Agents of Everything with James Tripp

🎙️Episode 34: Is Everything Agential!? (Intelligence, coherence, and the living world through the ideas of Michael Levin) 🎧Hey there, this is James Tripp — and welcome (back) to Agents of Everything. This is episode 34 - a bit of a reboot, really. It’s October 2025 as I record this, and I haven’t released as many episodes this year as I’d have liked. So this one’s both a reorientation and a deep dive - a return to why I began this project in the first place…AoE Sponsors…* Learning Hypnotic Phenomena work* Join the AoE Nexus* Learn Changework* Book me for coaching or changework* Get My book (Hypnosis Without Trance: How Hypnosis Really Works)Remembering the “Why”Simon Sinek’s famous idea — Start With Why — feels particularly relevant here. When we first begin something, there’s a reason, a pulse, a purpose that fuels it. But over time, as we find what works, the process takes over and the why drifts into the background.That’s what happened to Agents of Everything for me. It started as a free-form space to explore ideas beyond my hypnosis and change-work content — a space for curiosity, philosophy, systems thinking, and the art of living creatively and intelligently in a complex world.I began this because I wanted to explore:* How we adapt to an ever-changing world.* How we engage creatively and intelligently with that world.* How we bring about better outcomes — for ourselves and for others.That curiosity led me from martial arts and Qigong, through NLP and hypnosis, into complexity science, Daoism, and philosophy. All of it points toward the same question:How can we live artfully and intelligently within an uncontrollable and largely unpredictable, living, dynamic reality?Adaptive vs. AdaptedBefore we dive into the main topic, here’s a quick distinction that’s been travelling with me for a long time:* Adapted means fitted to an environment — optimized for what is.* Adaptive means capable of transforming when the environment changes.We need both. Being adapted gives us stability; being adaptive keeps us alive in motion. When we lose adaptiveness — whether as individuals, institutions, or societies — we lose our capacity to grow.That balance between adaptation and adaptability is part of what I mean by agency. It’s also part of what Agents of Everything explores.Enter the Word “Agential”The theme of this episode is a single word: agential.I came across it through the work of Michael Levin, a biologist doing extraordinary research on intelligence in living systems. Levin explores how intelligence shows up in biological materials — not just in brains, but in tissues, cells, and even sub-cellular systems.He uses the term agential materials to describe biological matter that demonstrates goal-directed, adaptive behavior. In other words — materials that act as if they have intelligence.Intelligence All the Way DownLevin’s research shows that intelligence isn’t confined to the human brain. It’s distributed throughout life — all the way down.He’s famous for creating xenobots (made from frog cells) and anthrobots (made from human cells) — tiny living entities that, remarkably, repair damaged tissue and even build replicas of themselves. What’s astonishing is that their DNA contains no explicit instructions for doing this. The organizing intelligence seems to arise through bioelectrical fields — the invisible patterns of communication and coherence between cells.This echoes what Rupert Sheldrake called morphic fields, or organizing patterns that shape form and function. It also resonates with Plato’s “realm of forms,” and with countless metaphysical traditions that see consciousness or intelligence as fundamental, not emergent.Levin’s conclusion?All matter is potentially agential.That means everything — from a cell to a person to a planet — possesses some degree of agency, intelligence, and purposefulness.The Nature of CoherenceIf everything is agential, then intelligence isn’t just about thinking — it’s about cohering.Each cell in your body is an intelligent agent, but they’re not all doing their own thing. They cohere into a larger intelligence: you. When coherence breaks down — as in cancer — the cells start operating as independent entities, no longer participating in the collective intelligence of the organism.Levin’s approach to cancer research is fascinating: instead of destroying “bad” cells, he explores ways of restoring coherence — reestablishing communication so that cells reintegrate into the whole.That idea applies just as beautifully to the psyche as to the body.Psychological CoherenceIn changework, when people struggle, it’s often because inner parts are out of sync. There’s a loss of internal coherence — a kind of inner “civil war.” The solution isn’t to cut out the “bad parts,” but to help the system rediscover harmony.When the parts realign, creativity and agency return. The same is true for societies. When coherence is lost — when individuals and groups stop relating, stop resonating — fragmentation follows.Coherence and the CollectiveA healthy society, like a healthy body, requires both individuality and coherence — both freedom and connection. It’s a yin–yang dance. Too much collective pressure, and individuality dies. Too much individualism, and coherence collapses.This is where I think our modern world is struggling. The internet — for all its potential — has become a coherence-destroying machine. Social media algorithms thrive on outrage, dogma, and ideological rigidity. They reward fragmentation, not nuance.True coherence doesn’t mean conformity or uniformity. It means resonance through relationship — the ability to stay in creative contact even when we differ.That’s something our left-hemisphere-dominated culture struggles with. The left brain craves certainty and categorization; it wants this or that. The right hemisphere, by contrast, can hold paradox, relationship, and pattern. It’s better suited to coherence.Ian McGilchrist’s work explores this beautifully — the left hemisphere as the manager, the right as the master, and how the manager has usurped the master’s role in modern culture.Animism RevisitedThis brings me to something more ancient.I’ve long thought that the most fundamental form of human consciousness is animistic — the sense that everything is alive. Early humans saw intelligence everywhere: in rivers, rocks, winds, trees. The world was not a mechanism but a living conversation.Modern materialism flattened that out. We began to see the world as dead matter, and ourselves as separate from it. The cost has been immense — ecological, spiritual, psychological.So when Michael Levin says “everything is agential,” he’s not only advancing biology — he’s, in a way, reviving animism. He’s re-enchanting the world with intelligence.And that changes how we live in it. If everything is intelligent, then everything is also in relationship. We are participants in a vast, dynamic, living web.Dancing with the Living WorldTo live agentially means to live as part of that dance.It means:* Recognizing intelligence everywhere.* Seeking coherence without losing individuality.* Acting adaptively within change.* Engaging creatively, not mechanically, with reality.Life moves. It moves towards. And we move with it — each of us a node in the intelligence of the whole.The question isn’t whether everything is agential. It’s how we participate in that agential dance — how we bring more coherence, creativity, and responsiveness into the world around us.If this exploration resonated with you, you can subscribe to Agents of Everything on Substack — it’s free, and it helps keep the fire going. You can also leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen.Thanks for tuning in — and for being part of this ongoing conversation with the living world.— James TrippAgents of Everything, Episode 34: “Is Everything Agential?”🔍 Timestamps:00:00:01Opening & IntroductionJames Tripp welcomes listeners, introduces the episode as a “reboot,” and sets up the central question: “Is everything agential?”00:01:44Purpose & Philosophy of the PodcastJames references Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” then reconnects with the overarching purpose of “Agents of Everything”: exploring human adaptability, agency, and understanding beyond just change work or hypnosis.00:02:39Personal Journey and Neuro LinguisticsJames shares how his personal exploration into martial arts, change work, and neuro linguistics influenced his interest in the patterns of human adaptation and agency.00:04:10Adapted vs. Adaptive DistinctionJames explains the difference between “being adapted” and “being adaptive” within constantly shifting environments, highlighting the yin-yang balance between stability and change.00:05:47Exploration, Understanding, and AgencyHe discusses the dual purpose of the podcast: directional agency and open-ended exploration, emphasizing the importance of understanding as the foundation for effective action.00:08:58Podcast Format ShiftJames describes his intention to return to shorter, more focused episodes and how the format evolved over time. He sets expectations for the episode’s length moving forward.00:09:39Defining “Agental”He introduces the word “agental,” explains its origin (inspired by biologist Michael Levin), and sets up a deeper investigation of what it means for something to be agential.00:12:04Mike Levin, Experimental Biology, and Agential MaterialsJames recounts Mike Levin’s groundbreaking biological experiments with xenobots and anthrobots, discussing the implication of agency at various biological scales.00:15:15The Limits of DNA and FormExploration of how organism form and behavior are not strictly determined by DNA, referencing both Mike Levin and Rupert Sheldrake’s ideas on bioelectrical and morphic fields.00:18:01A Deeper Definition: What is Agental?James reads a practical definition of “agental” and links it back to Mike Levin’s idea that all biological materials are agential/intelligent—not merely mechanical.00:1

🎙️Episode 33: Identity, Insight & the Art of Letting Go with Jamie Smart 🎧Welcome to episode 33 of Agents of Everything!In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Jamie Smart—someone I’ve known now for over 15 years and whose work has profoundly evolved since the days when he was a leading figure in the UK NLP scene. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from the nature of identity and the courage it takes to live authentically, to the deeper intelligence behind creation and change.Jamie shares the story of walking away from a successful NLP business to follow a new direction rooted in a deeper understanding of how experience is created. We talk about the push-pull between structure and intuition, and what it means to show up in the world as who you really are—even when that feels risky or counterintuitive.This episode is a blend of personal story, deep insight, and practical wisdom. If you're interested in creating real change—whether in your own life, in your work, or in the world—there’s a lot here to chew on.In this conversation, we explore:* What it really means to follow your passion and inner compass* The spiritual dimension of identity and creativity* “Circumambulating the self” and coming into alignment* Letting go of what once worked to make space for what wants to emerge* The role of fear and the necessity of courage* The connection between Milton Erickson, the Three Principles, and insight-based transformation* Why harmonizing with life might be more powerful than trying to control itWe also touch on influences like Carl Jung, Steve Jobs, Joseph Jaworski, and Vadim Zeland, and share our thoughts on how to create and contribute from a place that’s genuinely alive.Get more on Jamie right here!AoE Sponsors…* Learning Hypnotic Phenomena work* Join the AoE Nexus* Learn Changework* Book me for coaching or changework* Get My book (Hypnosis Without Trance: How Hypnosis Really Works)🔍 Episode Contents (In Deeper):1. Origins and Early Influences* Jamie reflects on meeting James at an NLP practice group in Letchworth (circa 2008–2009).* Jamie was a prominent NLP trainer at the time; James recalls Jamie advising him to invest equally in business and NLP skills—advice Jamie now questions.* Discussion of Jamie’s major pivot from NLP to a new direction focused on the principles of mind, thought, and consciousness, marked by his 2010 event The Secret’s So Great, Where’s My Ferrari?2. Passion, Authenticity, and the Fallacy of “How-To” Models* Jamie speaks about valuing passion, intuition, and individuality over prescriptive "how-to" formulas.* Emphasis on discovering one’s own unique way of expressing and delivering value to the world.* James shares his own oscillation between non-linear, intuitive engagement and more strategic, tactical approaches.3. The Concept of the Self* Exploration of Jung’s idea of the “circumambulation of the self”—the ego circling an ineffable core self.* Jamie expands on “who you really are” as consciousness itself, beyond ego or personality, and refers to the concept of the noetic sense.* Reference to developmental psychology and the Rouge Test to illustrate how identity is constructed and how we become identified with an external image.4. Spirituality and Practical Life* James shares a journey from atheism to a more grounded sense of spirituality, defined as the feeling of being part of something greater.* Jamie distinguishes between ego-driven striving and aligned creation driven by deeper being.* Discussion of Steve Jobs’ quote about following your heart and intuition as a guide to personal evolution.5. State of Mind and Productivity* Jamie cites a Harvard Business Review study showing a strong correlation between leaders’ state of mind and their productivity.* Suggests spiritual insight (not necessarily framed as such) leads to greater calm, clarity, and effectiveness in action.6. Creating from a Deeper Place* James describes his past creative process with music as an example of intuitive, unfolding creation.* Jamie shares how his team co-created a powerful, aligned vision by letting go of individual ego and allowing deeper intelligence to emerge.* The idea that true impact comes from aligning ego and personality with the deeper self.7. Courage and Letting Go* Acknowledgment that following one’s heart and showing up authentically often requires courage because it involves facing fear and letting go of old strategies that once worked.* Reference to Taoist wisdom: “To profit, invest in loss”—highlighting the need to release the known to discover something greater.8. NLP, Erickson, and the Three Principles* Discussion of how Ericksonian hypnosis and the Three Principles point to similar truths about identity, change, and innate well-being.* Jamie shares a metaphor of “jumping off the raft” to describe transformational work—helping clients step beyond their current map of reality.* Shared appreciation for Milton Erickson’s ability to meet clients at the level of their identity, embodying deep acceptance and presence.9. The Creative Dance with Reality* Both guests agree that transformation and creation require attunement, listening, and allowing rather than control.* Reference to Vadim Zeland’s idea of the “soul’s frail”—a unique energetic signature or destiny—and Joseph Jaworski’s Source as a map for co-creative leadership.Closing Thoughts* Jamie underlines the value of understanding both how experience is created and who we really are as game-changing realizations.* He shares where listeners can find his work, including his books, podcasts (Get Clarity and Thriving Coaches), and website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 32: Creativity, Filmmaking & Agency with Ruckus Skye 🎧Welcome to Episode 32 of Agents of Everything! I’m James Tripp, and in this episode, I sit down for an expansive and deeply engaging conversation with my guest, Ruckus Skye.Ruckus is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and storyteller who, along with his partner, Lane Skye, creates compelling films that bring unique visions to life. He’s also my partner in the Client Shifts project—something that may interest you if you’re keen on sharpening your changework skills (you’ll find more about that in the show notes).But this conversation isn’t about Client Shifts—it’s about creativity, filmmaking, storytelling, and the nature of agency. We explore what it means to create something from nothing, how engaging in meaningful work shapes our well-being, and the unpredictable nature of success in any creative pursuit.NOTE: To get details on Client Shifts Academy, go here!We also dive into the parallels between filmmaking, personal development, and changework, discussing the role of randomness, resistance, and adaptation in both art and life. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a writer, a changework practitioner, or simply someone interested in bringing new things into the world, there’s something in this episode for you.If you enjoy this conversation, please take a moment to rate, review, and share this episode with anyone who might find it valuable. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to Agents of Everything on Substack—it’s free, and it helps support the ongoing creation of these podcasts.Without further ado, let’s dive into this conversation with Ruckus Skye.🔍 Episode Contents:* Introduction to the Guest* James Tripp introduces Ruckus Skye, a screenwriter and filmmaker.* Discussion of their collaboration on the Client Shifts project.* Creativity & The Creative Process* Exploring the meaning of creativity and the importance of bringing new things into the world.* The role of inspiration, originality, and reinterpreting existing ideas.* Filmmaking & Screenwriting* Ruckus Skye’s journey into filmmaking, from music videos to professional screenwriting.* The process of writing and making films with his partner, Lane Skye.* The importance of editing in storytelling and filmmaking.* The collaborative nature of film production and working with actors, cinematographers, and editors.* Agency & Personal Growth* The concept of agency and how it relates to personal transformation and goal achievement.* Learning and adapting as key factors in success.* The importance of having meaningful projects to work on.* Challenges & Mindset in Creative Fields* The difficulties of filmmaking, including funding, production challenges, and the randomness of success.* Managing self-doubt, resistance, and maintaining motivation throughout creative projects.* Navigating the entertainment industry and the unpredictability of what gets made.* Parallels Between Filmmaking and Changework* Ruckus' background in hypnosis and changework.* How understanding human behavior helps in storytelling and communication.* The importance of adaptation, both in creative and personal development contexts.* Learning from Different Disciplines* Drawing lessons from filmmaking, music, martial arts, and personal transformation.* The value of understanding processes rather than rigidly following formulas.* Final Thoughts on Creativity & Life* The role of randomness and luck in success.* The importance of staying engaged in the creative process.* Aligning with one’s personal “heart” or true creative calling. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 31: Memory, Hypnosis, Perception and Pain Management with Elad Einav! 🎧Welcome to episode 31 of Agents of Everything, where we swim through the currents of the intersections between psychology, perception, and human potential. I'm your host, James Tripp, and today we’re exploring some truly compelling topics, ranging from the mysteries of memory and hypnosis to the nature of pain and the role of motivation in shaping our reality.In this episode, I sit down with friend and physiotherapist, Elad Einav, for a thought-provoking conversation that connects science, magic, and the human experience. We explore Derren Brown’s mind-bending performances, the art of suggestion, and the intriguing question: how malleable is our perception of reality?But this isn’t just about showmanship and stage tricks. Elad brings his expertise in rehabilitation and pain management to the table, sharing how he uses communication, psychology, and even a touch of magic to help his patients reframe their experiences and regain function.We also dig into the deeper, more philosophical side of change work—how we engage with the unknown, the role of spirituality, and the profound impact of motivation on healing and growth. Whether you’re a fan of hypnosis, curious about the mechanics of the mind, or just looking for fresh perspectives on how we shape our reality, this episode has something for you.So, grab a cup of something good, get comfortable, and join us for a deep dive into the world of perception, influence, and the incredible power of the human mind.Let’s get started!P.S. You can get details on the mentioned Head, Heart & Gut Training right here!🔍 Episode Contents:* Reconnecting and Reflection on Time:* Personal reconnection between the participants after a long time.* Discussion of how the pandemic altered perceptions of time.* Memory, Hypnosis, and Perception:* Exploration of memory manipulation and hypnosis.* Discussion of Derren Brown's stage performances, including memory and perception illusions.* The mechanics of amnesia and whether it is achievable through hypnosis or suggestion.* The Science and Psychology of Pain:* Pain as a psychological and physiological phenomenon.* Relationship between uncertainty, pain, and the brain's preference for predictability.* Chronic pain and the role of perception in its experience and persistence.* Motivation and Behavioral Change:* Importance of motivation in rehabilitation and behavior change.* Techniques for engaging patients in finding meaningful goals for recovery.* Motivational frameworks for addressing physical and emotional challenges.* Shamanism, Showmanship, and Hypnosis:* The connection between shamanism, showmanship, and creating experiences.* The role of showmanship in hypnosis and stage performance.* The balance between spiritual connection and practical application in hypnosis.* Personal Experiences with Hypnosis and Perception:* Personal stories about hypnotic experiences and the limits of belief.* How analytical thinking and skepticism can coexist with a willingness to explore experiential phenomena.* Teaching and Learning Hypnosis:* The value of applying hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to real-life contexts.* Sharing and evolving practices through community learning and teaching.* Philosophical and Spiritual Themes:* The role of curiosity and openness in embracing uncertainty.* Reflections on spirituality, Taoism, and deeper connections to the unknown.* Exploring the balance between analytical and mystical perspectives.* Pain Management Techniques:* Use of conversational hypnosis and visualization in reducing pain.* Examples of using illusions and re-education to reframe pain experiences.* Integration of Ericksonian methods and other therapeutic techniques.* Practical Applications in Physiotherapy:* Bridging the gap between physical rehabilitation and psychological engagement.* How storytelling and metaphors can aid in patient recovery.* The intersection of physiotherapy and motivational coaching.* Gratitude and Mentorship:* The mentee expressing gratitude for learning and inspiration.* Reflections on the value of guidance and knowledge sharing in personal growth.* Global and Personal Challenges:* Observations on the state of the world and its uncertainties.* Navigating challenges in personal and professional contexts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 30: Transcending Ambivalence and Aligning Motivation (New Year 2025) 🎧Welcome to Episode 30 of Agents of Everything. In this New Year's Day 2025 special we dive head first into the natural human struggle with conflicting desires and motivations. Join me as we explore the art and craft of balancing creativity and productivity, and aligning our differing fears and desires. We discuss the nature of human motivation and discover how the concept of "parts" or "agencies"(referencing AI researcher Marvin Minsky) can help us live at the level of ‘higher choice’. Discover how to transcending ambivalence, avoiding dysfunction from dominating ‘parts’, and the begin your journey of aligning your inner motivations with your higher values. Whether you're setting new goals for the year or seeking harmony within your priorities, my hope is this will offer you valuable perspectives to guide you on your path to personal mastery.As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp🔍 AI Timestamps:00:00 Discussing motivation and promoting an audiobook release.07:09 Ambivalence arises from conflicting motivations.12:25 Balancing conflicting desires requires skilled decision-making.18:29 Multiple internal parts collaborate for various functions.22:35 Brains evolved for simplicity, modern life complex.29:21 One focused intent takes precedence in execution.33:46 Cravings persist despite new healthier habits.40:31 Reflect on desires to understand personal motivations.45:37 Procrastination desires peace, but balance is crucial.51:42 Seeking strength through self-hypnosis, not indulgence.54:44 Embrace non-judgmental awareness for self-discovery.01:03:05 Focus attention for increased productivity, avoid distractions.01:06:52 Live event recordings forced productivity despite resistance.01:13:05 Welcome questions, conversation, mastery, deeper understanding. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 29: Shamanics, Hypnotics, Neuroscience & Change with Melissa Tiers 🎧Welcome to episode 29 of Agents of Everything. For this episode I (James Tripp) am joined by integrative hypnotist Melissa Tiers for a revealing conversation through which explore the realms of shamanism, hypnotics, and neuroscience, exploring how these diverse areas intersect with the art of change.(The image of me on the poster is the one we are laughing about at the front end of the podcast!).This is a conversation (as opposed to an interview) so we are both sharing our philosophies on equipping clients with tools for self-improvement, teaching them to manage emotions, and influencing their minds in creative ways. We also reflect on the legacy of Milton Erickson, improvisation in therapy, and the evolving understanding of change creation. The episode unfolds themes of personal growth, the playful side of professional self-identification, and the power of being present in the moment.Beyond hypnosis And changework the conversation ranges from managing dreams through lucid dreaming to the improvisational nature of life, and we hope that the resulting tapestry of ideas challenges conventional frameworks and encourages curiosity.Join us as we explore the intersection of performance, therapy, and the profound impact of staying open to new experiences and methodologies on the path of personal transformation.Also please do give the episode a ❤️ if you appreciate it!Melissa Tiers ‘Fix Your S**t’ Live in London (7th December 2024) 🔍 Episode Contents:00:00 Hypnotist specializing in transformative change work.08:39 Dynamic systems involve perpetuating and transformative patterns.11:14 James thinks multilayeredly; others' dialogues influence perception.20:24 Train well before giving materials for review.22:29 Critique of evidence based’ hypnosis and change work 29:36 Therapies differ superficially, core unchanged universally.35:36 Autobiographical self: Memory-based self-perception stories.40:32 McGilchrist's book profoundly changed James’ consciousness.42:36 Loss of certainty arising from neuroscientific learnings49:53 Books, technology and learning.57:38 Auto-trancework and self-hypnosis.58:41 Experience and knowledge shape self-hypnosis capabilities.01:07:13 NLP techniques training internal competencies through experiences.01:09:25 Teaching self-hypnosis subtly acquires unconscious skills.01:17:53 Trepidation about the mysterious ‘Chapter 13’.01:23:42 Ericksonian language and individuality.01:29:36 Fixing procrastination through intensive breakthrough sessions.01:34:26 Training builds confidence for real-world learning interactions.01:37:28 Transformational work unites practitioners with personal growth.01:44:15 Melissa’s ‘Fix Your Shot’ UK workshop.01:48:08 Recurring obstacle dream resolved by lucid dreaming. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 28: Creativity, Changework and Life with Bill O'Hanlon 🎧In this episode I am in conversation with the magnificent Bill O'Hanlon. Bill is amongst tother things a songwriter, a retired psychotherapist (of some note), author of over 40 books and expert analyst of the work of Milton H. Erickson. Together here we embark on a journey through themes of therapy, hypnosis, music composition, and the profound impact of embracing creativity and uncertainty in both ones professional and personal lives.Our conversation spans various topics, ranging from the philosophical aspects of Ericksonian hypnosis to the importance of flexibility and improvisation in coaching, therapy and changework. Bill also shares his experiences as a professional songwriter……and emphasizes the spiritual and creative aspects of his work, comparing it to poetry and underlining the absence of formulas in his approach to changework. Beyond this we also explore the challenges of writing books and the discipline required to overcome procrastination and perfectionism… and so much more!More about Bill at: https://www.billohanlon.org/🔍 Episode Contents:Topic: Changework: Philosophy and Appraoch- Danger of therapists assuming expertise and knowing what's deeply hidden to the client- Value of humility and uncertainty in therapeutic approaches- Comparison of strategic versus formulaic approaches to therapy- Importance of dialogue and serendipity in therapy/changework- Questioning ‘diagnostic labeling’- Distinction between diagnostic and dialogic approaches- Co-creation and responsiveness in dealing with complex systems- Impact of Milton Erickson's approach to the unconscious mindTopic: Creativity, Motivation and Changework- Bill O'Hanlon's four energies concept - blissed, blessed, pissed, and dissed- Driven to change the world due to dissatisfaction with the status quo- Comparison of change work to poetry and the importance of creative engagement- Importance of personalization and improvisation in therapy- The role of creativity in change work- The role of motivation in change workTopic: Hypnosis- Use of permissive language and passive voice in hypnosis- Emphasis on permissive and non-controlling language in hypnosis- Philosophical and experiential aspects of Ericksonian hypnosis- Impact of immersion in the philosophy of Erickson on overall approach to life- The healing value of permissive, inclusive hypnosis and permission giving- Some thoughts on NLPTopic: Creativity, Books, Music and Songwriting- The creative and spiritual aspect of Bill O'Hanlon's songwriting- Importance of putting creative work out into the world- Overcoming procrastination and perfectionism in creative endeavors- Balance between enjoying the creative process and strategically pursuing opportunities- Challenges of writing books compared to other creative endeavors- Devotion to writing influenced by passion for communication and positive change- The challenging process of writing a book and overcoming procrastinationTopic: Personal Growth and Life Philosophy- The significance of collaboration and co-creation in therapy and creative endeavors- Importance of embracing both yin and yang in life- Finding a balance between extremes in life- Influence of past experiences on making positive changes in the world- Steven Gilligan and embodiment of Ericksonian spirit- Rossi and EricksonTopic: Production of Creative WorkSub-topics:- Bill O'Hanlon's journey of getting his songs recorded and out into the world- Balancing enjoying the creative process with strategic pursuit of opportunities- Importance of overcoming procrastination and perfectionism in creative work- Discipline and motivation to write and create music- Overcoming perfectionism and procrastination in writing and creative work- Impact of contracts with deadlines and payments on motivation to writeAs always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 27: History, Progress and Personal Change with Dr. Paul J Leslie 🎧In this episode of Agents of Everything, renowned psychotherapist, author, and educator Dr. Paul J Leslie joins me for an insightful conversation on history, progress, and personal change. As we explore the impact of the internet on parenting, the importance of achieving balance in handling technology and media consumption, and the need for general semantics education and critical thinking you may find yourself gaining valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the modern world! Beyond the above, we also dive into the art of changework, the significance of authenticity and being true to oneself as a facilitator of the process, and the evolving landscape of psychology and personal development. With a focus on fostering open-hearted and present interactions and embracing growth and learning, we invite you - as you listen and beyond - to see possibilities, take action, and move toward positive outcomes.🔍 Episode Contents:00:00 Introduction07:00 Interest in people led to history and psychology.14:15 Finding peace in life's cyclical nature and passing on the baton.17:25 Human and personal history are cyclical cycles and Korzybski’s ‘time binding’21:24 Finding balance and positivity in life.28:24 Teach general semantics, embrace diversity, and critical thinking.32:14 Internet shapes rich, complex world with biases.36:40 The psychotherapy marketplace pushes certain approaches (evidence base vs creativity).41:08 Working with people over ‘diagnosis’.48:15 Trashy TV and empathy.52:50 Dialogic changework approach fosters co-creation and exchange.59:14 Martial arts training and trauma-informed therapy.01:04:00 Teaching aliveness and co-creativity in therapy.01:12:43 Importance of character, relationship and energy in interactions.01:15:00 Individuality and unique ability.01:21:42 Client's experiences are mystical and valuable.01:23:10 Importance of being authentic and present in interactions.As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 26: How to Choose When the Path Ahead is Unclear 🎧In this episode we explored the myth of the correct decision and how it paralyzes us. Life is about engaging with the dynamic, unfolding world. It's not about getting it right, but about moving forward with adaptive responsiveness. By embracing the philosophy of "no big deal," we can free ourselves from the burden of excess importance and learn to create with the world brings. Whether in impro theatre, hypnosis or life, the key is to engage and act, accepting that mistakes are a natural part of the process.🔍 Episode Contents:Primary Topic: The Myth of the Correct Decision* Analysis paralysis and prevarication due to the belief in a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ decision* The bind of trying to make a ‘correct’ decision when the consequences can only be known only after an actual choice (decision + action) is made* The influence of internal judgments and the subjective nature of deciding between right and wrong choices* The adoption of an ineffective strategy driven by the myth of the correct decision instead of fluid adaptationPrimary Topic: The Deeper Presuppositions* Attachment to avoiding ‘mistakes’* The debilitating mental habit of assigning excess importance to decision-making* Learning to handle anything that comes one's way and creating with whatever life presentsPrimary Topic: Living with the Philosophy of "No Big Deal"* Relating to life as a correction of one mistake into the next* Letting go of the concept of perfection* The toxic nature of regretPrimary Topic: The Ability to Improvise* The illuminating parallels between life and the craft of impro theater* “Never block an offer"* The removal of judgment and the acceptance of and creation with every circumstancePrimary Topic: Choice as Connected to Action* The distinction between ‘decision’ and ‘choice’* Emphasizing the dynamic nature of ‘choosing’* The recognition of infinite choice within finite circumstances* The importance of AdaptivenessPrimary Topic: Creating with the Unfolding* Unpacking the methodology of engaging with the unfolding process* The generative choice of counting victories and discounting defeats* Applying principles of engaging and creating with unfolding circumstances in hypnosisSo let's stride forward, embrace the unknown, count our victories and create with what comes up!As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 25: Financial Freedom and Self Expression with James Lavers 🎧Welcome back to Agents of Everything. In this episode I am in conversation with James ‘No.Guru’ Lavers. James is the guy who saved my financial bacon back in the 2008 global financial crisis, through his business (though James doesn't look at it that way), impact and creation mentoring.In this rich conversation James shares his wisdom on topics such as developing money making skills, engineering paydays, the path of the public figure versus the private figure, working with Tony Robbins and Bob Proctor, facing criticism, realising goals, creative expression in the market place and so much more. (FULL CONTENT BREAKDOWN BELOW).You can find James Lavers online at no.guruAs always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp🔍 Episode Contents:Primary Topic: Intelligence, Lay Skills and Academic Work* Lavers reflects on the idea that some become experts in certain modalities (such as NLP) showcasing intelligence without doing the academic work* Flaunting expertise as a path to feeling intelligentPrimary Topic: Inner Work for Practitioners* James Tripp discusses the importance of practitioners doing inner work to improve their craft and overcome personal patterns hindering their success* Tripp discusses his experience of facing pushback and criticism when entering the hypnosis field and the personal growth that came from it* Lavers highlights the value of facing scrutiny and criticism in honing one's ideas and productsPrimary Topic: Financial Independence and Entrepreneurship* Lavers and Tripp discuss the impact of developing the ability to ‘engineer paydays’ * The drivers of freedom and independence from working for others* Tripp shares his experience of initially doing Hypnosis Without Trance and growing his business (under the mentorship of Lavers)* Discussion on making money from serving ‘unknown audiences’ and the importance of understanding modern buying and selling dynamics* Being a Public Figure Vs Private Figure, including the trade-offs and expectation sets of each choice.* The importance of realistic expectations relating to each choicePrimary Topic: Self-Expression and Creativity* James Lavers and James Tripp discuss the importance of selling an idea, adapting to market demands, and the need for artists to have income-generating skills while maintaining artistic integrity* Importance of selling an idea and artistic integrity* Cocreation, testing ideas with the market before fully developing them* Reflections on the origins of Hypnosis Without Trance* Embracing uncertainty and the role of surprise in the creative process* Fear of death, releasing the excess importance placed on others' opinions, and embracing risk as a part of lifePrimary Topic: Values and Meaning* Emphasizing the significance of valuing and acknowledging what one has in life and creating from a place of passion rather than just for monetary gain* Reflections on choices in life, suffering as part of the journey, and the importance of embracing the role that one has in lifePrimary Topic: Career Trajectory and Public Figure Status* The demands of being a public figure, making choices in life, and accepting both positive and negative aspects* The career trajectories of successful individuals, transitioning from private to public figures, and being known for knowing things* The impact of life's challenges and discomfort on growth and meaningPrimary Topic: Importance of Serendipity and Action Taking in Creation* The value of small, practical tools and the power of following personal dreams and intuitions* The concept of finding one's purpose and having a direction of travel, and the idea that creation reveals itselfPrimary Topic: Deeper Fears - Personal Anecdotes and Reflections* Reflecting on experiences of receiving harsh emails, addressing academic underachievement and fear of being seen as stupid, and accepting and owning perceived flawsPrimary Topic: Unpredicted Success and Belief in Destiny* The unexpected success of Hypnosis Without Trance* Lavers' shares his thoughts on destiny* How James Lavers' came to work with Tony Robbins, years after Robbins’ audiotape set cured his blushingPrimary Topic: Market Changes and Fear of Being Unlikable* Reflecting on the changing landscape of the industry* Resistance coming from fears of being unlikable and stupidPrimary Topic: Value of Inner Work and Overcoming Criticisms* Victor Frankel's distinction between passive and active life, and the value of addressing and owning fears* Tripp talks about almost quitting due to personal attacks and how that lead to growth* Further reflections on how life's challenges and discomfort can lead to growth and meaningPrimary Topic: Financial Independence and Choices in Life* Discussion of the expectations and choices that come with different paths in life, such as income, visibility, debt, and workload* Should we prioritise money making or creating and difference making? Discussion of the pros and cons This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 24: Are Your Problems Real or Just In Your Head? 🎧Welcome to another episode of Agents of Everything: the podcast that delves into the complexities of the mind, human interaction, and the challenges we face in our daily lives. In today's we explore this most important of questions: "Are your problems real or just in your head?"Join me in unravelling the feedback loop between the mind and the body, discuss real-life case studies, and dissect how our perceptions shape our reality. From helping military veterans transition to civilian life to navigating personal and familial challenges, we'll venture into the depths of the human mindset and the influence it has on the world around us. Get ready to gain a new perspective as we navigate the complex terrain of human experience and the role of the mind in shaping our reality.As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp🔍 Episode Contents:Primary Topic: Understanding the Feedback Loop Between Body and Mind- The case of a client with a meniscal tear who ended up disabled due to avoiding rehab for fear of pain.- The importance of recognizing the role of mindset versus external circumstances in problems and guiding individuals towards making necessary changes.- The work with military veterans for a Rock to Recovery organization transitioning to civilian life, often with a diagnosis of PTSD.Primary Topic: Shifting Mindset and Taking Action to Change Circumstances- The importance of choosing how to relate to situations, such as dealing with anti-English sentiment in Scotland.- Using conversational hypnosis approaches to encourage mindset shifts and finding peace.- The case study of a client who felt misunderstood and misrepresented by his siblings and changing his mindset to find peace.Primary Topic: The Role of Mind in Psychosocial Problems- Distinguishing between diagnosing issues in mechanical systems like a car versus the complexity of diagnosing problems in the human body.- How thinking plays a part in psychosocial issues and changing thinking impacting engagement and feedback loops in social systems.Primary Topic: Problems are Real or Just in the Mind- The distinction between problems that exist externally and those that are mind-made or influenced by thinking.- The challenge of helping people shift their mindsets about external problems that require a different perspective.- Examples of individuals experiencing a positive shift in their mindset to improve their situations.Primary Topic: Influence of Mind and Perception on Problems- The "sucker's game" where people see the problem as external and get stuck in unchangeable situations.- Cognitive bias like "how I see it is how it is" and "what I see is all there is" limiting people from considering new perspectives and options.- The mind's perception and response to a situation contributing to how that situation unfolds.Primary Topic: External Problems and the Role of Mind- The distinction between the physical world and the psychosocial world, emphasizing the role of mind and human interactions in the latter.- Understanding how one relates to a problem influences the solutions chosen and the experience of engaging with those solutions.- Paranoia as an example of a problem that is 100% mind-made, with the mind creating a reality that may not fully align with actual events.⌛ Timestamps:00:00 Addressing human problems, not broader societal issues.09:07 Supporting veterans and civilians through music therapy.11:55 Helping people get unstuck for a better future.20:08 Interacting with values and needs determines problem.22:36 Husband paranoid about wife's activities, escalates conflict.28:52 Defending fear but wants to get rid of it.32:32 Anti-English sentiment in Scotland, varying degrees.39:23 Conflict over solution causes sleepless nights.43:51 Finding peace by changing perspective and actions.53:06 Misinterpreting pain led to physical and mental decline.54:21 Rehab after surgery influenced by problem formulation.01:00:32 Cases study - financial and health challenges (zero hours contract).01:06:29 Problems persist due to perceptual sets.01:10:04 Adapting to changing global economic conditions, market. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 23: Understand You Control Nothing, But Influence Everything! 🎧Welcome to episode 23 of Agents of Everything, where we explore the intricate balance of control and influence in life's complex systems. In this episode, we shine a light on how neurolinguistic programming (NLP) can help us navigate the complexities of the 21st century. From understanding systems to embracing emergent phenomena, we make our way into dynamic interplay of interdependent elements that shape our reality. Join me in unpacking the nature of influence and control, the unpredictability of complex systems, and the art of achieving desired outcomes in the vast network of our interconnected world.🔍 Episode Contents:00:00 The focus is on achieving positive outcomes.05:57 Predictable, interrelated parts create controllable, unified system.07:46 Systems are hierarchical and interrelated, forming wholes.10:47 Driving is in our control until it's not.14:18 Car parts are non-adaptive, complex systems adaptive.19:58 Emergent behavior in ant colonies and riots.22:57 Neurolinguistic programming and complexity in control systems.26:11 Financial system can be nonlinear and unpredictable.28:01 Navigating complex systems to influence desired outcomes.32:46 Receiving inputs but giving opposite results, influence in systems.36:22 Dialogic approach focuses on creating difference in real-time.38:32 Understanding sports dynamics, training, and influence.44:42 Control butterfly effects and steer towards goal.45:53 Closing unusual episode, invite questions and interaction.As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 22: Can We REALLY Change Ourselves (and Our Lives)? 🎧Welcome to the Agents of Everything podcast! In today's episode, 'Can We REALLY Change Ourselves (and Our Lives)?', we unpack the possibility and process of personal change. Host James Tripp shares his insights on accessing different versions of ourselves and breaking free from limiting beliefs. From understanding neuroplasticity to the impact of dominant narratives on our self-concept, this episode challenges common myths about change being impossible in adulthood. Join the conversation, subscribe, and engage with us as we explore how to create a future that we would truly love to live in. It's time to be the agents of change in our own lives and in the world. Join us in this transformative journey!🔍 Episode Contents:00:00 Introduction.04:53 Embracing personal change leads to a fulfilling life.09:05 Teen angst culminates in epiphany about agency.11:20 Adapt and reorganising self vs the World13:57 People are patterned, but those patterns are changeable.18:07 Worldview shapes experience and life, positively or otherwise.23:08 True ‘open-mindedness’ is the simple key to change, but often hard to access.25:37 Neurolinguistics skills help uncover and reweave existing potential.27:19 Releasing psychological blocks can unlock personal growth.32:21 Challenging the doctor's belief in depression.34:29 Different ‘selves’ contain different information and recall different memories.37:42 Example: helping daughter access a confident state mentally.44:06 People resist seeing things differently, thus limiting possibilities.47:28 Why some people struggle with personal change.49:48 Different selves and our overall sense of self.51:41 Self-empowerment through generative self-narratives creates destiny.55:01 The role of optimism.As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

Sponsored By: Creating Courage and Fearlessness🎙️Episode Highlight: Fear and The Ego! 🎧Ego driven fear - is it even a thing? Animals experience fear and little kids experience fear and they don’t have Egos (most likely) so how can fear be related to ‘the Ego’ well…🔍 Episode Contents:Topic: Introduction to Agents of Everything- Purpose of the podcast: Increasing personal agency and adaptiveness in a complex world- Call to action: Rate and share the podcast, sign up for Substack engagementTopic: Fear and Ego Relationship- Discussion of fear and ego- Fear and adaptation in humans and other living beings- Influence of hypnotherapist Stephen Gilligan's quote on fear and egoTopic: Ego and Its Functionality- Explanation of the ego as a set of narrative structures- Physiological responses to fear and the ego- Comparison of animal fear and human fear- Personal experiences related to childhood fearsTopic: Ego's Impact on Fear- Exploration of ego's role in creating fear out of narratives such as rejection, inadequacy, or judgment- Rationalization of fears and ego's influenceTopic: Transcending Fear through Narrative Transformation- Using cognitive faculties to depotentiate fears created by the ego- Encouraging a mature and adaptive relationship with fear- Using cognitive processes for narrative transformation and ego management- Importance of being able to meet fears from a mature and adaptive perspectiveTopic: Creating Courage and Fearlessness- Details of the 5-week interactive program focused on transcending ego-based fears- Emphasis on raising self-awareness, using cognitive faculties, and courage-buildingFind out about the Creating Courage and Fearlessness online training, check out the video right here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

Sponsored By: Creating Courage and Fearlessness🎙️Episode Highlight: Is It Better To Be Fearless or Courageous? 🎧Welcome to another episode of Agents of Everything, where we unpack the one of the barriers to personal agency and in our modern, complex world.In this episode we explore the pivotal role of groundedness and courage in overcoming mental barriers through developing a more sophisticated relationship with our own threat response systems.Drawing from his personal experience dealing with social anxiety and fear, James Tripp emphasizes the transformative power of courage in facing fears and cutting through resistance. 🔍 Episode Contents:Topic: The Role of Fear and Courage in Overcoming Mental Barriers- James Tripp's personal experience with social anxiety and fear.- Understanding the importance of courage in facing fears and pushing through discomfort.- Developing groundedness and embracing courage.Topic: The Relationship Between Fearlessness and Courage- How fearlessness and courage serve each other in overcoming obstacles.- The importance of fear and courage in both personal and professional development.Topic: Overcoming Fear and Achieving Goals- Tripp's coaching focus on helping people overcome fear and achieve their goals.- Assisting military veterans and frontline services personnel in dealing with fear and courage.Topic: The Evolution of Fear and Threat Response Systems- Human beings' threat response system evolved over millions of years, affecting coping with complexity in the modern world.- The influence of learning, observation, and experience on wired fears in individuals.Topic: The Nature of Courage- The conflict between the higher and lower mind and its impact on courage.- The importance of repatterning fears and connecting to the strength of the higher mind.Topic: Developing Groundedness and Unhooking Fears- Understanding groundedness and its role in developing unhooked fears.- The relationship between groundedness and decision-making paralysis.Topic: Rewiring Threat Response Systems- Tripp's personal journey from being fearful to largely overcoming fear.- Identifying survival mode reactions versus creative engagement responses.Topic: Fearlessness and Creative Engagement- The concept of fearlessness as unhooking unnecessary fears and collaborating with the world from a place of higher intelligence.- Accessing creative thinking through groundedness and open-mindedness.Topic: Impact of Fear on Response Systems- Different perspectives on fear in the martial arts world, relating to mastering fear versus harnessing fear.- The impact of fear on fine motor skills and its transcendence using higher coordinating intelligences.Topic: Dealing with Threat and Reactivity Issues- Overcoming fear and threat response hindrances in the modern world.- The significance of fearlessness and courage in managing reactivity and post-traumatic stress disorder.Join us as we unpack the relationship between fearlessness and courage, the irrational nature of fears, and the importance of groundedness in rewiring threat response systems.Find out about the Creating Courage and Fearlessness online training, check out the video right here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode 19: Embracing Choice, Creativity, and Freedom with Steve Chandler 🎧So first things first - the thumbnail is Midjourney’s best shot at turning Steve into Merlin (listen to the conversation and you’ll get reference), so apologies to Steve if it isn’t quite fully him!As cliched as it may sound, it really is a great honour (for me - I’ll own it!) to have Steve as my first guest on AoE. Steve was a mentor and teacher to me some decade back who truly changed my whole way of relating to life. Steve is an Author, Teacher, Coach and Mindshifter Extraordinaire - you can find his books on Amazon and more about his general goodness at SteveChandler.com.🔍 Episode Contents:1. The ‘I that Chooses- Steve takes about how he learned to escape his history ad story of self and centre himself in the ‘I that Chooses’.- 12 Step (Alcoholics Anonymous) as a spiritual system that operates beyond the Ego.2. Trusting Ahead of Time vs. Testing Ahead of Time- Steve Chandler's emphasis on the idea that trusting ahead of time can shut people down from taking action or enjoying life.- Chandler promotes the concept of testing instead of trying to trust, citing an example of how jumping into the swimming pool and testing buoyancy led to trust.3. Keeping It Simple: Creating Agreements and Expectations- Chandler's belief in keeping things simple for people to understand and act on, emphasizing creating agreements rather than having expectations.- James Tripp's discussion on the harmonization and fit of distinctions, the black path of letting go and releasing versus the white path of engagement and creation.4. Creating vs. Reacting: The Power of Choice and Creativity- Discussion on the distinction between creating versus reacting, emphasizing the power of choice and creativity over victimhood and struggles.- Importance of agency and how people organize their power in their lives, and Chandler's explanation of the choice to expand from owner versus victim to reaction versus creation for a wider positive context.5. Creativity and Intuition in Coaching and Life- Emphasis on not being restrained by rigid methods and rules, and the power of using personal, alive stories in coaching.- James Tripp's experience of transitioning to a more free and creative way of coaching, citing personal growth and the importance of engaging in the unfolding process.6. Lifestyle Choices Over Financial Success- Chandler's discussion of the pressure to constantly aim for higher income and success, emphasizing personal freedom and lifestyle choices over financial success.- Tripp's experience of feeling pressured to raise his fees and achieve high business success, despite having a comfortable life and personal freedom.7. Overcoming Struggles and Choosing the Life You Want- Chandler's past struggles and how he overcame them to choose the life he wanted in the present moment.- Chandler's freedom from alcohol and drugs through a 12-step program, where he realized he wasn't just a collection of bad memories.- The distinction between essential self-concept and intentional self-concept in narrative therapy.8. The Power of Distinctions in Coaching and Simplifying Choices- Importance of using distinctions in coaching as a way to simplify and empower clients.- Power of allowing change and not pressuring oneself to change.- Chandler emphasizes the importance of relaxation, openness, and creativity in enabling change.9. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Trances- Criticizing the labeling and beliefs that prevent people from realizing their capacity for change.- The influence of trances and the need to free oneself from restrictive trances.10. The Unconscious Influence of Culture and Media on Beliefs and Behaviors- Chandler highlights the unconscious influence of culture, media, and society on people's beliefs and behaviors.11. Writing in Flow and the Writing Process- Chandler discusses his approach to writing in flow, emphasizing the importance of deep relaxation, intuition, and impulse during the initial writing process.- Chandler shares that he focuses on total freedom of expression in the beginning and then edits later to ensure the understanding of the material.12. Coaching, Communication, and Client Relationship Building- James Tripp shares that people often come to him for coaching after testing him through his audios, books, and online presence before seeking his coaching services.- The significance of creating a "mind shift" in individuals to facilitate coaching and avoid the need to convince them to work with him.- Importance of sharing personal experiences to help clients realize that their issues are common and not unique, allowing them to open up more.13. Impactful Communication and Writing- Importance of writing in a way that can be easily understood and relatable, drawing on Chandler's experience as a songwriter.- Tripp's transition from being a hypnotist to a coach, utilising Chandler's advice to "transcend and include."As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode Highlight: A Note on Organizing Reality! 🎧This episode was created in response to some questions received on some of the specifics of how we unconsciously ‘organise’ our perception of reality via our conceptual systems.The AI says…“Your host James Tripp delves into the fascinating concept of how our perception and experiences of the world are shaped by the ideas and concepts we hold.Through captivating stories and insightful reflections, James explores the profound impact of organizing reality, highlighting the influence of language, communication, and hypnosis on altering our perceptions. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and expand our understanding of how our internal processing shapes our external reality. Tune in and let James Tripp guide you through this compelling exploration of organizing reality.”🔍 Episode Contents:* 00:00 Why this topic and why now.* 04:00 Exploring how reality is organised how that organisation and impacts us.* 09:38 Structured vs. organised reality and its impact.* 11:46 Our ideas shape our experience of reality.* 13:59 Language and communication in hypnosis and self-influence.* 17:15 Concepts imbue objects with meaning.* 20:19 Reality is organised through concepts, impacting experience.* 25:34 Seeing and experiencing 'dogs'.* 30:56 Directing attention and intention through language use.* 34:34 Communication toolkit shapes experience, internally and externally.* 38:03 Felt sSense and Emotions - cognition co-opting interoceptive systems.* 41:41 Refining internal palette to notice subtleties in personal experience.* 43:31 To those who have, yet more shall be given.* 47:41 Understanding and shifting conceptual renderings with clients.* 50:13 Developing perception, influencing outcomes, evaluating personal growth.I hope you get a lot of goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode Highlight: You Cannot Change What You Cannot See! 🎧Welcome to episode 17 of Agents of Everything! In this episode, titled "You Cannot Change What You Cannot See," we unpack the importance of awareness and witnessing and their crucial roles in initiating and facilitating personal change.Through a combination of personal experiences and other illustrative examples, we explore the importance of recognizing our own behavior and the power it holds in shaping our lives.Uncover the transformative potential of conscious participation in personal evolution and self-transformation as you tune in for an enlightening discussion on the role of witnessing our experiences and making intentional choices… ultimately leading to personal mastery and profound change.🔍 Episode Contents (AI picks):* 00:00 Our being shapes our results from within.* 05:00 Professional change work and helping people make changes.* 07:53 Understanding ‘resistance’, promoting open-mindedness, doubting cherished truths.* 12:43 Resistance as rigidity and inflexibility.* 14:19 Cycle of change, motivational interviewing, respecting people's autonomy.* 17:33 People can only change what they are able to see.* 21:41 Overcoming fear and other personal issues.* 26:05 Do things your way, implement deeper work.* 28:26 Self-awareness and observation lead to transformation.* 32:39 Understanding increased adaptiveness and choice.* 36:41 Three ways of ‘seeing’ - example from guitar playing.* 38:26 Becoming a better witness starts with curiosity.* 43:28 The surprising power of doubt* 44:47 Self-transformation involves clarity in witnessing and connection to choice.* 47:39 Releasing, acceptance and finding inner strength.I hope you get a lot of goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode Highlight: NLP - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly! 🎧Welcome to episode 16 of Agents of Everything! In this instalment, we are taking a look at Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) from three different perspectives - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.I’ll admit this episode is something of an introspective look as it necessarily comes from my own ever-evolving relationship with NLP, so I’m sharing personal anecdotes, critiques, and reflections on the NLP’s impact on my life and my experience of the world around me.🔍 Episode Contents:Primary Topic: Evolution of NLP and James Tripp's Relationship with NLP- Tripp's evolving relationship with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)- Elements of NLP deeply embedded in Tripp's communication and behaviors- Tripp's desire for a more adaptive and living NLP practice- Integration of insights from engaging with non-NLP communicators and mind shiftersPrimary Topic: Future Plans for NLP Training and Audience Engagement- Announcement of upcoming adaptive NLP training- Emphasis on departure from traditional NLP techniques- Invitation for audience engagement through Substack channel and Nexus callsPrimary Topic: Criticisms and Anecdotes about NLP- Critique of ossification and lack of flexibility in NLP protocols- Comparison of NLP ossification to preservation of traditional martial arts- Disconnection from being seen as a representative of NLP- Criticisms of NLP techniques such as strategy elicitation, installation, and state control- Personal anecdote of using NLP techniques for personal transformationPrimary Topic: Influence and Misconceptions of NLP- Cultural shift in the 1980s leading to negative associations with NLP- Stigmatization of NLP as a tool for manipulation and control- Emphasis on original intention of NLP as empowering and liberatingPrimary Topic: Impact of NLP on Personal and Professional Life- Transformation of social anxiety and professional pursuits through NLP- Adoption of the professional name "James Tripp" and its influence on identity- Deep involvement with NLP in various areas such as manual therapy, martial arts, mentalism, and magicPrimary Topic: Key Concepts and Methodology of NLP- Emphasis on language models in NLP including the Meta Model and Milton Model- Importance of modeling excellence in others and creating new things through design human engineering- Criticism of inorganic metaphor in NLP and adaptiveness in modern life- Skepticism and criticism towards certain NLP concepts and procedures- Highlighting NLP's degradation into rigid, linear procedures- Richard Bandler's focus on attitude and flexibility in NLP trainingsPrimary Topic: Understanding NLP Attitude and Methodology- Significance of feedback and alignment with outcomes in NLP- Importance of acuity, calibration, and dynamic attitude in NLP- NLP's methodology of modeling excellence in individuals and creating new possibilitiesPrimary Topic: Impact of NLP Language Models and Personal Change- Use of NLP language models in various disciplines such as manual therapy, martial arts, and magic- Transformation through NLP language models and personal anecdote of adapting to changes- Emphasis on the skill of practicing language use and evoking attitude in NLPPrimary Topic: NLP in the Context of Modern Life- Relevance of NLP's adaptiveness in the unpredictability of modern life- Suggestion that NLP is becoming more important due to its adaptive natureJoin me for a thought-provoking exploration of NLP's adaptive nature, language models, and its intersection with communication, influence, and personal development. Get ready to unpack the mysteries and contradictions surrounding NLP, and gain new insights into its place in our complex, ever-changing world.If you are valuing what you are getting from Agents of Everything and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com

🎙️Episode Highlight: The Trauma Frame - Limitation or Liberation? 🎧Welcome back to another episode of Agents of Everything, the podcast that explores the limitless possibilities of the human mind. I'm your host, James Tripp, and in today's episode, titled "The Trauma Frame - Limitation or Liberation?", we'll be diving deep into the concept of trauma and its impact on our lives.Our brains are remarkable organs, capable of immense adaptation and growth. We'll explore how trauma, often seen as a negative experience, can actually be a healthy adaptation by a healthy brain. We'll discover the power of neuroplasticity, which allows our brains to continue to learn and change, even in the face of adversity.🔍 Episode Contents:* [00:01:23] Conceptualisation shapes relationship with past experience.* [00:04:29] Tripp's bias and personal experience.* [00:06:52] Railway spine: the origins of the 'trauma' metaphor.* [00:12:36] How the trauma frame can restrict.* [00:14:15] Content imposition Vs Content offers* [00:15:03] Checking the impact of reality organizations.* [00:18:51] Adaptation and leaning Vs Trauma.* [00:24:13] Perspectives on transcending 'trauma'.* [00:25:29] Generative framework expands possibilities for adaptive future.* [00:30:59] Resistance, anger, displacement, shock, nightmares, depression.* [00:34:10] Trauma frames can 'victimize' and stifle personal growth.* [00:35:13] Post-traumatic growth.* [00:38:16] Overcoming personal challenges.* [00:43:55] Limitation lies in 'the map not the territory'.* [00:46:52] Join Agents of Everything, contribute, access resourcesIf you're keen on deepening your understanding of both yourself and the world you live in, it is my intention that you will get much goodness from this episode and from agents of everything in general.If you are valuing what you are getting from Agents of Everything and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames TrippP.S. I am running (with Andy McArthur) a five day ‘Engine of NLP + Core Skills’ training in Edinburgh UK from Monday 12th to Friday 16th February 2024. More information on this will be coming soon, but if your eager to take action on this, please do contact me directly right here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com