now. I have a feeling this won’t be his last appearance on the podcast. Pre-order: https://a.co/d/0iQEJFzi Website: www.jeffmountcoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmountcoaching If these conversations resonate with you, sharing a favorite episode with a friend is one of the best ways to help them reach more people. From my heart to yours, have a beautiful week. Greta ❤️ Join me on Substack for the full details of this episode: https://substack.com/ ⁨@ThoughtExperimentCalledLife⁩  👉 Get 20% off and help your cells age brilliantly with liposomal NAD+, glutathione, and more from Sunny Within. Supporting your body's natural cellular repair processes as you age. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jeff Mount on Self-Love, Healing Childhood Trauma, Pilgrimage, Nature, & Finding Your Way Back to Yourself

  8. 9 Jun

    Christy Capano on Leaving Everything Behind, Moving to Italy, and Building a Life Around Joy

    If you've ever traveled somewhere beautiful and thought, what if I just moved here?...this week's guest did exactly that. I've known Christy Capano and her family since we were kids, and over the last few years I've been completely captivated by the life she's built in Italy. What started as an opportunity to help renovate a farmhouse in Florence became a complete reinvention of her life. Christy left behind a career in interior design, returned to school in her 40s, earned certifications in Italian gastronomy and a Master's in Food Studies, and is now creating immersive travel experiences through her business, The Slow Travel Lab. This is a conversation about curiosity, courage, and what happens when you choose a life that feels more aligned with your heart. In this episode we discuss: • Leaving an unhealthy marriage and starting over in Italy • Reinventing yourself in your 40s • Following intuition and taking big leaps of faith • The Slow Food movement and food sustainability • Food as culture, connection, memory, and medicine • Ancestry, identity, and reconnecting with your roots • Going back to school later in life • Curiosity as a path through depression • Living in Florence and adapting to Italian culture • Foraging, herbalism, and reconnecting with the land • Food diplomacy and how meals bring people together • The healing power of nature, travel, and community • Romanticizing everyday life • Why getting older might be something to celebrate I left this conversation feeling very inspired. In fact, after talking with Christy about foraging, I wandered into the woods behind our house and discovered an abundance of wild spinach growing everywhere. I've been harvesting it for omelets ever since. As always, thank you for being here. It has been such a joy to share these conversations with you, and I hope they offer a little inspiration, a fresh perspective, or simply a little space to dream for a while. If this podcast has meant something to you, sharing it with a friend is one of the best ways to help it grow. From my heart to yours, have a beautiful week. Greta ❤️ Join me on Substack to get two recipes from Christy: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife 👉 Get 20% off and help your cells age brilliantly with liposomal NAD+, glutathione, and more from Sunny Within. Supporting your body's natural cellular repair processes as you age. Use my code: THOUGHTEXPERIMENT https://sunnywithin.com/THOUGHTEXPERIMENT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Christy Capano on Leaving Everything Behind, Moving to Italy, and Building a Life Around Joy
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About

A grounded exploration of self-discovery, mindset, healing, and intentional living. Hosted by Greta Hotmer, musician, martial artist, herbalist, and lifelong creative, this podcast follows the real, nonlinear path of personal growth, resilience, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Each episode blends honest conversation, personal storytelling, emotional wellness, nervous system care, and practical tools for embodied healing and self-trust. Topics include mental health, creativity, mindfulness, the mind-body connection, chronic illness, reinvention, and living with purpose in an overstimulated world. Whether you’re navigating transformation, rebuilding your relationship with yourself, exploring new ways of thinking, or seeking deeper meaning, these conversations invite you to slow down, listen inward, and return to yourself again and again. Subscribe on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & more! https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife www.gretahotmer.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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