How To Die Happy

Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson

If you found out you had five minutes left to live, what ten things would be on your list of regrets? In How To Die Happy, psychedelic integration coach and counsellor Martin O'Toole and yoga and mindfulness instructor Julia Malcolmson invite guests to explore humankind's pursuit of happiness, our irrational fear of death, and everything in between. This (mostly) biweekly podcast welcomes folks from all walks of life to share stories and practical utilities to inspire and help you along life's rambling journey. Thanks for listening.

  1. 07/04/2023

    Ep 32 Ultramarathons and Finding Flow, with Ultra Athlete, Rosanna Bille

    Join Rosanna Bille in this How To Die Happy podcast episode as she shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of finding flow. Hailing from the UK, Bali resident Rosanna is a mother of two and an inspiring ultra athlete who defied the odds to achieve extraordinary feats in long-distance swimming, cycling, and running. Rosanna's story is a testament to the practice of discipline and surrender, crucial components in finding the state of flow. In a heartwarmingly candid conversation (there were tears all around) with hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson, Rosanna discusses her experiences with the For Rangers Ultra 2022 in Kenya and her love for ecstatic dance, revealing how these passions contribute to her remarkable journey. Despite facing adversity through injuries, Rosanna's love for running from a young age fueled her determination to overcome obstacles and rediscover her passion for the sport. Despite being told by a surgeon in her early twenties that she would never again be able to run long distances, she defied the odds and emerged as an ultra athlete. She offers our hosts a detailed account of her recent participation in the women's Ultra 2022 event. Despite sustaining a significant knee injury on day two, Rosanna went on to win the race. Throughout the conversation, Rosanna emphasises the significant roles that vulnerability and surrender have played in her journey. By allowing herself to experience a range of emotions during the Ultra 2022's challenging 230km five-stage run, she tapped into the profound depths of her inner strength, discovering the power to overcome incredible obstacles. This transformative process enabled her to excel in the ultramarathon, showcasing the potential within all individuals to become ultra athletes through practising discipline and surrender. Another crucial aspect of Rosanna's journey is her ability to tap into the state of flow, a state of complete immersion and focus. By applying discipline, surrendering to the present moment, letting go of expectations, and fully connecting with her surroundings, she achieves a state of connection ("flow") where her performance and overall well-being are elevated to new levels. Rosanna sees flow as a constant in all aspects of life, complementing her fiercely competitive passion for success with her love for dance and living fully in the moment. Looking ahead, Rosanna reveals her upcoming endeavour — Desert Ultra 2023, a 250km ultramarathon in Namibia, Africa. Through this new challenge, she aims to raise funds and awareness for children with brain cancer, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact as an ultra athlete and activist. Rosanna's journey serves as an inspiring example for individuals seeking to push their boundaries, discover their flow, and live life to the fullest. Tune in to this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast to hear Rosanna's incredible story of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of surrender and flow as she navigates the world of ultra athletics. Rosanna is looking for sponsors! If you'd like to support her upcoming ultramarathon in Namibia this November, contact her directly at rosannamorani@icloud.com. Check out her Instagram here.  The only thing left is for us to wish Rosanna the best of luck in the Desert Ultra 2023 in Namibia! Rest assured, we'll have her back on the show right after the race is done and dusted.

    1h 27m
  2. 04/09/2023

    Ep 30 Rehabilitative and Preventative Physiotherapy, with Alister Cran

    What do you know about physiotherapy? What does the word conjure in your mind? Is it a sporty-fitness thing or a recovery-after-an-injury thing? Or have you never had to consider it at all? Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where we explore topics on finding and attaining happiness in the everyday. In this episode, co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson dive into the world of physiotherapy with a focus on preventative care, with guest and physiotherapist Alister Cran. Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing movement disorders. Physiotherapists use various techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help people restore, maintain, and improve their physical function and mobility. While physiotherapy is often associated with injury treatment, it can also be a powerful tool for injury prevention. Alister is a surf-loving preventative physiotherapist who specialises in what our host Martin calls "Earth Rover maintenance". Alister's philosophy is that physiotherapy should be used for injury treatment and injury prevention through exercise and strength training. Studies have shown that physiotherapy can effectively prevent injuries, especially in sports and other physical activities. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a neuromuscular training program, which included balance, jumping, and agility exercises, reduced the risk of knee injuries by up to 72% in female athletes. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that a preventative physiotherapy program can significantly reduce the risk of lower limb injuries in female football players. A structured exercise program led by a physiotherapist was also found to reduce the incidence of running-related injuries, according to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. So how exactly does physiotherapy prevent injuries? One way is by improving flexibility and range of motion. When muscles are tight and inflexible, they are more prone to strain and injury. A physiotherapist can work with a patient to develop a stretching routine that targets specific muscle groups and improves overall flexibility. Another way physiotherapy prevents injuries is through strength training. When muscles are weak, they are more likely to give out under stress, leading to injury.  A physiotherapist can design an exercise program that targets specific muscle groups and builds strength and endurance, reducing the risk of injury. Physiotherapy can also prevent injuries by improving balance and coordination. A physiotherapist can develop an exercise program focusing on balance and coordination training, helping patients avoid falls and other accidents. Unlike other manual therapies like osteopathy and chiropractic work, physiotherapy is a more active approach that involves exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion and build strength. Osteopathy is a more passive approach that uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the body's musculoskeletal system to improve function. At the same time, chiropractic work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on spinal alignment and manipulation. If you're interested in maintaining your "Earth Rover" or avoiding injury, be sure to listen to our conversation with Alister Cran. You can also follow him on Instagram for physio tips and videos. And if you're enjoying the How To Die Happy podcast, please, please take a moment to give us a review or rating. Your support helps us run this podcast and spread happiness to our audience. Are you enjoying yourself? What can we improve? Do you know anyone we should be interviewing? Send a message here. Contact us Are you enjoying yourself? What can we improve? Do you know anyone we should be interviewing? Send a message here. Thank you for listening!

    1h 42m
  3. 03/03/2023

    Ep 29 The How To Die Happy Book, with Martin O'Toole

    In this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, the tables are turned as co-host Julia Malcolmson takes the driving seat to interview Martin O'Toole, the self-help author and How To Die Happy podcast creator, about his new book, How To Die Happy: curated wisdom, stories, and practical utilities for the art of living. This unique self-help book offers readers an intimate exploration of what happiness is, and how to achieve it. It also highlights what happiness is not. Martin is on a mission to help others find true happiness. Far from being a guru, coach, or PhD, he's simply "a man on the mend". As a recovered high-functioning alcoholic, he knows first-hand the depths of depression and the challenges of chasing success. Through his experiences, he discovered the alchemy of everlasting happiness, which he shares in his book. In this episode, Julia delves deep into Martin's motivations for writing the book while exploring some of its profound messages about attaining happiness. The co-hosts share vulnerable discussions about Martin's struggles with alcoholism and the death of his alcoholic mother, offering listeners a rare insight into the complexities of addiction, its roots and subsequent impact on family dynamics. Throughout the episode, various facets of the human experience come under the spotlight, from death to self-love, forgiveness, and mindfulness practices. Martin's "Anatomy of Happy" for finding and maintaining true happiness is detailed, offering practical tools for readers to follow. Julia also reads a few short excerpts from the book, giving a tantalising glimpse into its contents.  If you'd like to hear an additional teaser chapter read by Martin himself during the audiobook recording, you can find it on the How To Die Happy YouTube channel. So why write this book now? According to Martin, the world is changing, and so are we. The post-pandemic global community is slowly stirring, and change is in the air. The collective consciousness is experiencing the most significant awakening we've known in many lifetimes. In stark contrast, 89,000 people a month are searching for "how to commit suicide" online, an increase of 78% since 2019. "We are not okay", Martin soberly declares.  How To Die Happy provides readers with the stories and practical utilities they need to reframe their approach to living and dying. By curating and renovating others' wisdom and combining those utilities with real-life experience, the author explains how he - just a regular man suffering just like the rest — can use these ideas to live a sustainably contented life. His so-called "Anatomy of Happy" is a central theme throughout the book, mapping happiness' anatomy while drawing attention to life's unhappy distractions. It ultimately invites readers to work through attaining a balanced and well-lived life. How To Die Happy is widely available in paperback and ebook formats across retail sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It's also available on over 45 audiobook platforms, including Audible, Spotify, Scribed, Google Play, and Apple Books. If you prefer to shop locally, you can give your local bookstore the paperback ISBN (see below), and they can order copies from the wholesaler Ingram Spark. Finally, if you're in Bali, you buy the book in many outlets, including The Pyramids of Chi, Ulu Garden, Drifter, Mana, La Tribu, Chela, Bloom Cafe (Sanur), and many more.  Nick Hutchinson from the Book Thinkers podcast — a widely respected self-help review platform — recently declared, "This is one of the best books I've ever read." High praise from a reviewer who's interviewed Ryan Holiday, Steven Pressfield, Lewis Howes, Doug Evans, and many more. We hope you enjoy this podcast. If so, please tell people about it. We're an independent show doing this for love. The more you share, the more likely we are to grow. How To Die Happy ISBNs: Paperback: 978-1-7393155-0-4  Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7393155-1-1  Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-7393155-2-8

    1h 37m
  4. 02/13/2023

    Ep 28 Exercise & Happiness, with Jake Illing

    Welcome to the How to Die Happy podcast, where we explore the multifaceted journey towards true happiness. In this episode, we delve into exercise and its mental health benefits with our guest Jake Illing, founder of Bali Training Centre. Co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson engage in a fitness-filled discussion with Jake, covering everything from general fitness, running, and cardio, Muay Thai boxing, to hot and cold plunge therapy. The conversation also touches on the benefits of meditation and breathwork, which, similarly to exercise, can provide peace and inner stillness. The trio highlights the role of social media in promoting body paranoia and vanity, and how biohacking techniques such as Wim Hof, saunas, and cold plunges can benefit the body and its recovery process after exercise. The conversation also explores the intersection between contemporary and ancient modalities, where yogic practices and breathwork can amplify the benefits of an intensive workout. Exercise is not just about physical health and aesthetics; it has numerous mental health benefits. Studies have shown that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Exercise can also relieve stress, improve memory, help with sleep, and boost overall mood. Jake Illing is passionate about "Earth Rover maintenance", and his knowledge and expertise in personal training are evident in this podcast episode. Whether you share this passion or are interested in the life-changing and life-saving benefits of movement and exercise, this podcast is for you. The conversation explores the complexities of the "anatomy of happy", reminding us that we often forget the subtle (and not-so-subtle) aspects associated with it. One such component is how we treat our bodies, which Martin aptly calls our "Earth Rovers." Exercise is a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve energy and outlook, and get more out of life. Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just starting, exercise can make a real difference in your mental and physical well-being. Even modest amounts of exercise can have a positive impact. Studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication without the side effects or need for such questionable prescriptions. Regular exercise can also prevent relapse and promote neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns in the brain. In the podcast, Martin, Jules, and Jake discuss the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise is also a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment that relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being by releasing endorphins. By adding mindfulness to exercise, such as focusing on your body and how it feels, you can improve your physical condition faster and interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head. Physical symptoms of stress, such as tense muscles and headaches, can be relieved by exercising. Since the body and mind are closely linked, when the body feels better, the mind does too. In summary, exercise is not just about physical health and aesthetics. Fitness can make a real difference in your psychological and physical well-being. It has numerous mental health benefits and can be a powerful tool for dealing with mental health problems. Join us in this insightful and fun conversation with Jake Illing, one of Bali's most respected fitness experts, and learn about exercise's life-changing and life-saving benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Let's explore the mental health benefits of exercise together in this most active episode of the How to Die Happy podcast.

    1h 47m
  5. Chinwag 14 What is Love? With Chris Siracuse

    10/25/2022

    Chinwag 14 What is Love? With Chris Siracuse

    Welcome to How to Die Happy, the podcast that explores the human experience, relationships, death, self-discovery, and more. In this episode, host Martin O'Toole and guest Chris Siracuse dive into the question that has puzzled philosophers, poets, and scientists for centuries: What is love? What is the meaning of love? What is true love, and how can we find it? We begin with a scientific perspective on love, examining the chemicals in our brains involved in the experience of love. But love is more than just a biochemical reaction; it's a complex and multifaceted emotion with both a spiritual and psychological component. One way to better understand love is to explore the concept of the five love languages. What are the 5 love languages? They are words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Understanding your partner's love language can help you communicate your love more effectively and build a stronger relationship. Self-love is another crucial aspect of love that we discuss. Should inner work be mandatory before seeking love? Or is it possible to find love without first loving yourself? It's a question with no easy answer, but we explore some of the pros and cons of each approach. When one is not looking for love, are they more attractive to others? Or do we find self-realisation attractive in others since such awareness demonstrates consciousness? Where love is hard to attain, how often do we open our hearts and minds to the idea that we may have personal work to do? These are just a few of the questions we ponder. Our discussion also touches on the dating scene in Bali, where Chris, a single American man, shares his experiences. While he suggests that casual interactions suit him, Martin investigates whether this behaviour is more likely a deliberate distraction from inner work. Can casual sex ever be genuinely healthy? What are the costs, and what of the energetic exchange and sanctity of sexual union? Technology has undoubtedly changed how we form and maintain relationships, for better or worse. Has it created unhealthy hacks in the relationship, enabling sexual intimacy too soon? Or is this just the way we learn to love? We explore the pros and cons of technology's impact on modern love. Love-bombing is one of the unhealthy relationship behaviours we discuss, which is a manipulative tactic used to overwhelm someone with attention and affection in the early stages of a relationship. A study by the University of Warwick found that those who experienced love-bombing were more likely to have adverse outcomes in their relationships, such as lower relationship satisfaction and increased doubts about the relationship's longevity. What is true love? What is the meaning of love? These questions have no easy answers, but we hope our discussion has shed some light on the subject. As Einstein once said, "The only mistake in life is the lesson not learned". So perhaps the more fundamental question is, are we learning how to love healthily or merely bouncing unconsciously from one relationship to another? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this show's topic. Feel free to participate in the Spotify Q&A, comment on our Instagram page, or leave us a voice message here. Special shoutout to Haddaway, whose 1993 dance hit, What is Love, inspired the show's title.

    2h 3m

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About

If you found out you had five minutes left to live, what ten things would be on your list of regrets? In How To Die Happy, psychedelic integration coach and counsellor Martin O'Toole and yoga and mindfulness instructor Julia Malcolmson invite guests to explore humankind's pursuit of happiness, our irrational fear of death, and everything in between. This (mostly) biweekly podcast welcomes folks from all walks of life to share stories and practical utilities to inspire and help you along life's rambling journey. Thanks for listening.

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