In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Stephen Sideroff, an internationally recognized psychologist, professor at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, and expert in resilience and peak performance.

Stephen’s groundbreaking new book, The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Master Stress, Slow Aging & Increase Vitality, couldn’t come at a more important time.

We live in a world where chronic stress has become the norm—and it’s taking a major toll on our mental and physical well-being. In our conversation, Stephen offers a powerful framework for dealing with chronic stress by building true resilience—not just bouncing back, but adapting, evolving, and thriving in the face of life’s challenges.

Together, we explore:

• Why the stress response, once an evolutionary advantage, now contributes to many chronic diseases

• The role of early life experiences in shaping our internal models for how we react to stress and the world

• How cultivating resilience is the key to mastering stress and protecting long-term brain and body health

• The importance of contemplative practices like mindfulness, equanimity, and non-reactivity

• Scientific evidence showing that building resilience can actually slow aging and promote neuroplasticity

• What resilient centenarians can teach us about healthy longevity—even in the face of trauma

Stephen’s 9 Pillars offer a roadmap for developing emotional flexibility, building stronger connections with ourselves and others, and accessing a deeper sense of vitality. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or simply curious about how to support your well-being as you age—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Thank you for being a part of our growing community. If you find this episode valuable, I encourage you to share it with anyone navigating stress or looking to live a longer, more vibrant life.

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