Sleep is something we all need, whether we like it or not. Almost everyone has questions about sleep and wants to improve it. As we know, not sleeping well for even one night affects us the next day. Many have experienced poor sleep for weeks, months, or years, leading to emotional and physical issues. Yet, people are sleeping worse than ever, with problems like sleep apnea and insomnia on the rise (Dr. Breus discusses these in our interview). Modern life, with its constant noise from cities, cars, planes, and early/late work hours, has worsened sleep quality globally. An episode on how to sleep better at night naturally is long overdue. I reached out to Dr. Michael Breus, the sleep doctor, to educate us and provide tips on better sleep. Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2024/07/how-to-sleep-better-at-night-naturally-with-dr-michael-breus/ _______ 📚The IPS Academy📚 If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests on The IPS Podcast. Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy. Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy. _______ 🕒Timestamps🕒 - Intro 00:00 - Why Dr. Breus became a clinical psychologist and a sleep expert 2:57 - The Questions: Overrated/Underrated 8:18 - The use of mouth tape and if it works or not 9:10 - Sleeping in the same bed, overrated or underrated? 10:53 - A white noise machine, overrated or underrated? 14:30 - Morning people, overrated or underrated? 17:41 - The IPS Academy 24:33 - Sleep disorders, overrated or underrated? 25:37 - How to solve insomnia and sleep apnea 31:25 - What Dr. Breus feels is overrated about sleep 34:20 - What Dr. Breus feels is underrated about sleep 41:21 - Exciting advancements in sleep technology 43:54 - Connect with Dr. Breus 46:43 - The final question 47:37 - Outro 48:24 - The IPS Academy 50:03 ______ About The Inner Path Seekers Project (The IPS Project): The IPS Project is an educational platform on life. Here, you can find knowledge about life topics such as mental health, relationships, the workings of the mind, the body & brain, etc.—topics we learn little to nothing about growing up. Learn more about these topics through countless practical articles, animated videos, a book library, online courses, events, a podcast, and more. Start your journey today: https://theipsproject.com/
As someone who once struggled with suicidal thoughts, I understand the importance of raising awareness for suicide prevention. Every year, 703,000 people take their own lives, and this staggering number highlights the urgent need for education on how to support those in crisis. In this interview on the Inner Path Seekers podcast, Rebecca Hooke, a crisis support worker at Lifeline Australia, offers practical advice and valuable strategies for having conversations with someone who might be suicidal. By learning what to say, we can make a difference and help reduce these heartbreaking statistics. If you are here to learn more about this topic and how to be there for someone, thank you for doing so—truly. Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2024/06/what-to-say-to-a-suicidal-person-lessons-from-a-crisis-support-worker/ _______ The IPS Academy If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast. Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy. What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life. Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy. _______ 🕒Timestamps🕒 I am working on them! :)
Many are familiar with the age-old wisdom that emphasizes the positive impact of nature on one’s well-being. Those who have immersed themselves in the tranquility of forests, mountains, oceanfronts, or other natural settings can attest to the profound sense of wellness they impart.Beyond the intuitive understanding that nature feels good, there is actually also an extensive amount of research spanning over a decade that substantiates the remarkable impact it has on both our physical and mental health.To delve in-depth into this topic, I invited, as a guest of our show, Dr. Melissa Lem—a family physician who is an internationally recognized proponent of nature and health, and who is also the Director of PaRx. An initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, PaRx is driven by healthcare professionals who want to improve patients’ health by connecting them to nature.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2024/02/dr-melissa-lem/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒Intro 0:00 - 02:57Back to basics: why prescribe nature? 02:58 - 05:07Dr. Lem’s childhood hero: Dr. Suzuki 05:08 - 10:37The PaRx project 10:38 - 16:38Who benefits from a nature prescription? 16:39 - 18:21The science behind it all 18:22 - 22:30The healing power of nature 22:31 - 25:17How much nature time we need to reap the benefits 25:18 - 30:08The IPS Academy 30:09 - 31:25How much nature is enough? 31:26 - 34:00Nature time reduces loneliness 34:01 - 35:01The 3/3300 rule: more nature for everyone 35:02 - 35:55Bringing nature indoors 35:56 - 38:49Getting the most out of your nature time 38:50 - 41:55Measuring the effectiveness of nature 41:56 - 44:22The upwards trend of nature prescription 44:23 - 47:15Exciting upcoming research and projects 47:16 - 49:14The future of nature prescriptions 49:15 - 51:39Final question 51:40 - 55:00Outro 55:01 - 57:13
Sex educator and coach Ruth Ramsay shares key pieces of advice and tips on how to consciously improve your sex life here in this episode.Ruth has made notable appearances in the media, boasting a rich background that spans over a decade as a striptease artist. She now holds a transformational coaching diploma and supports clients by blending her coaching skills with her life experience. Beyond this, she has contributed to discussions around the intricate world of sex through her writing and played a pivotal role in establishing the first union for adult workers in the UK.She is also a passionate activist for sexual rights, earning recognition through an award for her advocacy of the erotic rights of people with disabilities. Notably, her TEDx Talk, 'Revamp Your Sex Life In Six Minutes,' ranked up an extraordinary 1.5 million views within just a few months.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/12/ruth-ramsay-improve-your-sex-life/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒Intro 00:00 - 03:33Where shame, negativity, and stigma around the topic of sex, eroticism, and sexuality often come from 03:33 - 06:28If you have shame around sex, here is what Ruth wants you to know first 06:28 - 09:30How Ruth became a striptease artist 09:30 - 16:20 The shame people tried to inflict on Ruth 16:20 - 17:50Two key bits of advice Ruth received at The London School of Striptease 17:50 - 19:08Ruth's thoughts on today's glamorization of the striptease industry through Instagram and Tiktok 19:08 - 22:19The IPS Academy 22:19 - 23:35Why Ruth became an adult sex educator and coach 23:35 - 29:35What happens during sex coaching, who it is for, who it isn't for 29:35 - 32:35Ruth's Tedx Talk 'Revamp your sex life in 6 minutes' 32:35 - 36:05The subjects Ruth would teach in school if she were invited to do so for a year 36:05 - 41:59Resources about anatomy and sex science 41:59 - 43:12Resources to learn and explore more about what you physically like 43:12 - 47:20Tantra 47:20 - 49:06Sex surrogacy 49:06 - 53:59The damaging side of not being recognized as a sexual being 53:59 - 56:35The work Ruth did with disabled people 56:35 - 1:00:48How to change your self-image if you don't see yourself as sexy or erotic 1:00:48 - 1:05:31How to start talking with your partner about desires, fantasies, etc. 1:05:31 - 1:08:35Podcast suggestions about sex education 1:08:35 - 1:10:07Would you want a round two with Ruth? (Let us know! :)) 1:10:07 - 1:11:01Where to connect with Ruth Ramsay 1:11:01 - 1:13:11Online courses by Ruth Ramsay 1:13:11 - 1:14:23The final question 1:14:23 - 1:14:55Outro 1:14:55 - 1:15:59The IPS Academy 1:15:59 - 1:17:25
In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming reinvention architect Craig Standland, who knows all about how to reinvent your life after watching his own crumble in 2013, when the FBI came knocking at his door, for a second round on the podcast.In this episode we delve deeper into Craig’s current occupation as a reinvention architect, what that means, and how he guides others as they navigate big life changes and end up becoming better people because of it. Craig is also the author of the best-seller ‘Blank Canvas: How I Reinvented My Life after Prison’, and gave an inspiring TEDx talk on the subject. If you’d like to spend even more time with him, both are really worth checking out.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/09/how-to-reinvent-your-life-craig-stanland/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒The IPS Academy 00:00 - 00:51Intro 00:51 - 04:46 What most people wish for when they want to reinvent themselves 04:46 - 08:20 The most common age group Craig works with on reinvention 08:20 - 10:00 What people don't understand about the work Craig does as a reinvention architect 10:00 - 17:18 What Craig's own reinvention journey looked like and how he discovered the tools he uses today with clients 17:18 - 23:00 The four A's 23:00 - 26:02 Three major components to living a rich, fulfilling, and meaning-driven life 26:02 - 32:26 How to find your core values 32:26 - 35:11 The difference between healthy and unhealthy core values 35:11 - 39:00 Exercises to establish your core values 39:00 - 41:50 How to create a system that works for you 41:50 - 45:33 The fears that held Craig back on his own reinvention journey and how he got past them 45:33 - 50:39 The IPS Academy 50:39 - 51:55 What Craig did on his 50th birthday 51:55 - 55:36 What Craig would say to young people who feel pressured to get everything right in life 55:36 - 1:01:10 How to get a healthy view of success 1:01:10 - 1:04:28 When Craig realized meaning and fulfillment were more important than just money 1:04:28 - 1:07:50 Creating a catalyst in your life towards actions that create the life you want to live 1:07:50 - 1:14:06 Upcoming books Craig is working on 1:14:06 - 1:19:37 There is always a reason for behavior: Good people do bad things too 1:19:37 - 1:24:00Where to find and connect with Craig 1:24:00 - 1:26:15 Final question 1:26:15 - 1:28:09 Outro 1:28:09 - 1:29:08 The IPS Academy 1:29:08 - 1:30:35
In this bonus episode, Dr. Medcalf, a psychologist and relationship expert with more than 30 years of experience in the field, takes over the IPS podcast.If, by the end of this episode, you’d like to learn even more from Dr. Medcalf, do check out the interview I did with her in ‘EP 035 - The Key to Great Relationships with Psychologist and Relationships Expert Dr. Abby Medcalf’, where we cover a whole lot more of good stuff on the topic of dating and relationships.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned by Dr. Medcalf can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/07/dr-abby-medcalf-bonus-episode/_______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒The IPS Academy | Online Courses 00:00 - 00:51Intro 00:51 - 02:39When you feel like you can’t find the right person in your life 02:39 - 07:40Good questions to ask yourself or good things to do to help prepare yourself to bring the most into a relationship 07:40 - 12:27The IPS Academy | Online Courses 12:27 - 13:43Good ground rules to navigate a confrontational or emotional conversation with your partner 13:43 - 21:26What do you do if your partner gets triggered? 21:26 - 23:06Is the three-year itch and the seven-year itch real? These are the years during which most relationships end. 23:06 - 24:16How to maintain intimacy and connection in a long-term relationship 24:16 - 29:33 Tools, techniques, and tips to use to apply what you just learned 29:33 - 32:53Outro 32:53 - 33:53The IPS Academy | Online Courses 33:53 - 35:18
Discover the secrets to building great and healthy relationships with relationship expert, Dr. Abby Medcalf. With over 30 years of experience counselling individuals and couples, Dr. Medcalf is the author of the highly-rated book 'Be Happily Married' and host of the popular podcast 'Relationships Made Easy'. Get ready for an energy-filled discussion on the fascinating topic of romantic relationships.Show notes for this episode with all the resources mentioned by Dr. Medcalf can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2023/05/the-key-to-great-relationships/_______The IPS AcademyIf you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy.What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy._______Timestamps:The IPS Academy 00:00 - 00:50Intro 00:50 - 03:27Studying relationships for more than 30 years 03:27 - 06:26What got Dr. Medcalf so interested in relationships 06:26 - 08:58The different approach Dr. Medcalf working with clients compared to other psychologists 08:58 - 13:37Wrong mental health advice that is being shared on TikTok 13:37 - 19:35 The IPS Academy | Online Courses 19:35 - 20:52Modern-day dating 20:52 - 31:50Personality traits and qualities to look for in a partner 31:50 - 49:47Relationships topics Dr. Medcalf would teach in school 49:47 - 58:10The importance of having boundaries 58:10 - 1:05:26How to negotiate in relationships 1:05:26 - 1:09:15The final end question 1:09:15 - 1:10:29Outro 1:10:29 - 1:11:31The IPS Academy | Online Courses 1:11:31 - 1:12:58
“If you don’t invest in your wellness, you will have to invest in your illness.” – Martin Inderbitzin Dr. Martin Inderbitzin, a neuroscientist and cancer survivor, and Jellis Vaes, a mental health coach and cardiac arrest survivor, share lessons about life and death in this interview on The IPS Podcast.Show notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Dr. Martin Inderbitzin and Jellis Vaes: https://theipsproject.com/2023/04/lessons-about-life-and-death/Dare to Live by Dr. Martin InderbitzinDare to Live by Dr. Martin Inderbitzin is a collection of condensed insights from his personal experiences over the past decade of fighting pancreatic cancer. Each chapter is filled with his thoughts and practical actions, combining his understanding of neuroscience and his personal experience of battling chronic cancer and surviving pancreatic cancer—all of which helped him overcome challenges and find hope. https://amzn.to/3KCKiawhttps://amzn.to/3KCKiaw_______The IPS AcademyIf you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy.What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy._______🕒Timestamps🕒The IPS Academy 00:00 - 00:50Intro 00:50 - 06:18Life update about Dr. Martin Inderbitzin and Jellis Vaes 06:18 - 12:31How illness can turn relationships into an emotional rollercoaster 12:31 - 17:36How Jellis Vaes was diagnosed with heart disease 17:36 - 23:32Dr. Martin Inderbitzin’s recent cancer surgery 23:32 - 27:02The questions about life and death that will be covered 27:02 - 28:05How to balance living in the moment and planning for the future when time is limited 28:05 - 33:02The importance of pursuing meaning instead of pleasure 33:0 - 37:16How to help people see their own fragility 37:16 - 42:25Why you should invest in your wellness 42:25 - 49:59Good investments Martin and Jellis would recommend for your wellness 49:59 - 57:31How to deal with hearing bad news in life 57:31 - 1:08:25The IPS Academy | Online Courses 1:08:25 - 1:09:41How to effectively celebrate the good news in life 1:09:41 - 1:15:35How Martin started with sailing 1:15:35 - 1:19:31Life lessons Martin learned through sailing 1:19:31 - 1:22:50Life lessons Jellis learned through climbing mountains 1:22:50 - 1:24:40How sailing and climbing mountains are schools of life 1:24:40 - 1:26:52People Martin and Jellis look up to 1:26:52 - 1:31:05Suggested books, videos, and podcasts about life and death 1:31:05 - 1:34:12Martin's first book: Dare to Live 1:34:12 - 1:41:06Outro 1:41:06 - 1:42:07The IPS Academy | Online Courses 1:42:07 - 1:43:33
“Compassion is for people who are suffering. Sympathy is for people who are suffering. Empathy is stepping out of my point of view and stepping into your point of view. And I can do that with you if you are happy, if you are confused, if you are suffering or not suffering.” - Karen FaithEmpathy is a practice, not a feeling.Yes, you read that right.Whether you’re naturally good at feeling it or not, there is a set of skills behind empathy that anyone can learn and get better at.Knowing this opens a door that some people might feel has never existed for them before. And for others, it opens up the possibility to connect even more deeply with the people around them.In this episode on The IPS Podcast, we invited Karen Faith, empathy trainer and founder of Others Unlimited—a professional training and coaching firm that provides empathy training to brands, teams, and individuals.Some of the Questions:How have you come to the realization that empathy is indeed a practice and not a feeling?Have you noticed a difference between men and women in how they show empathy?What are some small or big things that you have noticed people doing that they think are helpful, but in reality are actually rather standing in the way of creating a true connection with someone?What You Will Learn from this Episode:What ultimately led Karen to start Others Unlimited and give trainings on empathyAn exercise that Karen uses in her workshops to strengthen empathyWhat unconditional welcome isShow notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Karen: https://theipsproject.com/2023/02/how-to-strengthen-your-empathy/_______The IPS AcademyIf you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy.What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course.Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy.
“I was told early on that with amputation 95% is mental and 5% is physical. If you get your head straight, the rest will follow.” - Alex LewisThere are people in this world who just blow your socks off with their courage and strength despite the massive adversities they had to go through.Alex Lewis, our guest in this interview, is one of those people.Before Alex lost his limbs and his lips, he was—as he describes himself—just a regular guy, with a partner and a two-year-old son, who ran a restaurant and who was primarily a stay-at-home dad.All this, however, changed in November 2013 when he fell ill.If you’d like to engage more with this interview, you can also watch the videotaped version on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wW5PIqnc2IISome of the Questions:What happened in November 2013 when you thought you only had a common cold? What did those days seem like and when did you know something was not right?Is there something you would say to the “old you” (the one with limbs) that you feel could have helped you to live a better life?I read somewhere that you really liked the book Man's Search for Meaning by Víctor Frankl. What parts of the book spoke to you the most?What You Will Learn from this Episode:When and why Alex decided to fight and not remain a victimHow he has learned to accept the changes that had happened to his body and to feel okay with themWhy Alex received a personal invitation from Chris Martin, the lead singer of ColdplayShow notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Alex: https://theipsproject.com/2022/09/how-to-find-your-way-out-of-hell-alex-lewis/_______ The IPS Academy If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast. Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy. What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life. Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy.
“Eating disorders are not about food.” - Ashley McHanIn this interview on the podcast of Inner Path Seekers, Ashley McHan, a licensed eating disorder and trauma specialist sits down with Jellis Vaes, the host of the podcast, to talk about eating disorders.Show notes for this episode with all the resources and ways to connect with Ashley: https://theipsproject.com/2022/04/understanding-eating-disorders-ashley-mchan/
"Self-injury is what we see above the surface, and there is a far greater story below the surface." - Dr. Stephen P. Lewis, How to stop self-harm? In this episode of The IPS Podcast, we have invited Dr. Stephen P. Lewis, Ph.D. to provide a deeper understanding of NSSI. Some of the Questions: What is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)? For any parent, teacher, friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, etc. who knows someone in their life who causes self-harm, what are some of the best pieces of advice you could give them so they could provide helpful support to that person in need? Over the years, how have you learned to live with these scars? What You Will Learn from this Episode: The main reason why most people cause self-harm Advice and tips from a professional and person with experience on how to start the healing journey from self-harm How shame often comes hand-in-hand with the scars of self-injury Show notes and links for this episode can be found at https://theipsproject.com/2019/06/how-to-stop-self-harm/ _______ The IPS Academy If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this interview, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on The IPS Podcast. Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to TheIPSProject.com/academy. What is also interesting to note is that all the courses are quite affordable, as we at The IPS Project do not want money to stand in the way of bettering one's life. Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at TheIPSProject.com/academy. _______ 🕒Timestamps🕒 The IPS Academy 00:00 - 0:50 Intro 0:50 - 04:47 What is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)? 04:47 - 07:37 Understanding why someone self-harms 07:37 - 10:54 The relationship between NSSI and suicidal thoughts and behavior 10:54 - 14:31 Important information about NSSI and suicide 14:31 - 15:44 The most common methods used to self-harm 15:44 - 16:42 The age group with the highest percentage of self-harm 16:42 - 19:57 The IPS Academy 18:39 - 19:57 Why NSSI is addictive 19:57 - 23:00 Why people choose self-injury as a coping strategy 23:00 - 25:25 Dr. Lewis’s personal experience with NSSI 25:25 - 28:30 Advice from Dr. Lewis to anyone who self-harms 28:30 - 32:09 Essential things that helped Dr. Lewis to stop self-harm 32:09 - 34:25 How parents, teachers, and friends can help someone who self-harms 34:25 - 39:10 Resources to learn more about NSSI 39:10 - 40:55 How to live with and accept your scars 40:55 - 43:14 Dealing with people who stare at your scars 43:14 - 45:55 Interesting discoveries Dr. Lewis recently found in his research 45:55 - 48:39 A few last words from Dr. Lewis about NSSI 48:39 - 50:57 The final question 50:57 - 51:18 End 51:18 - 52:40 The IPS Academy 52:40 - 54:05 _______ About The Inner Path Seekers Project (The IPS Project): The IPS Project is an educational platform on life. Here, you can find knowledge about life topics such as mental health, relationships, the workings of the mind, the body & brain, etc.—topics we learn little to nothing about growing up. Learn more about these topics through countless practical articles, animated videos, a book library, online courses, events, a podcast, and more. Start your journey today: https://theipsproject.com/.
Grief and loss touch us all, yet they’re often the hardest to talk about. In this episode, I speak with Bridget Sumser, a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade in palliative and end-of-life care. She has stood by the bedsides of hundreds of dying people, trains professionals in palliative principles, co-edited Palliative Care: A Guide for Health Social Workers (2019), and works with Mettle Health offering online support.If you’ve lost someone or simply want to better understand grief, I truly hope this episode can bring you comfort, insight, and guidance.______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on the podcast.Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy. Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy
Show notes can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2025/08/phil-cohen/Phil Cohen lost his 14-year-old son, Perry, at sea in 2015. What followed was a journey through grief that transformed his life. It’s not a journey Phil ever wished for. Nor is it for anyone when they lose someone dear to them.In this conversation, Phil Cohen, also known as The Grief Guy, shares his profound journey of loss and how he navigated the depths of grief—so that you may hopefully find insights, takeaways, and, most of all, support if you are going through your own grieving process.Today, Phil helps others who have lost someone through his workshops, which you can learn more about at philcohen.com.I sincerely hope this episode, along with the others we have done and will do in this series on grief and loss, provides some light—a beacon of hope—through the darkness you may be walking.
Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2025/07/both-my-parents-died-frank-watkinson/In this series episode on loss and grief, I sit down with Frank Watkinson, also known as Virtual Grandad. A YouTube musician with over 1 million subscribers, Frank, who is quite the rockstar, talks to us about his experiences with loss and grief.Frank lost his dad when he was 9 years old, and just a few years later, at 11, he lost his mom as well. Thus, he became a foster child.We don’t talk much about loss and grief in Western society, and there isn’t much space for these conversations. Often, we’re expected to ‘move on’ as quickly as possible. Yet, it’s only when you lose someone dear that you realize it’s not such a simple task.Hopefully, this episode—and the others we’ve done—can provide a space, a moment where you can feel that there is no rush and no judgment, that you can allow feelings like grief to be there if you’ve recently lost someone, or even if it’s been years.
In this series of Inner Path Seekers, we open up a conversation about loss and grief—a topic often whispered about but rarely given the space it deserves. We take the time to do just that by speaking with psychologists and health experts who specialize in grief, as well as with people who have experienced the deep pain of losing someone they love. In this episode, we sit down with Laura Maliszewska.Laura shares her deeply personal journey of losing her mother, Sylwia, to pleural cancer six years ago, just as Laura was turning 24. She speaks openly about witnessing her mother’s seven-year battle with cancer and tells the story of Sylwia—a physical education teacher who became a beacon of strength for everyone around her, continuing to run marathons and lift weights even as she faced her illness.This episode explores the raw, often messy complexities of grief, reminding us that it is not a straight path, and it’s okay to have ups and downs along the way. But it’s also a path we don’t have to walk alone. We hope that these conversations on grief and loss offer you comfort, answers, and a sense of support if you are moving through a season of loss yourself—and that this first episode with Laura might help you feel a little less alone.Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2025/06/losing-my-mom-at-a-young-age-laura-maliszewska/
Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2025/06/coping-with-teen-depression/In this episode, I'm opening up about something deeply personal I've never fully shared before: my journey through depression during my teenage years.From ages 12 to 18, my life often felt like a blur—a confusing and lonely time marked by self-isolation, self-harm, and a constant need to escape reality.Over the last 14 years, I've had a lot of time to think about that period in my life and about why I ended up with such severe depression.Combined with my studies in psychology (I'm currently studying to become a clinical psychologist), I’ve started to see more and more of the puzzle pieces—the ingredients—that led to this dish called depression.My goal here isn’t just to tell my story, but to shed light on the common “ingredients” that often contribute to depression.Through my psychology studies, I’ve seen these patterns show up repeatedly, and if you’re struggling with depression, you might recognize them in your own life too.Of course, I’m also sharing what finally helped me get out of that depression. I could have shared countless things, but looking back, there were only three that truly had a significant impact on me.And I believe they can have an impact on you as well—not only because they changed my life so deeply, but also because I’ve seen them come up again and again in my psychology training.Whether you're currently struggling with depression, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about mental health, I hope this video offers insight, hope, and a sense that you’re not alone.If you're looking to talk to someone, know that I’m here. You can always get in touch with me through email or on Instagram. Whilst I might not reply right away, I will respond.
Joe Tudor, the founder of Reconnect—a platform that provides tools and organizes events that help people deal with their mental health and connect with others going through similar experiences—once faced depression and struggled with his own mental health. This experience inspired him to start Reconnect.In this episode, Joe shares his story and what his journey through depression looked like. While this episode won’t magically cure you if you’re currently facing depression, hearing the stories of others—how they navigated it and found their way through—can provide hope, help you feel less alone, and possibly guide you toward taking a step forward.At least, that is my sincere hope—and I can only assume Joe shares that hope—that this conversation might be meaningful for you.Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2025/03/joe-tudor/
In this episode, Dr. David Burns, a Stanford psychiatrist and a true legend in the world of psychology, joins us on the Inner Path Seekers podcast to talk about depression and how to truly cure it. Dr. Burns has been at the forefront of pushing the mental health space forward.You'll learn more about what really causes depression, why the chemical imbalance theory is flawed, and how antidepressants are no more effective than a placebo. You'll also discover various tools, techniques, and insights to help yourself if you're struggling with depression or to support someone you know who is struggling with depression.Show notes can be found here: https://theipsproject.com/2025/03/treat-depression-without-meds-dr-david-burns/______📚The IPS Academy📚If you feel that you’ve gained some insights and lessons from this video, and you are curious to see what else we offer at The IPS Project, check out The IPS Academy, where we offer online courses taught by guests here on the podcast.Learn more about essential life topics, such as mental health, relationships, the mind, and the body and the brain, through fun and interactive courses. Simply go to https://theipsproject.com/academy.Each course has a few lessons to try for free, so you get a taste of what the course is like. We have countless reviews from other students so you can see what others think, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the course. Again, check them out at https://theipsproject.com/academy.
In this conversation, Angelica Galluzzo, a mental health advocate, shares her personal journey with depression, discussing its ongoing impact on her life, the path to diagnosis, and the coping mechanisms she has developed over the years.If, after the conversation, you’d like to spend more time with Angelica and learn from her insights, be sure to check out her mental health podcast, The Revolutionized Mind, and her TEDx talk, Learning to Live with Clinical Depression.