Surviving Humanity: A Self-Help Podcast: Recent Episodes
Wesley Jackson and Andrew Gilley
Humanity has never been more connected yet divided; we have lost touch with ourselves and it’s time for that to change.Our mission is to shift people’s perspectives on how they can overcome the obstacles in their lives so that they move forward and prosper.Our vision is to foster a sense of connection and community over our common struggles, while providing our listeners with tools to overcome them.We do this through the power of authentic narrative and intensive research, which manifests as host monologues, co-host conversations, and special guest interviews.We hope they will entertain, inspire, and perhaps even teach you something new.Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes.We want to be a part of your journey - become a member of the Surviving Humanity community by joining fellow subscribers on Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter.In these spaces you can stay connected with the latest in personal development while forming authentic connections with fellow growth-minded people like you.Let’s all work together to help each other achieve our goals!Learn more about us at survivinghumanity.net
Key Quote:“Once you face death, the fear of it is gone. Why is it gone? Because the fear of death comes from the fact that you're not accepting death. So the acceptance of death is the freedom from it, in a way.” -Zak Aghbal
Episode Summary:
In this episode, journey with us as we uncover the layers behind Zak Aghbal's transformative life. Growing up in Morocco, the weight of a restricting environment bore down on him. But a couple of unexpected events forced Zak to look at life with renewed eyes.
What do Jim Rohn, a near-death experience, and a profound book by Krishnamurti have in common? Dive in to discover the threads of truth that not only helped Zak break free from his past but might resonate with the essence of your own journey.
Watch as Zak redefines his life, battling inner demons and emerging stronger. Let's walk with him as he chooses a path of change and discovery.
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Key Quotes:“Each day we are presented with new information, and this may or may not prompt us to reassess our perspectives or paths. When they do, though, that's when these major life changes are more likely to happen.” -Wesley Jackson
“It's important because it causes us to understand what truly matters. It causes you to clarify what sorts of things you believe in, and what sorts of things you want to carry forward in light of whatever change that's happening.” -Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:In life, sometimes the ground shifts beneath our feet, sweeping us into a tide of change. From the jolt of a career shift to the void left by a lost loved one, or even a revelation that shakes our very core - how do we remain resilient?
In a world where technology accelerates and societal norms flip on their head, it's crucial to harness the right mindset and tools to steer our ship amidst these waves. But, what if our own habits blind us from seeing the whole picture?
Dive into this episode of Surviving Humanity as we unravel the art of navigating life's most unexpected turns and the hidden growth that awaits on the other side. Don't miss out on a guide to thriving in our ever-evolving world.
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Key Quote:"Overcoming this obstacle wasn't so much of a single event as it was a journey. Physical healing wasn't the only thing I needed, as the emotional side proved to be just as challenging." - Wesley Jackson
Episode Summary:Join Wesley Jackson as he takes you on a ride that started like any other day but ended in an unexpected twist. A simple cycling trip with his father turns into a life-altering moment. What was supposed to be a bonding experience suddenly shifts gears when a split-second decision changes everything.
In this episode, hear about the fragile connection between a father and son, united by a shared love of cycling but challenged by their complicated past. When faced with a perilous choice on the open road, what did Jackson decide to do? And how did that choice lead to a journey of not just physical recovery but emotional healing as well?
Listen as Jackson shares the ups and downs of his path to acceptance, from the immediate pain of the crash to the long road through therapy and self-discovery. What valuable lessons did he learn about strength, vulnerability, and the power of resilience? And how did he turn a traumatic experience into a lesson on the possibility of rebuilding and finding hope?
Tune in to this gripping episode of Surviving Humanity: A Self-Help Podcast, and explore how the choices we make can take us down roads we never expected. It's a story about facing our past, learning from pain, and finding the strength to move forward. You don't want to miss it.
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Key Quote
"Remember, growth is a journey, not a destination." - Wesley Jackson
Episode Summary
Step into the world of Surviving Humanity: A Self-Help Podcast, where this past month, we journeyed through a labyrinth of mindsets. Our path led us between two contrasting landscapes: a towering fortress, rigid and unyielding, representing the fixed mindset, and an ever-evolving garden, embodying the growth mindset.
Our companion through this maze, Andrew, unveiled the secret of turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. He illuminated the trail, inviting us to adopt the flexible, ever-growing mindset.
We then braved the realities of life's ups and downs. The podcast was our survival guide, showing us how to use the growth mindset as a shield against criticism, a lifesaver in a sea of setbacks, and a compass to stay motivated in the wilderness of life's challenges.
Not only did our hosts reveal their own transformational journey from the fortress to the garden, but we also discovered inspiring tales from the realms of entrepreneurship and motivational speaking. Kevin Palmieri and Elijah Desmond, our trailblazers, showcased how this magical mindset is their secret weapon for personal and professional success.
Yet, as we emerged from this maze of mindsets, we realized the voyage has just begun. Because the essence of the growth mindset is, growth itself is the journey, not the destination.
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Key Quotes:
"Having a fixed mindset seems like it keeps you safe, but the more you are open to the growth that comes with the feedback, the more successful you're going to be." - Kevin Palmieri
"Embrace the suck." - Elijah Desmond
Episode Summary:
Join us for a double-feature episode as we journey through the transformative lives of Kevin Palmieri and Elijah Desmond, two individuals who have wrestled with adversity and come out the other side stronger and wiser.
Immerse yourself in the riveting tale of Kevin Palmieri, the Founder and CFO of Next Level University. From the challenging trials of a volunteer firefighter to overcoming the fear of making mistakes, Kevin's story is a testament to resilience. He shares his personal journey, where the power of continuous learning and feedback becomes tangible.
Witness Kevin's evolution from bodybuilding to entrepreneurship, embracing the growth mindset and learning to thrive outside of the comfort zone. Join him and Wesley as they unravel the immense power of self-belief and the sometimes deceptive nature of success.
Next, step into the vibrant world of Elijah Desmond, also known as DJ Smiles, an individual who defied odds with his infectious zest for life. Navigate his complex biracial identity, where he finally finds wider acceptance by simply being authentic.
Feel the pulse of Elijah's past as a celebrated athlete, his dreams dashed by a fateful injury. Traverse the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, as he pens a bestselling book, starts numerous businesses, and experiences the stark contrasts of success and failure.
Follow Elijah's journey through depression as he grapples with lost opportunities, emerging stronger and more resilient. Discover how his commitment to helping others became his lifeline, guiding him out of his struggles and lighting up his path to recovery.
Learn from Elijah's philosophy to "embrace the suck", a stark reminder that it's okay to have a bad day. See how maintaining a positive mindset and spreading positivity helped him thrive amidst adversity.
Ready to dive into a sea of inspiration and life lessons? Don't miss this unique episode, where Kevin and Elijah share their compelling narratives of resilience and triumph. Join us as we navigate the human journey, one story at a time.
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Key Quote:
"This is the basic skill - learning how to learn. Adopting a positive growth mindset, believing that your potential can be altered, believing that you can change and become better." -Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with co-host Andrew Gilley, who shares his personal battle with depression that started when he was just a teenager. He reveals how his struggles affected his self-esteem and created feelings of worthlessness that lingered within him.
As Andrew stepped into the adult world, moving from high school to college, the weight of his responsibilities and the symptoms of depression started to bear heavily on him. Stuck in what he calls a 'fixed growth mindset', Andrew felt that his potential was capped by his mental illness.
But his story takes a turn in a surprising place - a physics class. Here, Andrew began to see potential differently, not as a pre-determined destiny, but as something that can be shaped through dedication and hard work.
Armed with this empowering shift in mindset, Andrew discovered a new passion - philosophy. His love for this subject played a pivotal role in helping him navigate life's obstacles and challenges.
So, join us for this engaging conversation, and witness how Andrew's journey from despair to resilience can inspire all of us to rethink our own potential.
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Key Quote:
"It's okay to not have to hide all the time. That would be the goal I want for people experiencing trauma; to not have to hide the pain. To be able to step forward and say, 'This is real and this hurt me and I need help.' -Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:In this evocative episode of "Surviving Humanity: A Self-Help Podcast", join your host Andrew Gilley as he leads us through unexplored corridors of the human experience. Recently, we've been delving into the world of trauma, its ripple effects, and the surprising power within us all to overcome it.
Listen to Wes' transformative tale in his episode, "Overcoming Trauma: Healing from Within". He pulls back the curtain on the rarely acknowledged dangers of emotional suppression and its potent link to addiction. Embark on his journey through therapy and medication, discovering that facing the darkness is sometimes healthier than the comfort of avoidance.
Don't miss Wes and Andrew's compelling conversation on the pervasive impact of trauma. They bring to light how it disproportionately ravages oppressed demographics and boldly challenge society's refusal to recognize the collective trauma left in the wake of events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our special guest, Tuê-Si Nguyen, bravely opens up about his personal battles with trauma and addiction. Discover how he harnessed strategies such as shadow work, journaling, and meditation, all underpinned by self-compassion and self-love, to navigate his way through emotional turmoil.
Drawing from various blog posts, we shine a light on universal themes of trauma. Learn about its pervasiveness in society, the resilience needed to rise from catastrophic events, and the secret to conquering triggers for recovery. Discover the overlooked yet essential role of self-validation and love in the healing journey.
This isn't just a podcast; it's an exploration of the human capacity to endure, evolve, and ultimately, to thrive. Tune in, and learn how to survive... humanity.
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Key Quote: “By showing up for myself consistently, I can now manage my fear of abandonment because I know that I'll never let myself go or abandon me.”
-Tuê-Si Nguyen
Episode Summary:In this week’s thought-provoking episode of the Surviving Humanity podcast, our captivating guest, Tuê-Si Nguyen, peels back layers of his life that were once shrouded in mystery. Dive deep into the shadows of a daunting two-year battle with meth addiction, and join Tuê-Si as he uncovers the heartbreaking root of his struggles—a deeply buried trauma seeded by the loss of his mother when he was just a young boy.
He will recount how he navigated the treacherous maze of suppressed rage, resentment, and regret that had been plaguing him all these years. Tune in to witness a moving account of self-forgiveness and the transformative power of change. Learn how a simple shift in environment, coupled with daily practices of journaling and meditation, carved a path for healing.
Through this journey, Tuê-Si fostered a sense of self-compassion that illuminated a new perspective on life. Grasp the profound realization that one must conquer their traumas to trade fear and triggers for a life of love and compassion. Don't miss this episode if you seek a compelling narrative of resilience and renewal.
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Key Quotes:"We acknowledge success, but recovery from trauma isn't a priority. The priority is to get back to work. You're socially obligated to do a lot of things, but healing isn't one of them, at least, unless you actually can't work anymore." - Andrew Gilley
"Trauma is invisible unfortunately a lot of the time as well, because it's like these invisible scars that are imprinted on your psyche and your body, and they completely alter the way that you perceive and then thus navigate the world around you."
-Wesley Jackson
Episode Summary:On this episode of our podcast, we delve into the unseen realm of trauma. Unfolding like a hidden chapter in one's life story, trauma silently weaves its tale through personal distress, leaving invisible impressions on the mind and body. But what happens when our fast-paced, technology-driven world intensifies our exposure to traumatic events?
We trace the outlines of this delicate issue, shining a light on the invisible wounds many carry, with the COVID-19 pandemic as a poignant example. We question how coping mechanisms, like emotional detachment, might shape our worlds and why empathy and compassion are vital in helping others navigate through their painful pasts.
Does denying trauma merely amplify its shadows, or does acknowledgment open pathways to healing? We ponder this crucial question and underscore the significance of facing traumatic events head-on.
We highlight how trauma indiscriminately affects everyone, disproportionately impacting certain groups. In revealing these truths, we gently urge a shift in perspective—an intentional mental pivot—to steer us from involuntary reactions to more mindful responses.
We explore how engaging in open conversations about trauma can cultivate healing. Unraveling the complexity of this silent malady, we reveal its unexpected potential to ignite personal growth and profound transformation.
Finally, we share how acknowledging and recognizing the presence of trauma is the first brave step towards healing. Piecing together the puzzle of past experiences and their mental implications can bring about a profound sense of understanding.
Dive with us into the realm of collective healing, where shared experiences are the stepping stones towards empathy and connection.
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🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
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Key Quote:"The most profound lessons I've learned from my personal journey of trauma and survival are encapsulated in three key concepts: resilience, self-understanding, and acceptance." - Wesley Jackson
Episode Summary:Join Wesley Jackson as he delves deeply into his own personal narrative, a tale carved out by the relentless chisel of trauma, but shaped by an indomitable spirit of survival and resilience. His story, laden with labels and challenges, reveals a dark side to his journey and the struggles he faced amidst a school system ill-equipped to embrace diversity.
Wesley explores the realm of emotional suppression, which he was thrust into at a young age due to a constant dread of reprisal from his parents. He walks us through how this fear led to the creation of maladaptive coping mechanisms, resulting in addictive behavior patterns that served as his shield against the storm of emotions he dared not face.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, Wesley found a beacon of hope and healing. He found solace in the form of talk therapy and experienced a resurgence of purpose within him through the student organization he passionately nurtured at his university. Through the process of uncovering his addictive behaviors, Wesley initiated the arduous task of dismantling them, setting off on a journey towards self-acceptance, embracing his flaws, and celebrating his uniqueness.
As you join Wesley on this raw and enlightening journey, he distills three potent lessons from his experiences: the power of resilience, the beauty of self-understanding, and the liberation found in acceptance.
Listen in as a survivor of humanity shares his powerful story.
🔗 Links to Additional Resources
• Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson PsyD
• Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
• Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Maté
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bess
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🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
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Key Quote:
"Opening the toolbox and having the capability to recognize when you can acquire new tools is really important. So, keeping an open mind is very helpful." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:What if the key to your personal evolution lay within the shadows of your mind? What if you could face those little monsters, those negative thoughts that lurk and pounce, and transform them into your allies? On this episode of our podcast, we delve into the labyrinth of our minds, taking a closer look at our own mental goblins and learning to wield the power they hold.
In a world consumed by social media, a world that often amplifies our anxiety, stress, and self-doubt, we offer a beacon. We explore the powerful magic of reframing negative thoughts to reduce their intensity and light up the darkness. This age-old wisdom is more vital than ever in our hyperconnected era.
Join us as we journey through the enigmatic realms of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. These modalities are keys to unlock the power to reframe our perspectives, leading us toward a calmer mind and a more balanced life.
We'll delve into the art of meditation and the rhythm of ho'oponopono — positive affirmations that echo through our consciousness, sweeping away the mental debris that blocks our path. Opening your mind to these potent tools can revolutionize your self-improvement quest.
As we journey within ourselves, seeking self-improvement, we become a magnet of positive energy that can radiate out to others. By focusing on our own growth first, we spark a ripple effect of joy and positivity that can permeate all those around us.
And what about the art of Socratic questioning? As our compass on the journey of self-discovery, it allows us to delve deeper, unveiling layers of understanding that bring us closer to our true selves.
So, do you dare embark on this journey with us? A journey not outward, but within, to reframe your mind and transform your life? Tune in and let the adventure begin.
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💪 Start The 7-Day Self-Confidence Challenge
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🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
Unearth new insights into yourself, stop self-sabotaging behaviors, and understand the underlying roots of your beliefs.
📖 Read Our Latest Self-Help Articles
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Key Quote:"Life will always be hard, but, don't wish for life to be easier, wish for yourselves to be stronger." - Kate Nguyen
Episode Summary:
In this riveting episode, we delve into the journey of Kate Nguyen, energy healer and host of the YouTube channel, Best of You. We'll hear her story about how she beat depression by changing her negative thoughts into positive ones.
We'll also learn about an ancient Hawaiian method that can help get rid of bad thoughts, make you believe in yourself more, and stop you from putting things off. But can this old trick really help with big problems in today's world?
Next, we'll talk about how you can connect with your "higher self." How can you do this? Maybe through quiet thinking, talking to yourself, or being open to learn new things.
The main point of our story? Believe in yourself and don't worry about what others think. Doing something good gives you the power to do even more good in the world.
So, come join us in this episode to uncover these secrets and more. In energy healing, just like in life, the journey is just as important as the end goal.
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🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
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Key Quotes:
• "The responsibility lies on our shoulders to better ourselves and reframe our negative thoughts." - Wesley Jackson
• "I think there's a misconception that everyone but you is happy. We don't have access to each others' thoughts, so we tend to think that everyone is happier than we are." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
In the quiet corners of the mind, a subtle struggle unfolds as negative thought patterns threaten to hold us back. In this intriguing episode, we explore the practice of reframing these thoughts – a powerful tool to break free from self-doubt and foster self-compassion and love.
These unhelpful thought patterns, stemming from ancient survival mechanisms, now hinder our modern lives. Their impact is intensified by social media, which often encourages comparison with others. If ignored, these thoughts can manifest as illness, increasing the risk of health issues like heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
For those grappling with past traumas or low self-esteem, these thoughts can be particularly challenging, magnified by the fear of social rejection. Reframing these thoughts is essential for personal growth, building meaningful connections, and promoting mental well-being.
Discover the techniques of cognitive diffusion and cognitive restructuring, which offer the potential to reshape negativity. Learn about the insightful deck of cards concept from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the benefits of gratitude journaling for achieving mental shifts.
Finally, explore mindfulness meditation and affirmation statements, as we discuss their ability to cater to each individual's unique needs. Join us on this journey into the mind and emerge with newfound mastery over your thoughts.
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💪 Start The 7-Day Self-Confidence Challenge
Determine your core values and strengths, reframe negative thought patterns, and break old habits to build new ones.
🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
Unearth new insights into yourself, stop self-sabotaging behaviors, and understand the underlying roots of your beliefs.
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Key Quote:
"Perfection is not a real thing. What's going on is it's a defense mechanism wrapped up in a nice-sounding package that makes you seem and feel like you're dedicated to work." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
Whispers of a mysterious "goblin" plagued Andrew Gilley, seeding intense anxiety and self-doubt, compelling him to seek refuge in perfectionism. As the veil of confusion slowly lifted, he began to discern the discord between the insidious whispers and the reality that surrounded him.
Embarking on a journey to reframe the negativity, Andrew sought to unravel the enigma of his own identity, piecing together the fragments of his fractured self. In the shadows, he discovered the secret key to transcending the confines of perfectionism - an unexpected embrace of his imperfections alongside the treasures of his true self.
Dare to explore the unknown with Andrew as he unveils the art of mastering one's thoughts and liberating oneself from the shackles of negativity. Join us in this episode, as we delve into the heart of self-discovery and the untold power that lies within.
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🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
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Key Quote:"Every decision we make carries consequences that affect not only ourselves, but those around us." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
Delve into the enigmatic world of personal development, as we unearth the secrets of ancient philosophy to help us transcend the shadows of our past. Discover the hidden power of habits in molding our very essence, uniquely crafted to suit our individual journeys.
Join us as Andrew Gilley reveals the art of embracing life with love, creating spaces of wonder, and kindling the fire of curiosity in our interactions. Uncover the timeless wisdom of the Greeks, redefining happiness as an all-encompassing fulfillment, rather than a fleeting emotion.
Venture into the realm of emotional resilience, where true strength lies not in perpetual happiness or numbness, but in the calm acceptance of life's ebb and flow. Learn to forge a character imbued with responsibility and interconnectedness, as we unveil the significance of integrity and trust within the tapestry of our communities.
Embark on this captivating journey through our podcast episode, and unravel the mysteries of self-discovery that await.
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🧠 Go Deeper with the 52-Week Year of the Shadow Journal
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Key Quote:
"What are the habits that actually move you toward the life that you want?" - Matt Thieleman
Episode Summary:
In this self-help podcast episode, we delve into the captivating journey of Matt Thieleman, who became the CEO of Pilea, a coaching network with an ambitious mission to connect every founder in the world with a coach. However, Matt soon realized that his true path lay elsewhere, prompting him to make the difficult decision to step down.
As Matt navigated this challenging period, he leaned on his coach, friends, and fiancée, discovering the importance of self-care and cherishing time with loved ones. He also faced the difficult task of upholding Pilea's values, even when it meant letting someone go with a compassionate heart.
Join us as we explore Matt's transformative experiences, where each choice he made contributed to building character and moving towards his goals. After leaving Pilea, Matt took two months for introspection, which led him to pen his insights in a book called "This is Coaching." Through this process, he gained a clearer understanding of his purpose as a coach.
In our conversation, we discuss the link between character, habits, and striving for one's ideal life, as well as the significance of balancing masculine and feminine energies. We also touch on the power of curiosity and dialogue in becoming better humans.
So, tune in to learn from Matt Thieleman's inspiring journey of self-discovery and growth, and remember to always sign off with love.
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Key Quotes:
• "Building takes time, planning, and patience. Building character is no different." - Wesley Jackson
• "You can't build character unless you know what you're building towards. So figure out who you want to be." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
• Character is defined as someone's mental and moral qualities, which are built up of habits and behavior patterns over time.
• Coming to terms with one's true self is important as we are only at our best when we are being ourselves.
• There is no universal way to define character as each person has a unique set of values, emotions, and experiences.
• Society does not prioritize self-actualization and doesn't provide guidance on how to build character.
• Abuse and neglect in childhood have a significant effect upon one's character.
• We should strive to treat children as individuals with respect and empathy rather than possessions.
• The individual should take the initiative to develop their character by familiarizing themselves with core values and taking tests/surveys online.
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Key Quote
"The path one must take to return to their authentic self and then build their character from there is not an easy one. But it is invaluable." - Wesley Jackson
Episode Summary
• Wesley Jackson details a conflict he had within himself from childhood until now, which stemmed from trauma and caused him to feel that much of his life has been robbed from him.
• To move forward and resolve this, he began to revisit who he is, build back his character and practice self-compassion.
• To do this, he gained insight from books and therapies; he identified negative thinking patterns and transformed the way he thought; and he experienced an increase in self-confidence and a decrease in anxiety.
• The lesson is that building character is not easy but invaluable; it starts with listening to oneself without judgement; and having control over one's own story & power.
Additional Resources
• The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel
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Key Quote
"Fear of failure prevents us from taking the right risk to change our lives." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary
• In this month's monologue episode, Andrew Gilley discussed depression and the difficulty of balancing self-care with numbing one's emotions.
• In the conversation episode, Andrew dives deep with Wesley Jackson into how creating and maintaining a daily routine is vital in order to develop oneself, make healthier choices, and improve relationships with loved ones.
• Wesley then interviewed Mike Dee, who talked about leveraging existing routines for growth, as well as shifting social media usage for knowledge rather than entertainment; and learning from failures.
• Mike further emphasized the importance of simplifying morning routines to avoid overcomplication; prioritize activities that matter most; and accept failures as opportunities to begin new chapters.
• Andrew then covers this month's blog articles, beginning with how animals model the importance of taking breaks and living in the present moment to avoid carrying around baggage.
• Successful people incorporate periods of focus into their daily routines, regardless of the quirkiness of their methods.
• Every day should include an activity that centers and grounds us and our habits are key to personal development.
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Key Quote:"It's those small habits that you implement into your life - if you do that every single day, it will change your life." - Mike Dee
Episode Summary:· Mike left behind the safety of a 9-5 job despite a huge pay raise that was offered to him - and ultimately, it was the second best decision he ever made.
· He established a habit of dedicating two to three hours each day to his side hustle, which ultimately helped him break free from the shackles of monotony.
· Mike talks about how society defines success and how money isn't everything.
· Mike preaches the importance of both balance and flow, and what that looks like for him.
· Mike talks about reframing failure.
· Mike shares his morning and evening routines.
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Key Quotes:• "We're planting the seeds of addictive behavior patterns now at such a large scale, and at such an early age now, I can only wonder as to the consequences this will have ten, twenty years down the line. We're slaves to screens." - Wesley Jackson
• "When we set our habits, we set our disposition to the world. So when we change our habits, we do the same." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
• Wesley Jackson and Andrew Gilley explore why routines are worth revisiting today in the context of habits, and how to effectively handle difficulties associated with implementing them.
• Routines are essential for forming habits, which become who we are - little differences add up over time, 1% better per day equals 37 times better after one year.
• Setting up positive routines is key; incentivize the process by rewarding yourself for completing the routine to encourage positive habits.
• Wesley and Andrew discuss their personal daily routines and suggest experimenting to find what works for individual listeners.
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Episode Summary:
• Andrew Gilley reflects on his own internal conflict of managing daily routines.
• This is in the context of wanting to escape from the feeling of depression, but not lose joy and life's good moments.
• He struggled with setting and maintaining routines in college due to lack of structure and temptation for unhealthy escapism.
• He moved onto graduate school, where he was struggling with fear of failure, leading him to use unhealthy coping strategies like binge drinking and drugs.
• He realized how not paying attention to his routines could lead him in an undesired direction and how it was important to practice being conscious about creating good habits.
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Key Quotes:
• "Unethical advertising takes advantage of people's deepest hopes and fears, manipulating them to line megacorporation's pockets with ill-gotten gains." - Wesley Jackson
• "We can't let our habits be shifted by the manipulations of unethical advertising; you must recognize where your habits and ideas come from and transcend the previous errors you have made." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
• Unethical advertising is a form of manipulation that has been around since the Industrial Revolution and has become more effective with the advent of the Internet, allowing it to reach a far wider audience.
• Children seven and younger are particularly vulnerable to being manipulated as they lack the cognitive structures necessary to understand when they are being persuaded.
• Unethical advertising taps into our emotions such as guilt, shame, or fear in order to make us buy something we wouldn't have otherwise.
• Social media exacerbates this problem by making it harder to distinguish between an ad, post, or recommendation.
• Unless action is taken, the effects of unethical advertising on our psyches will continue to grow worse as advertising capitalizes on new mediums such as augmented reality and virtual reality.
• Advertising companies are collecting vast amounts of data which are then used for targeting specific demographics in increasingly predatory ways.
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Key Quote:• "Doing the right thing is always the right thing. Doing it when it's hard is even more important." - Kyle Golding
Episode Summary:
• Kyle Golding was faced with an ethical dilemma when his boss asked him to produce an advertising campaign promoting a calcium supplement as a potential cancer cure, despite evidence having been debunked of this in 1935.
• Facing no support from the marketing director, head of legal, or CEO, he chose to leave the company and found a new job with a much better boss who taught him about business ethics.
• This experience taught Kyle to prioritize ethical decisions over taking shortcuts for quick financial gain when doing business and building relationships.
• He believes that society needs to focus on building relationships and creating value instead of chasing quick fame or money, which will ultimately benefit everyone in the long run.
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Key Quote:• "Take stock of your current habits. Examine them one by one. Which of them are helping you move forward, to the better person you want to become, and which are just holding you back?" - Wesley Jackson
Episode Summary:
• Wesley Jackson experienced a personal crisis that all began when he was a digital marketing subcontractor in 2018, eventually leading to him severing ties with his second agency partner in Q1 of 2022.
• Wesley realized that this work was not right for him, no matter how successful he was at it, and that he needed to make changes.
• Through his trials he discovered the importance of authentic, face-to-face human connection and the need for more ethical advertising practices.
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Key Quotes from this Episode:• "If we ever hope to collectively heal this world, we must begin by first discarding these feelings of guilt, shame, and fear that we feel when it comes to expressing our authentic truths and recognizing our lived experiences for what they were. These negative emotions, feelings, and thoughts are largely handed down to us by a long, long line of parents." - Wesley Jackson
• "When we start connecting with each other, when we start building communities ourselves, outside of what we're being told, when we start generating power in ourselves and among ourselves, that's when I think things truly have a chance to change." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:• Wesley Jackson shares his story of struggle and self-discovery involving childhood abuse, learning disabilities, and complex PTSD.
• After reconnecting with his authentic self and going through personal growth, he realized that he could teach others how to survive their traumas too.
• Andrew Gilley reveals that he had been subjected to childhood sexual abuse by an authority figure that profoundly shaped him in more ways than he thought possible.
• Both Wesley and Andrew share their stories to emphasize the need for people to accept themselves and commit to personal development in order to become agents of positive change.
🔗 Additional Resources
• How the World Sees You by Sally Hogshead
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Key Quote:
• "Advertising exists to sell something. And to sell something, you need to have a problem. And if there isn't a problem, you need to invent one." - Andrew Gilley
Episode Summary:
• Episode 001A: Wes discussed his experience of feeling trapped in the toxic environment of the advertising industry, where people were reduced to numbers on a spreadsheet.
• Episode 001B: Wes and the interviewer discussed the unethical nature of current advertising that's prevalent on social media, such as undermining people's self-esteem and taking advantage of racism and sexism.
• Episode 001C: Kyle Golding was asked to produce an advertisement for a calcium supplement claimed to cure cancer, which he refused due to ethical reasons. He learnt that taking shortcuts does not lead to long-term success and that relationships with genuine value exchanges should be prioritized.
• Unethical advertising uses emotions to manipulate individuals into buying a product.
• Online advertising and social media have caused people to become more callous, exhibited by treating people as numbers and analytics.
• Confirmation bias can trick people into buying something without thinking it through and should be mitigated against by staying vigilant and making sure that decisions align with our own interests.
• It is important to be aware of these tactics in order to make choices that empower us, rather than hold us back.
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Look around - everywhere we turn, we see a lack of kindness, care, and compassion.
We've lost our understanding of one another and of ourselves.
In the Internet and social media age, we've never been more connected, or more divided.
Surviving Humanity is here to help change that.
Our self-help podcast takes an integrative approach to both mental health and personal development.
By combining philosophy, psychology, and the power of personal narratives, we hope to restore this sense of connection.
We want to explore both sides of the human experience - the rational and the emotional - through research and storytelling.
Through mutual support, we can overcome the pains of everyday life, learn together, and heal together. We can endure existence together.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to our first five episodes, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Learn more at: survivinghumanity.net
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