Through the Mental Lens

Chris, Founder of The Mental Lens
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Through the Mental Lens is a podcast about mental health, productivity, and finding clarity in the chaos — one honest conversation at a time.  Hosted by Chris Cage, founder of The Mental Lens LLC, each episode brings blog-style reflections to your ears with a blend of insight, humor, and just the right amount of oversharing. Whether you're looking to reset your mindset, improve your focus, or simply feel a little less alone in the messiness of it all, this podcast offers short, thoughtful episodes you can listen to on the go. From personal stories to practical tools, Through the Mental Lens helps you slow down, zoom in, and maybe even laugh at yourself a little. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and bring your brain along.

  1. 1D AGO

    Toughness Isn’t What You Think It Is

    What if mental toughness is not about pushing harder, but knowing when to stop. In this episode, Chris unpacks how the traditional grind-it-out definition of toughness quietly leads to burnout, injury, and mental exhaustion. Drawing from a moment during training for his first 70.3 Ironman, he explores the blurred line between discipline and self-destruction, the psychology behind overtraining and overworking, and why grit without mental health is a losing strategy.  We talk about rest as a skill, self-compassion as a performance tool, and how real toughness is built by listening, recovering, and choosing sustainability over ego. This episode is for anyone who has ever confused resilience with exhaustion and wondered why pushing harder stopped working. You can also read the full article for more insights - The Ultimate Guide To Mental Toughness: Rest, Recovery, And Self-Compassion Support the show 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    7 min

  2. DEC 9

    The Power of Mono-Tasking: Staying Human in a Machine World

    In a world where AI can juggle fifty tasks at once, our minds are struggling to keep up. This episode explores why mono-tasking is becoming a lost art and why reclaiming deep, focused attention might be the most human thing we can do. We look at the neuroscience behind task-switching, how technology is reshaping our pace of work, and practical steps to rebuild depth, presence, and meaning in a machine-accelerated world. If you’ve been feeling scattered, overstimulated, or pressured to “keep up” with your own tools, this episode offers a quieter, steadier way forward. Want more? Read the blog post: The Power Of Mono-Tasking: Staying Human In A Machine World 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    10 min

  3. NOV 25

    Embracing Gratitude: Easy Ways To Feel More Thankful This Thanksgiving

    This Thanksgiving-inspired episode explores how gratitude can be more than a seasonal idea: it can be a grounding force during a year of change, growth, and vulnerability.  Chris reflects on the people who carried him, the small moments that mattered, and why support and kindness are essential to our mental wellbeing. You’ll learn how gratitude functions as a practical mental health tool, plus a simple challenge to help you slow down, reconnect, and stay human in a season that can feel both warm and overwhelming.  If the holidays feel heavy, this episode also includes resources and encouragement for getting the support you deserve. And if you’ve been considering therapy or looking for tools to support your mental wellbeing, I recently wrote a guide to five recommended online therapy platforms. It breaks down how they work, what they offer, and how to choose the right fit. Want more? Read the blog post: Embracing Gratitude: Easy Ways to Feel More Thankful This Thanksgiving 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    7 min

  4. OCT 28

    Still Human Series, Part 3: Embracing Humanity in an AI World

    This is the final episode in the Still Human series on Through the Mental Lens. In Part 3: Embracing Humanity in an AI World, Chris takes a direct look at artificial intelligence — its power, its pitfalls, and what it means for our creativity and identity. You’ll hear: A personal story of how AI unlocked a long-stalled creative project and why that was both exciting and unsettlingWhy AI can be a powerful co-pilot but a terrible compassThe hidden cost of skipping the creative struggle with AI “shortcuts”Three practical ways to protect your voice and keep the human at the center of your workA reflection exercise to help you identify the parts of your life and creativity that should remain fully humanAI can speed us up, but it can’t give us meaning. Holding on to our quirks, reflections, and struggles is what keeps us truly human. You can also read the companion article, Finding Clarity in a Digital World: How to Stay Human and Sane in the Age of AI at The Mental Lens. 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    6 min

  5. OCT 21

    Still Human Series, Part 2: Productivity isn't Peace

    This is Part 2 of the Still Human series on Through the Mental Lens. In this episode, Chris explores the hidden cost of chasing productivity and why checking every box doesn’t always lead to peace of mind. You’ll hear: The personal story of “performing productivity” while quietly unraveling insideWhy busyness culture and AI tools feed what Chris calls productivity theaterHow chronic stress shows up in your body — from elevated heart rate to burnoutA simple tool: The Peace Filter — three questions to help you choose work that adds clarity, not chaosA reflection exercise to redefine productivity on your own termsProductivity only matters if you still feel human at the end of the day. You can also read the companion article, Finding Clarity in a Digital World: How to Stay Human and Sane in the Age of AI at The Mental Lens. 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    6 min

  6. OCT 14

    Still Human Series, Part 1: “Always On” — Why Our Brains Feel Fried

    This episode kicks off a special Still Human series on Through the Mental Lens. In Part 1: Always On — Why Our Brains Feel Fried, Chris shares a personal story of smart devices slowly taking over his home, and his attention. From there, we explore the evolutionary mismatch between our Stone Age brains and today’s nonstop digital demands. You’ll learn: Why constant alerts trigger stress even when they seem harmlessHow “switching costs” drain our focus and energyWhy feeling scattered isn’t a personal flaw—it’s overloadA simple reflection exercise to sort real alerts from digital noiseIf your brain feels fried, you’re not broken. You’re just carrying more than it was designed to. This episode helps you start reclaiming clarity in an always-on world. Want more on this? Check out my blog post Finding Clarity In A Digital World: How To Stay Human And Sane In The Age Of AI. 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    6 min

  7. OCT 7

    Reclaim Control in a World of AI-Driven Notifications

    AI promised to save us time—but are notifications actually making us more anxious instead of more productive? In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, Chris unpacks the “ping parade” of AI-driven alerts and how they quietly shape our focus, emotions, and sense of control. From the promise of productivity to the hidden mental load of constant nudges, we’ll explore when AI helps—and when it doesn't.  👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    6 min

  8. SEP 30

    How Supportive Relationships Elevate Your Mental Health

    In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, we explore one of the most overlooked pillars of mental health—our relationships. While self-care often focuses inward on journaling, meditation, or exercise, true wellbeing is also built in connection with others. I share why supportive relationships are vital to mental health (backed by decades of research) and break it down into three key pillars: setting healthy boundaries, having deeper conversations, and cultivating community. You’ll hear practical strategies you can apply right away—whether it’s saying no without guilt, asking better questions, or starting small rituals that strengthen connection. 👉 Order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out the Mental Health Resources page. Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts! Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store | Zero overwhelm Join our Facebook community ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Through the Mental Lens is a podcast about mental health, productivity, and finding clarity in the chaos — one honest conversation at a time.  Hosted by Chris Cage, founder of The Mental Lens LLC, each episode brings blog-style reflections to your ears with a blend of insight, humor, and just the right amount of oversharing. Whether you're looking to reset your mindset, improve your focus, or simply feel a little less alone in the messiness of it all, this podcast offers short, thoughtful episodes you can listen to on the go. From personal stories to practical tools, Through the Mental Lens helps you slow down, zoom in, and maybe even laugh at yourself a little. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and bring your brain along.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris, Founder of The Mental Lens
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Through the Mental Lens
  • Show Website
    Through the Mental Lens