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Copyright: © Sarah Ann Macklin
Many of us think self-compassion is just about being kind to ourselves, or even perhaps that it implies a sense of laziness or self-indulgence. But Dr. Kristin Neff completely challenges these ideas. She reveals how self-compassion is actually a powerful tool for motivation and resilience, and explains why our culture, and even our evolutionary instincts, can work against it.
Dr. Kristin Neff PhD, is a professor in educational psychology, and the world's expert on self-compassion having established it as a field of study.
In this conversation, we talk about the science of self-compassion and how it's linked to burnout and emotional eating. Dr. Neff's insights on gender differences in self-compassion and the famous "donut study" make us rethink our whole approach to wellbeing.
This conversation hit close to home, being someone who has experienced burnout. Dr. Neff breaks down complex concepts like the three elements of self-compassion in a way that's easy to understand and apply to daily life.
Remember, being kind to yourself isn't a luxury - it's essential for wellbeing. And the best part? It's free and available to everyone, anytime. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this episode. Has it changed how you think about self-compassion?
Sarah Ann
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
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Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Success
https://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0
Dr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAP
https://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_E
Emotions Aren't Hardwired: THIS IS HOW You Can Architect Your Emotions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es2i3oLj6Nw
***
Let’s be friends!
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📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
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***
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategies
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***
Highlights:
What if everything you’ve been told about stress… is wrong?
Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” But according to world-leading neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, that’s not actually true. In this conversation, she shares a radically different way of understanding stress, emotion, and the brain’s hidden role in shaping our reality.
Dr. Feldman Barrett explains how the brain is constantly predicting, budgeting, and constructing the world we experience — and why this “body budgeting” system may be at the root of anxiety, depression, and burnout. She also offers a powerful reframe of what’s really happening during “fight or flight,” and why our current view of stress may be doing more harm than good.
She doesn’t stop there. We explore:
Why cortisol isn’t really a “stress hormone”
How body budgeting affects mental health
The surprising connection between anxiety and prediction
A fresh perspective on SSRIs and emotional regulation
How understanding your brain can change how you live
Dr. Feldman Barrett is one of the most cited scientists in the world, with more than 270 published papers. She’s a professor, psychologist, and author of two groundbreaking books: “Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain” and “How Emotions Are Made.”
If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or stress, this episode will change how you understand your brain — and yourself.
🎧 Listen now and add her books to your reading list.
📚 Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain
📚 How Emotions Are Made
— Sarah Ann
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.
https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73
Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.
OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.
https://bit.ly/lwbw20/
Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.
Squarespace | A website makes it real.
http://squarespace.com/LiveWell
Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
4 Types of Stress: How to Manage Each One | Mo Gawdat & Alice Law
https://youtu.be/CknAbrLXuhQ?si=QfT2jnfq2Qxmt46e
Dr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAP
https://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_E
Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Success
https://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS
***
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategies
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d
***
Highlights:
Stress is something we all deal with, but did you know that it affects us in four different ways? Stress can impact us mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and in this episode we look into all four modalities and how to recognise them.
Mo Gawdat is a former Chief Business Officer at Google X and a bestselling author, and Alice Law is a stress management expert with a powerful personal story. Together, they're on a mission to take a million people a year out of stress.
In this conversation we explore the power of acceptance and how it differs from complacency, why connecting with others is crucial for managing stress, how different generations experience stress, and why we need more compassion.
Mo and Alice Law break all of these down for us, sharing insights from their new book "Unstressable".
I’m sure this will make you look at stress differently, and maybe you'll try Mo's challenge of setting your alarm for 3PM on Sundays (yes, really!).
Sarah Ann
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.
https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73
Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.
OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.
https://bit.ly/lwbw20/
Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.
Squarespace | A website makes it real.
http://squarespace.com/LiveWell
Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Success
https://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0
Dr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAP
https://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_E
Elevate Your Mindset and Master the 6-Minute Breath Hold Like a Champion
https://youtu.be/I7nhBl8XMXY?si=qN8i6Ksj2d5MWLby
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS
***
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategies
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d
***
Highlights:
Here’s my wonderful conversation with Li Karlsen, a freediver and former Swedish Army captain.
She served for 20 years before discovering freediving at 35. Li has broken records, including a 200-metre dive on one breath, and a dive under Greenland's ice. Now she helps others face their fears.
We talked about her change from military life to ocean depths, and Li shared how freediving helped her heal and find herself. She gives insights on mindset, self-compassion, and purpose that apply to daily life, and her 'Naked Island Test' might change how you see yourself and others.
This talk made me want to push my limits and listen to my inner voice. Whether you're changing your life or want something new, Li's story could inspire you.
Let me know if this makes you try something different - maybe not Arctic freediving, but who knows?
Sarah Ann 💛
***
BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.
https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73
Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.
OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.
https://bit.ly/lwbw20
Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.
Squarespace | A website makes it real.
http://squarespace.com/LiveWell
Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Nicole Vignola: The 7-Step Process to Rewire Your Brain
Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Success
https://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0
Dr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAP
https://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_E
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS
***
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategies
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d
***
Highlights:
Introduction: The Experience of a 200-Metre Dive (00:00)
Mindset and Mental Preparation in Freediving (04:52)
Military Background and Emotional Struggles (10:48)
The Impact of PTSD and Getting Therapy (15:59)
A Life-Changing Car Accident (22:34)
Letting Go of the Past and Embracing Change (29:07)
Dealing with Self-Criticism and Self-Love (33:44)
The Mental Preparation and Challenges of Freediving (39:01)
Powerful Tips for Preparing Your Mindset (45:05)
How To Go Beyond Your Fears and Find Purpose (55:23)
Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts (01:01:49)
Dr. William Li is back on Live Well, Be Well!
Mental health is a huge focus for me, and with good reason. Dementia's on the rise, and many people can resonate with the brain fog that comes as a consequence of our fast-paced world. But - did you ever think that being picky with food might mess with your mental health?
Dr. William Li breaks down this new research for us, as we chat about how what we eat is so closely linked to our brain health. It's not just about food though - we get into the importance of moving your body, hanging out with friends, and that all-important thing called sleep.
We also talk about ways to keep dementia at bay, with Dr. Li sharing some hopeful insights, as well as discussing the not so well known glymphatic system, which is like a brain car wash that only works when you're snoozing.
Dr. William Li is a world-renowned physician, scientist, and author. His groundbreaking research has impacted over 70 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. He's one of the most sought-after medical experts in the field today.
Let me know what you think, and don't forget to live well and be well!
Sarah Ann
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.
https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73
Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.
OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.
https://bit.ly/lwbw20/
Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.
Squarespace | A website makes it real.
http://squarespace.com/LiveWell
Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
How to FIX Leaky Gut, Improve Health and Stop Cravings | Dr. James Kinross
https://youtu.be/YvupSI_S7_Q?si=_PnU0I87Ch-jkjXy
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz | Could SIBO be causing your IBS?
https://youtu.be/m1bLLptcC2Q?si=8xyPDYXjtd39fXeG
Nicole Vignola: The 7-Step Process to Rewire Your Brain
How to FIX Leaky Gut, Improve Health and Stop Cravings | Dr. James Kinross
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS
***
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategies
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d
***
Highlights:
Probiotics are often touted as a staple of gut health, but here Dr. James Kinross discusses the advancement of probiotic science, and how a range of treatments and drugs will shape the future of the microbiome and the gut-brain connection.
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Spices as medicine? Today I chat with Kanchan Koya, a Harvard-trained molecular biologist who traded the lab for the kitchen, and now runs Spice Spice Baby and has a cookbook packed with vibrant spice-filled recipes.
We dig into the science behind spices - from fighting inflammation to boosting gut health. Did you know a dash of cinnamon could help blood sugar? Or that chilli might extend your lifespan? It could also be our way to fight against chronic diseases.
Kanchan shares easy ways to sprinkle more spices into your meals. We talk about building a "food pharmacy" and making cooking joyful.
This conversation got me dreaming of how I can explore more recipes with my spice rack.
I hope it inspires you to see spices differently, and maybe you'll start your own delicious health experiments in the kitchen after today.
Kanchan Koya is a Harvard-trained molecular biologist turned author, podcast host, and nutrition coach. With a PhD from Harvard Medical School, she leverages her scientific expertise to champion the health benefits of ancient spices. Kanchan founded Spice Spice Baby, authored a bestselling cookbook, and hosts the Radical Vitality podcast, blending cutting-edge science with ancient wisdom for vibrant living.
Let me know if you try anything new!
Sarah Ann
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.
https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73
Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.
OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.
https://bit.ly/lwbw20/
Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.
Squarespace | A website makes it real.
http://squarespace.com/LiveWell
Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Stanford-trained physician: 5 Nutrients That Supercharge Your Cells (And Why It Matters)
https://youtu.be/rFz1WTPMdBE?si=g_5XrF71daLbYv9b
Dr. Chris Van Tulleken: How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Making Us Sick
https://youtu.be/6SxK9MFmH4c?si=fwjaECx3YA4MkkNW
How to FIX Leaky Gut, Improve Health and Stop Cravings | Dr. James Kinross
https://youtu.be/YvupSI_S7_Q?si=_PnU0I87Ch-jkjXy
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz | Could SIBO be causing your IBS?
https://youtu.be/m1bLLptcC2Q?si=8xyPDYXjtd39fXeG
***
Join my inner circle: https://sarahannmacklin.com/members-hub-subscribe
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d
*****
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@livewellbewellsarah/?sub_confirmation=1
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***
Highlights:
Discover how Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can transform your life at any age with Dr. Louise Newson, a GP and hormone specialist. Sarah Ann shares her own personal experience of working with Dr. Louise and the life-changing effects it has had, so watch now to learn more about how taking hormones may be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Today, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid, a leader in the worlds of beauty, tech, and media.
With a 20-year career that includes launching an innovative salon as well as founding a beauty tech startup, Sharmadean has consistently broken barriers. She was the first black woman to raise £1 million in VC funding in the UK and was awarded an MBE in 2015 for her contributions to the beauty industry.
We discuss Sharmadean's remarkable journey, touching on self-worth, purpose, and the redefinition of success.
Sharmadean shares her experience balancing motherhood, relationships, and business, and we learn how she reflects on moving from seeking external validation to finding inner peace.
Her current projects include a series of essays about equity, and a TV show about female founders, continuing her work across women's power and ownership in business and life.
I hope that this also prompts you to reflect on your own path to living well and being well.
Sarah Ann
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.
https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73
Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.
OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.
https://bit.ly/lwbw20/
Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.
Squarespace | A website makes it real.
http://squarespace.com/LiveWell
Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Success
https://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=Xvc7BIxEccGBzY9f
Dr. Shefali: How To Break FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAP
https://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=ZslZKEPPNgfBeCR1
Simon Sinek: How to Be a Better Friend and Why It Matters
Unleash Your Success Potential: Empower Yourself With Focus & Productivity Expert Shane Parrish
https://youtu.be/T32AJw4TvVI?si=3WjQpRRwLAq7C8PC
***
Join my inner circle: https://sarahannmacklin.com/members-hub-subscribe
Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciously
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d
*****
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@livewellbewellsarah/?sub_confirmation=1
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***
We explore:
Creatine is commonly known for its benefits in athletic performance, but did you know it also plays a crucial role in brain health? Dr. Tommy Wood has a ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience, and here he shares the science behind creatine's cognitive benefits, as well as a study that compared the effects of creatine and caffeine in those who are sleep deprived.
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
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