A New Way of Being

How Diet, Diversity, and Lifestyle Shape Your Microbiome and Well-Being. In this episode, I sit down with Tim Spector to dive into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and its powerful role in our overall health. Tim breaks down how our diets directly shape our gut health, emphasising the benefits of a diverse, plant-rich diet and aiming for 30 different plants a week. We explore why ultra-processed foods can harm the microbiome, while foods like kefir and sauerkraut can give it a healthy boost. Tim also shares insights on how lifestyle factors—like stress and eating speed—impact gut health and discusses the potential benefits of time-restricted eating to support the microbiome and reduce inflammation. We discuss:Overview of the gut microbiome and its importance for healthTim's personal health scare that led him to focus on gut health researchInsights from the twins study on the role of gut microbes in disease and ageingThe significant impact of gut health on mental and physical healthThe detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods and misleading health claimsThe complex relationship between sugar, artificial sweeteners, stress, and gut healthThe benefits of incorporating fermented foods into the diet and howThe importance of eating a diverse range of plant-based foods for gut healthThe advantages of time-restricted eating and slowing down during mealsMy links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Letting Go of the Future: Finding Peace in the Present Moment.In this episode, Jonny Wilkinson talks about the endless chase for future goals and why waiting for the next big thing can be a dangerous trap. Jonny shares his thoughts on breaking free from the pressure to ‘arrive’ sometime in the future, and focuses on finding calm in the present, and seeing past the illusion that we’ll one day finally have it all sorted.Full episode with Jonny: https://pod.fo/e/16ff5elinks:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I reflect on the evolution of my podcast from Don't Tell Me the Score to A New Way of Being. This change reflects the shift from simply performance and success to exploring our innate wellbeing, acceptance, and the common struggle with feeling not good enough. I talk about why it’s so important to recognise that we are inherently "enough," beyond our thoughts, beliefs, and achievements.Over the next weeks and months on my Substack newsletter I am going to be sharing my own experiences and evolution, including with psychedelics and psychotherapy, and would be very grateful if you would join me.Please do consider subscribing and supporting my Substack newsletter here: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding balance in a chaotic world. In this episode I sit down with psychologist and author Emma Seppälä to discuss how we can return to our natural state of well-being. Emma shares strategies for breaking free from the overwhelming demands of modern life and the constant and often demoralising chatter of the ego.Key Topics:Understanding the impact of information overload on mental healthThe power of self-compassion over self-criticismHow practices like stillness and meditation enhance creativity and well-beingRedefining success and fulfilment beyond conventional achievementsHiow inauthenticity is perceived as a threatThe power of intuition - if it worked for Einstein it can work for youEmma’s experiences with Sky Breath Meditation and its transformative effectsThe need for embodied practices in psychology to nurture emotional healthResources:Sovereign by Emma Seppälä : https://www.emmaseppala.com/booksSky Breath Meditation : https://sky-breath.org/Follow Emma Seppälä on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappinesstrack/?hl=enSubscribe & Review:Please support this podcast by leaving and review - it can make a big differenceMy links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We live in a 'push, push, push' culture that glorifies productivity, and many of us have become experts at ignoring the signals our bodies send us. Why do we keep pushing even when our bodies tell us to slow down? So many of us are living “in our heads” and are out of touch with the signals of our body and nervous system. So this episode is about heeding the signals, and the benefits that can some from when we do slow down and stop.Please support this podcast by leaving and review - it can make a big differenceMy links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why success alone doesn’t bring happiness but truly embracing the now can be transformative. This is a fascinating conversation with one of my favourite tennis players of the last few decades – Dominic Thiem, who is retiring this week in Vienna.Dominic explains what it’s like to reach the pinnacle of success, and then realise… it didn’t bring the fulfilment it promised. After winning the US Open in 2020, he found himself grappling with a sense of emptiness, which prompted a period of deep introspection and growth.We talk about the myth of perpetual positivity, dealing with the critical voice in the head and the importance of finding flow—not just in sport but in life. Dominic also shares his insights into mindfulness, meditation, and why smartphones and social media may have hobbled elite athletes born in the 1990s.We also discuss:Challenges of competing against the "Big Three" of Federer, Nadal and DjokovicImportance of stress management as an elite athleteThiem's journey of finding flow states and the joy of playing, beyond just chasing resultsThe profound impact of winning the 2020 US Open and the subsequent period of readjustmentBeing impacted by Eckhart Tolle's 'The Power of Now'Discovering the power of mindfulness, meditation and a philosophical perspective on lifeConcerns about the influence of technology and social media on the next generation of athletesInsights on finding meaning, balance and fulfillment beyond external successPlease support this podcast by leaving and review - it can make a big differenceMy links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring how stoicism’s practical wisdom can help you respond to anything life throws your way. In this bitesize episode, I sit down with Ryan Holiday to explore the essence of Stoic philosophy and how it can help us cope with life’s challenges. We discuss how Stoics viewed obstacles as opportunities and the importance of accepting what we can't control.My links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring the dangers of forced positivity and the importance of embracing all emotions for genuine connection and well-being. In this episode, ex rugby league pro Stevie Ward explore the downsides of forced positivity and why closing off to the full spectrum of feelings is a bad idea - and saps us of strength and authenticity.It's about acknowledging and embracing feelings like sadness and fear, rather than suppressing them. We discuss how inauthenticity can be perceived as a threat and why identifying with our roles contributes to inauthenticity. We even touch on what we can learn from pre-egoic toddlers - who truly embody genuine inauthenticity, which people can't help but be drawn towards.My links:Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/bookYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comSubstack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find out why it’s the time spent on screens, not just the content, that’s affecting your well-being – and how you can start reclaiming your focus with Professor Cal NewportIn this bitesize episode, I sit down with Cal Newport to chat about how smartphones and social media are messing with our well-being. Rather than focusing on what sort of content we’re consuming, the bigger issue is the sheer amount of time we spend glued to our screens. Cal explains that what really makes us unhappy is all the missed opportunities – the high value things we could be doing instead.He shares some great tips on how to reclaim our time and focus on what truly matters, like spending time on high-quality activities, having real conversations, being present, and finding moments of awe and gratitude. Cal also dives into some strategies to sharpen our focus - including what he calls 'focus interval training' – to help us get better at doing deep, meaningful work and regain our ability to find flow.Full Professor Cal Newport episode - on Distraction, Anxiety and Deep Work: https://pod.fo/e/16fa26**The hardback copy of my book Champion Thinking is on a limited time deal on Amazon** - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Champion-Thinking-Success-Without-Yourself/dp/1526626497#customerReviewsMy other links:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we tackle a subject that affects us all but remains somewhat taboo —money. Anna joins me to share her powerful journey from financial uncertainty to mastering her finances, and together, we explore how much headspace money takes up when we’re not in control of it. Financial stress can cloud our ability to think clearly, reduce our creativity, and drain our energy, but by understanding our relationship with money, we can free up that space for the things that matter most.What we discuss:How the mental load of financial stress weighs us down, and why building financial literacy can unlock creativity and fresh perspectives.Anna’s personal story of escaping the paycheck-to-paycheck trap, and the actionable steps she used to regain control.Why financial "drift" happens when we don't have a clear plan, and how you can take purposeful steps towards your financial goals.Identifying and breaking through limiting beliefs around money, allowing you to cultivate a mindset that supports growth and possibility.Practical strategies for budgeting, automating your finances, and diversifying your income—whether through investments, property, or starting your own business.Throughout the conversation, Anna reminds us that money is just a tool. By creating healthier financial habits, you can reduce stress, reclaim your mental space, and open up new possibilities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their relationship with money and, ultimately, their quality of life.My links:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundieWebsite: simonmundie.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.