From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda
In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, not symptom checklists, is the truest measure of success. Along the way, you’ll hear how ancestral wisdom blends with clinical science, how labels can hinder more than help, and how the very grandmothers Dixon trained ended up transforming him. Key Takeaways: Discussion on anxiety and its management through personal values and positive actions. Importance of human connection and storytelling in mental health care. Overview of the Friendship Bench initiative and its origins in Zimbabwe. Role of trained grandmothers in providing mental health support within communities. Need for accessible mental health care and addressing social determinants of health. Integration of Western psychiatric principles with African cultural practices. Significance of empathy and nonverbal communication in building therapeutic relationships. Training process for grandmothers in cognitive behavioral therapy and effective communication. Use of support groups to foster community and shared healing experiences. Emphasis on the power of storytelling and vulnerability in the therapeutic process. If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Dixon Chibanda, check out these other episodes: Why We Need to Rethink Mental Health with Eric Maisel Insights on Mental Health and Resilience with Andrew Solomon For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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54:53
Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck
In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. Exploration of societal factors contributing to increased anxiety levels. Importance of living authentically and in alignment with one’s true self. The role of creativity and curiosity in overcoming anxiety. Neurological aspects of anxiety and the brain’s functions related to creativity. The concept of breakdowns leading to breakthroughs in personal growth. Practical techniques for managing anxiety through self-compassion and kindness. The significance of sensory experiences in activating creativity and reducing anxiety. The idea of a “creativity spiral” versus an “anxiety spiral” in personal development. Reflection on the power of imagination and intention in shaping one’s reality and life purpose. If you enjoyed this conversation with Martha Beck, check out these other episodes: How to Find Peace and Balance in Managing Anxiety with Sarah Wilson Why Anxiety is Good For You with Tracy Dennis-Tiwary For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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58:00
Move Your Body, Free Your Mind: The Science of Movement and Mental Health with Caroline Williams
In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape our emotional landscape. Key Takeaways: The connection between physical movement and mental health. The role of interoception in understanding bodily sensations and emotions. Evolutionary perspectives on the brain's function related to movement. The impact of physical activity on brain chemistry and emotional well-being. The importance of posture and its influence on emotional states. The benefits of strength training for mood and self-esteem. The decline in physical strength among youth and its implications for mental health. The concept of "movement snacks" and integrating small bursts of activity into daily life. The relationship between dance, rhythm, and emotional connection. The significance of breath control and its effects on relaxation and mental clarity. If you enjoyed this conversation with Caroline Williams, check out these other episodes: Understanding Choice Points for Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise with Michelle Segar The Science of Breathing with James Nestor For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:07:20
Navigating the Messy Parts of Life: Embracing Imperfection and Growth with Josh Radnor
In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished parts of ourselves. From navigating identity and public image to sitting in deep discomfort. Josh offers a powerful reminder that a meaningful life isn’t built on external measures. It’s shaped from the inside out. Key Takeaways: Discussion on the duality of human nature and the internal struggle between positive and negative traits. The significance of thoughts and actions in shaping a meaningful life. The role of time in personal growth and self-perception. The complexities of self-image and public persona. The importance of embracing imperfections and the “messy” aspects of life. Reflection on the wisdom gained from aging and life experiences. The negotiation between acceptance and action in facing life’s challenges. Insights on meditation and the emotional challenges it can provoke. The value of community and shared experiences in personal growth and healing. If you enjoyed this conversation with Josh Radnor, check out these other episodes: A Soul Boom Discussion on Mental Health, Spirituality, and Connection with Rainn Wilson Spiritual Journeys with Rainn Wilson & Reza Aslan For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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50:14
Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen
In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community. Key Takeaways: Understanding that real transformation is messy Learning how sobriety isn’t the finish line, but the starting point for deeper healing Understanding why community is so important and powerful Discover fawning as a trauma response and how it shows up in life Learning to balance honesty with fear How discernment and clarity often come in conversation with others If you enjoyed this conversation with Laura McKowen, check out these other episodes: How to Tap Into the Longings of the Heart with Sue Monk Kidd A Journey to Self-Discovery and Sobriety with Matthew Quick Special Episode: Finding Hope on the Path to Sobriety For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transformative ideas from the best thinkers on the planet including guests like James Clear, Susan Cain, Michael Pollan, Deepak Chopra, Nicole LaPera, Yung Pueblo, Gabor Mate, Maggie Smith, , David Whyte, Macklemore, George Saunders, Anne Lamott, Frank Turner, Mark Manson, Tara Brach, AJ Jacobs, Oliver Burkeman, Ryan Holiday, Parker Palmer. It’s not about perfection; it’s about direction.
UK