Food on the Mind: Awakened Genius w/ Jeb Stuart Johnston

Jeb Stuart Johnston
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Health & Fitness

Hosted by National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach Jeb Stuart Johnston, Food on the Mind: Awakened Genius explores the journey from food struggles to personal freedom. Through stories, tools, and insights, Jeb helps you break free from emotional eating, master your mindset, and awaken your inner genius. Discover practical strategies for lasting change, deeper self-leadership, and building a life worth living. Whether you’re seeking clarity, purpose, or transformation, this podcast offers the guidance and inspiration to move forward.

  1. Jan 20

    Where does art intersect with wellness?

    The conversation delves into the impact of postmodernism on art and culture, exploring the journey of art and philosophy, and the influence of art on wellness and pedagogy. It highlights the intersection of art, wellness, and pedagogy, and the evolving nature of artistic expression in a postmodern context. The conversation delves into the themes of sincerity, honesty, ritual, self-reflection, and the impact of postmodernism on identity and artistic expression. It explores the importance of maintaining sincerity and honesty in artistic expression, the role of ritual in artistic practice, and the fear of revealing the self in the creative process. Additionally, it discusses the transcendent nature of the self, the mystical experience of creation, and the beauty of the mundane in art and music. Takeaways Postmodernism and its impact on art and cultureThe intersection of art, wellness, and pedagogy Maintaining sincerity and honesty in artistic expressionThe importance of ritual and self-reflection in creative practice Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Art on Wellness and Pedagogy41:15 The Sincerity-Honesty Gap in Artistic Expression48:23 The Importance of Honesty and Sincerity in Self-Reflection53:36 The Positive and Negative Aspects of Postmodernism and Identity59:00 The Process of Creation and the Fear of Vulnerability01:04:16 The Process of Creation and the Beauty of the Mundane01:10:13 The Mystical Experience of Creation and the Presence of the SelfPostmodernism & me w/ Jeb Stuart Johnston Captain D: A Leter

    1h 4m

  2. Jan 5

    Beyond Post-Modernism: How to Build a Center in a World Without One Story

    Episode DescriptionIn Part One, we named the problem. We explored why so many people feel fragmented, overwhelmed, and untethered — not because they’re broken, but because they’re living in a post-modern world that no longer offers a single story, identity, or source of meaning. But diagnosis alone isn’t enough. In this episode, Jeb Stuart Johnston moves beyond critique and into construction. Beyond deconstruction and into leadership. This conversation is about what post-modernism can’t give us... and what we must build instead if we want to live with integrity, direction, and emotional coherence in a complex world. This is not a return to old certainties. And it’s not surrender to chaos. It’s about developing a center; an internal leadership that can hold complexity without collapsing under it. In This Episode, We ExploreWhy awareness and insight alone often leave people stuck, anxious, or driftingThe difference between fragmentation and fragmentation without leadershipWhy post-modernism diagnoses the problem but cannot tell you how to liveHow nihilism quietly shows up as indecision, burnout, and loss of directionWhy people cling to tribes, ideologies, and identities when shared meaning collapsesThe role of self-leadership in organizing a plural inner worldWhy your nervous system is not separate from meaning, choice, or truthHow structure, strategy, and regulation create freedom- not rigidityWhat it actually means to live well in a world without certaintyKey ThemesDeconstruction vs. reconstructionComplexity vs. coherenceFragmentation vs. leadershipAwareness vs. actionIntegrity over certaintyWhat This Episode Argues (Clearly and Directly)You don’t need one truth — you need a centerYou don’t need a single identity — you need internal leadershipYou don’t need certainty — you need directionYou don’t need to eliminate your contradictions — you need to organize themPost-modernism showed us the cracks. This episode is about learning how to stand on fractured ground. Who This Episode Is ForThis episode is for you if: You feel like insight hasn’t translated into changeYou understand why you struggle but still feel stuckYou’re tired of analyzing yourself without moving forwardYou feel pulled between competing desires, values, or identitiesYou want depth and direction — not one without the otherCore Idea of This EpisodeReal personal development in a post-modern world isn’t about perfecting the self. It’s about organizing the self. It’s about learning how to lead a system made of many parts, emotionally, physiologically, and strategically, instead of forcing yourself into an identity that can’t hold you. Chapters 00:00 The Control of Health and Identity 04:03 Philosophy and Postmodernism: Building a New Self 08:33 Navigating Fragmentation and Complexity 13:56 The Power of Self-Leadership 20:49 Crafting a Life of Integrity and Intention

    25 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    The Post-Modern Self: Why You Feel Fragmented (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

    Why does discipline feel harder than it used to? Why does motivation feel inconsistent? Why do so many people feel scattered, overwhelmed, and quietly ashamed for not being able to “pull it together”? In this episode, Jeb Stuart Johnston explores a deeper explanation most self-help and wellness conversations completely miss: we’re living in a post-modern world with tools designed for a modern one. This is Part One of a two-part exploration into the post-modern self — the psychological, philosophical, and nervous-system realities of living in a world without a single story, a single identity, or a shared definition of meaning. This episode isn’t about fixing anything yet. It’s about naming the terrain. By understanding the cultural conditions shaping your inner world, you can stop blaming yourself for struggles that actually make perfect sense. In This Episode, We ExploreWhy many people feel fragmented, dysregulated, and overwhelmed — even when they’re “doing everything right”How post-modern life dismantled the idea of a single, stable identityWhy your nervous system already knows the world has changed, even if your beliefs haven’t caught upThe difference between modern and post-modern ways of understanding truth, identity, and meaningWhy inconsistency is not failure — it’s a response to complexityHow artists, thinkers, and lived experience often sense cultural shifts long before psychology and self-help name themWhy post-modernism is powerful at diagnosis but incomplete as a way of livingThe hidden cost of trying to navigate a plural, unstable world with outdated internal rulesKey ThemesFragmentation vs. failureComplexity vs. chaosAwareness vs. leadershipIdentity as a system, not a singular selfNervous system responses to cultural instabilityWho This Episode Is ForThis episode is for you if: You feel like the old rules for success, discipline, or self-improvement no longer workYou struggle with motivation, consistency, or direction and blame yourself for itYou feel pulled in multiple directions and don’t know which version of yourself to listen toYou sense that something bigger than “bad habits” is shaping your inner lifeYou want language for what you’re experiencing — not another plan to fail atImportant NoteThis is Part One of a two-part conversation. This episode focuses on understanding the problem clearly — the cultural, psychological, and philosophical conditions shaping the modern self. Part Two explores what comes next: how to build a center,how to lead a self made of many selves,and how to live with integrity inside complexity.

    42 min
  4. Are You Neo or Cypher? Seeing the System Without Losing Yourself: The Matrix of Self-Help

    11/12/2025

    Are You Neo or Cypher? Seeing the System Without Losing Yourself: The Matrix of Self-Help

    The Panopticon of Self-Help: Seeing the System Without Losing Yourself Stop being a project and start being a person. This week, we expose the dark side of the self-help world, arguing that modern productivity apps, health trackers, and optimization culture are a "Digital Panopticon"—a system of self-surveillance that traps you in a fear-based performance loop. Is your pursuit of growth truly liberation or is it just maintenance? Drawing on The Matrix and philosopher Michel Foucault, host Jeb Stuart Johnston breaks down the illusion of "Awareness Without Embodiment" (the Cypher paradox) and reveals the quiet, revolutionary power of Radical Acceptance. Learn how to reclaim your autonomy, move from fear-based perfection to Value-Based Growth, and find real freedom within the system. This is your red pill moment: wake up without burning out, and begin the Quiet Rebellion of living from intention instead of imitation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to the Matrix Metaphor Jeb Stuart Johnston introduces the concept of the Matrix as a metaphor for modern life, exploring how systems intended for safety can become constraints that limit personal freedom and growth. 00:03:00 Personal Reflections on Productivity Jeb shares personal experiences, reflecting on how productivity and performance can be mistaken for purpose, and how self-development can sometimes turn into self-surveillance. 00:06:00 The Digital Panopticon The discussion shifts to the digital age, where the Panopticon metaphor is applied to modern technology, illustrating how digital tools can train us to optimize ourselves, often at the cost of personal freedom. 00:09:00 Radical Acceptance and Self-Leadership Jeb delves into the importance of radical acceptance and self-leadership, emphasizing how these concepts can lead to true freedom and personal growth, beyond the constraints of societal expectations. 00:12:00 Jiu-Jitsu and Real Power The final chapter explores the lessons of Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting how the practice teaches power through presence and humility, offering a path to real strength and self-awareness. 00:15:00 The Illusion of Control Jeb discusses the illusion of control in self-development, where the pursuit of growth can become a form of self-imposed surveillance, and how awareness can lead to liberation. 00:18:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance The conversation turns to embracing radical acceptance as a means to navigate the complexities of modern life, allowing for personal growth without the need for constant validation. 00:21:00 The Role of Technology in Self-Perception Jeb examines how technology influences self-perception and the importance of using digital tools consciously to enhance rather than hinder personal freedom. 00:24:00 Conclusion and Call to Action The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to practice self-leadership and radical acceptance in their own lives, fostering a sense of freedom and authenticity. self help, self improvement, productivity culture, optimization trap, digital panopticon, radical acceptance, mental health, personal growth, self surveillance, The Matrix metaphor, Neo or Cypher, Michel Foucault, Panopticon theory, awareness without embodiment, illusion of control, Quiet Rebellion, Value Based Growth, Awakened Genius, Food on the Mind podcast, Jeb Stuart Johnston, Jiu Jitsu lessons, stop being a project, functional awareness, how to stop optimizing your life, dark side of self-help, wake up without burning out, how to practice radical acceptance, escaping the performance loop, self-improvement vs self-surveillance

    28 min
  5. From Camus to the Climb: The Spiral Staircase of Sisyphus

    10/20/2025

    From Camus to the Climb: The Spiral Staircase of Sisyphus

    Keywords transformation, success, Sisyphus, personal growth, inner conflict, progress, resilience, self-acceptance, journey, meaning Summary In this conversation, Jeb Stuart Johnston explores the myth of success and the pursuit of fulfillment through the lens of personal experience and philosophical insights. He discusses the common belief that achieving goals will lead to happiness, only to reveal the emptiness that often follows. By examining the story of Sisyphus, he highlights the futility of endless striving and contrasts it with the importance of embracing the journey itself. Johnston emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective from seeking external validation to finding meaning in the process of growth and self-acceptance. He advocates for redefining progress as the small, often unnoticed choices that shape our character rather than the pursuit of lofty goals. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to carry their burdens with dignity and to focus on who they are becoming rather than where they are going. Takeaways We often believe that achieving our goals will lead to fulfillment. The myth of success can leave us feeling empty and betrayed. Sisyphus represents the futility of endless striving without meaning. Transformation is about the journey, not just the destination. Rebellion against despair is not enough; we need to integrate our experiences. Life is more like a spiral staircase than a linear climb. Every setback is an opportunity for growth and learning. Progress should be measured by our presence and alignment with values. The real mountain is the inner conflict we face. Carrying our burdens with dignity is what truly matters. Chapters 00:00 The Myth of Arrival 04:56 The Story of Sisyphus 09:58 Rebellion vs. Rhythm 15:11 The Spiral Staircase of Progress 25:35 The Inner Conflict 31:39 Redefining Progress 40:27 Carrying Your Boulder with Dignity

    53 min
  6. Understanding Body Image in Fitness Professionals w/ Marayam Marashi

    09/30/2025

    Understanding Body Image in Fitness Professionals w/ Marayam Marashi

    Keywords fitness, nutrition, self-compassion, body image, perfectionism, coaching, mental health, holistic approach, community, personal growth Summary In this conversation, Jeb Stuart Johnston and Dr. Maryam discuss the intersection of fitness, nutrition, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and community in coaching. They explore the challenges faced by fitness professionals regarding body image and perfectionism, and how these issues can impact their clients. The discussion highlights the need for a holistic approach to fitness that prioritizes connection and understanding over strict adherence to traditional fitness narratives. Takeaways Coaching is about connection, not just expertise. Self-compassion can buffer against disordered eating. Perfectionism in fitness can lead to negative outcomes. Community support enhances the fitness experience. Research should inform practice, but not dictate it. Self-criticism can drive performance but may hinder well-being. Creative expression is vital for personal growth. The hero's journey in fitness often overlooks community. Allowing clients to fail is part of the coaching process. Self-compassion is essential for high performers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Fitness Perspectives 02:16 Maryam's Background and Coaching Philosophy 05:11 The Intersection of Research and Real-World Coaching 07:34 Exploring Body Image and Perfectionism in Fitness Professionals 10:21 The Role of Self-Compassion in Fitness and Nutrition 12:51 Challenging the Tough Love Mentality 15:24 Contrasting Self-Compassion Models 18:18 The Importance of Community in Fitness 21:01 The Psychological Impact of Perfectionism 23:30 Navigating Personal Struggles in the Fitness Industry 26:08 The Need for Self-Compassion in High Performers 28:47 The Journey of Personal Growth and Coaching 31:41 Creative Expression and Its Role in Wellness 34:10 The Balance Between Self-Criticism and Self-Compassion 36:52 The Hero's Journey in Fitness 39:45 Conclusion and Future Directions Find Marayam on IG @marayamymarashi

    58 min
  7. The Shadow of the Hero's Journey

    09/18/2025

    The Shadow of the Hero's Journey

    Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey has become the dominant myth of our time—from Hollywood blockbusters to recovery programs, from self-help seminars to social media transformations. It promises that your struggles have meaning, that your pain has purpose, and that you're destined for something greater. But what if this powerful framework is quietly feeding something darker? In this episode of Food on the Mind: Awakened Genius, Jeb Stuart Johnston dives deep into the shadow side of Campbell's monomyth, exploring how the very story that's meant to unite us under shared human experience can actually breed narcissism, self-righteousness, and dangerous division. Johnston examines the "protagonist delusion"—how casting yourself as the hero automatically reduces everyone else to supporting characters in your movie. He unpacks the uncomfortable truth that every villain in history has also seen themselves as the protagonist of their own heroic story. But this isn't just criticism. Johnston also explores Campbell's original intent, defends his insights against misinterpretation, and most importantly, discovers how to reclaim this archetypal pattern in healthier ways. Instead of hero, what if you approached your journey as a pilgrim? Instead of projecting villains onto others, what if you did the shadow work within yourself? Instead of personal glory, what if transformation was always about service to your community? Whether you're working on your relationship with food, navigating recovery, or simply trying to make sense of your struggles, this episode will challenge you to question the stories you tell yourself about your life—and offer a more grounded, empathetic way forward. Because maybe the most heroic thing you can do is stop trying to be the hero at all. Topics covered: The psychological appeal of heroic narrativesHow protagonist thinking kills empathyWhy villains always see themselves as heroesCampbell's original vision vs. modern distortionsShadow work as the real journeyMoving from personal triumph to communal healingPractical exercises for reframing your story Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Hero's Journey 00:49 Understanding the Hero's Journey Framework 04:42 Personal Reflections on Transformation 06:35 The Dark Side of the Hero's Journey 08:29 Cultural Implications of Heroic Thinking 10:24 The Protagonist Delusion 12:24 Villains and the Hero's Narrative 14:53 The Dangers of Self-Righteousness 15:58 Binary Thinking and Its Consequences 19:00 The Hero's Journey in Recovery 21:25 Campbell's Intentions and Misinterpretations 24:09 The Importance of Community in the Hero's Journey 27:28 The True Nature of Transformation 29:32 Reframing the Hero's Journey 33:10 Practical Applications of the Hero's Journey 35:29 From Hero to Pilgrim 37:12 Shadow Integration 39:23 Community Contribution 41:54 Living the Hero's Journey Practically 44:10 Reflection and Self-Examination 50:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Keywords Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell, Transformation, Personal Growth, Psychology, Community, Recovery, Narcissism, Shadow Work, Pilgrim Consciousness

    56 min
  8. State Before Story – Why Willpower Isn’t Enough

    09/01/2025

    State Before Story – Why Willpower Isn’t Enough

    Summary In this episode of Food on the Mind, Jeb Stuart Johnston explores the intricate relationship between our nervous system and behavior change. He challenges the conventional understanding of willpower, suggesting that it is not merely a moral virtue but a tool that functions best under regulated conditions. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding our internal states and how they influence our choices, advocating for a bottom-up approach to behavior change that prioritizes bodily awareness and regulation. Johnston emphasizes the need for gentle persistence in developing a healthier relationship with our nervous system, ultimately framing transformation as a collaborative process rather than a struggle against oneself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Food on the Mind 00:36 Understanding Internal Dialogue and Willpower 02:42 The Role of the Nervous System in Behavior 07:23 Reframing Willpower: Tool vs. Muscle 10:12 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approaches to Change 14:04 Practical Framework for Regulation 16:54 The Ecological Nature of Regulation 19:58 Gentle Persistence in Regulation 23:01 The Partnership with Our Nervous System Keywords food psychology, willpower, nervous system, behavior change, Polyvagal Theory, emotional regulation, personal development, self-awareness, mindfulness, transformation

    30 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Hosted by National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach Jeb Stuart Johnston, Food on the Mind: Awakened Genius explores the journey from food struggles to personal freedom. Through stories, tools, and insights, Jeb helps you break free from emotional eating, master your mindset, and awaken your inner genius. Discover practical strategies for lasting change, deeper self-leadership, and building a life worth living. Whether you’re seeking clarity, purpose, or transformation, this podcast offers the guidance and inspiration to move forward.

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