Susan Taylor Podcast: Recent Episodes
Susan Taylor, PhD
Susan Taylor is a visionary and thought leader in teaching simple, lasting solutions with intention to make life more positive and vital. She is the author of Feeling Good Matters, Sexual Radiance, and Vital Energy. Susan explores a broad range of topics to create a vehicle for positive change in your life, and the life of others. Topics include: diet, nutrition, brain, meditation, yoga, holistic lifestyle, and the power of the mind to heal.
Episode Title: Anchor in Reality
Podcast: The Meditative Shift
Host: Susan Taylor PhD
Episode Summary:
In this follow-up to our most-loved episode Rebuilding Connection, we explore what it really means to anchor in reality—beyond the noise, narratives, and digital illusions.
Inspired by listener reflections and ancient wisdom, this episode is a grounding invitation to return to what’s steady and true: your breath, your body, and your inner clarity.
We’ll explore the neuroscience behind distorted perception, the spiritual practices that bring us home, and real-world tools to help you reconnect with what matters most.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why social media illusions pull us away from our truth
- How the brain filters reality through old stories (predictive coding)
- What spiritual traditions teach about grounding and embodiment
- A simple breath practice to regulate your nervous system
- Three practical tools to help you anchor in the present moment
- How small mindset shifts can lead to big transformations
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & mission of The Meditative Shift
01:25 – Reflection on Rebuilding Connection and listener feedback
04:10 – Why we unconsciously reach for social media
06:45 – The science of distorted perception (predictive coding)
09:20 – Ancient wisdom: breath, body, and truth
12:40 – Tree metaphor: staying rooted in a storm
14:00 – 3 tools to anchor in reality
17:45 – Final encouragement and next steps
Resources & Links:
- Get the book: [Insert Book Title] – [insert link]
- Join the bi-monthly meditation class – [insert link]
- Learn more about Women in the Round – [insert link]
Stay Connected:
If this episode spoke to you:
- Subscribe on YouTube @meditative shift
- Share with someone who needs this message
- Leave a review—it helps more than you know
Closing Reminder:
Change is constant—how you navigate it is the shift.
Until next time, honor your body, anchor your mind, and trust the journey.
Are you caught in a loop of self-doubt and criticism? In this episode of The Meditative Shift, we’re uncovering the science and spirituality behind breaking the cycle of negative self-talk. Learn how to rewire your inner dialogue, reclaim your confidence, and step into a mindset that lifts you up instead of holding you back.
In a world of endless noise and digital distractions, how do we truly connect? In this episode of The Meditative Shift, we journey from the ancient story of the Tower of Babel to the modern landscape of social media, exploring how communication has evolved—and where it’s breaking down. Discover the science and spirituality of authentic connection and how to bridge the gaps in our relationships, communities, and within ourselves.
Recent research has uncovered a remarkable link between these two seemingly unrelated aspects of health. Did you know that monks who regularly meditate have different gut microbes than their neighbors? This finding has opened up a new frontier in understanding how our mental state can influence our physical health. In today's episode, Susan talks about: meditation, anxiety, and cortisol the impact of a balance gut practical tips for meditation and gut health
At the core of self-care lies its essential role in fostering a clear and calm mindset. Amid the fast pace of today's world, carving out time and space to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being can seem non-existent, and even when it is possible, it often feels overwhelming.In this episode, Dr. Taylor explores six vital self-care practices designed to protect and nurture a calm and tranquil mind.
A mindset reset isn't just about changing how we think on a superficial level; it's about transforming how we perceive and interact with the world around us. It’s about shifting from a reactive state, where life seems to happen to us, into a proactive stance, where we consciously choose our responses and shape our own experiences. In this episode, Dr Susan discusses: the very foundations of what it means to initiate a mindset reset what does a mindset really mean? why is it so crucial to our growth and happiness?
Research reveals that chronic stress, a seemingly ubiquitous companion in our fast-paced lives, plays a pivotal role in disrupting thyroid hormone balance. The findings suggest that the relentless pressures of modern life could be silently sabotaging thyroid health, contributing to a range of disorders that affect millions globally. In today's episode, Dr Taylor discusses: Strategies for managing stress Nutritional tips to support thyroid health Latest insights in mitigating the impact of stress
Our relationship with sugar goes beyond the taste buds. When we indulge in sugary treats, our brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, often associated with pleasure and mood elevation. This immediate surge in feel-good chemicals can create a temporary sense of joy and happiness.Join us for insights on: The fascinating interplay of sugar with our body and mind How sugar might exacerbate anxiety and depression Practical strategies for achieving and maintaining a balanced sugar intake
In our modern world, where stress and uncertainty seem to be the norm, the pursuit of happiness has become a universal quest that transcends cultural boundaries and spans all living beings. But have you ever wondered why we're wired to seek happiness?Is it hardwired into our brains, compelling us to pursue it in various aspects of our lives?In this episode, Susan discusses: the science behind happiness, the brain's natural mood-enhancing substances and how to boost these neurochemicals new perspectives on creating happiness
We're more connected than ever before, with technology and screens around us, yet we've never felt more alone. It's like there's a paradox at play here. And unfortunately, there's a hidden crisis that's quietly spreading among us: a condition that affects more than 264 million people of all ages.Today's episode is inspired by a holistic perspective discussing: origins of depression three types of depression holistic strategies
In our fast-paced modern world, many individuals find themselves grappling with a phenomenon known as "brain fog." It is an often-frustrating cognitive state characterized by difficulty concentrating, mental sluggishness, memory lapses, and a general sense of mental fatigue.In todays episode, we will explore the scientific background of the gut in clearing the fog and improving mental clarity.Topics Include: Gut brain communication- what science tells us The 3 step Protocol - a practical practice Cleansing your gut Nourishing your gut Lifestyle factors
Have you ever wondered why anxiety seems to have such a profound impact on our well-being? Why do those persistent worries and fears not only affect our minds but also take a toll on our bodies?In today’s episode , Dr Taylor delves into this fascinating relationship of the anxiety and inflammation cycle. Topics include: Chronic inflammation creates anxiety. Anxiety is a mind/body imbalance. Solutions to breaking the anxiety-inflammation cycle
Is it time to rekindle our understanding, to reclaim our connection with nature, and embark on a transformative journey towards reawakening our vital selves and rediscovering our true purpose?Back from Sabbatical, Susan Taylor introduces the meditative shift and the need for each of us to attend to inner self care and make informed choices about our health.
For many, the pandemic infused us with multiple forms of stress. We are left with a deep sense of loss leading to grief and perhaps a feeling of depression.
In today’s episode, Dr Taylor discusses:
- if depression is a chemical imbalance
- a view from the inside
- 5 essential ways to move through depression
A growing number of clinical studies have demonstrated that breathing-including meditation-may represent a new non-pharmacological approach for improving specific aspects of how our brain focuses and thrives in stressful situations.
In today’s episode, Dr Taylor discusses:
The connection between breath and resilience The downside of mouth breathing How breathing can affect appetite
Did you know that you can directly impact your ability to focus, think and establish inner peace without supplements?
We have much more control over our brain function than we realize and can alter the structure, function, and chemistry of our brains through our behavior, our breathing and our thinking.
In today's episode, Dr. Taylor discusses:
- How we can turn on and turn off our genes
- The benefits of fasting for the brain
- Why staying upright nourishes our brain
The number of people living with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 50 million and will almost triple by 2050. As the incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia affect our thinking, memory, behavior and ability to live life fully increase; maintaining optimal brain function has become a key concern.
In todays episode, Dr Taylor discusses:
Optimizing cognitive function How breathing affects brain health 6 essential components that benefit the brain
Your consciousness is pure, happy, compassionate and kind by nature, but to find that we must learn to let go of the unconscious turbulence that we can fall into when we lose connection with our inner peace.
In today’s episode, Dr. Taylor discusses:
Wired for fear Negativity on your brain How to move out of negativity bias
Most Americans feel worn out and exhausted—a feeling that has increased since the pandemic started. As summer approaches, we are inspired to venture out with energy to live our full potential.
In today’s episode, Dr Taylor discusses:
- Diet and gut health
- Herbs and supplements
- Supporting emotional and mental health
People look for safety. The will to survive is hardwired in every living being.
In today’s episode, Dr Taylor discusses:
- Why our mind needs protection
- 5 elements of psychological immunity
- 5 suggestions to support a meditative mind
Did you ever wonder what robs us of our energy—new challenges that may be stressful, poor diet and nutrition, anxious thoughts, or perhaps decision fatigue?
In today's episode, Dr. Taylor discusses:
- The increase occurrence of exhaustion
- Energy dynamics
- 6 common energy thieves
Healing requires that we bring our organism back into balance.
In today’s episode, Dr Susan discusses:
- The dynamics of health and the dynamics of disease
- Is there something to learn from illness?
- 5 Steps to heal faster
The current surge of technology particularly during restrictive gatherings, challenges our physical and psychological immunity. Many are experiencing emotional vulnerability and over reactiveness, not necessarily from our interaction with others, but with our own rumination of thoughts.
In today’s episode, Susan talks about:
- What is psychological immunity
- 5 mental pathogens to stay clear from
- How to measure your psychological immunity
How confident are we to handle stress, conflict, or any difficulty for that matter? Do we have trust in ourselves to maintain our physical and psychological immunity?
In today’s episode, Dr. Taylor talks about:
- The benefit of being positive
- 4 characteristics of being confident
- 9 strategies to build physical and psychological immunity
Did you know that your brain can change and this change is measurable? It takes about 40 days to rewire your brain for confidence and success.
In today’s episode, Susan discusses:
- Rewiring your brain
- The essence of meditation
- Meditation as a practice
In order to step into your true radiant power, your body and mind need to be able to handle more energy.
In today’s episode, Dr Susan discusses:
- Three pillars of radiance
- Diet and nutrition factors
- De-stressing with meditation
- The 21-day event coming 2021
Many of us have such great intentions to live healthy and happy. With the new year upon us, is it time to set new intentions and make new resolutions?
In today’s episode, Dr Susan discusses:
- How to use your body as a guide
- 5 practices to get started
- How to devise a personal plan
The way we think has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing.
In today’s episode, Dr Susan discusses ‘five essentials’ for optimal thinking that affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well being.
It is of no surprise that our technology habits are profoundly hijacking our brains leading to distraction, disturbance and ultimately fatigue.
In today’s episode, Dr. Susan discusses:
- Navigating the digital world
- Health issues resulting from too much 'digital devicing'
- Tips to restore wellness
Everyone aspires to be great and possess the freedom and fulfillment that life has to offer. But few take the path of looking inward to recognize that the fundamentals of leadership lie in “well being”.
In today’s episode, Dr Susan discusses:
- What constitutes positive leadership
- What makes a great leader
- How to co-create an optimistic future
Vitality is essential to live with health and happiness. Therefore, it is important that we establish ourselves in a lifestyle to support energy. In today’s episode, Dr Susan discusses principles of vitality:
- Why we need to create space
- How nourishment raises our vibration
- Why living our life’s purpose decreases stress
The global epidemic of fatigue and exhaustion leading to fear, anger, anxiety, and depression seems to be taking hold of our health and happiness. In today’s episode, Dr Taylor discusses:
- Stress and its impact on our energy systems
- Your Adrenal/Thyroid connection to fatigue
- Lifestyle tips to turn this around
Many people beginning meditation want to feel better. They expect meditation to act as a quick fix; but find that it has some challenges.
In today’s episode, Dr. Taylor discusses:
Meditation trains our mind to be positive How much meditation is enough Tips on how to meditate