Beyond the mind

Gina

Beyond the Mind is a podcast about the human experience—our minds, emotions, relationships, challenges, and the experiences that shape who we become. Through honest conversations with mental health professionals, psychologists, authors, coaches, advocates, and people with meaningful life stories, we explore mental health, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, purpose, identity, confidence, resilience, relationships, and life transitions. We also explore career and success,to personal growth, purpose, or wellbeing.

  1. 1d ago

    Brad Aman: No One Is Coming to Save You — AI, Opportunity & the American Dream

    What if artificial intelligence isn’t the end of the American Dream—but an opportunity to redefine it? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Brad Aman, entrepreneur, author, business strategist, and founder of the American Dream Book Series. Brad built companies from the ground up, became a millionaire by 40, and eventually sold his primary business after growing it into a national leader in its industry. Now, he’s helping people understand how AI could reshape work, business, and opportunity. Brad’s latest book, American Dream: No One Is Coming to Save You, delivers a direct message: waiting for change to happen around you may leave you unprepared, but learning to adapt can open new doors. We discuss why Brad sees AI as a tool that can amplify human effort, how everyday people can begin using it without becoming technology experts, and what workers, students, parents, and business owners can do to prepare for a changing economy. We also explore Brad’s belief that AI could drive major economic growth and create new opportunities for the middle class. What might that mean for people who feel uncertain about their careers or the future? And how can ambition, practical learning, and personal responsibility help people respond to change instead of feeling overwhelmed by it? Drawing on his own experience building and selling a business, Brad reflects on success, financial freedom, and the role of action in pursuing a meaningful life. This conversation is about more than technology—it’s about confidence, adaptability, and taking an active role in shaping your future. Explore Brad’s message: Watch Brad’s short video about AI, opportunity, and the “head in the sand economy”: Watch Brad Aman’s video

  2. 2d ago

    Sasi Battula: From Replaceable to Irreplaceable — Protecting Your Career in the Age of AI

    What happens when the person building AI systems starts warning us about what technology could take from us—and how we can stay in control? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Sasi Battula, an AI pioneer, founder of Hola AI, and author of AI Jobs and AI SiCK. With three decades of leadership in Silicon Valley, Sasi has helped bring AI healthcare solutions to market, developed technology used by people around the world, and conducted what he describes as the first-ever live interview with an artificial intelligence. Sasi believes the future of work is not about competing with machines at every task, but learning how to direct them. We explore the “Orchestration Gap”—the shift from being someone who simply carries out tasks to someone who uses judgment, creativity, and technology to guide the work. He shares how professionals can think about protecting their careers, finding opportunities in a changing job market, and staying valuable as AI becomes more capable. We also look beyond the workplace. Through his dystopian fiction series AI SiCK, Sasi explores what could happen when people begin outsourcing their physical instincts, emotional lives, and everyday decisions to algorithms and wearable technology. We discuss the tension between convenience and human agency, and ask what we might lose if we let technology make too many choices for us. As someone who has helped build AI, Sasi offers a perspective shaped by both innovation and concern. We talk about the gap between public promises and real-world technology, the questions professionals should be asking, and practical steps people can take to approach AI with confidence rather than fear. This conversation is about more than technology. It’s about work, identity, independence, and how to remain an active participant in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. Explore Sasi’s books and resources: Visit Sasi Battula’s author page to find AI Jobs, AI SiCK, and resources to help you navigate the age of AI.

  3. 4d ago

    RobertO.Bowers:When RealLife FeelsStranger Than Fiction — Cryptids,CampfireStories & the Unexplained

    What happens when an ordinary day outdoors turns into a story you can’t quite explain? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Robert O. Bowers, a storyteller, outdoorsman, and author whose most memorable stories come from a lifetime of fishing, hunting, and unexpected experiences in the wild. After a 43-year career with ODOT, Rob began putting his stories on paper—and has since turned his love of storytelling into a full-time creative life. Rob shares some of the strange, funny, and unforgettable moments that have inspired his writing, including his fascination with cryptids, UFOs, ghosts, and the unexplained. We talk about why the outdoors can leave us amazed—or even frightened—and why people remain captivated by things that don’t fit neatly into what we know. We also explore Rob’s journey from telling stories around the campfire to publishing books, the difference between writing true experiences and creating fiction, and how real-life moments can spark a whole new story. With humor and curiosity, he reflects on what it means to keep creating, even later in life, and why it’s never too late to follow a passion. Whether you love mysteries, outdoor adventures, or simply a good story, this conversation is a reminder to stay curious and pay attention. You never know which experience might become a story worth sharing. Explore Rob’s books: Discover his Campfire Tales From Uncle Rob series, along with his novels Have Dog Will Travel and Red Eyes at Black Mesa. Visit Robert O. Bowers’s Amazon author page to explore his books.

  4. 5d ago

    C. Luke Humphreys: Is 2027 the Beginning of the End Times? — An Army Intelligence Analyst Decodes Bible Prophecy

    What if the ancient prophecies written thousands of years ago contain a timeline for events unfolding in our own generation? And what happens when a former military intelligence analyst believes he has found the patterns connecting them? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I'm joined by C. Luke Humphreys, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst, full-time minister, and author of Teaching History Before It Happens and The Numbers. After years of studying information, identifying patterns, testing sources, and separating signal from noise, Luke now applies that same analytical approach to his interpretation of biblical prophecy. Luke believes that the numbers recorded in the books of Moses and Daniel connect to a prophetic timeline running from 2027 to 2030. He shares why he believes certain events are approaching, what he thinks the Bible reveals about the future, and why he believes this generation may be able to understand things that previous generations could not. We also explore his specific predictions concerning March and April 2027, religious developments, global conflict, and what he describes as the return of events connected to the Ottoman Empire. But Luke isn't simply talking about what he believes will happen. He's making major personal decisions based on those convictions. He's selling his real estate and approximately 95% of what he owns, with plans to begin travelling on April 1, 2027, to share his message around the world. His ambition is to reach 100 million people before 2030. We discuss what led him from military intelligence to ministry, why he is willing to put specific dates on his interpretation of prophecy, and how he responds to people who question his conclusions. We also explore the relationship between faith and evidence, the importance of examining claims carefully, and what it means to live with conviction when you believe the future holds something significant. This is a conversation about faith, prophecy, courage, and the questions people have about what lies ahead. Whether you approach biblical predictions as a believer, a curious listener, or a sceptic, Luke's perspective offers plenty to think about. Explore Luke's books and resources: Luke's books, Teaching History Before It Happens and The Numbers, are available to download for free in 133 languages. Visit purelife2030.com to get your free books and sign up for the Watchman Report so you can follow Luke's interpretations and predictions. A question to consider: How do we balance faith and conviction with the responsibility to question, examine, and think critically about what we are told? https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/iicchmmmihkoodldacoonjehlijfnafn?utm_source=beyond-the-mind&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podmatch

  5. 5d ago

    Dr. Zafra Lerman: Can Science Bring Enemies Together? — Courage, Human Rights & the Power of Peace

    Can people who come from countries in conflict sit at the same table, put their differences aside, and work together for a better future? What if science could become a language that connects people even when politics, religion, and history have divided them? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Dr. Zafra Lerman, a world-renowned chemist, educator, human rights advocate, and peacebuilder who has dedicated her life to using science as a bridge between people and nations. As the founder and president of the Malta Conferences Foundation, she has brought scientists from countries including Israel, Palestine, Iran, and Iraq together to collaborate on scientific challenges that affect humanity beyond national borders. But Zafra’s story goes far beyond scientific research. Throughout her career, she has advocated for persecuted scientists and students in the Soviet Union and China, sometimes putting her own safety at risk to meet with dissidents and defend human rights. She has also transformed the way science is taught, developing creative methods that combine chemistry with music, dance, and visual arts to reach students from underprivileged backgrounds, including homeless young people and incarcerated individuals. Her remarkable contributions have earned her international recognition, including multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations, the Andrei Sakharov Award for Human Rights, and the 2025 International Advocate of Peace Award. Yet behind these achievements is a deeply personal story of determination, compassion, and the belief that one person can make a difference. We explore how she brings scientists from opposing nations together, why education should be accessible to everyone, and how creativity can make even complex scientific subjects meaningful. We also discuss the courage required to stand up for people facing persecution, the importance of human rights, and how she continues to find hope and purpose despite the challenges of working in conflict zones. Beyond science and diplomacy, this conversation raises some important questions about humanity. Can collaboration overcome differences that seem impossible to bridge? What does it take to stand up for others when doing so comes with personal risks? And how can we use our knowledge, talents, and individual voices to create a more peaceful world? Zafra also shares the personal journey behind her memoir, Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey, which takes readers from her experiences in war-torn Israel to the White House, classrooms, and conflict zones. Her story reminds us that meaningful change often begins when someone is willing to speak up, take action, and see humanity beyond borders. Whether you’re interested in education, science, women’s empowerment, human rights, or the power of individuals to create change, this is a conversation about courage, connection, and what becomes possible when we choose cooperation over division. Get Dr. Zafra Lerman’s memoir: Discover the personal stories behind her extraordinary journey in Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey. Proceeds from the book support the Malta Conferences Foundation and its future peacebuilding conferences. Get the book on Amazon: Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey A question to reflect on: What could change in our world if we learned to see the person on the other side of our differences before seeing them as our enemy?

  6. 5d ago

    Barry Biegler: Stop Looking for the Perfect Advice — 127 Life Lessons on Confidence, Stress & Growth

    What if improving your life doesn’t require a complicated system, a motivational speech, or a promise to become a completely different person? What if all you need is one simple idea that makes sense to you—and the willingness to try it? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Barry Biegler, an entrepreneur, author, and longtime youth hockey coach who understands that some of life’s most valuable lessons come from experience rather than theory. After studying at MIT’s business school, Barry founded a hotel-software company in 1982, built it from the ground up without venture capital, grew it to more than 1,000 customers, and ran it for 40 years before selling it in 2022. Alongside his business career, he spent more than three decades coaching young hockey players. Barry’s experiences inspired his book, If It Makes Sense to You, Try It, a collection of 127 short phrases, each accompanied by the story behind it. Rather than offering dramatic promises or insisting that everyone follow the same formula, Barry encourages readers to consider each idea for themselves, keep what resonates, and leave what doesn’t. We talk about the lessons Barry wishes he could share with his younger self, how decades of coaching shaped his understanding of people, and why practical wisdom can sometimes be more helpful than complicated self-improvement systems. We also explore ideas about perfectionism, stress, accountability, emotions, and the importance of questioning the beliefs that keep us stuck. What does it really mean to redefine perfection? Why shouldn’t we confuse emotions with knowledge? And how can a simple change in perspective help us respond differently to life’s challenges? Beyond business success, this conversation is about learning to live with greater clarity, making thoughtful decisions, and recognizing that wisdom doesn’t always arrive as one big revelation. Sometimes, it comes from small reminders that help us see a familiar problem differently. Whether you’re navigating a career change, working through personal challenges, trying to reduce stress, or simply looking for practical ideas to apply to everyday life, Barry’s approach offers something refreshing: permission to think for yourself instead of blindly following someone else’s advice. Explore Barry’s book: Barry is making 14 of the book’s 127 phrases available to read for free, including the stories behind them. You can explore these lessons before deciding whether you’d like to purchase the full book, available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions. Visit the website: If It Makes Sense to You, Try It A question to reflect on: What if you don’t need to change your entire life today—just find one idea that makes sense to you and put it into practice?

  7. 5d ago

    Christopher Kaufman: Has Modern Life Stolen Our Imagination? — Fantasy, Music & the Art of Being Human

    When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly imagine something beyond your everyday reality? In a world filled with screens, responsibilities, and constant distractions, could we be losing touch with one of our greatest gifts: our imagination? And what if stories, music, and art could help us rediscover it? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Christopher Kaufman, a composer, creative artist, and storyteller who has spent years bringing his imaginative world to life through his fantasy series, Tales of the Ocean City. Christopher began writing fantasy stories with colorful illustrations at just nine years old. Although music eventually became a major part of his life, his childhood stories never left him. After completing his music education and earning degrees in composition, he continued developing the fantasy world that would become his life’s creative project. Christopher’s work goes beyond traditional storytelling. He combines imaginative writing with cinematic and symphonic music, narration, sound design, illustrations, and video to create an immersive experience for his audience. Through Tales of the Ocean City, he explores his belief that imagination isn’t simply an escape from reality, but something that can transform how we experience it. We talk about how Christopher’s journey from music composition to fantasy writing unfolded, why music plays such an important role in his storytelling, and how different art forms can work together to bring imagined worlds to life. We also explore his belief that nurturing our imagination through the arts can enrich our personal journeys and help us see the world with greater curiosity and possibility. Beyond books and music, this conversation invites us to think about our own creativity. Do we give ourselves enough room to dream, explore, and create? How can we bring more imagination into our everyday lives, even if we don’t consider ourselves artists? And what might we discover about ourselves when we allow stories to take us somewhere we’ve never been? Whether you love fantasy, appreciate music and visual art, or simply want to reconnect with your creative side, Christopher’s story is a reminder that imagination doesn’t have to disappear as we grow older. Sometimes, the things we dream about as children are worth carrying with us into adulthood. Explore Christopher Kaufman’s creative world: Discover Tales of the Ocean City through its physical books, ebooks, audio albums, and video books. Explore the series and the different ways Christopher brings his stories to life. Visit the website: Tales of the Ocean City A question to reflect on: What would change in your life if you made more room for imagination, creativity, and the things that make you feel truly alive?

  8. 5d ago

    FlintMitchell:WhyYou KeepProcrastinatingEven WhenYou KnowWhat to Do -Core Values, Focus&Authenticity

    Have you ever known exactly what you needed to do but still found yourself putting it off? Maybe you overthink every decision, struggle to focus, or reach for your phone to escape the pressure of getting started. You know you want to change, but somehow, the same patterns keep repeating. What if the problem isn’t that you lack discipline, but that you’re disconnected from what truly matters to you? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Flint Mitchell, founder of iAlign and a coach who helps ambitious engineers overcome overthinking and procrastination by reconnecting with their core values. Flint began his career as an electrical engineer and research scientist, earning published patents before making an unexpected change: leaving his job to spend nearly a year living in a van and chasing waves from British Columbia to San Diego, Hawaii, and Australia. That experience led him to question whether the comfortable life he had built truly reflected the person he wanted to become. He began writing about the values he wanted to live by, eventually turning those reflections into his book, Seeking Authenticity. Those lessons later became the foundation of iAlign, where he helps people bring their everyday actions into closer alignment with what matters most to them. We explore why intelligent, self-aware people can struggle to follow through on their goals, how overthinking can lead to digital distractions, and why traditional productivity systems don’t always work. Flint also shares his perspective on shame-based accountability, building focus when motivation is low, and developing genuine confidence through consistent action rather than empty promises to ourselves. Beyond productivity, this conversation raises a deeper question: are the choices you make every day reflecting your values, or are you simply following habits that keep you comfortable? We discuss how understanding what matters most can help you make clearer decisions, break unhelpful patterns, and start taking meaningful steps toward the life you want—even when you don’t feel completely ready. Whether you’re struggling with procrastination, spending too much time scrolling, or feeling frustrated because you aren’t living up to your own potential, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on personal growth, discipline, and self-awareness. Get your free copy of Seeking Authenticity: Flint is offering listeners a free download of his book, featuring reflections on core values and stories from his year-long search for good surf across the West Coast, Hawaii, and Australia. Download the book: Seeking Authenticity — Free Download Connect with Flint: Instagram: @ialign.flintmitchellYouTube: Flint Mitchell on YouTubeBook on Amazon: Seeking Authenticity on Amazon A question to reflect on: What is one thing you keep putting off, and what might change if your next step was guided by your values instead of your fears or distractions?

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Beyond the Mind is a podcast about the human experience—our minds, emotions, relationships, challenges, and the experiences that shape who we become. Through honest conversations with mental health professionals, psychologists, authors, coaches, advocates, and people with meaningful life stories, we explore mental health, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, purpose, identity, confidence, resilience, relationships, and life transitions. We also explore career and success,to personal growth, purpose, or wellbeing.