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Mr. Bright Side

Author: Matthew Boulton

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Never has there been a better time to be alive in human history. If you’re not feeling it, it’s essential that you discover why. Health, wealth, happiness, and other components of successful living are not achieved by accident. Everything has a cause....
66 Episodes
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A lot of us think that in exercise, more is better. We all just don’t do enough. But perhaps we’re giving too much. In today’s interview, our guest, Chad Morris, discusses how people over-train to their detriment, as they give up way too much time, money, effort, sweat, and stress in return for way too few fitness returns and way too many tears in frustration and discouragement. What if we could do a lot less for a lot more? Check out Chad's Myogenics fitness studio: https://www.myogenicsfitness.com/Take a virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPtUPL53uEASee Chad's 2019 TOS-Con Talk: 'Basic Principles and Pitfalls of Fitness Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_74PPgFlJsCheck out (son) Seth's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdyHsGgESyglhKDvKzTXDcQWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwU-Y5aIn74Learn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Lisa VanDamme, educator and parent (which you’ll see are both understatements), has answers regarding education and parenting that stem from an approach which I might describe as rationally passionate or passionately rational—I can’t decide which is more appropriate. In any case, you’ll hear the clear thinking down to the root of each issue that ought to concern any parent or person concerned with the future generation and the society they will help build and in which we all must live. You’ll also see the passionate love for her children and students shine through in our interview.I’m sure that after hearing Lisa’s unique approach to the subject dearest to any parent, you will be wondering where you can find a teacher like her or a school like hers, or how you might also apply some of her insights toward being the best parent you can be for your child—and more, how you can appreciate and enjoy the journey of parenting even more deeply than you might.Find Lisa and get involved with her projects:VanDamme Academy: https://www.vandammeacademy.com/VDA on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VanDammeAcademyDocumentary, 'A Little Candle': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv2TWkmTIlE&t=327sRead With Me: https://readwithmesalon.com/info/homeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.vandammeEnjoy Parenting podcast: https://aynrandcentre.co.uk/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85KSIMblOTULearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
We've got to clear away some weeds--and sometimes even some healthy plants--to make room for new growth. Matthew makes and announcement about taking a step away from regular Mr. Bright Side podcast episodes.Don't worry! He will still be pursuing particular guests who he personally wants to have on, and will publish those interviews as they come. And on top, he will be back in some new incarnation at some point. Listen in for details as to what and why, and think about what you might drop from your own life that may not be as necessary as you think.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JznhSRn1l0Learn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Good stuff is happening, and it’s much more common than the negative. Listen in for some optimistic news that’s going on in the world.In Part 1 of this two-part series, Matthew highlighted some of the astounding feats of medical science, while expounding on what this means for the lives of real individuals like you and him–and those we love. In Part 2, he presents a variety of thrilling innovations that promise to make our lives even more convenient, fun, and simply richer with experience. Man, is this exciting!Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWvUmu0u8EkLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Good stuff is happening, and it’s much more common than the negative. Listen in for some optimistic news that’s going on in the world.In Part 1 of this two-part series, Matthew highlights some of the astounding feats of medical science, while expounding on what this means for the lives of real individuals like you and him–and those we love.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKMuFctZVH4Learn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Matthew sets some context after he was apparently “busted” breaking his own rules, the same rules he claimed on his show were so helpful in leading him to get more done and enjoy his free time even more. Who is he to be sharing advice with people if he doesn’t actually practice what he preaches?Fair question. On today’s episode, he responds.See how setting boundaries is not restrictive but liberating, and how higher context goals ought to inform lesser ones. And then how we can be kind to ourselves while more deftly walking the line between rationalizing bad choices and not beating ourselves up to where we paralyze action.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6rg8gM3FfELearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Matthew elaborates on the lyrics of My Morning Jacket’s 2011 “Circuital,” and the themes and lessons within. He also comments on the music itself, as it is an exhilarating and joyous song.What are you going to do with your glorious and limited time “out on the circuit”?Listen to Circuital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8EtNSUy93UWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqXr2xyFvUILearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Should I save now to have for later? Spend now for life experience at the expense of one’s future security? How much either way? And then spend on what? Acquiring things or experiences? And then at what balance? These are all questions one must answer for oneself, and there is no “right way” to live.But depending on the answers, there is something that comes across in how much we experience in life in how much grace we carry ourselves with and in how we deal with others. It shows through in one’s carriage and being, so that we in effect “wear” that experience. It is also revealed to ourselves when no one else is looking in how much we are truly satisfied with the experience of our own lives.Matthew’s wife said that while she used to spend much of her salary on designer bags and clothes, she now prefers to “wear her experience,” and he shares their discussion about that theme in today’s episode.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqJBzluBZaYLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Does success lead to optimism or does optimism lead to success?Matthew's university classroom was divided, although none doubted the correlation. They were all ready, then, to accept the idea of a "virtuous circle." But a question remains: Where can one enter the circle?Well over a year ago, Matthew wrote a very brief essay titled “Enter at Optimism,” in which he describes this classroom discussion scene that led him to a realization. He proceeded in the essay to lay out that realization. Today on this show, he elaborates on the main points.Read the essay: https://matthewboulton.ca/2020/01/16/enter-at-optimism/Listen to the Ep. 57, an interview with Rich Curtis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk9czy_Z4Cw&t=277sWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVQ_qmK7scILearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
“Giving is getting” but this popular idea does have a qualifier that must be highlighted and properly understood, as it is often mistaken to refer to some kind of losing in the short term to gain in the long-term—which it kind of is yet isn’t. In this episode, Matthew distinguishes “giving” from “losing” so that we’re not trying to say anything paradoxical like “losing is winning.” There need be no losers for everyone to win.In this episode, Matthew relays two recent experiences to help describe a benevolent view of goodwill and generosity towards those around us versus the uninspiring concept of duty towards others. He also highlights what kind of mindset is necessary to create perpetual “organic” win-win relationships. Properly conceived, it’s a beautiful thing.Listen to Matt Hill's interview on the Boulton from Boulton podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_sCm_fkb7IWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfFDdJ_p0iALearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
What stories are we telling ourselves and the people we love? Are they serving us or hurting us? And them? In today’s show, the power of story is made alarmingly clear—I mean powerful at the neurochemical level, and I mean alarmingly in that many of us are mostly passive in allowing old, unchecked, and disempowering stories about ourselves drive us—and not anywhere we want to go.But fear not, as Rich shares with us his four-step story-evolution process to help us access our brain’s filter database and take an active role in creating new filters to rewrite the stories that are holding us back to ones that promote our happiness and values, as well as creating systems that defend our good habits.This interview was loaded, as we are the beneficiaries of Rich’s “personal Ph.D” in happiness he earned over an intense two-year period, as he beckons to us from atop the shoulders of giants in neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioral psychology with clarifying and directly actionable advice that I really think is an extra level of what I’ve been looking for in terms of, “Now, what do I do?”Get in touch with Rich at: http://www.richcurtis.com/Buy his book, 'Change Your Story, Change Your Life': https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Story-Life-Happiness-ebook/dp/B08KZM7RX8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rich+curtis+change+your+story&qid=1617944442&sr=8-1Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk9czy_Z4CwLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
At minimum, you will leave this interview feeling confident and optimistic about yourself, your world, and the prospects in it, as Christmas Hutchinson convincingly reminds each of us that we're worth more than we give ourselves credit for. Not a little more...way more.Throughout, she repeatedly gives refreshingly novel takes on what self-preservation and resilience mean, and if you pay good attention, you'll walk away with the thinking and tools to achieve them. Check Christmas out at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchrissytv/Website: https://chrissytv.com/Podcast: https://chrissytv.com/podcast/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGBZS5E6znQLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebpodcast/mr-bright-side/id1503114628 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Why do some people thrive in the face of hardship while others are crushed? To this challenging listener question, Matthew answers essentially that it’s about building resilience through the method of optimism versus the default of passive pessimistic resignation. On a deeper level, it’s about free will (optimistic) versus determinism (pessimistic).Through his search into Viktor Frankl’s “focused optimistic purpose” and “tragic optimism”, Matthew came across a phenomenon known as “toxic positivity,” which sounds awfully similar to his own concept identified as “subjective optimism.” Neither pessimism nor subjective optimism is an effective method for dealing with hardship, or even regular life, and Matthew goes deep into why only Objective Optimism is a potent antidote to the toxicity of all the others.He also refers to two previous interviews, where guests Lewis Page and Dr. Fleet Maull contribute relevant insights on this issue, which includes the question of whether “waking up” necessitates deep adversity. (Hint: It doesn’t.)Read 'What is Objective Optimism?": https://matthewboulton.ca/2020/01/15/what-is-objective-optimism/Listen to Lewis Page on Mr. Bright Side: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3rj9aZ94rY&t=528sListen to Fleet Maull on Mr. Bright Side: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbolq8MX9MY&t=3sWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPV9AovHYK8Learn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Are we basically good or evil? How can we transcend our culture of "blame and shame"? Why do we give away our power to others? How can we be less reactive and more proactively responsible for our own actions and well-being? What does it mean to take full ownership for our circumstances, and why is this empowering? What are the physical benefits to mindfulness training, on top of the obvious mental and emotional benefits?Dr. Fleet Maull, renowned mindset growth teacher and meditation teacher, has the answers to all of this and much more. Learn about mindfulness training from Matthew's rookie perspective with expert advice. If anyone has the credibility earned through personal experience on top of his vast teaching and clinical experience, Dr. Maull also has a tremendous history which is at once fascinating and heartbreaking. He not only talks the talk; he's walked the hard walk and proved that his approach truly empowers. Visit Dr. Maull: https://fleetmaull.com/Heart Mind Institute: https://hmi.fleetmaull.com/Prison Mindfulness Institute: https://www.prisonmindfulness.org/Mindfulness in Public Safety: https://www.mindfulpublicsafety.org/Learn about the book and get a FREE chapter: https://www.radicalresponsibilitybook.com/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbolq8MX9MYLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Whether you’re depressed or not, none of us are operating in perfect mental health. And in any case, we all need to be better educated for those around us who may be struggling and for whom we might make a difference. Lewis Page, successful and respected soccer coach, loved father, husband, friend, and all-around popular and healthy guy, does not fit one’s typical image of what depression looks like. Yet he lives with it.Hear how shocked people were to see his 2016 Bell Let’s Talk Day video in which he revealed his struggle, and the overwhelming reaction that he couldn’t have been prepared for. Then learn about his most recent video, in which he shares his current state of successful dealing with depression, including all the reasons why. In this outstanding interview, Lewis tells us how the “silent thief” steals one’s joy, energy, and ambition, but then how to employ tools and practices to live happily in spite of mental health problems. Learn something for yourself and for those around you, because “every action matters.”Find Lewis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lewispage6Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3rj9aZ94rYLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
Most personal finance perspectives focus on savings and investment, and offer advice such as “don’t buy coffee every day.” But such practices are not conducive to living a liberated and happy life, and it’s not what moves the needle in one’s financial well-being besides.“The goal is to enjoy your life,” says guest David Veklser, “not to die sitting on a big stash of cash.” Listen to learn more about David’s integrated philosophical perspective on personal economy, with plenty of relevant and practical advice and examples. He’s achieved all that he preaches, and his wisdom can help you think more fundamentally and effectively toward the end of living your own optimal life. Matthew claims this interview is going to be a multiple re-listen in years to come.Read the article: https://davidveksler.com/2020/10/20/ten-personal-finance-principles-ive-learned-over-40-years/See David’s website for more resources and empowering content:https://davidveksler.com/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt0mgABJrZgLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
It’s weird to me that anyone is ever against capitalism.”Hear why Tim thinks it’s weird, and hear loads of other inspiring stories and ideas in this packed episode. Let us just lay it on you in points. Tim goes off entertainingly on:-his lifelong obsessions with persuasion as leading him to a career in marketing-dropping out of uni to the devastation of his parents without any real plan, and the pressure that put on him to make good-how starting a marketing agency is not what you imagine-college degree as a social-class symbol-self-education, original ideas, and first break after multiple rejections-childhood entrepreneurship and lessons, including the thrill or high of making sales and profit-why capitalism is not well-defended for lack of moral arguments-profit is noble and good (“leaving the world better than you found it”)-almost all attacks on capitalism are on strawmen-how the US is a geographically and culturally rich nation that few venture to see and understand-the diversity of the US’s culture reveals the genius of federalism-Tim’s upcoming “Happy Capitalist” podcast-way, way more than thisRead Tim's book: https://www.amazon.com/Hanging-proven-marketing-strategy-ambitious/dp/1517495121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SEE0LRAVSDIG&dchild=1&keywords=high+hanging+fruit+book&qid=1611132377&sprefix=high-hanging+fruit%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-1Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngP8k6mDRI0Learn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
No, it’s nothing to do with The Killers.In this early milestone 50th episode, Matthew reflects a bit by sharing a brief history as to why he proceeded to call the show “Mr. Bright Side,” knowing full well that it would always be confused with the 2004 mega-hit Killers song. He also shares a few personal stories over the years which have reflected back to him his natural tendency to optimism and enthusiasm, long before he ever developed his mature and formal philosophy. Listeners can take a lesson in self-awareness from these reminiscences.He wraps with some well-deserved thanks to listeners, guests, a friend, and his wife in a sincere delivery of appreciation and gratitude for their part in making this podcast at all possible, as well as a quick announcement about upcoming shows.(*Please note that Mr. Bright Side will be temporarily moving to a bi-weekly schedule. Listeners are encouraged to review some past episodes they may have missed if they’re looking to fill the gap. In any case, weekly schedule will resume before too long, no doubt!)Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_R4b0ABfxELearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
At what age does one become a fully-formed individual? One modern-day comedian and one sage character from a short story published in 1939 have both offered a similar magic number. How is that two people from distinctly separate eras and experience have both identified the same thing?In this episode, learn where Matthew heard Ricky Gervais and Parker Pyne, respectively, how he recognized in his own life the truth of what they say, and what advice he has for younger and older people alike.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcLQ2n3mXNIHear Ricky Gervais on SiriusXM podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbR5rmNEIcw&t=223sRead Parker Pyne stories by Agatha Christie:https://www.agathachristie.com/stories/parker-pyne-investigatesLearn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
How does charity fit into a life dedicated to gaining—not surrendering—values? If healthy human relationships are about win-wins, and charity is about gaining nothing for oneself, then is it good? And why do many of us feel so unfulfilled after engaging in sacrificial charity, if it’s the right thing to do?Matthew answers all this and more on this week’s episode, as he outlines a positive image of what non-sacrificial charity can and ought to look like. Duty is ugly, so relieve yourself of the burden of guilt this holiday season and beyond, and see that charity is a beautiful and rewarding thing when properly conceived.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlNzhqRjBh4Learn more at https://matthewboulton.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/matthewboulton.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewboulton.substack.com
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