Convergence

Brendan discovers his food is continuing to Gaslighting him, Mark meets the Mayor of Bike Shed, and plans begin for Brendan’s 40th.(00:00) - Your food is Gaslighting you (02:40) - Willpower (06:32) - Being right (20:08) - The Mayor of Bike Shed (26:12) - So, what do you do? (36:34) - Internal family systems (43:12) - Brendan’s 40th birthday plans (01:00:24) - Saying no (01:04:08) - Bag LinksVector theory of changeNo Bad Parts: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model, by Richard SchwartzJohn Dies at the End, by David Wong

Profound insights and entertaining takes on life's quirks.This episode delves into a rich tapestry of personal experiences, legal challenges, and engaging banter, highlighting the Brendan’s journey through litigation, personal development, and humorous everyday observations. Key discussions include the unique wear patterns on a wooden desk, the intense preparation for and insights from an arbitration case, and the importance of honesty and integrity. The conversation also covers physical health, the benefits of outdoor activity, and a playful critique of astrology, reflecting a blend of serious reflections, lifestyle changes, and light-hearted moments. In addition, the host jests about selling a stationary bike and insists on the scientific credibility of astrology, inviting listeners to engage via email. This mixed narrative provides listeners with both profound insights and entertaining takes on life's quirks.AI shownotes are hilarious.Email: convergencepod@icloud.com

Exploring Personal Identities, Happiness, and Human ExperiencesMark and Brendan discuss individualism, happiness, and personal identity, particularly gender identity. They discuss societal pressures, the implications of aligning too closely with a specific identity, and the importance of personal happiness and acceptance. The conversation also touches on their personal experiences with team sports and its social implications, and the process of self-discovery and acceptance. Additionally, they address the concept of parts work or Internal Family Systems therapy, a method of dealing with personal trauma and internal conflicts by engaging in dialogue with different parts of oneself. The hosts share personal stories and reflections on sports, societal expectations, and the journey towards personal fulfillment and understanding.Spoilers for the end of The Barbie Movie at one hour and 7 minutes.IQ Test http://www.iqtest.comZataar Garlic Nut Gutter recipe by Brendan Hutchins1 glove crushed garlic1/2 cup nut butter (I prefer peanut or cashew)1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp zataar seasoning2 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp sea saltCombine and enjoy!Email: convergencepod@icloud.com

Cycling, Personal Reflections, and Drug ExperiencesMark starts with some cycling anecdotes that include several instances of bike theft and the acquisition of an e-bike. The discussion expands to cover topics of legality and accessibility of cycling for visually impaired individuals. Beyond cycling, they explore deeper themes of personal growth, the use of psychedelics for enlightenment, and reflections on societal norms around drug use. Famous figures such as Ram Dass and the impact of psychedelic experiences on spirituality and understanding of self are also discussed. The conversation takes a broader turn into personal anecdotes about drug use, societal observations, and discussions on the nuance of language.Being Ram DassEmail: convergencepod@icloud.com

Legal Battles, Lifestyle Changes, and the Value of ChoiceBeginning with a detailed account of a legal arbitration, where Brendan recalls a revelation about contract terms that could potentially turn the case in his favor. The discussion then shifts to the intricacies of the legal process, including the strategies and shortcomings of opposing legal representations. Later, Mark and Brendan discuss navigating dietary preferences and restrictions linked to lifestyle changes, the psychological impacts of selective eating versus enforced deprivation due to circumstances, and the importance of choice in various aspects of life. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit SethiI Will Teach You To Be Rich YouTubeEmail: convergencepod@icloud.com

Silence, Social Awkwardness, and Streamlining Podcasts: A Journey of Personal and Professional GrowthThis episode delves into the social intricacies of Brendan’s path to self-improvement through a Refuge Recovery silent retreat grounded in Buddhist practices for addiction recovery, and the challenge of managing cravings and self-realization in silence. Mark takes a trip to Cambridge for a podcast conference and discusses the difficulties of food, like just in general, why is food so hard?Email: convergencepod@icloud.com

A Conversational Odyssey on Growth, Challenges, and Game Mechanics.Mark and Brendan share personal transformation stories, from overcoming health and self-esteem challenges to finding joy and resilience in the face of life's adversities. The discussion delves into the including the importance of self-improvement, confronting one's shadows, mentorship under notable individuals like Tom Merritt, and leveraging platforms like Descript and Transistor for podcast editing and audience engagement. This vivid dialogue also explores the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies, the impact of childhood traumas, and the value of embracing uncomfortable growth opportunities. Brendan and Mark analyze different aspects of creating engaging content, approaching life challenges with a game-like strategy, and the significance of personal readiness in pursuing transformative experiences.10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin P. HardyCome Together by Nox Vahn and Marsh (feat. Alan Watts)Email: convergencepod@icloud.com

Navigating Change and Creative FulfillmentThe conversation shifts towards the importance of meeting various needs through creative outlets and work, examining the pitfalls of setting lofty ambitions without considering the holistic impact on one’s wellbeing and happiness. Mark explores the struggle of maintaining a creative project, Morning Creative, amidst feelings of burnout and discontent, underscoring the conflict between fulfilling personal needs versus pursuing broader appeal. The dialogue encompasses a candid introspection on the value of creativity, the challenges of marketing oneself, and the pursuit of happiness both inside and outside work. Themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the quest for authenticity permeate the exchange, culminating in a reflection on the role of performance and play in achieving fulfillment and the delicate balance between work and personal life satisfaction.The Mystic Path To Cosmic Power by Vernon HowardEmail: convergencepod@icloud.com

Mark and Brendan have a banter of a good time discussing updates to a bunch of ongoing topics. Mark updates his Sticky Point Of View from last episode. And later, Mark reveals the next evolution of his project Morning Creative, and how he’s crafting a quiet space for Brendan, I mean everyone, to do their creative work.Brendan makes some BOLD claims about what veganism is, controversial! Brendan also brings up a book about women’s health and declares it won’t be a part of the men’s health course Godmode. Good thinking, Brendan. But gleaned from the information about women, Brendan is able to better understand men and how the hormone system works. It all comes together.* Womancode by Alisa VittiFind Mark and creative coaching at mark@morningcreative.fmEngage Brendan and health explorations at brendan@enterGODMODE.coEmail: convergencepod@icloud.com

AI written shownotes:In this episode titled 'Convergence 18', the hosts delve into a plethora of topics, reflecting and sharing personal experiences. Beginning with an intriguing discussion on their reflections about dealing with sales and projecting their ultimate creation, they proceed to discuss the prospect of offering a premium experience with custom 'loot crates' that includes books, blue-light blocking glasses, and other curated items. Mark probes the vision for Brendan’s course ‘Godmode’ intended for personal transformation and how he plans to market it. Conversations about Buddhism, capitalism, and societal pressures also form part of the discussion. Brendan shares intriguing anecdotes about his participation in certain programs and the impact it had on him. The informal banter and personal insights make it a poignant and enlightening conversation.Alan Watts’ You’re It: On hiding, seeking, and being foundBlinkistWhen Food Is Food and Love Is LoveFind Mark and creative coaching at mark@morningcreative.fmEngage Brendan and health explorations at brendan@enterGODMODE.co

The latest on Mark’s standup set and Godmode, some quirks of human behaviour, and Mark comes to a realisation on air.LinksAlchemy: The Magic of Original Thinking in a World of Mind-Numbing Conformity, by Rory SutherlandNetwork (1976)Enter Godmode

Is there mould in your coffee? Charlatans, experts, and is Steven Bartlett really the one to tell the difference? And the fascination with fastingLinksLife in the Fasting Lane: How to Make Intermittent Fasting a Lifestyle – and Reap the Benefits of Weight Loss and Better Health, by Dr Jason Fung, Eve Mayer, Megan RamosFast This Way: Burn Fat, Heal Inflammation and Eat Like the High-Performing Human You Were Meant to Be, by Dave AspreyHead Strong: The Bulletproof Plan to Activate Untapped Brain Energy to Work Smarter and Think Faster – in Just Two Weeks, by Dave AspreyEnter Godmode

On a shorter-than-usual episode, Brendan shares his journey with EMDR, and Mark won some money on a TV game show with his dad and got a surprise Internet reaction.LinksAnt & Dec's Limitless Win – Series 3, episode 4About that time my dad and I won £250,000 on TV

Brendan shares updates on Godmode, Mark shares updates on Morning Creative, and they both discover that while we all want to make big improvements to our lives≤, the secret is not to be weird about it.LinksThe Chimp Paradox, by Prof Steve PetersMorning Creative on YouTubeValues – Episode 22 of the A-Z of Happiness

Brendan proves why he is “a dapper wizard”, and Mark shares his worthy goal.LinksSujith RavindranMKBHD on “quitting” YouTubeGodmodeHow to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters, by Michael Bungay StanierThinking – Episode 20 of the A-Z of HappinessUnique HammondThe Serenity PrayerGod, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Brendan and Mark review a YouTube video with 1.25 million views that they’ve never seen. Would you take a stand-up course? Brendan finds out to what extent his yoga practice has been paying off, and he has a name for his programme.LinksHi Ren, by RenI'm a Terrible Person, by RooneyDo You Realize?, by the Flaming LipsClarity & Connection, by Yung PuebloGuided meditationThis begins at 1:22:11.

This week: what is Convergence for? Brendan is working on a method, and Mark wonders what it would be like if you started a business and didn’t know who it was for.LinksAffirmations for Empaths: A Year of Guided Journaling, by Judith OrloffThe Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People, by Judith OrloffLibby appBrendan & Mags: “Hot Two”“In Defense of Food” Author Offers Advice For HealthAtomic Habits, by James Clear

Self-discovery and personal growth are ongoing journeys that can lead to profound insights and perspectives. Through discussions about embracing oneself, accepting different aspects of life, and finding joy in the process of exploration, today’s episode highlights the importance of continuous learning and the potential for transformation. It emphasises the idea that happiness and fulfilment come from within and can be cultivated through conscious awareness and a willingness to face and understand our own unhappiness.LinksATP (the podcast John Siracusa historically wasn’t allowed to do any prep for)10x is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less, by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy (Author)The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power, by Vernon HowardThe Paradoxical Theory of ChangeThe 4 Mantras and the HolidaysTheme System Journal

Continuing their chat from last week, Mark and Brendan get into true self, connection, and universal consciousness, while trying to skewer it before things get too heady.LinksThree Principles (Sydney Banks)Billy ConnollyVehicles & Animals – AthleteMorning Creative

We need to be mindful of offering help and advice to others. While we might have good intentions, we have to respect others' readiness and willingness to receive help. Pushing too hard or trying to change someone might end up creating resistance and strain in relationships. We need to ask permission, offer questions for reflection, and be aware of boundaries when trying to support others on their personal journeys.LinksAmerican Symphony (2023)Spirit Hacking, by Shaman DurekUnique Hammond – health and nutrition coachThe Mystic Path to Cosmic Power, Vernon Howard