Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

  1. Unlocking the Secrets of the Vagus Nerve with Dr Kevin Tracey

    3H AGO

    Unlocking the Secrets of the Vagus Nerve with Dr Kevin Tracey

    In this episode, I chat with Dr  Kevin Tracy, a renowned researcher and inventor, about his journey in medicine and the significance of the vagus nerve in health. Kevin shares personal anecdotes, including the impact of his mother's illness on his career path. The discussion delves into the vagus nerve's role in regulating inflammation, heart rate variability, and its potential in treating autoimmune diseases through vagus nerve stimulation. Kevin emphasises the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and the need for further research in this promising field. Key Takeaways: The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. Heart rate variability is a measure of vagal tone but has limitations. Vagus nerve stimulation shows promise in treating autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation. The vagus nerve connects the brain and immune system, influencing health. Cold exposure may activate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation. Healthy lifestyle choices are essential for overall well-being. Future research may uncover more applications for vagus nerve stimulation.   02:49 Personal Journey into Medicine 08:37 The Vagus Nerve: A Key to Health 14:50 Heart Rate Variability and Vagal Tone 31:28 The Inflammatory Reflex and Vagus Nerve 45:46 Clinical Applications of Vagus Nerve Stimulation 51:11 Future Directions in Vagus Nerve Research   Resources Connected with Dr Kevin Tracey Kevin's latest book: The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes https://feinstein.northwell.edu/institutes-researchers/our-researchers/kevin-j-tracey-md LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjtraceymd/ X https://x.com/KevinJTraceyMD    Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.         See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 12m
  2. Beyond the Pursuit: Understanding Happiness Through Connection with Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky

    FEB 6

    Beyond the Pursuit: Understanding Happiness Through Connection with Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky

    In this podcast episode, Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses her extensive research on happiness, including defining happiness and the historical context of its study. She elaborates on the two components of happiness: experiencing positive emotions and believing that life is good. Sonja also outlines the genetic, circumstantial, and behavioural influences on happiness and addresses the impact of mental health issues. The conversation covers cultural factors, the role of social connection, and various strategies to boost happiness, such as acts of kindness, gratitude, and engaging conversations. Key Takeaways Positive Social Connections Are Crucial: Developing strong social ties and feeling connected with others are significant contributors to a person's overall happiness. Small Acts, Big Impact: Engaging in simple acts of kindness can boost happiness for oneself and others. This practice fosters a sense of connection and community. Personalisation of Happiness Strategies: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness. It's important to find what works best for you, as happiness strategies can be tailored to one's personality and preferences. Gratitude and Mindfulness: Integrating gratitude into daily routines and savouring positive experiences can profoundly impact overall life satisfaction. Biological and Psychological Interaction: Understanding that biology and psychology are intertwined helps highlight the importance of holistic approaches to improving mental health. Life Circumstances and Happiness: While genetics and personality play a role, life circumstances and how one responds to them can significantly influence one's happiness levels. Resources Connect with Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky Website: https://sonjalyubomirsky.com/ Buy How To Feel Loved:    https://howtofeelloved.com/buy-the-book/ Take the 5 Mindsets Quiz:  https://tally.so/r/Pd1l0d Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjalyubomirsky/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-lyubomirsky-21283bb/   00:34 Journey into Happiness Research 01:55 Defining Happiness 03:00 Genetics and Happiness 05:31 Life Stages and Happiness 10:15 Cultural Influences on Happiness 22:34 Gratitude and Happiness 29:33 Awe and Gratitude in Everyday Life 30:23 The Neuroscience of Gratitude 31:12 Acts of Kindness and Their Impact 34:03 The Role of Biology in Mental Health 36:29 Designing Experiments on Happiness 38:45 Personality Traits and Happiness 40:58 Cultivating Happiness Through Daily Practices 47:25 The Complexity of Human Behaviour 52:53 Future Directions in Happiness Research     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    57 min
  3. The Deeply Entrenched Flaws of The Mental Health Industry, with professor John Read

    JAN 30

    The Deeply Entrenched Flaws of The Mental Health Industry, with professor John Read

    Unlock the truth about modern mental health—why nearly all psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically meaningless and how the system is big business, not care. Dr. John Read exposes the flaws in DSM diagnoses, the influence of pharmaceutical money, and the harm of treatments like ECT and antidepressants. If you're tired of quick fixes and want real understanding, this episode offers practical insights into trauma, social factors, and safer, evidence-based approaches to well-being. Perfect for those questioning the status quo, seeking genuine help, or interested in transforming mental health care. Tune in to discover how to reclaim agency over your mental health and challenge the dominant, profit-driven system. Key Takeaways: Diagnoses and Understanding: Recognising the scientific flaws in psychiatric labels and focusing on individual experiences for effective care. Overdiagnosis and Resources: The impact of expanding diagnostic criteria on resource allocation and personal agency. Trauma and Social Factors: The need to acknowledge trauma and social influences in mental health, moving beyond the biomedical model. Psychiatric Treatments: Critiquing the use of ECT and advocating for evidence-based, humane alternatives. Pharmaceutical Influence: Understanding how drug company funding distorts mental health practices and the importance of transparency. Social Connection and Lifestyle: Emphasising social activities and lifestyle changes as paths to mental health. Ethical Treatment and Consent: The importance of informed consent and trauma-informed care in mental health practices.   Resources Connect with Professor John Read: X: https://x.com/ReadReadjInternational Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal Hearing Voices Network, England                                                                                                       University of East London   Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.   01:54 The Flaws in Psychiatric Diagnoses 07:03 The Evolution of the DSM 10:10 The Overdiagnosis Problem 18:05 The Impact of Labels on Mental Health 24:20 Alternatives to Diagnosis 27:10 The Side Effects of Antidepressants 32:46 Navigating Withdrawal from Antidepressants 37:07 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care 43:39 The Controversy of ECT 51:19 The Role of Placebo in Treatment 55:47 The Future of Mental Health Care     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
4.7
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

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