Hardiness with Dr 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.
Episodes
Stunning new research on the impact of exercise intensity on our biology: Wisdom Wednesdays
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The Best Stressed-Out Mum I Can Be With Carly Taylor
This week Carly turns to something we all wrestle with, accepting our own human nature. She shares a personal example of what she's been struggling with lately, and the small shift in thinking that took the sting out of it. Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness, which is the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take meaningful action under
Your Magical Mitochondria - and How to Optimise Them, with Dr Olivia Lesslar
Your anxiety might be a signal, not the problem. Dr. Olivia Lesslar and I break down why chronic stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the body’s threat-detection systems can leave you exhausted, inflamed, and stuck in survival mode - and what to do about it. If you’ve been told your symptoms are “just stress,” this conversation will feel like a revelation. Olivia explains
The Alcohol & Health Story Isn’t as Simple as You Think: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Four Stoic Steps to Reduce Your Struggle
This week's Mojo Monday looks at four Stoic steps for cutting down unnecessary suffering, starting with Epictetus's dichotomy of control: sorting what's actually within your control from what isn't, redirecting your attention toward your own response, pivoting into useful action once you've accepted the facts, and taking the view from above for perspective. It also unpacks the difference between r
The Children We Leave Behind with Dr. Geoff Masters AO
The education system is sending kids the wrong message about learning, ability, and success - and it’s leaving far too many behind. Dr. Geoff Masters reveals why age-based schooling, narrow assessment, and one-size-fits-all teaching are failing students, and what a smarter redesign could look like. Geoff is the former head of the Australian Council for Educational Research, explains the hidd
Here's a surprisingly effective, easy-to-do longevity and mental health practice the won't cost a cent: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Emotions and Waves With Carly Taylor
Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness, which is the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take meaningful action under pressure. Her work integrates modern psychology with Eastern and Stoic approaches, helping people build resilience, live with purpose, and respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity, courage and steadiness.See o
How to Play the Role Life Gives You - Stoic Wisdom for Chaos with William C Spears
Stoicism is not soft self-help - it's the philosophy that helped prisoners survive torture, submariners survive confinement, and warriors keep their heads when everything else is falling apart. William C. Spears shows why this ancient mindset still matters on the ocean floor, on the battlefield, and in your everyday life. I chat with William C. Spears, an active-duty US Navy submarine officer and
Your water bottle is influencing your response to stress: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Choose Growth Over Discomfort With Carly Taylor
Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness, which is the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take meaningful action under pressure. Her work integrates modern psychology with Eastern and Stoic approaches, helping people build resilience, live with purpose, and respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity, courage and steadiness.See o
The Science of Aging, Nutrition, and Hormonal Optimisation with Dr. Michael Aziz
What if the key to living longer and feeling revitalised isn’t about cutting carbs or fats, but about comprehensively understanding and balancing your hormones, nutrients, and lifestyle? In this episode, I speak with anti-aging expert Dr. Michael Aziz as we challenge mainstream nutrition myths, revealing how saturated fats, seed oils, and stress influence the aging process and how you can tu
It's not just the amount of sleep that matters - timing is also key: Wisdom wednesdays
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The Job of Resting With Carly Taylor
This week's Mojo Monday looks at rest, and why so many of us have forgotten how to actually do it. Drawing on the concept of Yojo from Morita Therapy, Carly explores the idea that rest isn't something you earn after burnout, it's part of the treatment itself. We unpack why scrolling isn't rest even though it's where most of our downtime goes, what real rest actually looks like in a busy week and w
Christian O'Connell: Embracing Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Reinvention in Midlife
Most people are living a performance, not their true selves until they realise that authenticity and vulnerability are the secret weapons to deeper connection and success. Christian O'Connell, a seasoned radio host and author, shares candid stories of midlife awakenings, panic attacks, and the surprising joy of owning your messiness. His journey from top UK radio star to authentic Australian broad
There's a new kid on the block when it comes to longevity: Wisdom Wednesday
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Self-focussed Friends: What's Actually Within Your Control With Carly Taylor
In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in labeling others as narcissists, but most of us are not qualified to diagnose. On today's Mojo Monday, Carly explores a more common phenomenon: friendships that are one-sided, where the other person consistently focuses on themselves and struggles to genuinely take an interest in yours. Carly delves into Stoic philosophy, drawing from the teachings of
The Hidden Power of Rhythms: How Small Daily Habits Can Transform Your Performance with Jess Spendlove
Unlock the secrets of elite performance and sustainable well-being in this deep dive with Jess Spendlove, a renowned high-performance coach with a remarkable background in sports nutrition, elite sport, and military consulting. Jess reveals how top athletes and leaders optimise energy without sacrificing their health, sharing proven frameworks you can implement today. If you're driven, ambitious,
The biggest thing that is shrinking your brain, and how to combat it: Wisdom Wednesdays
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A Japanese Concept to Calm Our Minds With Carly Taylor
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Why your values are like fingerprints: The key to unlocking true purpose with the LegendaryDr John Demartini
Most of us are living on autopilot, distracted by social media, superficial pursuits, and fleeting pleasures, all while our true purpose and core values remain buried beneath the noise. What if uncovering your deepest values could be the key to transforming your life, boosting your energy, and aligning your daily actions with your authentic self? In this week's episode I chat with Dr. John Demarti
What type and amount of exercise (if any) should I do if I'm stressed - science has the answer: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Phone Anxiety, Oxytocin and the Choice To Take The Call
Have you ever watched your phone ring, seen exactly who it is, and just let it go to voicemail? Not because you're busy, but because you didn't feel like talking? You're not alone, and there's a reason it's become so easy to avoid. This week Carly looks at why so many of us, young people especially, now reach for a text over a call, and what that shift might be costing us. It turns out hearing a f
The magic of sleep for your brain - and ways to improve it, with Dr Jemma King
In this fascinating episode, discover the science behind sleep’s alchemy: how your brain’s lymphatic system flushes out metabolic waste, and why missing just two hours of deep sleep can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 50%. We break down the impact of caffeine, alcohol, and sleep medications on healing cycles, revealing why many sleep aids are more harmful than helpful.
12 Thinking Traps that are sabotaging you
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Preparing for Life's Uncertainties With Carly Taylor
You can't stop life surprising you, but you can train for it. This week: hardiness, hard winter training, and one small language shift you can use today. This week on Mojo Monday Carly is looking at something we all live with and rarely prepare for, which is the fact that life is uncertain. We're wired to crave certainty, and when life does the one thing it always does and surprises us, we can cru
The Surprising Connection Between Effort, Inconvenience, and Long-Term Happiness
Most of us chase fleeting moments of happiness only to realise they often come from quick dopamine hits rather than genuine well-being. But what if happiness isn't about constant joy or material success? What if it’s a nuanced, layered emotional umbrella that includes contentment, gratitude, curiosity, and purpose, all rooted in effort and connection? In this episode, famed happiness researc
Effective ways to prevent and treat depression: Wisdom Wednesdays
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The Sweet Spot Of Your Strengths With Carly Taylor
This week Carly explores a more useful way to look at yourself, one that drops the language of strengths and weaknesses altogether. Drawing on the VIA Character Strengths and Ryan Niemiec's work on the golden mean, she looks at how every strength can be overused, underused, or used just right, and why the goal is never simply more of a good thing but the right amount in the right moment. If
The Hidden Impact of Stress and Environmental Toxins on Your Hormones and Aging
In this episode, Dr. Mike Fortunato shares how hormonal dysfunction fuels everything from low energy and poor mood to physical decline and disease, revealing the hidden forces behind the modern health crisis. You’ll discover how chronic stress, toxic chemicals, and ultra-processed foods are silently hijacking your hormones, driving declines in testosterone, estrogen, thyroid function, and mo
New research indicates the optimal combination of strength and cardiovascular training for optimal longevity: Wisdom Wednesdays
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The Discipline Myth With Carly Taylor
We treat discipline and willpower like a magic potion we have to find before we're allowed to start and then we either spend our time reading and listening about the thing we're still not doing, or give up because we're sure we don't have it. But the people we call disciplined don't feel like it either; they've just learned to carry the discomfort and act on what matters anyway. This week, why the
The Surprising Role of Carbon Sixty in Reversing Aging and Boosting Mitochondria wit Ken Swartz
In this episode I chat with Ken Swartz, a former radiation scientist turned wellness innovator, who shares insights about C60's unique ability to mimic natural antioxidants like superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes your body produces less of as you age. Learn how C60 neutralises damaging radicals before they cause harm, helping to prevent chronic diseases, support cellular repair, and reverse
Part 2 of all you need to know about omega 3 fatty acids: Wisdom Wednesdays
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How to Manage Low Self esteem With Carly Taylor
This week's Mojo Monday is a thought-provoking exploration of self-esteem and how we can start living our best lives, even when we don't feel confident or worthy. Join Carly as she shares her insights and experiences, and discover a new way of thinking about self-esteem and living a life that reflects our true worth. Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardine
Redefining Education and Building Character Through Chess and Challenges with Kevin Cripe
In today’s episode I chat with Kevin Cripe, focusing on the transformative power of education and the challenges within the system. Kevin, a passionate educator with 27 years of experience, shares insights from his career, including the creation of a chess program for underprivileged children and his experiences with changing educational dynamics. The discussion delves into the impact of inc
All you need to know about omega 3 fatty acids, Part 1: Wisdom wednesdays
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The View From Above: A Stoic Exercise for Perspective and Calm
In this week’s Mojo Monday, Carly explores the Stoic exercise known as The View from Above, a powerful practice for creating perspective when we feel caught in stress, worry or emotional overwhelm. Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness — the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take action under pressure. Her work integrates mod
How Embracing the Messy Middle Can Transform Your Life with Andrew Horsfield
Most of us are living well below our potential and often don’t even realise it. What if the secret to unlocking your best life isn’t some grand change, but small, strategic shifts that anyone can make? Andrew Horsfield, a seasoned expert in psychology, leadership, and human performance, reveals that the key lies in understanding how to navigate the “messy middle” of life, t
Why the 'reduce your salt intake' message is way too simple: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Value Your Time With Carly Taylor
This week's Mojo Monday episode is a poignant reminder that life is short, and the way we spend our time is crucial. Carly shares a heartwarming story about a lunch date with their dad, who's 88 years young, and the wisdom he imparted to their 20-year-old daughter. This conversation sparks a reflection on how we often get caught up in the daily grind and forget to cherish the present moment. As we
Embracing the Experiment Mindset for Personal Growth
Are you stuck in a cycle of overthinking and information overload, unsure how to move forward? In this episode, I chat with Tamsin Simmons as she shares her journey from healthcare management to becoming a leadership coach and author, emphasising the power of the experiment mindset to create meaningful change. Discover how testing small, process-focused experiments can lead you toward your true go
The health metric that is most predictive of future disability risk - and it's not what you think.
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If I Know What To Do .... Why Don't I do It? With Carly Taylor
Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness — the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take action under pressure. Her work integrates modern psychology with Eastern and Stoic approaches focusing on helping people live meaningful lives without needing to control their thoughts or emotions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Understanding Your True Identity with Dr Jeremy Thompson
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jeremy Thompson as we delve into the complexities of identity and mental health. We explore how early life experiences shape our self-perception and the importance of understanding one's true self. Jeremy shares insights from his extensive experience in family medicine and psychological medicine, emphasising the need to separate negative self-perceptions from one's
How Marcus Aurelius Managed His Mind And What We Can Learn From It by Carly Taylor
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor living nearly 2,000 years ago, yet his private journal reads remarkably like modern psychological coaching. In this episode, Carly explores a powerful passage from Meditations and unpack what Stoicism, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Morita Therapy can teach us about managing difficult thoughts and emotions. If you’ve ever felt hijacked by ove
Unlocking Brain Chemistry: The Power of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin & Endorphins
In this episode with TJ Power, the discussion delves into the impact of modern lifestyle on mental health, focusing on conditions like mild anxiety and depression. TJ Power, a neuroscientist, shares insights from his book "The Dose Effect," which explores how dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins can be optimised to improve well-being. The conversation covers TJ's personal journey with dop
An eggcellent dietary habit to keep your brain healthy and help prevent Alzheimer's Disease
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The Words You're Living By With Carly Taylor
This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores the power of language in shaping our experiences. She delves into the concept of relational frame theory, which suggests that our minds create connections and meaning through language, influencing how we feel about our lives. Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness — the ability to navigate challenge,
Choose your hard: Science-backed strategies to thrive in a difficult world, with Emeritus Professor Grant Schofield
If you think ease and comfort are the keys to happiness, think again. This episode explores how deliberately embracing life's challenges—through movement, fasting, cold exposure, and mental resilience—can transform your health, happiness, and purpose. Grant Schofield, an esteemed researcher and author, reveals that life's true reward lies in choosing the hard path, strong in the knowle
Magnesium - the critical roles it plays in your body and how to ensure you're getting enough:Wisdom Wednesdays
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People Who Get Under Your Skin and What To Do About It With Carly Taylor
Carly is a counsellor and coach who specialises in building psychological hardiness — the ability to navigate challenge, stay engaged, and take action under pressure. Her work integrates modern psychology with Eastern and Stoic approaches focusing on helping people live meaningful lives without needing to control their thoughts or emotions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Physio to Formula One: Kim Keedle’s Elite Performance Journey
In this episode of the Hardiness Podcast, Kim Keedle shares his fascinating journey from a physiotherapist in Melbourne to a performance coach in the high-octane world of Formula One. Kim discusses his passion for working with athletes, which led him to pursue a master's in strength and conditioning. His career took him to the UK, where he worked with Olympic athletes at the University of Leeds, a
Is it true that men and women respond differently to cold water immersion? Wisdom Wednesdays.
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Is Helping Others Burning You Out?
You’re the one people rely on. You show up. You help. You say yes. But at what cost? In this Mojo Monday episode, Carly explores what can happen when being the “helper” starts to take a toll and why always saying yes isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Because every yes has a cost… even if you can’t see it straight away. If you’ve ever felt stretched, d
How a Veteran Turned Life's Challenges into Triumphs: Aaron Hale's Journey of Resilience
Most people give up at the first sign of pain. Aaron Hale’s story is a different kind of race—one where he’s faced unimaginable trauma and keeps running anyway. A combat veteran turned inspiring endurance athlete, he’s become the first blind and deaf person to complete an ultra-marathon—the infamous Badwater 135—and climbed mountains no one thought possible afte
Vaping is the new smoking - in more ways than one! Wisdom Wednesdays
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Stuck On the Roundabout: Why Overthinking Keeps You Stuck and How to Get Moving Again
You know that feeling when your mind just won’t let something go? You go over it…you talk about it…you try to figure it out… But instead of getting clarity, you just feel more stuck. In this episode, Carly explores the concept of toraware from Japanese psychology — a state where your mind becomes caught in a loop of overthinking — and how this can quietly nar
How Data-Driven Healthcare Could Revolutionise Mental Health and Neurodegeneration with Nawal Roy
Most healthcare systems have underestimated the power of data—until now. Naval Roy reveals how he's building the world's largest, most sophisticated mental health and neurodegeneration database to revolutionise diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In this episode, discover how decades of hidden healthcare data can be transformed into a cutting-edge infrastructure that accelerat
Want to protect and improve your brain? Make this a habit. Wisdom Wednesdays
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Why You Keep Doing Things You Regret (And How to Stop) With Carly Taylor
Why do we do things we know we’ll regret? Why is it so hard to pause in the moment… and choose differently? From snapping at someone you care about, to habits you keep falling back into, these split-second decisions can quietly shape the direction of your life. In this episode, Carly unpacks what’s really happening in those moments when the impulse feels stronger than you&hellip
The Thrive Framework: 8 Pillars of a Flourishing Life, with Dr Pam King
This was a really cool and practical conversation with Dr Pam King, who is a Professor of Applied Development Science and Director of the Thrive Centre. Most of us are chasing happiness, meaning, and purpose, yet many feel lost in a sea of conflicting advice—what if the key is rooted in ancient wisdom wrapped in modern science? In this episode, Dr. Pam King and I explore the profound connect
A simple dietary tweak to improve blood flow to the brain: Wisdom Wednesdays
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The Most Reliable Way to Build Confidence With Carly Taylor
Most of us build confidence on outcomes, which means it rises when things go well and drops when they don’t. In this episode, Carly explores a Stoic practice known as the reserve clause, the idea of committing fully to your actions while accepting that the result is not entirely in your control. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, she explains how shifting your focus from outcomes to effort, intent
Wearables integrated with AI to improve Health and Performance, with Thoryn Stephens
In this episode, I chat with Thoryn Stephens, a data visionary and keynote speaker, about the intersection of human behaviour, biology, and artificial intelligence. Thoryn shares his journey from studying biotechnology and molecular biology to optimising human performance through data science. The discussion delves into the importance of wearable technology in measuring and enhancing personal heal
The science is clear about how much protein you really need: Wisdom Wednesdays
Here are the links to the research papers mentioned in the podcast: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187864/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698222/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26817506/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prepare For The Bad Stuff With Carly Taylor
We’ve all had moments where we reacted in ways we later regret. In this episode, Carly explores a simple Stoic idea: you don’t rise to the moment, you fall to the level of your training. Drawing on Seneca’s quote, “If you would not have a man flinch when the crisis comes, train him before it comes,” this episode is about preparing for life’s challenges so you ca
Unlocking the Brain: The Future of Neurotherapy with Lara Schulz
Most of us are missing the true signs of brain health—and it's a costly mistake. In this episode I have a fascinating discussion with neurotherapy pioneer Lara Schulz expose the hidden truth: how advanced brain assessments like EEG and ERP are revolutionising diagnosis and treatment, revealing biological signatures that conventional psychiatry ignores. If you've ever wondered why menta
How what you eat today influences your sleep tonight: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Maybe. Just Maybe With Carly Taylor
In this episode, Carly shares the story of the Chinese farmer, made popular by Alan Watts, to explore how quickly we label life’s events as “good” or “bad.” When something happens, we often jump to conclusions and attach meaning straight away, reacting as if we already know how it will turn out. But the reality is, we rarely have the full picture. This episode is a re
The science of Heart-Rate Variability and how to manipulate it naturally to reduce stress and boost performance, with Dr Deborah Rozman
In this episode, I chat with Deborah Rozman and we discuss the fascinating topic of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart coherence. Deborah shares her journey from a young age, driven by a desire to serve and understand human attitudes, leading her to become a behavioural psychologist. She explains how her work with HeartMath Institute focuses on the connection between the heart and brain, empha
How much coffe and tea should I drink to protect my brain? Science has the answers: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Mojo Mondays: Why You Need to Focus on Being Useful
A repeat episode from a couple of years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of Play
In this conversation, I speak with Dara Simkin, and Tane Hunter to explore the complexities of burnout, the impact of modern work conditions, and the importance of play and curiosity in fostering mental health. They discuss the concept of achievement syndrome, the role of information diet in shaping our perspectives, and practical strategies for improvement. The discussion emphasises the need for
Do you really need to watch your salt intake? The science is much more nuanced than Doctors think - Wisdom Wednesdays
This week I discuss a fascinating research paper that changes how we think about salt and blood pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When We Overthink What We Say With Carly Taylor
This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores something many of us experience: replaying conversations in our minds and wondering if we said the right thing. Why do social interactions sometimes leave us doubting ourselves? Carly reflects on the quiet pressure we often place on ourselves to be interesting, articulate, or insightful in conversations, and how that pressure can fuel our inner critic. Draw
Navigating Mental Health Challenges with Graeme Cowan
In this conversation, Graeme Cowan shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and discusses the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. He highlights the impact of stress and burnout, the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety, and practical strategies for self-care and mindset shifts. Graeme emphasises the interconnectedness of mental and physical health
How to dramatically improve the metabolic health and performance of your skeletal muscle: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Stop Letting Comparison Steal Your Confidence With Carly Taylor
Do you ever shrink yourself because someone else seems further ahead, more confident, fitter, happier, or more successful? In this episode of Mojo Monday, Carly explores the psychology behind comparison and the idea of an inferiority complex through the lens of Hardiness. Rather than trying to stop comparing, she explains why it’s a normal human response and how the real power lies in how we
Discovering Your Ikigai with the Japanese Rock-star Neuroscientist, Ken Mogi
This is a repeat episode with the rock star, neuroscientist Ken Mogi as I felt it was so good, I’m playing it again! We discuss the concept of Ikigai, which translates to 'a reason to live.' Ken explains how Ikigai encompasses more than just work, emphasising the importance of starting small, releasing oneself to achieve flow, and finding joy in little things. Ken outlines the five pillars o
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