The Mark Groves Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#249: What Kids Really Need with Donovan Taylor Hall Dec 12, 2022

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Themes: Children, Child Education, Mental Health, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Growth Mindset Summary: Today’s guest, Donovan Taylor Hall, is the teacher I think we all wished we had growing up. Dubbed the ‘Modern Day Mr. Rogers,’ Donovan is a youth advocate and educator on a mission to teach children how to build positive self-identity, self-worth and determination. His work aims to help kids of all ages create a solid relationship with themselves and learn the skills they need to take care of themselves both mentally and emotionally. Slow. Clap. Donovan has been featured on the Today Show, NowThis and several podcasts for his important work in positive youth development. Although his work started with kids, he has recently shifted into helping adults take care of themselves as well, using the same skills and inner child work. Join us as we discuss Donovan’s story, the current education system, how it’s affecting kids' mental well-being, and the value of an alternative system that focuses more on emotional, relational and mental health. Discover: How Donovan’s personal mental health struggles inspired him to work with kids Why teaching kids about their inherent self-worth is so important The reality of putting too many expectations and too much pressure on kids How the current education system is affecting kids' mental health How Donovan uses Twitch to connect with and teach important skills to his students The moment that made him leave the classroom, what made him come back, and the importance of self-love 00:00 Intro 00:23 Being the modern-day Mr. Rogers 02:03 Passion for teaching kids 06:12 Self-worth is inherent 12:18 Putting expectations on kids 15:20 The main struggles middle schoolers face today 31:09 Creating a safe space for kids 43:10 Rethinking the education system 48:03 Meeting kids where they’re at 53:14 Leaving the classroom 1:00:12 Creating content & performative social media 1:09:48 Future plans Links: Website | donovantaylorhall.com Twitch | twitch.tv/donofriend Instagram | @donofriend Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com LMNT | Get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#248: The Problem with Toxic Positivity with Whitney Goodman Dec 08, 2022

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Themes: Toxic Positivity, Social Media, Authenticity, Parenting, Mental Health Summary: Meet Whitney Goodman, LMFT — a radically honest psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account @sitwithwhit, author, and the owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, a virtual therapy practice in Florida. Whitney's debut book, Toxic Positivity: Keeping it Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy, shows readers how to shift the goal from being happy to being authentic in order to live fully. In this episode, we discuss toxic positivity and how a “good vibes only” mentality, while good-intentioned, can actually backfire when we’re denying and dismissing the hardships of life. Discover: What the term toxic positivity means, and why constantly striving to maintain a positive outlook isn’t actually helpful or realistic when it comes to mental health How social media perpetuates toxic positivity and shame through an absence of realness How to avoid the anxiety and comparison that comes with the constant positivity on social media Why keeping it real and not forcing positivity leads to deeper, more sincere connections The best way you can show up for someone who’s going through a hard time 00:00 Intro 01:01 Toxic positivity 02:51 Cultural gaslighting 03:24 Gratitude, toxic positivity & the internet 04:47 History of toxic positivity 08:06 The absence of realness on social media 10:53 Social media boundaries 12:59 The cultural shift beyond constant positivity 15:00 The effects of toxic positivity on connection 21:14 Connection between cancel culture and toxic positivity 24:18 Toxic positivity in relationships 28:01 Stop trying to save people 31:51 Relationships with parents 37:00 Gender roles in parenting 38:42 Life without a smartphone and the internet 41:42 Living in alignment with your values Links: Website | sitwithwhit.com Book | Toxic Positivity Instagram | @sitwithwhit Sponsors: Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off your next order at organifi.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#247: How to Create a Lasting, Healthy Relationship with Dr. Stan Tatkin Dec 05, 2022

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Themes: Relationships, Attachment Theory, Conflict, Interdependency Summary: Today I’m honoured to be joined by Stan Tatkin: PsyD, MFT, clinician, author, researcher, co-founder of the PACT Institute and all-around relational ninja. Stan’s ability to help couples navigate the often tricky waters of relationships is truly unparalleled, and in this episode, you’ll understand why. Join us as we discuss attachment theory, the leading causes of breakups and, ultimately, how to co-create a thriving, lasting relationship. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author of We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship Rx, Wired for Dating, What Every Therapist Ought to Know, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships, and the upcoming, In Each Other’s Care. Discover: Why we choose the partners we do, and why we default to certain behaviors while in a relationship Two main reasons relationships don’t last The non-negotiable habits of couples in strong, healthy relationships The mindset shift couples need to make for their relationship to survive and thrive 00:00 Intro 01:10 Stan’s background 02:57 Why we choose who we choose 10:30 Two main reasons relationships don’t last 18:02 Attachment theory & why we stay 23:24 Interdependency 26:29 Purpose-centered love 34:42 Creating a relationship that survives and thrives 41:32 Relationships are a team sport 48:16 Prioritizing repair 54:10 Avoid working on each other; only the problem Links: Website | thepactinstitute.com Instagram | @drstantatkin Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#246: Healing the Political Divide with Marianne Williamson Nov 28, 2022

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Themes: Politics, Spirituality, Health, Transformation, Self-Love, Unity Summary: Join me for a thought-provoking discussion with bestselling author, political activist and spiritual thought leader, Marianne Williamson. For more than three decades, Marianne has been a leader in spiritual and religiously progressive circles. She is the author of 14 books, four of which have been #1 New York Times best sellers, and ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020. In this episode we discuss self-love, spirituality and our best shot at healing the divide we are experiencing in society right now. Discover: How love and healing our own shadows first can help heal the political divide we are experiencing now in the world Non-violence political resistance and why it’s one of the most effective ways to spark political change The best way to start your day if you want to be your best self, live in integrity and radiate positive energy (hint: it’s not scrolling the gram) Taking control of how you show up in the world through a commitment to spiritual exercises and rituals Why mindfulness and meditation are crucial for effecting social change 00:00 Intro 00:43 Healing the divide 03:59 The government is gaslighting the people 06:44 Looking at ourselves first 08:58 Non-violent politics 13:08 We are meant to collaborate 16:21 Social media, individualism and narcissism 20:43 Impulse control 22:41 Living a more integrous life 28:52 Do this first thing in the morning 35:46 God and religion 43:03 Being committed to difference 46:42 Why are we scared of unity? 49:29 The urgent invitation to awakening 53:41 You don’t need the majority 55:48 The purpose of relationships Links: Website | marianne.com Twitter | @marwilliamson Instagram | @mariannewilliamson Substack | mariannewilliamson.substack.com Sponsors: LMNT | LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that replaces vital electrolytes without sugars and dodgy ingredients found in conventional sports drinks. Get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off your next order at organifi.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#245: It's Happening Right Here with Tim Ballard Nov 24, 2022

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Trigger Warning: This episode may be emotionally challenging and contains discussions of child trafficking and exploitation. Listener discretion is advised. Themes: Child & Human Trafficking, Child Exploitation, Pornography, Sex Education, Online Grooming Summary: You probably know by now that I’m all about having difficult yet necessary conversations, and this episode with Tim Ballard is no exception. Tim is an anti-human trafficking activist, author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad. His work has both inspired me and made me feel incredibly naive about what goes on under our noses in most communities across the country and the world. Tim spent over a decade working as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, where he was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and was deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team. He has worked every type of case imaginable in the fight to dismantle child trafficking rings, both in the United States and in multiple foreign countries. He has successfully dismantled dozens of these organizations and rescued children from slavery and exploitation. While working for the government, Tim saw how much more needed to be done in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation across the world. In 2013, Tim and a team of former government operatives left the security of their careers to go about the work of rescuing children as a private foundation - Operation Underground Railroad. At O.U.R., Tim envisioned a team that could work in any jurisdiction and work with law enforcement to rescue children directly. That team exists today all over the world. Discover: The shocking number of human trafficking victims in the US each year and how much money this horrific industry is worth Real life stories and tactics of how children & teens are being lured into trafficking and being exploited right here in developed countries and good homes Why most people are afraid to take action or learn the truth about this industry The number one thing you can do to help protect children The impacts of porn on the brain and how an over-sexualized society is a key factor in child exploitation and trafficking 00:00 Intro 01:46 The effects of the pandemic on child abuse 03:44 Child trafficking 12:38 Educational grooming 15:14 Sex education 20:00 Teenagers should be able to talk with professionals 24:43 How does human trafficking commonly happen? 31:16 Greatest challenge in fighting the issue 34:19 Not wanting to know the truth 37:21 How you can protect the children 38:43 Is it happening everywhere? 40:28 Impact of pornography Links: Website | ourrescue.org Facebook | @OURrescue Twitter | @ourrescue Instagram | @ourrescue TikTok | @ourrescue Youtube | @ourrescue Documentary | Operation Toussaint Fight the New Drug | fightthenewdrug.org Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#244: Live Your Truth with Dr. Martha Beck Nov 21, 2022

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Themes: Integrity, Truth, Alignment, Religion, Liberation, People Pleasing, Authority Summary: It is my great honor to welcome Dr. Martha Beck, New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker to the podcast this week. Her newest book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and felt like a journey home for me — one of those books where I found myself yelling “EFF YES!” out loud while reading. You know the kind. Martha holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” She is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. In this episode we cover navigating the internal split when you’re out of alignment or integrity and the magic that awaits when you have the courage to walk your truth — away from your socialization and towards the call of your soul. Discover: Why choosing and being in harmony with yourself is the key to a joyful and meaningful life Staying true to yourself despite other people’s opinions and expectations Navigating the internal split when out of integrity and having the courage to answer the call of your soul Suffering as the key to liberation How flipping your negative thoughts can give you peace of mind 00:00 Intro 01:24 Journey to getting her integrity back 06:48 Gaining authority over your own life 08:34 Psychic experiences 14:31 Coming home to your truth 18:39 Meditation for liberation 21:24 Questioning systems 24:31 The internal split 29:06 Going back to your true self 33:01 Flipping your negative thoughts 35:48 Integrity is contagious 42:05 Following your internal compass 44:34 Fear is the greatest challenge 47:10 The left hemisphere of our brain 50:05 The living dead 51:52 Returning to the right side of the brain Links: Watch this episode on Youtube Website | marthabeck.com Instagram | @themarthabeck Book | The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self by Martha Beck Book | Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck Episode with Byron Katie, listen to it here! Sponsors: Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at organifi.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#243: Soil Health & How It's Affecting You with Rob Herring Nov 14, 2022

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Themes: Health, Sustainability, Permaculture, Regenerative Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Systems Summary: Is Glyphosate really that bad? Does buying local produce actually make a difference? Why should we care about soil — it’s just dirt, right? WRONG! So pumped to bring you this conversation with environmental filmmaker, citizen journalist, and musical activist, Rob Herring. Rob is the director and producer of the award-winning film The Need to GROW, which explores the opportunity we have to help regenerate our planet’s dying soils and participate in the restoration of earth. Join us for a fascinating chat on the importance of restoring our connection to nature, rethinking our food system and regenerating our most precious natural resource: soil. Discover: Why using the herbicide Glyphosate has become common-practice for farmers around the world and its detrimental effects on our soil, food and health Why soil biodiversity is so freaking important and why we should care as consumers What regenerative agriculture is and why it’s the key to a healthy planet and people The simplest and most powerful steps you can take to mitigate the effects of destructive/conventional agricultural practices on your health and that of the environment The health benefits of gardening, getting your hands dirty and eating fresh food 00:00 Intro 00:36 The Need to GROW 08:07 Why destructive agriculture is the norm 23:42 How you can help 31:15 Connecting with nature and the positive health effects 40:17 The environmental cost of corruption 48:56 What could happen if we let nature regenerate 52:03 Returning to nature Links: Watch this episode on Youtube Watch The Need to GROW for free here! Farmacy of Light | farmacyoflight.com Earth Conscious Life | EarthConsciousLife.org Tip News | Tip.News Make Soil | makesoil.org This Is Your Brain on Food by Dr Uma Naidoo The Biggest Little Farm Documentary Sponsors: ION* | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 15% off sitewide at intelligenceofnature.com (Offer only available to US based residents. Coupon applies to all one-time purchases, excludes bundles and subscription purchases) Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#242: A Hopeful Vision for Humanity with Dr. Zach Bush Nov 07, 2022

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Themes: Consumerism, Humanity, Biodiversity, Health, Sustainability, Natural Law, the Microbiome Summary: Dr. Zach Bush is back for the third time for a deep dive into the health and future of both humanity and our planet. Zach is a renowned, multi-disciplinary physician of internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice care and is an internationally recognized educator on the microbiome as it relates to human health, soil health, food systems, and a regenerative future. In this episode, we dive into the planet's vulnerability and how it’s demanding a massive change in our current systems. We also explore the responsibility we all have to reimagine humanity as a system of coherence with nature instead of fighting against natural law. Discover: Why the world is in a state of tumultuous transformation and what is possible for humanity and the earth if we’re able to develop a cohesive vision for the future How over time, humanity has shifted from a mindset of sharing, reverence and abundance to one of ownership, extraction and competition, and the negative consequences this is having on planet earth The importance of diversity on ALL levels, from bacteria to crops to thoughts and opinions Natural law and how we can use nature’s ancient wisdom as a template for a new, more coherent human society 00:00 Intro 00:43 Consumerism & outsourcing everything 4:30 The future of humanity 08:29 As above, so below 17:15 Diversity vs. monoculture 24:00 Cancel culture 25:25 The control of information to reduce panic 31:52 Natural law 40:17 Being afraid of change 54:04 Gut health & ION* Links: Watch this episode on Youtube Zach’s Website | zachbushmd.com Natural Law | naturallawandgov.org Journey of Intrinsic Health | journeyofintrinsichealth.com Farmer’s Footprint | farmersfootprint.us Instagram | @zachbushmd Zach’s First Episode | Regenerating Health with Dr. Zach Bush Zach’s Second Episode | Engineering Our Future with Dr. Zach Bush Sponsors: ION* | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 15% off sitewide at intelligenceofnature.com (Offer only available to US based residents. Coupon applies to all one-time purchases, excludes bundles and subscription purchases) Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#241: Say YES to Yourself — Solo Episode Oct 31, 2022

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Themes: Alignment, Authenticity, Transformation, Self-Love, Values Summary: Feel like there’s something more to life? Like you’re not quite reaching your potential? Perhaps you want a more fulfilling career, a better relationship, to heal your relationship with money, your body, social media, or your family. Whatever it may be, this split — the space between what you say you want, who you say you are and who you’re actually being and what you’re choosing — is one of the most significant sources of our pain, our addictions, and our emotional, mental, and physical health issues. I know this firsthand. Join me as I explore how to merge the gap between where you are now and what is possible for your life. Will you move toward your soul’s calling? Can you say yes to yourself? Can you claim your potential? Consider this your invitation. Discover: The wisdom of negative emotions and why life shouldn’t always feel good The difference between orienting your life around what your soul desires vs. your wounds, around expansion instead of defensiveness How to decide what to do when you don’t know what to do What happens when you commit to honouring yourself 00:00 Intro 00:26 The universe has your back 01:09 Life isn’t about feeling good all the time 02:08 The space between what you have and what you want 04:33 Orienting to your soul, not your wounds 09:26 Words don’t teach; actions do 12:41 Be mindful of your choices 13:15 You’re weird, but all the best people are 15:01 Stepping away can also be healing 17:03 When you stop running from who you are 18:30 Learning to say yes to yourself Links: Watch this episode on Youtube Join me on Mine’d! Sign up for my newsletter here Instagram | @createthelove Facebook | @createthelove Sponsors: Open | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 30 days free at withopen.com/createthelove Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at organifi.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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#240: Mental Health, Radical Self-Love and Healing Generational Trauma with Zachary Levi Oct 24, 2022

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Themes: Social Media, Self Love, Self Worth, Hollywood, Trauma, Mental Health Summary: This week I’m joined by one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, Zachary Levi, with critically acclaimed roles in TV, film, and on Broadway. You may recognize him from his career catapulting role as Chuck Bartowski in the hit NBC series, Chuck, from his recurring role on Amazon Studios’ Emmy winning series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, or from his recent roles in American Underdog, the Kurt Warner Story and the 2019 blockbuster hit, Shazam!. In this episode we jam on the addictive nature of social media, the problems Hollywood and reality TV perpetuate, plus Zachary’s emotional journey through a lifetime of crippling anxiety and depression and how a breakdown led him to ultimately find joy, gratitude, self-love and acceptance. Discover: The irony of social media and how it’s both one of the biggest contributors to mental illness today AND a useful platform for amplifying awareness for such conditions The profit over people model of Hollywood and how it’s affecting the mental health of those working in the industry as well as viewers How reality TV is modeling an unhealthy approach to relationships and body image Zachary’s mental, emotional and spiritual breakdown and how it ultimately led him to find joy, gratitude, acceptance and purpose The beautiful ripple effect that comes with doing the inner work, facing what you’re most afraid of and integrating your wounds 00:00 Intro 00:37 The irony of social media 02:02 Being a parent now 05:38 Is social media safe for kids? 10:02 Media is designed to be addictive 15:18 The problem with Hollywood & reality TV 22:30 Altering your appearance 29:51 Money is not the root of evil 33:16 The breakdown 46:34 Getting the role of Shazam 55:39 Healthy love not being modeled 1:03:44 Therapy Links: Instagram | @zacharylevi Twitter | @zacharylevi Book | Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others Sponsors: Open | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 30 days free at withopen.com/createthelove Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at organifi.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
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