

Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor
Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 10, 2026 • 12min
Do you really need to watch your salt intake? The science is much more nuanced than Doctors think - Wisdom Wednesdays
This week I discuss a fascinating research paper that changes how we think about salt and blood pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 8, 2026 • 4min
When We Overthink What We Say With Carly Taylor
This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores something many of us experience: replaying conversations in our minds and wondering if we said the right thing. Why do social interactions sometimes leave us doubting ourselves? Carly reflects on the quiet pressure we often place on ourselves to be interesting, articulate, or insightful in conversations, and how that pressure can fuel our inner critic. Drawing on ideas from Japanese psychology, particularly Morita therapy, she shares a simple shift that can help conversations feel more natural: moving our attention away from how we’re performing and toward genuine curiosity and presence with the person in front of us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 2026 • 48min
Navigating Mental Health Challenges with Graeme Cowan
In this conversation, Graeme Cowan shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and discusses the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. He highlights the impact of stress and burnout, the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety, and practical strategies for self-care and mindset shifts. Graeme emphasises the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and provides actionable insights for individuals and leaders to create a supportive work environment. Takeaways Graeme Cowan experienced severe depression after a business downturn. The impact of mental health extends to loved ones, not just the individual. Workplace programs can leverage large numbers of participants for mental health awareness. Storytelling is a powerful tool in mental health advocacy. Many managers experience severe stress, affecting team engagement. Psychological safety is crucial for team performance and innovation. Self-compassion can enhance resilience and risk-taking. A growth mindset encourages continuous learning and improvement. Intentional actions significantly influence our mood and well-being. Building supportive relationships is essential for mental health. 00:00 The Journey to Mental Health Awareness 11:00 Understanding Workplace Stress and Burnout 17:00 Leadership and Psychological Safety in the Workplace 22:35 The Origins of Team Effectiveness 27:32 Mindset and Self-Compassion 33:14 The Great Leaders Care Mindset 43:40 Practical Steps for Individuals and Teams Resources Graeme Cowan’s latest book; Great Leaders Care Weblink: https://graemecowan.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecowan1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemecowan/ Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 3, 2026 • 12min
How to dramatically improve the metabolic health and performance of your skeletal muscle: Wisdom Wednesdays
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Mar 1, 2026 • 5min
Stop Letting Comparison Steal Your Confidence With Carly Taylor
Do you ever shrink yourself because someone else seems further ahead, more confident, fitter, happier, or more successful? In this episode of Mojo Monday, Carly explores the psychology behind comparison and the idea of an inferiority complex through the lens of Hardiness. Rather than trying to stop comparing, she explains why it’s a normal human response and how the real power lies in how we interpret it. When comparison is seen as a threat, we withdraw. When it’s viewed as a challenge, we move into action. This episode is a practical reminder to shift your focus to what’s in your control and take one small step forward, even when discomfort is present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 2026 • 55min
Discovering Your Ikigai with the Japanese Rock-star Neuroscientist, Ken Mogi
This is a repeat episode with the rock star, neuroscientist Ken Mogi as I felt it was so good, I’m playing it again! We discuss the concept of Ikigai, which translates to 'a reason to live.' Ken explains how Ikigai encompasses more than just work, emphasising the importance of starting small, releasing oneself to achieve flow, and finding joy in little things. Ken outlines the five pillars of Ikigai, which include harmony and sustainability, and the significance of being present in the moment. He encourages listeners to reconnect with their inner child to discover their Ikigai and live a fulfilling life. Timestamps: 04:00 Understanding Ikigai: More Than Just Work 07:56 The Five Pillars of Ikigai: Starting Small 14:52 Releasing Yourself: The Flow State Connection 28:05 Harmony and Sustainability in Life 34:59 The Joy of Little Things 40:48 Being in the Here and Now 53:00 Final Thoughts on Finding Your Ikigai Resources Connected with Ken Mogi Books Think Like a Stoic The Little Book of Ikigai https://www.instagram.com/qualiaken/?hl=en https://x.com/kenmogi?lang=en Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24, 2026 • 11min
The Skin–Brain Connection: How Sunlight Influences Serotonin, Mood and Psychiatric Disorders - Wisdom wednesdays
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Feb 22, 2026 • 5min
What Regret Can Teach You With Carly Taylor
We all have regrets — moments we wish we could redo, words we wish we could take back, choices that cost us something. In this week’s Mojo Monday, Carly explores how regret can either keep us stuck in self-criticism or become a powerful teacher. Drawing on Stoic wisdom and the framework of Hardiness, she shares how looking back with awareness can help us grow forward with intention. If there’s something you’ve been holding onto, this episode offers a new lens — one that turns regret into growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 2026 • 1h 16min
The Nervous System and Mental Health, with Dr Stephanie Rimka
In this episode I chat with Dr. Stephanie Rimka who shares her extensive knowledge on mental health, emphasising the importance of understanding the brain's role in mental wellness. She discusses her journey from traditional medicine to functional approaches, highlighting the significance of nutrition, particularly zinc, in brain function. Dr. Rimka explores the impact of modern diets, technology, and chronic stress on mental health, advocating for neurofeedback as a powerful tool for treatment. She also emphasises the need for a holistic approach that includes play, movement, and proper nutrition to rebalance the nervous system and promote overall well-being. Key Takeaways: Mental health issues are fundamentally brain issues. Zinc deficiency is prevalent and can significantly affect behaviour. Neurofeedback can be a powerful tool for mental health treatment. The modern diet often lacks essential nutrients for brain health. Understanding the interplay of zinc and copper is crucial for mental wellness. Anxiety can often be misdiagnosed and is linked to biological factors. Chronic stress leads to dysregulation of the nervous system. Relaxation is not the same as recovery; true recovery requires active engagement. The impact of technology and media on mental health is profound. Nutrition, particularly animal-based foods, is vital for brain health. Resources Dr Stephanie Rimka’s new book: The Dance of Feminine Power Connected with Dr Stephanie Rimka drimka.com https://drrimka.com/connect@drrimka.com https://www.instagram.com/dr_rimka/ https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rimka/ https://www.youtube.com/c/drrimka https://www.tiktok.com/@rimkatalks 01:10 Early Career and Experiences in Mental Health 02:37 Transitioning from Traditional Medicine to Functional Approaches 04:00 Understanding the Brain and Mental Health 06:10 The Role of Zinc in Brain Function 07:23 Dopamine, Zinc, and Mental Health 12:02 The Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Mental Health 16:03 The Importance of Nutrition and Diet 20:35 The Connection Between Physical Health and Mental Well-being 25:28 Neuroplasticity and Interventions for Mental Health 25:56 Understanding Nervous System Dynamics 32:48 The Impact of Modern Life on Stress Responses 38:14 Tools for Rebalancing the Nervous System 44:44 Neurofeedback and Empowering Change 52:28 The Importance of Play in Movement 55:12 Nutrition as the Foundation of Health 57:06 The Role of Animal-Based Foods in Mental Health 01:00:11 Circadian Biology and Its Impact on Well-Being 01:03:00 The Power of Nature and Imagination 01:08:08 Empowerment Through Understanding and Coaching Support the Podcast If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 2026 • 12min
Forget brain training games - here's a powerful to keep your brain young and healthy: Wisdom Wednesdays
They discuss randomized trials showing progressive resistance training can lower MRI-derived brain age and improve cognition in mild cognitive impairment. Research details include whole-brain connectivity shifts, links between leg strength and prefrontal networks, and possible muscle-to-brain mechanisms like BDNF and improved perfusion. Practical advice recommends supervised resistance sessions two to three times weekly.


