The Lift Podcast

The Lift Podcast
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Join Lifestyle Medicine expert Dr Darren Morton and psychologist Simon Matthews as they explore key topics about health and wellbeing. Learn amazing and practical tips to live your best life.

  1. JAN 28

    What’s Changed in Nutrition Advice? Dietary Guidelines Explained

    What do the new dietary guidelines really mean for everyday eating? In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the latest dietary guidelines for Americans, exploring how modern nutrition advice is shifting—and what actually matters for long-term health. Drawing on personal preferences, clinical insight, and real-world practicality, they discuss how to eat well without becoming overwhelmed or extreme. The conversation covers the growing emphasis on protein and fibre, the role of vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats, and why real food remains the foundation of a healthy diet. They also explore how these guidelines apply to vegetarian and vegan diets, the challenges of modern food environments, and why moderation—especially with alcohol and ultra-processed foods—is key. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why the new dietary guidelines mark a shift in nutrition thinking • The importance of prioritising protein at every meal • Why most people fall short on fibre—and how to fix it • Where dairy fits in (and what to do if you don’t enjoy it) • Why vegetables and fruit should be eaten throughout the day • The hidden impact of processed foods, added sugars, and sweetened drinks • How moderation supports sustainable, lifelong health If you’re confused by conflicting nutrition advice or just want a clear, realistic approach to eating well, this episode cuts through the noise and brings the focus back to what truly supports health. Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global   #NutritionPodcast #DietaryGuidelines #HealthyEating #RealFood #LifestyleMedicine #ProteinAndFibre #WellbeingPodcast #NutritionAdvice #HealthyHabits #BalancedDiet #FoodAndHealth #ModerationNotPerfection

    42 min

  2. JAN 15

    Is Doing More Making You Less Healthy?

    In this episode, Darren and Simon dive into the heart of lifestyle medicine, exploring how we balance the core pillars of health—nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress—in real life. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and a bit of humour, they unpack what it truly means to find your own sense of “enough.” From the joy of ocean swims and the therapeutic burn of a good workout to the surprising downsides of oversleeping and overeating, Darren and Simon highlight how self-awareness and moderation shape long-term wellbeing. They explore why health looks different for every individual and why striving for perfection often gets in the way of living well. This conversation encourages listeners to tune into their bodies, experiment with what works for them, and embrace the idea that optimal health isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.   Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global   To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global   #LifestyleMedicine #HealthyLiving #WellbeingPodcast #HolisticHealth #Moderation #SleepHealth #NutritionTips #StressManagement #MovementMatters #BalanceNotPerfection #SelfAwareness #HealthForLife

    37 min

  3. 12/23/2025

    Jet Lag Explained: How to Travel Smarter and Feel Better

    In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the science of jet lag, exploring why rapid travel across time zones disrupts our sleep, energy, mood, and overall well-being. They dive into the role of circadian rhythms, why flying east is often harder than flying west, and how light exposure, meal timing, hydration, and movement can make or break your adjustment to a new time zone. The conversation also highlights the psychological side of travel and why personalised strategies matter—because no two travellers respond the same way. Whether you travel for work, holidays, or family, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help you arrive feeling more human and less jet-lagged.   Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global   To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global   #JetLag #TravelWellbeing #CircadianRhythm #SleepHealth #HealthyTravel #LifestyleMedicine #TravelTips #BodyClock #LongHaulTravel #WellbeingPodcast #SleepScience #ModernLife

    43 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    Enough Already: The Cure for Overwhelm and Overconsumption

    In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon dive deep into one of life’s biggest questions: What is enough? Exploring the powerful link between human health and the health of our planet, they unpack the root causes of chronic disease, the hidden costs of endless economic growth, and the human tendency to constantly want more. The conversation challenges modern ideals of success and invites listeners to consider how moderation, community, and self-examination can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. They discuss why behavioral change goes far beyond willpower — it requires understanding our deeper motivations, reconnecting with others, and recognising our place in a much larger ecosystem. Whether you're interested in lifestyle medicine, sustainability, or simply living with more intention, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring perspective on how taking care of ourselves begins with redefining “enough.” Key Takeaways The “five whys” technique uncovers root causes of health and behaviour issues. Economic growth can have hidden negative impacts on personal and planetary health. Human and environmental health are deeply interconnected. The desire for “more” often leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and ecological strain. Moderation is essential for wellbeing and long-term health. Community and social connection act as powerful protective factors. Behaviour change requires understanding our true motivations. Asking “What is enough?” can transform our choices and our health. Personal growth begins with honest self-reflection.   Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global   To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global

    39 min

  5. 11/13/2025

    AI and the Loneliness Epidemic: Are We More Connected or More Alone?

    Despite being more digitally connected than ever, rates of loneliness, isolation, and emotional disconnection are soaring. In this thought-provoking conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the growing loneliness epidemic—and the surprising ways artificial intelligence might both contribute to the problem and be part of the solution. They discuss how AI companions, chatbots, and digital assistants are increasingly being used to fill emotional voids, and what that means for our mental health, empathy, and ability to form real human connections. The conversation also explores the ethical implications of human-AI relationships, the psychology of connection, and how our emotional responses—such as frustration or gratitude—can actually influence AI’s performance. 💡 Key Takeaways: Loneliness is now one of the most pressing public health issues of our time AI interactions may soothe short-term isolation—but risk deepening disconnection Emotional expression (even frustration) can influence AI responses Building relationships with AI raises ethical and emotional questions Digital empathy may shape the future of human connection True belonging still depends on authentic, human-to-human connection This episode invites you to reflect on how we use technology to connect, comfort, and communicate—and what it means for the future of human relationships, mental health, and society.   Want to find out more? Head to www.theliftproject.global  Got questions for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you contact@thepodcast.global     #ArtificialIntelligence  #AIandEthics  #HumanAIInteraction  #TechPodcast  #AIBehavior #EmotionalIntelligence  #FutureOfAI  #MindsetMatters  #DigitalWellbeing #TheLiftProject

    42 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    Why Traditional Goal Setting Fails (and What to Do Instead)

    What if the problem isn’t you—it’s the way we set goals? In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren unpack the complexities of behaviour change and goal setting, exploring why so many of us struggle to sustain motivation and how we can approach goals in a healthier, more flexible way. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of unmet goals, the science of self-efficacy, and the pitfalls of traditional “all-or-nothing” thinking. Instead of rigid targets, they advocate for open goals that foster curiosity, self-understanding, and genuine growth. Key takeaways: ✅ Goals are powerful tools—but only when they’re meaningful and flexible ✅ Self-efficacy is the secret ingredient behind lasting change ✅ Boom-and-bust thinking often leads to burnout and disengagement ✅ Failure can be one of our greatest teachers ✅ Open and observational goals help cultivate self-awareness ✅ Curiosity and experimentation make change more sustainable Whether you’re chasing health improvements, personal growth, or renewed motivation, this episode will help you set goals that work for you—not against you.   Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global   To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global   #BehaviorChange #GoalSetting #SelfEfficacy #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #MotivationPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast #ResilienceTools #TheLiftProject

    44 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    The Parachute Principle: Simple Lessons for Lasting Lifestyle Change

    What do parachutes have to do with health? In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon unpack the parachute metaphor to explore the challenges, creativity, and courage needed to make lifestyle medicine work in the real world. They discuss why evidence alone isn’t enough—change only happens when we deploy what we know. From the size of interventions and the importance of maintenance, to the power of small, meaningful actions, this conversation dives deep into how we can transform theory into sustainable, life-changing habits.   Key takeaways: 🪂 Why evidence for parachutes (and lifestyle medicine) isn’t always straightforward 🪂 How to identify the smallest meaningful intervention for real impact 🪂 Why regular maintenance keeps lifestyle changes effective 🪂 The importance of action, flexibility, and personal resources in achieving health goals 🪂 Why creativity and advocacy are vital for implementing lifestyle medicine   Whether you’re a clinician, health coach, or simply passionate about preventive health, this episode will inspire you to stop packing and start deploying your parachute—because knowledge without action won’t get you far.   Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global   To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global   #LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast #BehaviorChange #PreventiveHealth #SustainableHealth #WellbeingJourney #HealthInnovation #MindsetMatters #HealthyHabits #TheLiftProject

    37 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    Facilitating Change: A New Lens on Patient Resistance

    Why do people resist change—and how can clinicians respond more effectively? In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the complex role of resistance in clinical practice, tracing its historical roots in psychology and reframing it as a valuable resource rather than a barrier. They discuss how autonomy, systemic influences, and patient motivations shape behaviour—and how curiosity can be a powerful tool for understanding and supporting patients on their journey to change. Key insights from this episode: 💡Resistance is not a personality trait—it’s a signal to explore deeper 💡Freud’s early ideas on defence mechanisms and their influence today 💡The importance of autonomy in driving sustainable behaviour change 💡How systemic and environmental factors influence patient decisions 💡Why ambivalence reveals the value of different choices 💡The clinician’s role as a facilitator, not a dictator of change 💡How curiosity and reframing resistance can improve clinical outcomes This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, health coaches, and anyone interested in the psychology of behaviour change and patient engagement.   Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global   #BehaviorChange #ClinicalPractice #PatientEngagement #ResistanceToChange #HealthPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #MotivationalInterviewing #CuriosityInCare #AutonomyMatters #PsychologyPodcast

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Lifestyle Medicine expert Dr Darren Morton and psychologist Simon Matthews as they explore key topics about health and wellbeing. Learn amazing and practical tips to live your best life.

Information

  • Creator
    The Lift Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Lift Podcast