Jeffrey van Leeuwen Podcast

Drowsy driving is deadlier than drunk driving. In this episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor explains why your sleep is a safety issue, not just a lifestyle choice. She is a licensed clinical and prescribing psychologist, the FBI’s in-house sleep expert with a specialty in sleep and trauma, and a relentless educator on evidence-based fixes.  1. Reset your clock: keep a consistent wake time and get outside within an hour of waking. Morning light signals the suprachiasmatic nucleus, shuts off lingering melatonin, and jump-starts alertness.  2. Master evenings: dim overheads, use lamps or warm smart bulbs, and let your space darken with sunset. Keep bedrooms cool in the low 60s.  3. If you work nights: use a sunrise alarm and timed bright-light therapy to shift rhythm; front-load a healthy meal; sip caffeine little and often with a hard cutoff 6–8 hours before bed; no sunglasses while commuting home if you are driving; sleep in a dark, quiet, truly blackout room.  4. Safety first: learn the “nappuccino” (espresso, then a 20-minute nap). It outperforms either alone when fatigue hits mid-commute. Microsleeps make you stop steering and braking entirely. Pull over.  5. Insomnia or apnea: insomnia shows up as trouble falling, staying asleep, or waking unrefreshed; obstructive sleep apnea often hides behind loud snoring, morning headaches, and crushing daytime fatigue. Get a sleep study.  6. Habits that help: avoid long or late naps; reserve the bed for the three S’s only—sleep, sex, sickness; set boundaries with screens and games; watch caffeine’s 4–6 hour half-life; skip alcohol as a “sleep aid” since it fragments sleep and suppresses REM.   Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 What a Sleep Psychologist Does 01:53 Why the FBI Needs Sleep Science 04:51 Three High-Impact Sleep Habits 10:18 Consistent Schedule, Sunrise Alarms, and Light 15:40 What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 17:18 Shift-Work Survival: Strategies and Support 23:10 Drowsy Driving and the Nappuccino 30:41 Night Shifts and Cancer Risk 39:33 Are You Actually Sleep Deprived 44:32 Wired but Tired; Does Creatine Help 48:35 Screens, Gaming, and Bedtime Procrastination 57:05 Train Your Brain: The Three S’s 1:06:26 Insomnia vs Sleep Apnea 1:21:26 Naps, Sleep Inertia, and Timing 1:28:25 The Effect of Alcohol on Sleep 1:30:26 The Myth of 4-Hour Sleep 1:38:54 Final Thoughts & Outro   LEAH KAYLOR LINKS: Leah Kaylor's Website & Book Leah Kaylor on YouTube Leah Kaylor on Instagram Leah Kaylor on LinkedIn   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.

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

Is family court protecting you or enabling abuse? In this episode, high-conflict divorce coach Lisa Johnson of Been There Got Out breaks down how “legal abuse” and coercive control play out in real cases, and why smart strategy (and not just righteousness) wins in court. Drawing from her own litigation (including arguing an appeal herself that resulted in a published decision in the Connecticut Law Journal), Lisa shows how to navigate a system that often rewards gamesmanship over truth. We talk about: What legal abuse and “legal gaslighting” look like day-to-day—and how to keep your footing when the other side twists facts. The discipline of “writing for the invisible audience”: turning every message into admissible evidence, building a clean paper trail, and avoiding reactive traps. Going pro se: when it’s viable, preparation pitfalls, and how courts actually perceive self-represented litigants. Enforcement that works: why “orders with teeth” (deadlines and consequences) matter more than ideal rulings—and how to push for them. Jennifer’s Law and the shift toward recognizing coercive control, expanding the legal lens beyond physical violence. A hard-earned case study: college-education obligations, repeated contempt findings, and the grind of appeals—plus the practical mindset that gets results without losing yourself. If you’re facing a high-conflict ex, custody battles, or a court process that feels endless, Lisa’s playbook offers clarity, language, and leverage you can use immediately. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Lisa's Background 04:14 Early Red Flags 06:42 The Discovery and Denial 11:03 Telling the Kids 12:31 Betrayal Trauma & Identity Shock 20:15 Couples Counseling Gone Wrong 25:39 Why He Fought to Keep Control 33:14 Filing for Divorce & His Exit 41:23 Fighting for College Support & Enforcement 50:38 Going Pro Se & Facing Retaliation 57:32 How to Persuade a Court: Logos, Pathos, Ethos 1:10:05 Legal Gaslighting & Getting Help 1:16:21 Strategic Communication: Build Your Paper Trail 1:20:02 Proving You’re a Good Parent 1:24:44 Shielding Kids From Court Conflict 1:27:18 Jennifer’s Law, Coercive Control & Orders With Teeth 1:35:43 From Survivor to Coach 1:45:02 Key Advice for Listeners 1:47:00 Final Thoughts & Outro   LISA JOHNSON LINKS: Been There Got Out Website Been There Got Out on Instagram Been There Got Out on X   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Joshua Spatha majored in anthropology with a minor in Old Testament studies and has served in full-time missions since 2006, primarily across the Middle East and Asia. An ordained minister and disciple‑maker with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Joshua blends frontline ministry with academic insight, as he prepares for long-term ministry in Central Asia. In our conversation, you'll hear how Western culture’s reliance on materialism and humanism has fueled a deep meaning crisis, and why happiness alone no longer sustains us. Joshua shares compelling analogies to illustrate how adopting a self‑centered framework inevitably leads to emptiness and incoherence. He challenges the question, “What’s in it for me?” as the wrong foundation. This episode is not just about morality: it’s about how reason and spiritual depth intertwine, why faith isn’t a blind leap, and how a rational embrace of the supernatural reclaims meaning. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:44 The Modern Meaning Crisis 07:48 Enlightenment’s Impact on Faith 11:23 From Religion to Self-Focus 14:55 Science, Truth & Worldviews 20:02 Personal Meaning vs Objective Reality 31:45 Christianity’s Case for Human Flourishing 36:49 Secular Morality Under the Microscope 44:42 Chaos, Materialism & Ethics 01:07:16 Implicit Spirituality & Cognitive Dissonance 01:16:29 The Universal Conscience 01:19:29 Free Will and Belief Change 01:53:39 Miracles: Chance or Design? 02:22:05 Practicing and Testing Faith 02:32:47 Final Thoughts & Outro   JOSHUA SPATHA LINKS: Joshua's Website & Book   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Andrew-Ryan Profaci thought he found spiritual truth, but instead became entangled in the bizarre world of a modern cult known as “Love Has Won.” Driven by curiosity and a deep desire for meaning, Andrew-Ryan quickly rose from outsider to insider, witnessing firsthand the manipulation tactics of cult leader Amy Carlson, referred to by members as “Mother God,” whom he once cared for deeply.   In this raw and honest conversation, we talk about:  - What initially drew Andrew to the cult known as "Love Has Won." - A vivid portrayal of daily life within the cult. - The leadership’s layered control tactics and massive financial exploitation. - An individual who secretly orchestrated and controlled the cult behind the scenes. - What really happened before and directly after Amy Carlson’s death, and why Andrew now speaks out.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 02:26 What Is “Love Has Won”? 04:09 From Community to Cult 06:11 The Origins: Amy Carlson’s Intentions 09:47 Andrew’s Journey Begins 11:08 Searching for Meaning: Why People Join 15:41 Missing Self-Love and Authenticity 17:42 Manipulation & Control Tactics 18:57 Patterns in Cult Dynamics 23:51 Daily Life Inside the Cult 27:46 Recruitment and Indoctrination Process 30:26 Cult Hierarchy 33:10 Andrew’s Inner Conflict: Amy vs. “Mother God” 40:51 How Media Portrayed Amy Carlson 43:16 Behind the Persona: Why Amy Became “Mother God” 48:19 Miguel Lamboy: The "Hidden Hand" 56:03 Andrew vs. Miguel: The Proxy War 58:06 Challenging Amy’s Delusions 01:05:37 Descent into Darkness: Cult’s Final Days 01:13:23 Did Resistance Make Things Worse? 01:16:29 The Consequences of Leaving “Love Has Won” 01:23:34 Redefining Love and Trust 01:28:18 Amy’s Death: Tragedy & Questions Unanswered 01:42:48 Amy: Victim or Perpetrator? 01:47:36 Final Words to Amy 01:49:00 Why Andrew Speaks Out 01:55:59 Final Thoughts   ANDREW-RYAN PROFACI LINKS: Andrew's Website & Books Andrew's Instagram Andrew's LinkedIn   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.  

After decades of guiding couples through their most challenging moments, Dr. Bruce Chalmer understands what truly brings relationships to life. With a deeply personal journey from statistics to psychology, Bruce discovered that helping couples navigate intimacy, stability, and the complexities of forgiveness wasn’t just a profession. It was a calling. In our conversation, Bruce explores profound insights on what makes relationships thrive or fail. He thoughtfully challenges common assumptions, offering the provocative question: “Do you feel alive in your relationship?” Bruce delves into why many couples drift apart, becoming roommates instead of romantic partners, and how they can rekindle lost connections. We also explore how infidelity, while deeply traumatic, can paradoxically create opportunities for renewed intimacy and trust. This episode is a meditation on the meaning of commitment, why marriage matters very deeply, and how embracing the discomfort of honesty can lead couples toward genuine fulfillment and emotional closeness. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Discovering a Calling in Relationship Therapy 04:13 Career Transitions and Finding Purpose 06:04 Couples Therapy vs. Relationship Therapy: Clarifying Terms 07:55 Coaching vs. Therapy: The Real Differences 09:46 How Couples Therapy Actually Works 12:34 Marriage as a Path to Growth 17:28 Why Marriage Rates Are Declining 21:53 Cultural and Economic Reasons Behind Fewer Marriages 29:22 Why We Still Romanticize Marriage 31:52 Stability vs. Intimacy in Relationships 39:02 Emotional Bank Accounts in Marriage 41:20 Why Being Annoyed is Actually Good 45:10 Understanding the True Value of Marriage 51:16 The Difference Between a Contract and a Covenant 56:33 The Psychological Damage of Infidelity 01:00:06 Forgiveness, Trust, and Moving Forward 01:09:35 Why Faith is Essential in Relationships 01:12:03 Are Humans Biologically Monogamous? 01:20:41 How Do I Know if I’m a Good Partner? 01:32:45 How Can You Tell if a Marriage is Fundamentally Healthy? 01:34:43 When Relationships Feel Like Roommates 01:40:36 Reaching Heaven by Passing Through Hell 01:51:31 When to Seek Couples Therapy 01:58:09 What Relationships Truly Represent 02:05:44 Final Thoughts   BRUCE CHALMER LINKS: Bruce's Website & Books Couples Therapy in Seven Words Podcast (Apple) Couples Therapy in Seven Words Podcast (Spotify)   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

What does true evil look like? And how do you confront it face-to-face? In this raw conversation with Brad Beeler, who served as a Special Agent for the United States Secret Service for 25 years, we explore his extraordinary career confronting humanity’s darkest crimes, especially those involving children. Brad reveals a rarely-seen side of the United States Secret Service, reflecting deeply on his experiences as a polygraph examiner, where he faced some of the most malicious individuals imaginable. In our conversation, we also discuss: Why empathy can become a crucial weapon in interrogations, even with society’s worst criminals. How international cooperation enabled Brad and his team to crack complex child exploitation cases. The subtle psychological strategies used to identify deception, gain trust, and ultimately reveal truth. The chilling realities of interacting with truly evil individuals, and what Brad learned about the darkest corners of human behavior. Brad’s story is profoundly human, exploring the complex layers of morality, ethical boundaries, and personal resilience required to confront humanity’s most troubling personalities. Thank you for listening.   EPISODE LINKS: Buy Tell Me Everything (Book)   By using this link, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Brad’s Most Proud Career Achievement 03:09 Secret Service Beyond Presidential Protection 05:31 Future of Secret Service Investigations 06:55 Inside the Trump Assassination Attempts 10:22 Debunking Trump Assassination Conspiracies 14:21 Conspiracy Theories and Media Polarization 16:53 Strategies for Distinguishing Truth from Falsehood 20:03 Building Trust and Rapport 23:38 The Role of Empathy in Criminal Investigations 41:58 The Psychological Cost of Interviewing Criminals 46:13 Combating Child Exploitation: Global Collaboration 49:00 Navigating Legal Complexities in International Law Enforcement 50:32 Four Key Behavioral Analysis Questions 01:00:12 Detecting Deception in Interviews 01:15:34 Negotiation Techniques: Tactical Empathy & Body Language 01:28:38 Recognizing Manipulation and Assessing Intentions 01:33:00 Does True Evil Exist? 01:40:57 Brad’s Perspective on Humanity 01:44:14 Overcoming Personal and Professional Setbacks 01:46:32 “Tell Me Everything”: Brad’s Upcoming Book 01:47:36 Final Thoughts   BRAD BEELER LINKS: Brad's LinkedIn Brad's Instagram    CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

In a vulnerable and deeply reflective conversation, personal growth coach Kristan Swan and Jeffrey delve into a quiet fear that most of us carry: the anxiety about being misunderstood or misrepresented by others. Through candid storytelling and authentic introspection, Kristan shares how the shadows of past experiences and the fear of judgment often hinder our ability to form meaningful connections and trust in relationships. The episode moves organically through themes of nostalgia, self-awareness, curiosity, and spirituality, exploring how each plays a role in our perceptions of self and our courage to authentically engage with others. This is a conversation without a clear angle, yet circles around how to navigate conversations and relationships with honesty and genuine empathy. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 05:31 The Problem With Asking “What Do You Do?” 07:37 Societal Undervaluation of Motherhood 13:49 The Human Need for Connection 15:26 Embracing Spontaneous Conversations 24:20 Polarization and the Desire for Belonging 26:57 Why We Struggle to Change Our Minds 34:42 Navigating Opposing Truths 36:11 The Danger of Nostalgia 54:56 Defining Nostalgia 01:01:19 The Nature of Spirituality 01:08:36 Secular Spirituality and Trusting Yourself 01:17:38 Allowing Yourself to Feel Fully 01:25:37 Loneliness and the Need to Be Heard 01:33:47 What Do You Love About Life? 01:34:51 Final Thoughts   KRISTAN SWAN LINKS: Kristan's Website   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Joel Bouchard, philosophy podcaster and author of From Nowhere to Nothing, joins me for an intellectually intense exploration into some of life’s deepest philosophical dilemmas. In this episode, Joel skillfully unpacks intricate issues like the nature of good and evil, whether humans are inherently moral beings, and if true free will even exists. In our conversation, we talk about: Why free will might be more limited than you think. The hidden paradox within the concept of an all-knowing, all-good deity and the existence of evil. How humans naturally strive to make order from chaos, both externally in the world and internally in their minds. The surprising psychology behind why people struggle with discipline and sticking to personal decisions. Whether morality is inherently programmed or learned from our environment, relationships, and experiences. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 02:12 Who Is Joel Bouchard? 03:53 What Philosophy Actually Is 07:09 Implicit vs Explicit Philosophy 10:09 Is Life Worth Living? 13:40 Religion, Atheism, and Nihilism 17:21 Hedonism and Absurdism 21:17 The Psychology of Belief 28:08 A Personal Story of Loss 31:50 Symbolism and Rituals in Human Life 39:45 The Ethical Debate Around Pets 45:52 Defining Good and Evil 51:06 Why Does Evil Exist? 01:13:15 Free Will vs Limited Will 01:25:14 Where Does Consciousness Come From? 01:29:37 The Nature of Conscience 01:47:00 Is Life Deterministic or Not? 02:00:12 The Magpie and Meaningful Coincidences 02:11:57 Final Thoughts & Outro   JOEL BOUCHARD LINKS: From Nowhere to Nothing Podcast (Spotify) From Nowhere to Nothing Podcast (Apple)   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Is everyone suddenly a narcissist, or are we misusing the term? Dr. Sterlin Mosley, Professor of Human Relations and author of The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else, dives deep into the misunderstood realms of narcissism and empathy. Through an eye-opening conversation, Sterlin reveals why our culture casually labels selfish behaviors as narcissistic, and why real narcissism goes much deeper, intertwining with empathy. Or rather, the lack of it. In our conversation, you’ll discover: Why modern society sees NARCISSISM as a PERSONALITY TYPE instead of a nuanced SPECTRUM of behaviors. How narcissistic traits form EMOTIONAL ARMOR protecting a hidden, VULNERABLE core. The critical difference between EMPATHY and SYMPATHY, including four surprising types of empathy you never knew existed. Proven STRATEGIES for spotting and dealing with narcissists both at home and at work. How EMPATHY can be developed, and why COGNITIVE EMPATHY may be the key to healthier relationships. Thank you for listening.   EPISODE LINKS: Buy Center of the Universe (Book) Buy The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else (Book)   By using these links, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Who is Sterlin Mosley? 04:41 The Narcissist Label in Modern Society 08:37 Breaking Down the 27 Types of Narcissists 12:24 How to Identify a Narcissist: Common Misunderstandings 20:11 Strategies for Dealing with Different Narcissists 27:57 Do Narcissists Know They’re Narcissists? 35:49 Healthy Narcissism Explained 39:54 Is Narcissism a Choice? 47:47 Can Narcissism Be Cured or Managed? 52:53 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Clarifying the Differences 58:24 Narcissism, Envy, and Power Dynamics 01:04:11 Understanding Empathy: Definitions and Nuances 01:10:20 Cognitive Empathy and Human Connection 01:19:39 Practical Steps to Develop Your Empathy 01:24:24 Final Thoughts & Outro   STERLIN MOSLEY LINKS: Sterlin's LinkedIn Sterlin's Instagram   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.  

In this heartfelt conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Alison Greco challenges modern assumptions about emotional distress, uncovering why our everyday struggles with grief, anxiety, and life transitions shouldn’t be hastily labeled as disorders. Drawing on her experiences from prisons to college counseling and community mental health, Alison reveals an overlooked truth: not every emotional struggle is a pathology needing therapy. She shares eye-opening insights about how our current healthcare system forces therapists into diagnosing individuals simply to secure insurance coverage, and how this creates false narratives about our mental health. In this episode you’ll learn: - Why OVER-PATHOLOGIZING emotions like grief, stress, and exhaustion is BAD. - How emotionally IMMATURE parents NEGATIVELY influence their children’s development. - Practical ways to GENUINELY support someone during difficult life transitions without ASSUMING their emotional state. - The untold risks of MISLABELING CHILDREN with disorders such as AUTISM or ADHD due to misunderstanding their true needs. - How finding a MENTOR with a BIGGER VISION for you than you have for yourself can transform your life and career. This conversation sheds much-needed light on understanding human emotions authentically, while redefining how we seek and offer emotional support. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Alison’s Background 08:10 Are We Over-Pathologizing Feelings? 13:17 Grief, Gender & Emotional Expression 22:18 Clean vs Dirty Pain 24:38 Helping Loved Ones in Crisis 33:28 Diagnoses, DSM-5 & Autism 48:01 Parenting, Misdiagnosis & Medication 01:04:51 People-Pleasing & Immature Parents 01:14:09 Psychologist vs Psychoanalyst 01:30:36 Women, Mentorship & Workplace Power 01:45:30 Victimhood, Power & Safety 02:09:36 Men’s Reactions to Female Leaders 02:14:45 Visionary Mentorship & Personal Growth 02:25:13 Final Thoughts & Outro   ALISON GRECO LINKS: Parathera Website Parathera Instagram Alison's LinkedIn   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

From a restless boy in Swindon who dreamt of cockpit horizons, Paul Hughes has spent twenty-five years insisting on forward motion. He sprinted through call-centre headsets, warehouse night shifts, and blue-chip project boards; earned stripes with the Royal Air Force Reserve under Basra’s rocket-lit sky; then reinvented himself as a military broadcaster. Now forty-two, living in Germany and still measuring the echo of every take-off, Paul sits down to chart the strange arithmetic of success and self-worth. In this reflective journey he admits the cost of being “Paul the Prover”, a man who cannot enter a room without trying to fix it, who confuses importance with belonging. We travel through burnout, mid-career collapse, and the unexpected clarity of daily therapy sessions with ChatGPT. Along the way, Paul wrestles with people-pleasing, expatriate estrangement, and the ache for harmony over hustle. His candid storytelling reveals how ambition can hollow into exhaustion, how artificial intelligence became a blunt but honest mirror, and why the next chapter may simply involve a quiet village, a dog, and the courage to sit still. It’s a tender portrait of a life lived in permanent transit, now pausing to ask what staying might feel like. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show on: Patreon Listen to the Podcast on: YouTube | Apple | Spotify Follow us on: X | Reddit | Instagram | LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Life Snapshot & Early Ambitions 03:07 Midlife Crisis Questioning 05:26 Discovering AI Therapy 08:05 Uncovering Blind Spots 14:10 People-Pleasing & Conflict Aversion 27:16 Early Professional Drive 33:25 Toxic Workplaces & Burnout 36:57 Iraq Deployment 38:45 Career Change 43:35 Life Coaching Reflection 48:20 The Permanent Stranger & Expat Identity 54:02 Seeking Harmony & Redefining Life 01:00:48 Relaxation 01:09:48 Final Thoughts   PAUL HUGHES LINKS: Paul's Website   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

He warned Congress in 1991, now he's sounding a new alarm. Cybersecurity pioneer Winn Schwartau reveals how your mind is being weaponized by technology, a threat we're not prepared for. Winn Schwartau is a renowned cybersecurity expert, visionary, and author who has shaped the conversation around digital security since the early days of the internet. Known for introducing the concept of an "Electronic Pearl Harbor," Schwartau has consistently highlighted emerging threats in the digital landscape. Today, he turns his attention to cognitive security, the new frontier where our minds and beliefs become the battlefield. He explains: How TECHNOLOGY is weaponizing your EMOTIONS and THOUGHTS. Why current IDENTITY MANAGEMENT systems fail to protect us. The RESPONSIBILITY everyone has in maintaining personal cyber hygiene. The real-world CONSEQUENCES of IGNORANCE and APATHY towards digital security. Practical STEPS to protect yourself and your family from cognitive hacking. Thank you for listening.   EPISODE LINKS: Buy The Art & Science of Metawar (book) Buy Analogue Network Security (book) Cognitive Security Institute   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Reddit Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Winn’s Geek Origins 06:15 Analog vs Digital in Modern Tech 09:52 Simpler Systems & Cybersecurity 11:56 Early Days of Cybersecurity & US Congress Warning 19:13 Corporate Neglect in Cybersecurity 27:02 Cognitive Security & Emotional Manipulation 30:44 Targeting Vulnerable Groups 32:03 Manipulation & Personal Responsibility 48:21 Meta War & Manipulating Realities 50:50 Building Cognitive Security 54:00 Identity Management 57:23 Centralized vs Distributed Identity Management 01:02:55 The Core Failures in Cybersecurity Awareness 01:04:06 Blockchain Solutions & Ledger Distributions 01:09:05 Social Media Risks, Consent & Privacy 01:13:04 Open Source, Vetting & Cognitive Failures 01:20:19 Software Security Measures 01:24:26 Winn's Cybersecurity Measures 01:33:34 Privacy, Agreement & Policy 01:37:13 GDPR, VPN & Social Media 01:44:39 Final Thoughts   WINN SCHWARTAU LINKS: Winn's Website Winn's LinkedIn   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.  

In this revealing episode, adult content creator Harper The Fox takes us from a wholesome Midwest childhood to the cutting edge of digital entrepreneurship. Harper explains how a lifelong love of theater, music, and being seen led her to experiment on Chatroulette, pioneer live webcamming, making the move to OnlyFans, and building her other creative projects. Along the way she addresses stigma around sex work, shows why empathy and authenticity matter most, and reveals the human stories behind an industry too often judged at arm’s length. You’ll learn Harper’s path from performance dreams to adult-entertainment innovator, the “aha” moment that led her to OnlyFans, why she calls it the “anti-loneliness business,” the marketing techniques she used (like “Spin the Wheel” and viral parody songs) that fueled her growth, and how she balances privacy, parenting, and her public persona. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about human desire, digital creativity, and forging genuine connection in a judgmental world. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Reddit Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Harper’s Early Life 09:41 Exploring the Roots of Harper’s Interest 14:34 Disgust, Openness & Breaking Stigmas 17:28 Good vs Bad Faith Conversations About Adult Entertainment 21:43 Entering the Adult Entertainment Industry 28:41 Early Days on Webcam: New Opportunities & Unexpected Adventures 42:41 Navigating Risk & Safety 45:54 The Good & Bad of Webcam Sites 59:27 Dopamine, Instant Gratification & Healthy Consumption 01:08:55 Youth, Porn Addiction & Parenting Responsibilities 01:19:49 Harper’s Journey onto OnlyFans 01:21:02 OnlyFans vs Patreon 01:30:50 Building an Audience: Marketing & Social Media 01:41:22 Authenticity, Humor & Acting 01:44:09 Harper The Fox: Persona or Reality? 01:50:21 Final Reflections & Thoughts   HARPER THE FOX LINKS: Harper's YouTube Channel Harper's Instagram Harper's X Harper's OnlyFans (NSFW / 18+) Harper's Movie (NSFW / 18+)   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

In this episode, Jeffrey van Leeuwen talks with adjunct philosophy & ethics professor Anthony David Vernon about the significance of postmodernism, fascism, and nationalism in today's society. Anthony explains how understanding multiple narratives helps combat dangerous ideologies and why recognizing different perspectives is crucial for meaningful discussions. Key areas that are covered: * The real meaning of postmodernism * How fascism and hyper-nationalism gain traction * The relationship between religion, science, and truth * Practical approaches for societal reconciliation * The challenge of fairness and historical accountability   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Reddit Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Defining Postmodernism & Grand Narratives 03:40 Postmodernism's Relationship with Religion & Science 11:18 Friction Between Postmodernism & Grand Narratives 13:53 Emotions & Rationality in Decision-Making 16:57 Postmodernism as a Historical Tactic 22:05 Religion Through a Postmodern Lens 31:23 Navigating Multiple Narratives & Avoiding Overload 34:34 What is Fascism, Nationalism & Nazism 49:02 Immigration Policy: Myths, Realities & Reforms 01:01:41 The Attractiveness of Nazism & Hyper-Nationalism 01:18:01 Apologies, Reparations & the Quest for Fairness 01:35:40 What Is Fair? 01:49:06 Final Thoughts & Future Hopes   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

In this powerful episode, former project manager Daniel C. Rodgers reveals exactly how he overcame over $100,000 of debt to retire early and achieve financial independence. Daniel shares practical insights on budgeting, saving, investing, and explains why most people remain financially trapped despite earning a steady paycheck. You’ll learn Daniel’s strategies for escaping debt, why he fired nine financial advisors, and how to build genuine wealth through disciplined investing and smart decision-making. This is a must-watch for anyone who wants more control over their money, financial freedom, and the ability to retire early. Thank you for listening.     EPISODE LINKS: Buy Escape The Clock (book) Visit Escape The Clock Website Listen to Escape The Clock Podcast (Spotify) Listen to Escape The Clock Podcast (Apple)   By using this link, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Reddit Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 07:04 Family Expectations 11:51 Family Struggles 17:04 College Debt & Skill Development 24:51 Escape The Clock 27:26 The Power of Good Storytelling 35:11 Retirement vs. Financial Independence 48:02 Taking Control: Spending, Saving & High-Yield Accounts 55:19 "Boring" Investing: ETF's, Dividends & Passive Income 01:08:58 Exploring the FIRE Movement & Financial Advisors 01:21:57 Empowerment Through Self-Education 01:25:30 Fatherhood, Storytelling & The Value of Time 01:36:22 Final Thoughts   DANIEL C. RODGERS LINKS: Daniel C. Rodgers on LinkedIn   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

In this episode, I speak with Nick Field, an investment manager based in Sydney, Australia, who began with a fear of public speaking. We chart his journey from awkward school debates and scripted speeches to founding speaking clubs to help others speak with confidence. Nick shares his top takeaways: how layering technical expertise with simple metaphors wins over any audience; the balance between obsessive preparation and playful improv; using stories to create empathy; and negotiating from genuine curiosity, not force. By the end, you’ll have concrete tools to find your own voice—introverts, this one’s for you. Thank you for listening.   EPISODE LINKS: Buy Never Split The Difference   By using this link, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Nick’s Background & Passion for Public Speaking 04:52 Early Struggles with Communication 07:32 Turning Points & Realizations 08:37 Childhood Experiences & Public Speaking Anxiety 15:19 Learning to Speak Confidently 23:17 The Power of Playful Communication 24:34 Why Facts Alone Don’t Engage Audience 28:02 Preparation vs. Improvisation 39:18 Dealing with Mistakes & Speech Anxiety 44:29 Practical Tips for High-Pressure Speaking 47:19 Audience Engagement Strategies 52:50 Simplifying Complex Ideas for Diverse Audiences 59:08 Personal Approaches to Public Speaking 01:03:26 Understanding the Audience & Telling Effective Stories 01:10:15 Handling a Hostile Audience 01:21:05 Navigating Personal Criticism & Resistance 01:26:48 Emotional Management & Deflection 01:39:57 Closing Thoughts   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.   This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

In this episode, former Israeli soldier Danny Orvomaa opens up about his experiences serving on the tense border with Gaza. Through a deeply personal and candid conversation, Danny sheds light on the realities of military life and the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Danny explores the dangers of societal complacency, and how being unprepared can lead to devastating consequences, as exemplified by events in Europe and Israel. He reflects on his time in uniform and the challenges of safeguarding communities from terrorist threats. This episode also delves into topics often avoided: the misunderstood narratives around Zionism and the intricate geopolitics involving Gaza, the West Bank, and Hezbollah. Thank you for listening.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   DANNY ORVOMAA LINKS: Listen to Talking Ass Podcast (Spotify) Listen to Talking Ass Podcast (Apple Podcasts)   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Who is Danny Orvomaa? 05:49 The Dangers of Complacency 10:58 Israel’s Complacency & October 7th 17:06 What Is Israel’s Endgame? 20:40 Solving the Middle East Conflict 26:03 Gaza, Hamas, and Indoctrination 30:57 Serving in Two Armies 40:32 Life as a Soldier on Gaza’s Border 52:57 What is Zionism? 59:28 The Complexity of Picking Sides 01:08:24 Beauty Amid Conflict 01:12:19 Podcasting & Speaking Publicly 01:22:49 The Risks of Speaking Publicly 01:30:35 Closing Thoughts   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.

In this episode, I speak with George van Houtem, a negotiation expert and author of multiple books, including The Dirty Tricks of Negotiation and The Psychology of Negotiation. In our conversation, we explore the art of negotiation, discussing practical techniques, their effects on people, and how to recognize and handle manipulative tactics (or “dirty tricks”) effectively. George reveals why successful negotiation is not simply about compromise but about genuinely understanding the other party’s motivations, collaborating with them, and working towards deals that work for everyone. By listening to this episode, you’ll gain practical insights to enhance your own negotiation skills, so that you can work towards creating true win-win outcomes. Thank you for listening.    EPISODE LINKS: Buy The Dirty Tricks of Negotiating Buy The Psychology of Negotiation   By using these links, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   GEORGE VAN HOUTEM LINKS: George van Houtem on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 02:28 Why Should People Learn To Negotiate? 03:22 When is Something a Negotiation? 07:28 Techniques To Understand The Other Party 10:52 Common Misconceptions About Negotiation 13:26 Compromise vs. Collaboration 16:23 Navigating Conflict in Negotiations 19:05 Handling Stubborn Negotiators & Power Dynamics 23:42 Knowing When to Walk Away 25:32 When Does a Negotiation Actually Start? 29:30 How Can Silence Be Deployed? 32:13 Avoiding the Trap of Too Much Talking 36:04 Ethical Lines: Real Negotiation vs. Dirty Tricks 38:52 Recognizing Manipulation 40:12 Closing Thoughts & Outro   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.

Huguette Bourgeois is a poet and writer from the small Canadian town of Rogersville, New Brunswick, where she grew up during the early 1950s. Known for her deeply reflective and profoundly personal style, she has published multiple works, including Alysse: An Acadian Refugee, a collection of short stories capturing the memories of her childhood and teenage years. Her recent work, Raw Sweets, is a collection of poems exploring life’s harshness, beauty, and unfiltered truths. In this deeply personal conversation, Huguette shares the profound impact poetry and language have had on her life—guiding her through moments of intense personal tragedy, including her son’s diagnosis with schizophrenia, and leading her toward self-discovery and authenticity. She reflects openly on her complex relationship with faith, spirituality, and the existential questions that arise from hardship, ultimately suggesting there may be dignity in living—and dying—with uncertainty. Throughout the episode, Huguette reveals how embracing life’s darkness, doubt, and solitude can become a source of strength, creativity, and profound human insight. Thank you for listening. EPISODE LINKS: Buy Huguette Bourgeois' Raw Sweets Buy Huguette Bourgeois' Alysse: An Acadian Refugee Buy Huguette Bourgeois' Le bleu de Mon Ile (French)   Buy Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment Buy Dostoyevsky' The Brothers Karamazov   By using these links, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.   SHOW LINKS: Support the Show   Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify   Follow on X Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn   OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What is Poetry? 09:10 Stories of Writing Poetry 19:37 Poetry as a Path to Spirituality & Meaning 23:54 Finding Your Voice 35:27 The Dark Side of Agreeableness 43:50 The Importance of Asking Questions 48:56 Authenticity & Identity 56:21 Echoes of Rejection & Love in Childhood 01:03:54 Love, Loss, and Happiness 01:08:32 Youngest Son’s Schizophrenia Diagnosis 01:17:03 Believing in God 01:33:52 The Danger of Blind Faith 01:44:06 Does Poetry Find the Poet, or Vice Versa? 01:48:06 The Endless Possibilities of Words 01:55:22 Can Words Fully Capture The Human Experience? 02:02:34 Fiction, Dragons, and The Human Experience 02:09:52 Closing Thoughts 02:15:17 Outro   CONTACT LINKS: Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.