Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Latest Episodes:

The Nervous System and Mental Health, with Dr Stephanie Rimka Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

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.

Forget brain training games - here's a powerful to keep your brain young and healthy: Wisdom Wednesdays Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Make Sense of Your Suffering With Carly Taylor Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores three powerful lenses we can use to make sense of our emotional suffering — Blame, Brain and Environment — and explains why understanding ourselves through multiple perspectives, rather than a single narrow narrative, can restore agency, clarity and direction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Vagus Nerve with Dr Kevin Tracey Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Dr Kevin Tracy, a renowned researcher and inventor, about his journey in medicine and the significance of the vagus nerve in health. Kevin shares personal anecdotes, including the impact of his mother's illness on his career path. The discussion delves into the vagus nerve's role in regulating inflammation, heart rate variability, and its potential in treating autoimmune diseases through vagus nerve stimulation. Kevin emphasises the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and the need for further research in this promising field.

Key Takeaways:

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation.
Heart rate variability is a measure of vagal tone but has limitations.
Vagus nerve stimulation shows promise in treating autoimmune diseases.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation.
The vagus nerve connects the brain and immune system, influencing health.
Cold exposure may activate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation.
Healthy lifestyle choices are essential for overall well-being.
Future research may uncover more applications for vagus nerve stimulation.

02:49 Personal Journey into Medicine

08:37 The Vagus Nerve: A Key to Health

14:50 Heart Rate Variability and Vagal Tone

31:28 The Inflammatory Reflex and Vagus Nerve

45:46 Clinical Applications of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

51:11 Future Directions in Vagus Nerve Research

Resources

Connected with Dr Kevin Tracey

Kevin's latest book:

The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes

https://feinstein.northwell.edu/institutes-researchers/our-researchers/kevin-j-tracey-md

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjtraceymd/

X https://x.com/KevinJTraceyMD

Support the Podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The powerful role of natural light in controlling glucose levels and preventing type 2 Diabetes - Wisdom Wednesdays Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Realistic Optimism Beats Positive Thinking With Carly Taylor Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

We’re often told to “just stay positive” when things get tough. But what if that advice actually makes it harder to cope?

In this Mojo Monday, Carly explores the difference between positive thinking and realistic optimism, drawing on the Stockdale Paradox and a powerful personal story from her family’s experience navigating serious illness.

This episode is about facing reality honestly, without losing hope, and why accepting what is can be the first step toward meaningful action.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between how life is and how you wish it were, this one’s for you.

Carly Taylor is a counsellor and mindset coach with a Master of Counselling. Trained in Japanese Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a member of the Australian Counselling Association, she helps people develop practical tools to live purposeful, engaged lives.

To find out more about Carly, visit www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au.
Follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the Pursuit: Understanding Happiness Through Connection with Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses her extensive research on happiness, including defining happiness and the historical context of its study. She elaborates on the two components of happiness: experiencing positive emotions and believing that life is good. Sonja also outlines the genetic, circumstantial, and behavioural influences on happiness and addresses the impact of mental health issues. The conversation covers cultural factors, the role of social connection, and various strategies to boost happiness, such as acts of kindness, gratitude, and engaging conversations.

Key Takeaways

Positive Social Connections Are Crucial: Developing strong social ties and feeling connected with others are significant contributors to a person's overall happiness.
Small Acts, Big Impact: Engaging in simple acts of kindness can boost happiness for oneself and others. This practice fosters a sense of connection and community.
Personalisation of Happiness Strategies: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness. It's important to find what works best for you, as happiness strategies can be tailored to one's personality and preferences.
Gratitude and Mindfulness: Integrating gratitude into daily routines and savouring positive experiences can profoundly impact overall life satisfaction.
Biological and Psychological Interaction: Understanding that biology and psychology are intertwined helps highlight the importance of holistic approaches to improving mental health.
Life Circumstances and Happiness: While genetics and personality play a role, life circumstances and how one responds to them can significantly influence one's happiness levels.

Resources

Connect with Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky

Website: https://sonjalyubomirsky.com/

Buy How To Feel Loved: https://howtofeelloved.com/buy-the-book/

Take the 5 Mindsets Quiz: https://tally.so/r/Pd1l0d

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjalyubomirsky/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-lyubomirsky-21283bb/

00:34 Journey into Happiness Research

01:55 Defining Happiness

03:00 Genetics and Happiness

05:31 Life Stages and Happiness

10:15 Cultural Influences on Happiness

22:34 Gratitude and Happiness

29:33 Awe and Gratitude in Everyday Life

30:23 The Neuroscience of Gratitude

31:12 Acts of Kindness and Their Impact

34:03 The Role of Biology in Mental Health

36:29 Designing Experiments on Happiness

38:45 Personality Traits and Happiness

40:58 Cultivating Happiness Through Daily Practices

47:25 The Complexity of Human Behaviour

52:53 Future Directions in Happiness Research

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A very cool, simple hack to greatly improve your strength training - Wisdom Wednesdays Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MOVE: A Simple Process for Difficult Emotions With Carly Taylor Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

A simple process for when emotions feel like too much. Carly shares MOVE, a practical way to respond to difficult feelings and keep living your life.

To find out more about Carly, visit www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au.
Follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deeply Entrenched Flaws of The Mental Health Industry, with professor John Read Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Unlock the truth about modern mental health—why nearly all psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically meaningless and how the system is big business, not care. Dr. John Read exposes the flaws in DSM diagnoses, the influence of pharmaceutical money, and the harm of treatments like ECT and antidepressants. If you're tired of quick fixes and want real understanding, this episode offers practical insights into trauma, social factors, and safer, evidence-based approaches to well-being. Perfect for those questioning the status quo, seeking genuine help, or interested in transforming mental health care. Tune in to discover how to reclaim agency over your mental health and challenge the dominant, profit-driven system.

Key Takeaways:

Diagnoses and Understanding: Recognising the scientific flaws in psychiatric labels and focusing on individual experiences for effective care.
Overdiagnosis and Resources: The impact of expanding diagnostic criteria on resource allocation and personal agency.
Trauma and Social Factors: The need to acknowledge trauma and social influences in mental health, moving beyond the biomedical model.
Psychiatric Treatments: Critiquing the use of ECT and advocating for evidence-based, humane alternatives.
Pharmaceutical Influence: Understanding how drug company funding distorts mental health practices and the importance of transparency.
Social Connection and Lifestyle: Emphasising social activities and lifestyle changes as paths to mental health.
Ethical Treatment and Consent: The importance of informed consent and trauma-informed care in mental health practices.