At nine, Michael Ostrolenk refused a psychiatrist’s quick-fix, walked out, and followed a different map: guided imagery, biofeedback, meditation, and martial arts. That choice shaped everything. Years later, a brutal one-two of loss during an MBA program forced a pivot into transpersonal and somatic psychology, coaching, and a decade building programs with SEALFIT. In this conversation, Michael traces the line from a mislabeled “learning disabled” kid to a clinician and coach who helps people regulate their nervous systems, deepen relationships, and live with agency. We talk about: Why the industrial school model rewards compliance, and how unschooling or democratic free schools can cultivate curiosity. When to consider sleep, nutrition, movement, family dynamics, and environment before reaching for Ritalin or Concerta, plus the limited, tactical role stimulants might play for adults. AM and PM rituals that work: sleep hygiene, 5-7 breathing to calm, box breathing to focus, light movement, gratitude. How somatic work unfreezes anger or sadness, and how to measure change using first, second, and third person feedback. What mindfulness actually is: the trained witness that turns reactivity into choice. Thank you for listening. SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Who Is Michael Ostrolenk? 04:45 Questioning Education and Early Struggles 08:47 Alternative Healing and Martial Arts at Age Nine 11:12 Rethinking Education for Children 17:07 Holistic Approaches for Parents 20:51 Parenting, Pressure, and the 80/20 Rule 23:34 Perspectives on Ritalin and Concerta 29:26 Creativity, School, and Medication 33:36 Origins of the Industrial Education System 42:02 Turning Point: From MBA to Psychology 47:06 Exploring Transpersonal Psychology 52:46 Psychedelics, Therapy, and Consciousness 54:07 Understanding Mind–Body Connection 01:00:06 Working With Couples and Emotions 01:11:59 Practical Habits for Sleep, Diet, and Movement 01:17:45 Breathing and Guided Meditation for Sleep 01:23:56 Morning Rituals and Preparation Practices 01:28:50 Tracking Progress and Measuring Change 01:33:59 Mindfulness vs. Consciousness 01:39:01 What Lack of Mindfulness Looks Like 01:45:40 Does Mindfulness Make Life More Frustrating? 01:48:09 Agreements, Relationships, and Appreciation 01:58:40 Final Thoughts MICHAEL OSTROLENK LINKS: Michael's Youtube Channel Michael's LinkedIn Michael's Instagram Michael's X CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason. This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.
