Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Latest Episodes:

Wisdom Wednesdays: Hot Baths vs Saunas - which is Better for Strength, Recovery and Longevity? Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I dive into the research of heat stress-induced enhancements of health and longevity, and discuss a couple of recent studies that pitted Finnish saunas against infrared saunas and hot baths in terms of a range of physiological outcomes.

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Mojo Monday: Anxiety, Acceptance, and Letting Your Values Lead with Carly Taylor Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Mojo Monday, Carly shares a real and raw experience of anxiety. She explores why everyday anxiety can feel so overwhelming, and why trying to control our internal world often makes things harder.

Carly talks through the tools she’s using right now. A grounded, honest look at anxiety, parenting, and letting your values lead even when your nervous system is buzzing.

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

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An Incredible Life of Resilience and Philanthropy, with Peter Baines, OAM Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

This week I am joined by Peter Baines OAM to explore his profound journey from policing to philanthropy. The episode delves into Peter's experiences in disaster response, his leadership in international operations, and the founding of the charity Hands Across the Water. It highlights the importance of resilience, leadership, and personal growth in overcoming challenges and making a positive impact.

What You'll Learn:

The Basics of Leadership and Resilience: Understand the foundational role of resilience in personal and professional life, and how leadership presence and purpose drive successful outcomes in crisis situations.

Scientific Evidence and Research: Discover the rigor behind Peter's work with Interpol and the UN, including his contributions to counter-terrorism and disaster response efforts.

Controversies and Misconceptions: Unpack the myths surrounding leadership and resilience, with insights from Peter's extensive career in high-pressure environments.

Applications in Philanthropy: Explore the potential of Hands Across the Water in transforming lives, and the impact of Peter's marathon challenges in raising awareness and funds for Thai children.

Critical Analysis of Leadership Trials: Learn about the importance of presence, decision-making, and celebrating successes in leadership roles.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience is vital for maintaining personal and professional growth, essential for overcoming challenges.
Peter's leadership in disaster response has shown the importance of presence and purpose in achieving successful outcomes.
Hands Across the Water has made significant contributions to supporting Thai children, demonstrating the power of philanthropy.
Leadership requires critical evaluation of decisions and celebrating successes to foster team morale and growth.
The conversation between Paul and Peter Baines highlights the need to focus on personal growth and resilience, especially in challenging situations.

Through the episode, Peter Baines provides deep insights into how resilience and leadership operate in crisis situations and why they're considered crucial for personal and professional growth. Moreover, listeners are encouraged to discern meticulously between myths and realities in leadership, ensuring they make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. The episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of leadership, resilience, and philanthropy.

Resources

Connect with Peter's charity, Hands Across The Water

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handsacrossthewater_anz/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thehandsgroup/?ref=br_rs

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsFMq3hUqMD8cnWeLUgFpw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hands-across-the-water/

Connect with Peter,

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

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

Buy Peter's Book: Together We Can

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation with Peter Baines valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on leadership, resilience, and impactful change.

00:00:16 Joining the Police Force
00:01:24 International Disaster Response
00:02:49 Transition to Charity Work
00:13:07 Founding Hands Across the Water
00:14:32 Endurance Challenges and Personal Growth
00:46:20 Leadership and Purpose
00:49:28 Advice for Young People

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Wisdom Wednesdays: This is what burnout looks like in the brain - and what you can do about it Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Here is a link to the research paper on burnout in the brain.

Here is a link to the military study that I co-authored that investigated effects of the multimodal intervention on burnout, mood and resilience.

Here is a link to the Randomised Control Trial in corporates that investigated effects of the multimodal intervention on cognitive fitness and hardiness.

Here is a link to my book, The Hardiness Effect

Go to my website if you'd like to enquire about a proven workplace program for preventing burnout and enhancing cognitive fitness.

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Mojo Monday - What it Really Means to be Psychologically Safe (and What It Doesn't) With Carly Taylor) Nov 30, 2025

Show notes

This week, Carly dives into what psychological safety really means — and how the original research has been misunderstood. Psychological safety was never about comfort or avoiding tough conversations. It was about creating environments where people can speak honestly, admit mistakes, and learn without fear of humiliation.

Carly also looks at how debate and disagreement used to be a normal part of university culture, and how the rise of avoidance and “safety = comfort” thinking is limiting young people’s resilience today.

She explores why growth requires discomfort, how real psychological safety supports honest dialogue, and how we can help young people thrive by leaning into challenge, not away from it.

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A breathing masterclass with the original breathwork guru, Dan Brule Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

The Breath as a Bridge to Transformation

In today's episode, I welcome breath master Dan Brulé, whose 50-year journey exploring the science and art of conscious breathing has made him a pioneer in the field. From training Tony Robbins to working with military personnel, Dan reveals how breathing techniques can unlock extraordinary healing, performance enhancement, and altered states of consciousness that many dismiss as "woo-woo" until they experience it themselves.

Dan explains how our breath serves as the only bodily system that's both automatic and under our conscious control—an invitation to participate in our own evolution. Through deliberate breathing practices, we can regulate our autonomic nervous system, manage our mental states, and even access our brain's natural pharmacy of neurochemicals that rival plant medicines in their transformative effects.

What You'll Learn:

Defining Breathwork: Understand breathwork as both an art and science, which utilises breath awareness and conscious breathing as tools for physical, mental, and spiritual transformation.
Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Activation: Learn how different breathing techniques can activate the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, offering various health and performance benefits.
Breathing Techniques: Dive into specific techniques like slow control breathing, resonant frequency breathing, and more intense methods like holotropic breathing, which offer unique physiological and psychological benefits.
Impact on Mental Health: Discover how breathwork can serve as a powerful tool for emotional release and psychological healing, even suggesting potential roles in ameliorating trauma-related symptoms.
Role of CO2 Tolerance: Explore the physiology behind CO2 tolerance training and how it can enhance physical performance and emotional stability.

Key Takeaways:

Breathwork is an accessible, potent means to influence the body’s autonomic processes, aiding in stress management, anxiety reduction, and improvement in overall mental health.
Conscious breathing can lead to significant physiological benefits, including the regulation of the nervous system and enhancement of physical performance.
Utilising techniques like resonant frequency breathing can harmonize the body's physiological systems, promoting profound relaxation and energy balance.
Fast-paced breathing techniques, while requiring cautious practice, can induce non-ordinary states of consciousness, potentially unlocking new dimensions of psychological healing and self-awareness.
CO2 tolerance and proper breath control can play a critical role in not only enhancing performance in elite fields like the military but also in managing everyday stress and anxiety levels.

Resources

For readers eager to delve deeper into the potential of breathwork, Dan Brule’s extensive archive of articles and resources at Breath Mastery offers a treasure trove of insights and techniques. Visit breathmastery.com for comprehensive guides and courses. Engage with Dan Brule on Instagram at @DanBruleOfficial for the latest updates and insights into the world of breathwork.

Embark on a journey of self-exploration and healing through the powerful practice of breathwork—unlock the full potential of your breath and transform your life.

Socials:

Head over to https://breathmastery.com/ to sign up to his newsletter and see the wide range of books, courses and other resources that Dan has to offer.

https://www.instagram.com/danbruleofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/DanBruleBreathmastery/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ia_RuMU2G06qHNGIldJow

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbrule/

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.

00:14 Discovering Breath Work

02:26 Defining Breath Work

03:04 Breath Work for High Performers

05:18 Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System

12:10 Resonant Frequency Breathing

18:59 Personalized Breathing Rates

23:41 Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing

27:03 Fast-Paced Breathing Techniques

35:52 The Natural Reflex of Inhaling

36:31 CO2 Tolerance Training and Its Benefits

38:12 The Dangers of Breath Holding

40:43 Exploring Fast-Paced Breathing Techniques

41:42 The Connection Between Breathwork and Non-Ordinary States

43:59 The Role of Neurotransmitters in Breathwork

54:17 The Healing Power of Breathwork

01:05:44 Contraindications and Safe Practices in Breathwork

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Wisdom Wednesdays: Compelling evidence for a psychophysiological approach to mental health Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

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Mojo Monday - Anger and Aggression: What You Feel vs What You Do With Carly Taylor Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

We talk so much about managing anger, but what if anger isn’t the real issue at all? In this week’s Mojo Monday, Carly unpacks the crucial difference between anger and aggression, and how understanding that gap can change the way we respond.

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.

Are we on the brink of a breakthrough in healthy aging? A masterclass in NAD+, with Dr Charles Brenner Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

If you're interested in optimising your healthspan and lifespan, this episode is not to be missed.

In the quest for longevity, the spotlight has turned to NAD+ and its precursors, NMN and NR. In this episode featuring Dr. Charles Brenner, a metabolism scientist, we dive deep into the significance of these molecules and their role in healthy aging.

You'll discover that NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is not just a trending topic but rather a crucial player in metabolism. Learn why Charles refers to it as the "central jewel of metabolism".

In the conversation, the distinction between NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) is clarified, and you'll discover which of these molecules has the best evidence-base. You'll also find out why some popular ways to increase NAD+ are an expensive waste of time.

Dr. Brenner highlights the importance of evidence-based research, citing eight randomised clinical trials demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effects of one of the NAD+ precursors in humans. One significant study focuses on peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting millions of older adults that can severely impact mobility and quality of life.

Ypu'll also disciver why a simple functional test is a way better predictor of longevity than all of the espoensive epigenetic-focused Biological Age tests that are currently on the market.

What You'll Learn:

The Basics of NAD and Its Functions: Understand the foundational role of NAD in cellular metabolism and how it acts as a transmitter of high-energy electrons needed for energy production and cell functions.
Scientific Evidence and Research: Discover the rigor behind the clinical research of NAD and its supplements, like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), including ongoing trials and results showing anti-inflammatory properties in humans.
Controversies and Misconceptions: Unpack the myths concerning longevity molecules, such as misinterpretations around resveratrol, with arguments laid out by reputable scientists like Dr. Brenner.
Applications in Age-Related Diseases: Explore the potential of NR supplements in addressing conditions like peripheral artery disease and its promising though variable outcomes in treating Long COVID and neurodegenerative diseases.
Critical Analysis of Clinical Trials: Learn about the importance of clinical integrity, unbiased research, and how independent laboratories contribute to credible scientific discoveries.

Key Takeaways:

NAD is vital for maintaining metabolic health and managing cellular stress, which is essential for healthy aging.
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for NR in reducing inflammation and improving conditions related to peripheral artery disease.
There's ongoing research into NR's benefits for cognitive function, particularly its potential effects on neurodegenerative disease.
Supplements should be chosen carefully, preferably ones that have been tested in clinical trials to ensure efficacy and authenticity.
The conversation between Dr. Taylor and Dr. Brenner highlights the need to critically evaluate scientific claims, especially those that are widely publicised without robust evidence.

Through the episode, Dr. Brenner provides deep insights into how NAD coenzymes operate within the body and why they're considered crucial for longevity research. Moreover, listeners are encouraged to discern meticulously between scientific fact and internet hype, ensuring they make informed decisions when considering supplements. The episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of biochemistry, aging, and healthspan science.

Resources

Socials:

X: @CharlesMBrenner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-brenner/

Support the Podcast

00:11 Understanding NAD+ and Longevity Molecules

01:31 Debunking Longevity Myths

03:02 The Science Behind NAD+ and Metabolism

08:46 Clinical Trials and Evidence

09:37 Peripheral Artery Disease and NAD+

11:00 Walking Speed as a Health Indicator

13:25 Challenges with DNA Methylation Clocks