Your Thoughts Your Reality

Mike Cole
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to "Your Thoughts, Your Reality with Mike Cole," the podcast that shines a compassionate light on the journey of veterans battling through life's challenges. Michael Cole, a Certified Elite Neuroencoding Specialist, dedicated to guiding military veterans as they navigate the intricate pathways of post-deployment life. Join him as we delve into the profound realm of Neuroencoding science, empowering these brave individuals to conquer universal battles: procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and more. Together, let's uncover the strength within you to re-engage with families and society, forging a new path forward. 

  1. 1d ago

    Not the Label: Identity, Body Image, and Reconnecting with Who You Really Are with Yayoi Komiyama

    Send us Fan Mail Who are you without the label? Not the role.  Not the title.  Not the body image story.  Not the version of yourself you’ve been trying so hard to maintain. In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Yayoi Komiyama, founder of Brain to Belly Coaching, Dual Elite Neuroencoding Specialist, life transformation strategist, brain health trainer, best-selling author, and host of the podcast I’ll Start on Monday. Yayoi brings more than 20 years of experience in the wellness industry and helps people transform their relationship with food, body image, self-worth, and identity through her Brain to Belly coaching method. Together, Mike and Yayoi explore one of the deepest battles within The 10 Silent Wars: Identity. Yayoi opens up about her own journey with body image, food, self-sabotage, eating disorder recovery, and the long process of learning to love and accept herself beyond the labels, expectations, and old stories she had carried for years. They discuss how identity can become shaped by childhood experiences, cultural expectations, comparison, family roles, body image, and the need to belong. Yayoi shares how food became comfort early in life, how old beliefs affected her relationship with herself, and how real change began when she stopped fighting her body and started changing the way she saw herself. This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Identity – “Who am I beyond the label?” Self-Worth – “Do I believe I am enough as I am?” Emotional Armor – “What have I used to protect or comfort myself?” Control – “Why do I keep repeating patterns I don’t want?” Fear – “What happens if I finally let go of the old story?” This episode is not about shame.  It is not about judgment.  It is not about chasing another quick fix. It is about understanding the connection between the brain, the body, and the way you see yourself—so you can begin creating a healthier, more honest relationship with who you really are. Yayoi also shares simple tools for interrupting negative thought patterns, including awareness, “cancel cancel,” smiling, changing your physical state, and using empowering identity statements to help create new neural pathways. If you have ever struggled with body image, self-sabotage, food, identity, or the feeling that you are not enough, this conversation will challenge you to look beneath the label and reconnect with the truth of who you are. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How identity can become tied to body image, food, and old stories  Why food can become a source of comfort, control, or emotional support  How childhood experiences and labels can shape the way you see yourself  Why self-sabotage is often connected to identity and self-worth  How to interrupt negative thought patterns before they take over  Why loving yourself is not weakness—it is part of real transformation  How to begin reconnecting with who you are beyond the label If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep doing this alone. There’s a reason this hit—and it’s worth paying attention to. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality To learn more about Yayoi’s work, Brain to Belly Coaching, or her podcast I’ll Start on Monday: 👉 https://braintobellycoaching.com/ And if you’re ready to take it a step further and create real change in your mindset, identity, and direction: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ Because your thoughts shape your reality… And when you stop living as the label, you can start becoming the truth of who you are. #Identity #SelfWorth #BodyImage #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Neuroencoding #SelfSabotage #BrainHealth #The10SilentWars #YourThoughtsYourReality Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    34 min

  2. 3d ago

    Who Are You Beneath It? The Silent War of Identity with Dr. Stephen Crawford

    Send us Fan Mail Who are you beneath the armor? Not the title.  Not the role.  Not the version of yourself you became in order to survive. In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Dr. Stephen Crawford, a keynote speaker, leadership coach, best-selling author, and powerful voice in personal transformation. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Stephen brings a grounded and deeply human perspective on resilience, identity, communication, self-leadership, and what it means to stop performing who you think you have to be—and start becoming who you truly are. Together, Mike and Stephen explore one of the core battles within The 10 Silent Wars: Identity. They talk about how people inherit stories, scripts, and beliefs about who they are based on their environment, upbringing, roles, pain, and survival patterns. Stephen shares how the armor that once protected us can eventually become the very thing that keeps us disconnected from our voice, our truth, and the people we are here to impact. This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Identity – “Who am I beneath the role, title, and armor?” Emotional Armor – “What did I build to survive that now keeps me disconnected?” Self-Worth – “Do I matter beyond what I achieve or perform?” Connection – “Can I let myself be truly seen?” Legacy – “What message am I here to leave behind?” Stephen also opens up about the loss of his dear friend Brianna Smith, the powerful role she played in helping him become a fuller version of himself, and how being truly witnessed by another person can change the trajectory of your life. Through that experience, he shares how his message, voice, and mission evolved into what he now calls his life’s work: The Five Stages of Resonance. This episode is not about polishing the outside. It is about returning to the whole self. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why identity often becomes tied to roles, titles, performance, and survival  How old stories can shape the way you see yourself and your future  Why the armor that once protected you may now be limiting you  What it means to be truly witnessed by another person  How communication changes when you speak from your whole self  Why resonance, integrity, and alignment matter in leadership and life  How letting go of who you thought you had to be can unlock who you truly are If this episode resonated with you, don’t just move on to the next thing. There’s a reason this hit—and it’s worth paying attention to. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality And if you’re ready to take it a step further and create real change in your mindset, identity, and direction: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ Because your thoughts shape your reality… And who you become begins with the courage to look beneath the armor. #Identity #EmotionalArmor #SelfWorth #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Veterans #HighPerformers #The10SilentWars #YourThoughtsYourReality Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    37 min

  3. 6d ago

    Are You Living Your Truth? The Silent War of Self-Worth with Cindy Gould

    Send us Fan Mail How much of your life are you living because it’s truly yours? And how much of it are you living because somewhere along the way, you were taught you had to? In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Cindy Gould, a transformation coach, speaker, joy catalyst, and Dual Elite Certified Neuroencoding Specialist who helps people create meaningful change from the inside out. Cindy is the voice behind Create Your Victorious Life and The Remembering, where she helps people reconnect with truth, confidence, joy, purpose, and who they were before the world told them who they had to be. Together, Mike and Cindy explore one of the deepest battles within The 10 Silent Wars: Self-Worth. They unpack how conditioning, expectations, performance, responsibility, and the desire to belong can slowly pull people away from their true identity. Cindy shares why so many people build lives that look successful on the outside, but feel misaligned on the inside—and how healing begins when you finally ask yourself, “What do I really want?” This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Self-Worth – “Do I feel like I’m enough?” Identity – “Who am I beneath the roles, expectations, and labels?” Connection – “Am I truly belonging, or just fitting in?” Fear – “What happens if I stop being who everyone expects me to be?” Legacy – “Am I living a life that is actually mine?” Cindy and Mike also talk about how self-worth can become tied to achievement, how people lose themselves trying to be strong for everyone else, and why small daily practices—like mirror work, celebration, gratitude, and choosing honesty—can help rebuild confidence from within. This isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you really are. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why self-worth often becomes tied to performance and approval  The difference between belonging and fitting in  How conditioning shapes the way you see yourself  Why success does not always create fulfillment  How to start asking what you truly want  Why mirror work and daily celebration can rebuild confidence  What it means to live in alignment with your truth If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep doing this alone. There’s a reason this hit—and it’s worth paying attention to. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality And if you’re ready to take it a step further and create real change in your mindset, identity, and direction: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ Because your thoughts shape your reality… And the moment you stop living someone else’s truth, you create space to finally live your own. #SelfWorth #Identity #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #HighPerformance #Confidence #Neuroencoding #The10SilentWars #YourThoughtsYourReality Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    44 min

  4. Jun 3

    What Will Your Life Mean? The Silent War of Legacy with Joe Gionti

    Send us Fan Mail What do you want your life to stand for? Not just professionally.  Not just financially.  But as a human being. In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Joe Gionti, founder of Canine Heroes for Heroes, a nonprofit providing service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost to them. Joe’s mission was born from a deep respect for those who serve, a desire to give back, and the realization that purpose is not always about what you personally achieve—it is about the lives you help change along the way. Together, Mike and Joe talk about service, healing, connection, and the powerful bond between a person and a service dog. Joe shares how Canine Heroes for Heroes matches veterans and first responders with dogs trained to support their specific needs—from emotional support and behavior interruption to mobility, stability, and helping someone come back to the present moment. This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Legacy – “What am I building, and who am I helping?” Mission – “What am I working toward now?” Connection – “Where do I belong, and who walks with me?” Emotional Armor – “How do I feel safe enough to let support in?” Direction – “What is my next meaningful step?” This is a conversation about impact. About healing. About choosing to serve in the way life is calling you now. If you’ve ever wondered what your next chapter is supposed to mean, this episode will challenge you to think deeper about purpose, service, and the legacy you are leaving behind. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How service dogs help veterans and first responders heal and regain independence  Why connection can become a powerful part of the healing process  How one dog can interrupt destructive patterns and bring someone back to the present  Why legacy is not just what you accomplish, but who you help  How purpose can be found by serving others in a meaningful way If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep doing this alone. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality To learn more about Joe’s mission or support Canine Heroes for Heroes: 👉 https://caninehforh.org/ And if you’re ready to take it a step further and create real change in your mindset, identity, and direction: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ Because your thoughts shape your reality…  and the life you build is the legacy you leave. #Veterans #FirstResponders #ServiceDogs #Legacy #MilitaryTransition #Healing #Purpose #Connection #The10SilentWars #YourThoughtsYourReality Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    35 min

  5. Apr 29

    Who Are You Without the Uniform? Navigating Identity, Purpose, and Transition with Cathy & Robert Casteel

    Send us Fan Mail Who are you… when the rank, title, and mission are no longer defining you? For many veterans, that question doesn’t come with an easy answer. In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Cathy and Robert Casteel, both military veterans and Certified Neuro-Transformational Coaches™, who have dedicated their lives to helping others break free from limiting beliefs and rediscover who they truly are after service. After years of structure, identity, and purpose within the military, transition can leave many feeling lost, uncertain, and disconnected. Cathy and Robert bring both lived experience and deep coaching insight into what it actually takes to rebuild—not just externally, but internally. Together, Mike, Cathy, and Robert break down the identity shift that happens after service, why so many people struggle to find direction, and how to begin stepping into a more authentic, aligned version of yourself. This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Identity – “Who am I without the uniform?” Mission – “What am I working toward now?” Connection – “Where do I belong after service?” Direction – “What’s my next step?” They share how deeply rooted beliefs, patterns, and past experiences can keep people stuck—and how awareness, intentional thinking, and internal work can create real transformation. If you’ve ever felt like you lost part of yourself in transition—or you’re still trying to figure out what’s next—this episode will challenge the way you think and help you start moving forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why identity loss is one of the biggest challenges after the military How to begin redefining who you are outside of your role Why purpose doesn’t just appear—and how to start creating it The role your thoughts and beliefs play in your reality How to take your first step toward clarity and direction  If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep doing this alone. There’s a reason this hit—and it’s time to step into it. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality And if you’re ready to take it a step further and create real change in your mindset, identity, and direction: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ Because your thoughts shape your reality…  and who you choose to become starts with the decisions you make today. #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Identity #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Leadership #SelfDiscovery #YourThoughtsYourReality #The10SilentWars Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    38 min

  6. Apr 21

    Why Discipline Isn’t Enough: The System You Need to Stay Consistent and Move Forward with Danny O’Neel

    Send us Fan Mail What if the reason you keep falling off track… isn’t a lack of discipline? What if it’s because you don’t have a system? In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Danny O’Neel, a U.S. Army veteran who made the life-changing decision to enlist on 9/11—stepping into service during one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. After years of military structure and the challenges of reintegration, Danny developed a deep understanding of what it really takes to stay consistent, rebuild momentum, and move forward with purpose. Together, Mike and Danny break down why discipline alone isn’t enough—and how relying on motivation or willpower is often what keeps people stuck in cycles of starting and stopping. They dive into the importance of building systems, standards, and structure that support you even when you don’t feel like showing up. This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Control – “Why does civilian life feel chaotic?” Direction – “Where am I going next?” Identity – “Who am I without the structure I relied on?” Self-Worth – “Do I still have what it takes to show up consistently?” Danny shares real insight into what it takes to rebuild discipline after the military, how self-care plays a role in consistency, and why the small actions you take daily are what ultimately define your future. If you’ve ever felt stuck, off track, or like you keep starting over—this episode will shift how you think about discipline and give you a more effective path forward. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why discipline alone isn’t enough to create lasting change  The difference between motivation, discipline, and systems  How to build structure in your life after the military  The role self-care plays in consistency and performance  What daily habits actually create long-term results If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep trying to figure this out on your own. There’s a reason this hit—and it’s time to do something with it. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality And if you’re ready to take it a step further and build real structure, consistency, and clarity in your life: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ Because your thoughts shape your reality…  and what you build daily determines where you end up. HASHTAGS #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Discipline #Consistency #SelfImprovement #Mindset #Leadership #HighPerformance #PersonalGrowth #YourThoughtsYourReality Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    34 min

  7. Apr 17

    Your Next Era Starts Now: How to Lead Yourself and Stop Living on Autopilot with Tina Parker

    Send us Fan Mail What if the reason you feel stuck… isn’t your situation—but how you’re showing up in it? In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Michael Cole sits down with Tina Parker, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and transformational coach who helps individuals shift from reactivity into intentional, empowered living. After leading at high levels in the military, Tina now focuses on something most people overlook—learning how to lead yourself first. Together, Mike and Tina break down what it really means to step into your next era, and why so many people stay stuck waiting for clarity instead of creating it. They explore how small “micro-moments” shape your identity, your decisions, and ultimately your future—and how shifting those moments can change everything. This conversation directly connects to several of The 10 Silent Wars, including: Direction – “Where am I going next?” Identity – “Who am I without the structure I’ve relied on?” Control – “Why does life feel chaotic right now?” Fear – “What if I step into this and fail… or succeed?” Tina introduces her FLY framework (First, Lead Yourself) and explains why true leadership doesn’t start externally—it starts with awareness, ownership, and the decisions you make in the smallest moments. If you’ve been feeling like you’re on the edge of something bigger—but haven’t taken the step yet—this episode will challenge how you think, and more importantly, how you act. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why most people stay stuck in reaction instead of intention  What it actually means to lead yourself before leading anything else  How micro-moments create long-term change in your life  Why waiting for clarity keeps you from moving forward  The first step to stepping into your next era with confidence If this episode resonated with you, don’t keep doing this alone. There’s a reason this hit—and it’s time to step into it. Start by connecting deeper with the Your Thoughts, Your Reality community: 👉 https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com/ That’s where you can explore more conversations, stay connected, and be part of a community of people working through the same challenges. And if you’re ready to take it a step further and create real change in your mindset, identity, and direction: 👉 https://empowerperformancestrategies.com/ You can also watch and subscribe on YouTube to stay plugged into these conversations each week: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality Because your thoughts shape your reality…  and your next era starts with the decisions you make right now. Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    37 min

  8. Apr 16

    Why Discipline Falls Apart Without Structure (And How to Rebuild It) - Dre Baldwin

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the structure that once kept you disciplined… disappears? For a lot of veterans, athletes, and high performers, the real challenge isn’t discipline—it’s what happens when no one is there to enforce it. When the schedule is gone, the expectations are gone, and suddenly… it’s all on you. In this episode of Your Thoughts, Your Reality, Mike Cole sits down with Dre Baldwin—former professional basketball player and creator of the “Work On Your Game” philosophy. Dre shares how he went from walking on at a Division III college to building a 9-year professional basketball career overseas, and how that same mindset translated into building a global brand. This conversation goes beyond motivation and into what actually creates consistency: structure, systems, and self-leadership. Together, they break down why so many people struggle after leaving structured environments, how discipline falls apart without intentional systems, and what it really takes to rebuild it from the inside out. This episode connects directly to three of The 10 Silent Wars: Direction – What do you do when no one is telling you what to do anymore?  Control – Why does life feel chaotic without structure, and how do you take it back?  Identity – Who are you when you’re no longer operating inside a system that defined you? If you’ve ever felt like you had discipline before—but can’t seem to find it now—this conversation will challenge the way you think about consistency, performance, and what it actually takes to operate at a high level long-term. Follow and subscribe to Your Thoughts, Your Reality for more conversations focused on reintegration, performance, and winning the battles most people never talk about. Share this with someone who’s navigating their next chapter and trying to rebuild structure in their life. LINKS: Website: https://yourthoughtsyourreality.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourThoughtsYourReality Host (Mike Cole): https://empowerperformancestrategies.com HASHTAGS: #YourThoughtsYourReality #10SilentWars #Discipline #MentalToughness #VeteranTransition #HighPerformance #Consistency #SelfLeadership #MindsetShift #StructureCreatesFreedom #Reintegration #PersonalGrowth Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at: https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service. Support the show

    32 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Your Thoughts, Your Reality with Mike Cole," the podcast that shines a compassionate light on the journey of veterans battling through life's challenges. Michael Cole, a Certified Elite Neuroencoding Specialist, dedicated to guiding military veterans as they navigate the intricate pathways of post-deployment life. Join him as we delve into the profound realm of Neuroencoding science, empowering these brave individuals to conquer universal battles: procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and more. Together, let's uncover the strength within you to re-engage with families and society, forging a new path forward. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Cole
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Your Thoughts Your Reality
  • Show Website
    Your Thoughts Your Reality

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