The Heroic Minds Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ben Fanelli
On this podcast we dive into the ideas, concepts and behaviours embedded in a powerful, purpose-driven life, otherwise known as heroism.
Martin Bauman
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Martin peddled 7,000km across Canada in a remarkable 84-day journey spanning from June to August. His expedition became a lesson in humility and the value of community.
Amidst stormy weather, a selfless man named Dave emerged as a guiding light. Dave's acts of kindness, serving as what came to be a trip advisor, were instrumental in making Martin's journey possible and profoundly enriching.
Reflecting on his experiences, Martin realized the paradox of self-reliance. While aiming to prove his worth through this solitary endeavour, he discovered the importance of interdependence and communal support. Through Dave's generosity, Martin learned that true strength encompasses both independence and the willingness to accept help when needed. His story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of community and compassion in nurturing our best selves.
Check out Martin's website and book @ https://martinbauman.com/ | https://www.indiebookstores.ca/book/9781990770470/
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Whether you have a story of your own or a story of someone else you would like to share, send me an email @ info@heroicminds.live
Merely desiring to accomplish tasks isn't sufficient, especially if greatness is your aim. Discover the flame within you, that burning desire to conquer challenges and achieve mastery and competence. Cultivate a sense of empowerment and competence, igniting a relentless drive to pursue even the seemingly mundane tasks with passion.
Jon Orr
Virginia, United States
Jon Orr, a sports parent of three shares a powerful reflection for all parents. It is difficult to give up control and allow a child to embrace and pursue their sporting career in the way they want to. It is amazing the impact a sense of agency can have on passion, enjoyment and even performance in one's journey.
Check out Jon's website and mission @ https://sportsreclamationproject.com/
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Whether you have a story of your own or a story of someone else you would like to share, send me an email @ info@heroicminds.live
The concept of accountability, while often used to motivate, can sometimes evoke feelings of obligation and inferiority. Instead, focusing on being accountable to oneself and the potential for personal growth can be a more powerful motivator.
Ryan Drury
Arthur, Ontario, Canada
Ryan lost his dad to suicide when he was 19. In this episode, he reflects on what he learned through this journey: the importance of taking a moment to give yourself credit. Now, he's leveraging this concept in his pursuit of NHL broadcasting.
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Whether you have a story of your own or a story of someone else you would like to share, send me an email @ info@heroicminds.live
In this video, we delve into the deeper layers of empowerment beyond simple affirmations. When someone is hurting, mere words might not suffice. Discover three transformative phrases that can profoundly motivate and uplift your teammates, friends, or family members. Learn how to go beyond mere affirmations by connecting them to actions and behaviours, and by highlighting correlating character traits. Elevate your ability to inspire and support others with these powerful tools.
So often we let the opportunities of others or opportunities we have received to influence how capable we are. Let go of the resources coming in and focus on the resources going out. The mission to beautify the world and be the best you can be with what you have been given remains the same! It is no different than playing a game of cards. I hope you enjoy! Please leave your comments below!
Marty Hogan
Chicago, Illinois
A story of perseverance. Marty shares his journey of being diagnosed with cancer while awaiting the arrival of his first child. This story exudes what it means to persevere with purpose and love which allows him to maintain an endless supply of willpower.
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Whether you have a story of your own or a story of someone else you would like to share, send me an email @ info@heroicminds.live
Leadership goes beyond simply delegating tasks or responding to mistakes/errors. True leadership requires effective communication and the ability to validate individuals. By communicating openly and validating the actions of team members beyond moments of failure or difficulty, leaders foster an environment of trust and understanding. This acknowledgment of both successes and setbacks allows leaders to build genuine relationships with their team, inspiring confidence and loyalty. When leaders prioritize communication and validation, they create a supportive atmosphere where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best efforts toward shared goals.
Mistakes are not roadblocks but rather essential markers on our journey of growth. Embracing them with courage and accountability is key. By confronting our mistakes head-on, we acknowledge their potential as valuable learning experiences. They propel us forward, shaping us into more resilient and adaptable individuals. Taking ownership of our mistakes empowers us to chart our own path towards success, fuelled by humility and continuous improvement.
In life, opportunities often present themselves when we least expect them. However, all too often, our fears can sabotage these chances for growth and success. Whether it's fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown, allowing these fears to dictate our actions can hold us back from reaching our full potential. To overcome this, it's essential to acknowledge our fears, understand their origins, and actively work to confront and overcome them. By embracing discomfort, taking calculated risks, and reframing our mindset, we can break free from the shackles of fear and seize the opportunities that await us. Ultimately, by refusing to let fear dictate our choices, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and personal growth.
There is a difference between proving to others and ourselves we are good enough and discovering how great we can be. I have shared this with clients and the response has been incredible. The shift in attention from what we have to prove to what is possible creates a fundamental shift in focus, belief and psychological freedom.
How long term goals slow so many people down and how short term goals awaken endless energy and focus. Don't get distracted by long term goals. Short term goals give immediate feedback that unleash your potential.
A client story of finding motivation to keep up with academics while they chase an NCAA scholarship.
My two cents on fostering a healthy space after sport on the drive home!
Keep it simple. There is no script.
Empower them to discuss, share, process.
A recent success story with a client I have been working with! Challenging a few stereotypes when it comes to mindset in athletics.
A casual discussion with Sport Psychologist Dr. Cassidy Preston. We discuss identity in sport and the challenges of living in reality vs the stories we tell ourselves.
Check out Cassidy's new book Mindset First on Amazon.
Cassidy's Website
Life is getting faster and faster... but our performance is decreasing...
Slowing down is a super power... not only for "wellness" but for performance.
We take in more stimuli, work more efficiently AND time appears to go by slower.
Listen to find out more!
EndNotes:
https://nymag.com/speed/2016/12/how-your-brain-controls-the-speed-of-time.html
https://nymag.com/speed/2016/12/how-your-brain-controls-the-speed-of-time.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200803140046.htm
Morgan Freeman acting as God in the movie Evan Almighty hits us with some wisdom. I tie this wisdom together with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Flow and Performance in work, sport, and life.
"Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"
(DBT) "D" in BT being Dialectic which is in simple term between or amongst the opposites, grey between black and white.
- Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Emotion Regulation
FEEDBACK + FUTURE TOPICS + ANECDOTES + STORIES --> info@heroicminds.live
EndNotes:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551835/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-does-prayer-meditation-affect-brain-activity_n_1974621
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766487/
https://dbtselfhelp.com/what-is-dbt/
Are people solving the wrong problems in their life due to ignorance or because the real problems that need attention are too much to handle?
Is it that likes, income, affiliation, grandiose behaviour and more, deter us from solving the problem that will give us freedom and an improved state of mind?
In this episode we look at the infamous Tony Stark (Iron Man) to see where he would rather save the world than solve his own problems which appears to leave him rich, famous, powerful and also lonely, neurotic, and unhappy.
In pairing together this modern day Marvel character with the infamous Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, I hope you enjoy this episode!
FEEDBACK + FUTURE TOPICS + ANECDOTES + STORIES --> info@heroicminds.live
WORK CITED:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html
https://psychcentral.com/pro/exhausted-woman/2018/01/the-confusing-narcissistic-cycle-of-abandonment-and-return#:~:text=The%20narcissistic%20abandonment%20cycle%20is,%2C%20unintelligent%2C%20or%20a%20fraud.
Psychology of a Hero: TONY STARK & Narcissism
First Episode Back!!
SFL = Skills for Life.
Every episode will be a 5-10 minute journey through articles, movies, client anecdotes, research & more, summarized with actionable takeaways.
I call it, enjoyable, self-administered, psychotherapy.
**Todays Topics:
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Empty your backpack.
-
Mental health is not as simple as we make it sound.**
FEEDBACK + FUTURE TOPICS + ANECDOTES + STORIES --> info@heroicminds.live
Eva Holland is an adventure enthusiast, athlete and freelance writer. She is the author of Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear. Eva spent a large portion of her life living in fear. It was the fear of losing her mother that transcended many parts of her life and created a constricting grip over her ability to experience life fully. One day in her early thirties Eva’s biggest fear came true. In response was an incredible journey that began as hiding inside and ordering in food day after day, then the socially popularized idea of facing your fears head on, and finally, learning about fear, how it works, the purpose it serves and our ability to change it.
Eva Holland faced her fears and that did not work so she took a different point of attack and that incredibly authentic, educating and empowering journey is packaged up into her book which we scrape the surface of in this episode.
How love is often the cause of fear, sky-diving, exposure therapy, EMDR eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing and its ability to turn down the fear response, a newly studied individual pill that can turn down the fear response. We touch on what life is like for someone without a fear response, and much more.
As always when we have an author on the podcast, The link to Eva’s book, Nerve is in the description of this episode.
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Right after graduating from his musical theatre and performance degree from Sheridan college, David became the only amputee to perform on Broadway.
For the screen, David has directed and choreographed several series for CBC as well as projects for CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS. David has collaborated with artists including Katy Perry, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, kd lang, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Brightman and many others.
Currently, David Connolly, is the Associate Artistic Director at Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s most successful not-for-profit, professional theatre companies.
This incredibly exciting and successful career began with the amputation of both of his feet. We will get to that in the episode...
David has directed concerts and shows for large organizations across North America such as, The United Nations.
What began with Shriner’s hospital turning a broom closet into a nursery because his mom would not take “no” for an answer that they could not care for him, turned into a journey of never taking “no” for an answer. A journey of powerful story telling through the arts that continues to change people’s lives.
In this episode we talk about David going to auditions, which he nailed, and never telling anyone about his physical differences. We talk about the power of being present and the simple ‘two step’ approach in how to get there. We talk about how a leader’s job is to limit the fear and discomfort in their group. And of course, lots more in between.
https://www.davidwconnolly.com/
Send me an email: info@heroicminds.live
The best approach to behavioural change in the inclusion space is often argued and often political. Having the conversation with Mark is a breath of fresh air. It is a conversation with nothing off the table, constructive, honest and most important, creates relatability.
Mark Fraser spent 15 years in pro hockey, 8 of those in the NHL. Those years came with being treated differently for the colour of his skin and his cultural differences. Today, Mark has a lead role in Maple Leaf’s Sports & Entertainment, Equity Diversity & Inclusion team.
In this episode we point out why the top down approach doesn’t work and why the bottom up approach does. We talk about the power of the minority and the majority working together toward improvement. We reference stories of significant change being made in the sporting world without any governing direction. We also dive into how people can begin creating this change in their own environments/communities without convoluted direction or regulations.
Send me an Email
Heroic Minds Apparel
For those that watched Eco-Challenge on Amazon Prime you will definitely be familiar with both Travis and his father Mark, the incredible duo exemplified what we know as the hero’s journey and a thirst for living fully.
Travis is a professional athlete completing over 120 ultra endurance events in 17 countries, he is a speaker, author and coach. He is the author of The Ultra Mindset: An Endurance Champion's 8 Core Principles for Success in Business, Sports, and Life. He set a record for the 2013 Leadman series epic endurance event consisting of a combination of five trail running and mountain biking events held in Leadville, Colorado over the course of two months each summer, in a combined record time, of 36:20 covering 282.3 miles 10,200 feet up in the Rocky Mountains.
I was watching the show, Eco-Challenge and heard the narrator Bear Grillz tell the audience of this Travis Macy guy…. Who decided not to participate with the goal of finishing in a top position, Instead he wanted to do the 500km (or 310 mile, 10 day race of travelling by foot, kayak, horse, swimmimg, mountain climbing and mountain biking with his father Mark a long standing endurance athlete himself who has early onset Alzheimer’s.
In this episode we get into the details of maintaining a love for living fully, by doing. By having a respect and appreciation for the journey that is life not by hoping for a submissive world that will cater to our needs.
I am going to quote my friend Ian Bigford who has been on the podcast before and will be back on soon, he sent me a quote from an Ancient Indian Parable… which I think aligns with the courage that both Travis and his Father exude in life:
A man wants to walk across the land, but the land is covered in thorns. He has two options, one is to pave a road - to tame all of nature into his compliance. The other is to make sandals.
In this episode we talk about your relationship with the difficult things in life… developing a love for living, meaning a love for the journey that has both darkness and light, we talk about how you think your way through challenge while your body is so depleted you cannot even feed yourself.
Of course, we conclude with a discussion about Mark Macy, Travis’s dad, who again if you need a hit of inspiration to keep going, check out the eco-challenge on Amazon Prime and see the heroism that we discuss in this episode.
The Travis Macy Show Podcast
The Ultra Mindset Book
http://www.travismacy.com/
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Three generations of the Israel family, Carl, Jamie and Brett decided to convert their long standing family farm to Organic, but it came at a high cost. After converting to Organic and taking on millions in debt, the market they were promised, vanished. The family didn’t put blame on anyone else. They dug their feet in. They decided to reinvent themselves. They changed the story of what they create and why they create it. They changed the story they were telling both internally and externally. This is a story of family, trust and willpower. 3Gen Organics
In this episode:
- We run through the family story
- How the 3rd generation decided to leave the traditional education system to spearhead the family business
- How getting off the farm is not really a priority
- How they philosophically changed who their customer is
- How they identity as Food Producers, not Farmers.
- The way they approach the physically demanding aspects of their job
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Galati is a traumatic brain injury survivor, and medical doctor. He has the goal of making aerobic training a part of brain injury recovery protocol. He is doing this through the Brain Changes Initiative. In this episode we discuss taking control & ownership over the brain injury recovery process with the 5-Pillars of a brain healthy lifestyle. A vital part of this conversation is envisioning the benefits of your interventions. Instead of using rationalized motivation to complete recovery objectives, picture the benefits as you plan & complete your recovery processes.
Send me an e-mail: ben@heroicminds.live
Ben Switzer is a disruption architect, community accelerator, and technological storyteller. He is an entrepreneur in the health technology and virtual reality space with his present companies EXAR Studios & True Focus.
- The connection between imagination and behaviour.
- The cognitive process of reflecting on behaviour and how this can lead to catalytic change in your life.
- Determining what is driving the negative behaviours in your life.
- The process of tying the difficult tasks to the greater future vision of your life, of who you want to be and embodying it in immediate action.
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Lauren Johnson is a Mental Conditioning Coach for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. Her goal is to improve the resilience, performance and mental strength of all the athletes in the NY Yankees System.
Lauren does not believe there is a set of tools for in sport and out of sport. You are the same human whether you are at home, on the street, on the mound or on the ice.
This episode functions as a guide and self-reflection that asks:
Who do you want to be?
AND
Do your present habits and patterns align with who you want to be?
Lauren on Twitter
Heroic Apparel
Send me an Email: ben@heroicminds.live
Vincent Aiello spent nearly a quarter of a century as a US Navy fighter pilot. He deployed overseas on aircraft carriers numerous times and was selected to attend and instruct at the US Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as TOPGUN. Retired from the US Navy in 2017, Vincent is now the host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast.
In this episode we cover a lot of ground, from landing on an aircraft carrier at night, experiencing 9 G’s on your body, leadership in the Navy, heroism, the growth mindset of debriefing, maintaining focus while alone in the cockpit and A LOT more.
We conclude with a story of being fired at unexpectedly over Iraq and the most memorable flight of his career, ‘a hero coming home’ is what I would call it.
Fighter Pilot Podcast
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Victoria Arlen’s life drastically changed in 2006 at the tender age of eleven when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. She slipped into a vegetative state in which doctors had written her off as a lost cause. Victoria spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body completely aware of what was going on just unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope. She could hear doctors say to her family, it may be better off to give up. Nor she or her family gave in.
In 2010 after almost four years she began the nearly impossible fight back to life. Learning how to speak, eat and move all over again.
Victoria went on to exceedingly defy the odds and not only recovered but has since become an accomplished Motivational Speaker, Television Host and Swimmer. Her swimming resume includes three Silvers and a Gold medal from the London 2012 Paralympic Games as well as multiple World, American and Pan American Records.
In April 2015, Victoria made the transition from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN. In the Spring of 2016 Victoria defied yet another odd and after spending nearly a decade in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down was able to learn how take one step after another and eventually not only did she learn how to walk but within a year and a half in the Fall of 2017 she learned to dance as a contestant on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars.
Victoria's Book - Locked In
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
John Boockvar is the Vice Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and the Director of the Brain Tumor Center at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.
Dr. Boockvar is well known from the incredible Netflix Documentary, Lennox Hill, Where the viewer gets to dive into the lives of four doctors as they navigate the highs and lows of working at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
I encourage you to watch the show because Dr. Boockvar and everyone else in the show, (doctors, nurses, patients and patients families) are everything we talk about in this podcast rolling out in front of your eyes. Without the science, without the complexity, just raw humanity in its most courageous and resilient form.
From Michael Jordan to Tom Petty, why you should "never let the holes in the Swiss Cheese align", why performance begins with a mindful minute, and why throwing tennis balls randomly at your kids to catch is an innovative life lesson, hear about all this and much more in this incredible episode.
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Gale Gazelle is a medical doctor, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, physician coach, mindfulness teacher and author of, Everyday Resilience, released this past august 2020.
Growing up, Dr. Gazelle was abused by her father. That is where the episode begins. In this episode we talk trauma, how it hides in our subconscious, how it surfaces and how it can be dealt with. Then we move into a long list of tools and techniques anyone can implement into their life today to increase their ability to sustain the stressors of life.
"Far from being a passive endurance of life’s tribulations, resilience is an active process with which you can choose to engage."
I love doctors Dr. Gazelle's approach to awakening resilience because it is simple and easy to implement right away. It is realistic, primitive and not a "life hack"
Dr. Gazelle gives story after story explaining how slight adjustment of everyday habits can change your ability to handle stress. This is an episode where you can instantly test out the ideas in your life, like the idea of micro-connections, the first and second arrows of pain, what to do next time you are picking up garbage, and what your life purpose statement is. Yes, get ready!
Everyday Resilience
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
Jesse Thistle is Métis-Cree, from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He is an Assistant Professor in Métis Studies at York University in Toronto.
Honestly, I wanted to name this episode, the toughest man you never met, because when you see this intelligent, well spoken, empathetic, caring, loving person today, it is difficult to image the past he had.
Before Jesse landed at York University and became one of Canadas most decorated phD students, he was dealing with mental illness, homelessness, addicted to crack cocaine, paid regular visits to correctional facilities across Ontario, couldn’t read or write, and couldn’t walk because of a staph infection. He says he was the limping homeless person on the side of the road begging for change.
Jesses story and his incredible work makes the passed on, intergenerational trauma from generation to generation so tangible and digestible. In hearing his story you begin to understand the pain, the sadness and the emptiness that dominated his nurturing. It was little experiences of love through his youth into adolescence that kept a tiny spark inside him alive.
After an unsuccessful robbery in 2006 or what a judge claimed was the worst criminal he’d ever seen, Thistle turned himself in to police and entered a drug rehabilitation program.
In 2012 he entered the undergraduate history program at York University.
So yes, lots of questions, lots to unpack, and that is what we will cover in this episode.
Jesse’s book, from the Ashes, is as much educational, as it is empowering. This is the first book that has made me stop reading in awe of what I just read. It is so difficult to fathom where he is today. It truly is a life changing book and may change your life differently than it would your neighbours
Book - From The Ashes
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
Ryan Straschnitzki was a couple days from his 19th birthday playing for the Humbolt Broncos Hockey Club in 2018 when the bus crashed where 16 people died and left 13 injured. Ryan left him paralyzed from the chest down. In only three months he was getting back onto the ice as a sledge hockey player. His goal is now to represent Canada at the Olympics.
This is one of those episodes, similar to many in the past where it is not complex psychological or philosophical ideas but rather a call to action, a positive meditation if you will, on living a resilient and courageous life, no matter what.
Send me an email: Ben@HeroicMinds.Live
Ben Flanagan is an NCAA Champion from the University of Michigan. Ben went into that same race seeded as the 23rd fastest runner out of the 24 who qualified. Ben became the 2018 men’s outdoor 10,000m NCAA Champion with a time of 28:34. Today Ben is a professional Reebok sponsored runner and Olympic hopeful.
In this episode we dive into the mind of a long-distance runner and how it all relates to life.
- How does one go into something THEY know will be uncomfortable and avoid getting caught up in their own head?
- How do you create a sustainable plan for improvement where your input may not be 100% everyday but your output is?
- How do you deal with uncertainty? Especially in a sport that is so numbers driven?
- What doesn’t work from the common narratives around motivation
- How did Bens parents change the script on how they motivated their son
- How did his coaches feedback on the night before that big race, give him everything he needed to succeed?
- One of my favourite topics discussed, I have heard this many times on many podcasts about how to get into a dark place or survive in that quote un quote “dark place” to be successful?
- Last but not least, Why trying to “will” yourself through things… even long distance running, won’t work.
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Sam Chase delivers programs in mindfulness, yoga and resilience for organizations and high performers, nationwide. Sam teaches the science of the human mind and the tools that help people lead flourishing lives. Sam is certified to teach by the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, the largest yoga center in the nation, he received his Master's Degree at Harvard University's A.R.T. Institute, he has his own private practice in New York City and is the author of the incredible book, Yoga and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Heroic Apparel #PayAHeroForward
Send me an email: Ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Cowan is a Board-certified Naturopathic Doctor and leading authority/practitioner of high performance medicine who is most recognized for his work with professional athletes. Dr. Callum clearly explains how food can be something that holds you back or powers you to enhance how you feel, work and recover.
We can be performing well below our maximum and not even know it purely due to what we are eating and how we are eating.
Get your notebook out… but seriously…
From coffee to inflammation, vitamin-D, sleep habits, gut-health, detoxing, hormones, sleep-wake cycle, and more, we cover a lot of ground!
Everyday Hero Cap
Send me an Email: ben@heroicminds.live
Matt Nichol received his Bachelor of Education degree (Kinesiology/History) from McGill University and his Masters of Kinesiology & Masters in Coaching Theory from York University. He is the Creator of Biosteel Sports Drink and is a strength coach for some of the best athletes in the world. In this episode Matt defines strength, he debunks myths about what is strong and what is not. In a social media, research driven world, Matt provides insight into how we should approach “exercise” and how we should execute it. We then dive into some specifics, What is the relationship between strength and mobility? What is a strong core? Is HIIT Training as good as “they” say? Should we always train to failure? and MUCH more.
Send me an email Ben@heroicminds.live
This episode has two outstanding guests. Dr. Kim Dawson, professor of sport & exercise psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University and the infamous Joey Hishon past Ontario Hockey League All-Star, and NHL All-Star hopeful until injury pivoted his career path in a new and exciting direction.
Kim’s extensive education and research in psychomotor behaviour and exercise science gives her a deep understanding of the issues that affect performance. Kim also continues to do extensive work on career transition and identity. Working with elite athletes, Olympians and professional sport organizations for over 10 years, Kim developed the principles of Mind2Achieve to support people in their quest for personal success.
Joey is presently the Assistant coach and Assistant GM of the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League while also working with top NHL players and elite NHL prospects through on-ice still development.
In this episode I wanted to facilitate a discussion between the science and the lived experience of career change. The issues intertwined when the change is forced or chosen, how to approach the situation, how to leverage it and how to improve through it.
We start with where the issues begin and move through the process to overcoming the issues that may have been present for an entire career.
Last but not least Joey shares some updates on his newest client of his on-ice skills business. Every Canadian knows this individual but I don’t think you would predict his attempt at the NHL.
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
Follow Along @HeroicMinds_
Noah is a behavioural ecologist and published author. He is the founder of The Best Bees Company, a top to bottom bee keeping service. The company also functions as a means to raise funding for scientific research to improve honey bee health.
Did you know that investing into the health of honey bees we can enhance our environment, secure sources of food and improve our economy?
Before we get to the bees we unpack Noahs empowering journey through life as a young boy that went from insect avoiding to insect studying and the life/business lessons learnt along the way.Bees. We begin with what we can learn from bees when it comes to our own survival both physically and socially. We then move into what bees do for us, why some bees survive better in the city, and last but not least how you can help strengthen the bee population with your own garden or balcony.
Did you know that scientists can track exactly where and what plants your honey came from?
During the 2008 recession Kevin found himself 1 million dollars in debt. Not only did he venture through and learn from the recession, he came back stronger and prepared for this 2020 Pandemic.
Kevin is an innovative developer. He creates revolutionary, rule-bending buildings that double as social experiments and subsidized housing to help fight the homeless issue.
Kevin is the Owner of Guerrilla Development in Portland Oregon. Everyone in Kevins company makes the same amount of money AND earns shares in the company.
Kevin completed architecture school at U.C. Berkeley. He was a Loeb Fellow in 2007-2008 at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and spent a 2-year stint building schools and homes for the Peace Corps in Gabon, Africa.
In this episode we answer the question, what is enough? We talk about the issue with the ‘American Dream”, how to run a business in a pandemic, how to only have high calibre employees and how to keep them. How to earn respect from the people you do business with and how to make sustainable income while making a massive impact on society.
Guerrilla Development
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Dada is a yogic monk. He has taught meditation all over the world for 20+ years. He teaches the lifestyle and philosophy of the system of life known as yoga or tantra, the core practice of which is meditation.
Dada delivers in such an eloquent way the issues of our world and why they exist. He then explains how we can fix those issues by peeling back the layers that are blurring our intentions. What we are left with is purpose, a sense of hope or as Dada would say the “default” mode of wanting to help others because we know we are all in this together.
Meditation is about finding the essence of yourself within yourself and realizing that essence as the inner self of all beings and the entire universe. Dada believes this will lead to the greatest happiness and fulfilment for everyone and the whole society, and that's why his mission is to teach meditation to as many people as possible.
https://www.consciousfrontier.org/
Send me an E-Mail
Alanna holds an MPH in international health from Boston University and brings twenty years of program design, management, and assessment experience spanning the humanitarian relief and development sectors including writing for UN Dispatch and TED as well as providing social media support to NGOs.
First Half: We break down the (hopefully temporary) present issue of COVID-19.
Second Half: We move into the interconnected global healthcare system and how the answers to fix things are right in front of us.
Why weren’t we prepared for COVID-19?
How do we prepare for the inevitable return of another Virus?
Who can we help to limit the spread of disease?
What changes can be made to improve our global health care & What is standing in our way?What is the heroic mindset when dealing with a pandemic?
All that and lots more discussed in this episode.
Alanna Shaikh TED Talk
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Work Cited:
https://cm.jefferson.edu/learn/dna-and-rna/
Phil received the highest civilian medal for bravery in Canada.
This Niagara Regional Police officer nearly lost his life trying to rescue a woman trapped in a murder-suicide with her son. He entered the house to find a man and his mother doused in gasoline… There was a pivotal point in Phils challenge with PTSD where he felt he was in danger and was looking for his gun for protection… it was very much irrational thinking and this lead him to get the help he needed.
Phil shares how he has tapered off so many medications and discovered how medicinal marijuana has made a big difference for him. Needless to say, Phil has ventured through a lot. Today he is still living with, learning about and helping others with PTSD, while working towards a PhD in Psychology.
His approach is that he refuses to lose against PTSD. Which is also the name of his organization, Refuse to Lose. Refuse to Lose raises money for first responders to access care needed to treat PTSD. Why? Because right now the cost for the standard care is too expensive for most people Especially when it is not covered by insurance.
Today Phil is helping others refuse to lose against PTSD.
Refuse To Lose
Send me an E-mail: ben@heroicminds.live
Before he jumped, Joshua believed he could never have positive feelings ever again, not mentally or physically.
In quoting Josh himself, “The impulse to survive that I had overcome above the bridge now takes control. With broken bones, I begin to swim.
At the age of 22, Joshua Beharry attempted suicide.
After surviving the nine story drop Josh willingly turned his life around. So much so that he began a website resource for men dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. I will say this again in the episode but this website is outstanding, It is the best resource for this topic that I have ever seen, with online stress tests, help with symptom recognition, a step by step recovery process with recommended resources, a page with real life success stories and even resources for friends and family on how they can support someone in this situation.
This episode is an extremely powerful example of the ability the human mind has. The ability to literally give us power we didn’t know we had. This episode is not just about suicide but about how understanding, maintaining and improving our mental well-being can change our lives drastically in the most incredible of ways.
HeadsUpGuys
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Kevin Briggs spent 18 years stopping 200+ Golden Gate Bridge suicides.
Kevin has story after story, tactic after tactic, lesson after lesson.
In this episode we cover A LOT. Kevin shares what he learnt in his years both saving and sometimes losing lives on the bridge.
What is the first thing Kevin would say? It is probably not what you expect. What about the things you should avoid saying, well, Kevin has his four comments that he always avoids.
Even though Kevin became educated and trained on deescalation it wasn’t those skills that allowed him to help guide over 200 people back onto the safe side of the bridge. It was listening, it was understanding, it was patience and authenticity. It was being honest and true, staying away from cliches and talking human to human allowing the individual to clear the darkest thoughts possible and think with some instance of clarity and rationale.
Kevin doesn’t consider himself a hero. I will let you hear his story and decide for yourself.
Pivotal Points
Guardian of thee Golden Gate - Book
Kevin Briggs TedTalk
Heroic Clothing
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Kathryn Bouskill is a social scientist at the RAND Corporation and associate director of the RAND Center for Global Risk and Security. She is also professor of core coursework at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. She has a Ph.D. in anthropology and an M.P.H. in epidemiology from Emory University.
An anthropologist by training, Bouskill draws on qualitative and quantitative methods to study a range of sociocultural- and health-related issues. Her topical areas of focus include: the role of emerging technologies in health and wellbeing, issues in cancer prevention and survivorship, military mental health, social cohesion in a globalizing world, and global health.
In this episode we talk about the unforeseen consequences of a fast paced world. We talk about the effects of a fast paced world on groups in society and on us as individuals. We point out the differences in countries that are deciding to push the pace and those that aren’t.
This is a powerful conversation that is and will continue to affect everyone in society today.
Research Discussed
Bio
Kathryn on Twitter
My Email: ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. David Williams; ER doctor, astronaut, aquanaut, hospital CEO and author dreamt of going to space as a young boy. He fulfilled this dream twice, both times along not only a bumpy flight but a bumpy road
From failing his first attempt at Med school and finding himself on the side of the road hitch-hiking to beating cancer, Dr. Williams overcame a lot to be the space dreaming, retired astronaut that he is today.
We touch on the science behind space travel, defining your success, maintaining peak performance, thoughts that come to mind when looking down at the earth, the Canadian record he has for the longest space walk at 17 hours and 47 minutes… oh ya and we laugh about personal hygiene in space.
Dr. Williams dreams about floating freely in space, tethered to the International Space Station, moving 25 times the speed of sound, looking down at the earth in amazement.
First Trip to Space
In April 1998 Dave Williams participated in STS-90 as Mission Specialist 3 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. During the 16-day flight, called Neurolab, the seven-person crew served as both experiment subjects and operators for 26 individual life science experiments. Columbia orbited the Earth 256 times, covered over 10 million kilometres and spent over 381 hours in space.
Second Trip to Space
Williams was a mission specialist on STS-118 (August 8 to 21, 2007), the 119th Space Shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the International Space Station, and the 20th flight for Endeavour. During the mission, the crew successfully added a truss segment, a new gyroscope and an external stowage platform to the Station. The mission successfully activated a new system that enables docked Shuttles to draw electrical power from the Station to extend visits to the outpost. Williams took part in three of the four spacewalks, the highest number of spacewalks performed in a single mission. He spent 17 hours and 47 minutes outside, a Canadian record. Endeavour carried 2,280 kilograms of equipment and supplies to the station and returned to Earth with 1,800 kilograms of hardware and used equipment. Travelling 8.5 million kilometres in space, the STS-118 mission was completed in 12 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Dr. Dave Williams Bio
Book: Defying Limits - Lessons from The Edge of the Universe
Send me an email! Ben@Heroicminds.live
Dr. Judith Andersen is a health psychologist at the University of Toronto whose research focuses on the biopsychosocial mechanisms by which stress impacts health and occupational performance.
Dr. Andersen has conducted field research on the psychophysiological responses in people who experience trauma and severe stress. Through her findings Dr. Andersen has been able to conduct/test resilience training and the outcome of psychophysiological stress intervention (techniques for civilians, police and military personnel to increase high stress resilience/performance.)
In this episode we discuss:
- The most ideal psychophysiological way of being
- It is NOT “mental health” it is “Human Performance”
- How to work within “Fight or Flight”
- How to redirect your thought
- How to restore your reserves
- Discipline vs Punishment
- How to tailor your message to make change
Resources
Paced Breathing Practice
App and Heart Monitor Bio Training
The Hart Lab
The Unease Modulation Model (Incredible Read)
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Kirstie Ennis’s was a US Marine Arial Gunner when her helicopter went down in Afghanistan. During her recovery there was a breaking point where she tried to end her life but was saved. Her father said to her “the enemy couldn’t do it so you’re going to do it for them?!” That tough love re-routed her onto an extraordinary journey.
After more than 40 surgeries, speech therapy, reconstructing her jaw, and losing her leg, the former Marine sergeant has earned 3 Degrees and is a PhD candidate, she plans to summit the highest peak in each of the 7 continents (has already summited a couple including Mt Kilimanjaro), she has competed as a Paralympic snowboarder, she opened her first business, the Chapter One Hair and Body Lab in Oceanside, California, she started a clothing line called HeadCase, she has become a stuntwoman in movies including “Patriots Day” starring Mark Wahlberg and she plans to add more to this list which you will hear in the episode.
Kirstie has realized when you are aligned with your purpose, anything is possible.
Kirstie Ennis Foundation
Kirstie Ennis Instagram
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Revolutionizing the global conversation on climate change, Dr. Yimin Wu (PhD in Materials from the University of Oxford) and his team created an artificial leaf that replicates photosynthesizes. Taking in light and CO2 and turning it into fuel/energy.
Just like NASA and TESLA are trying to figure out Dr. Wu’s team has found an answer to the CO2 issue.
He makes it very clear that his work is not just for science and to remain in a lab, it is to be shared with people for inspiration and education to push the needle even further.
In this episode we talk about the philosophy and science behind this engineering break-through.
What makes someone think they can change the world?
What fuels someone for days without sleep to reach a discovery like this?
How does pressure become opportunity?
How is creation like climbing a mountain?
Full Bio & Educational Background Here
Chef on Call 15%-Off Discount Code: HEROICMINDS
TruLocal 25%-Off Discount Code: HEROICMINDS25
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
William is a World Record Freediver. William set a historic first on June 1st, 2007 by becoming the first man to dive the 60-meter deep and 30-meter long passageway known as the Arch in the Blue Hole of Dahab, Egypt, without fins and on a single breath of air.
In 2013 William broke the Classic Constant Weight World Record, descending to a record-setting depth of 94 meters.
That same year he challenged himself to even greater depths: During a dive of 3 minutes and 8 seconds a sled pulled him to a depth of 145 meters (476 feet) from which he swam back to the surface on a single breath of air. Thus setting a new world record as well as claiming his 28th national Freediving record.
In this episode William shares funny stories, scary stories and interesting stories to tell us what he has learned from Free Diving, the ocean and the bodily expectations for the sport of Free Diving.
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How William got into Free Diving
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What Free Diving is
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What it takes
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How and why we should improve our breathing
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Coming face to face with a shark
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The hidden secret about sharks
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Mindfulness and how to make proper decisions
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How to stop spacing out
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Using as little energy as possible from Tai Chi
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The Watermen Project and how to help the sharks
http://williamwinram.com/
William on instagram
Send me an email: Ben@heroicminds.live
Robin is a doctoral candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo.
He left his job as an Occupational Therapist to make an impact in a different way. Today he is researching the psychological impacts of urban design.
Over the years he has worked to enhance the mental wellness in every community he has been a part of. He has launched many community building initiatives, ranging from pop-up bike lanes in support of cycling infrastructure to bringing light therapy to public libraries. He was also the recipient of a $10,000 award from the Canadian International Development Agency which he used to develop programming for youth with disabilities in Russia. He even helped organize Edmonton’s biggest pop-up snowball fight!
His advocacy and research has been featured across the country.
In this episode we talk about flow state, light therapy, silent retreats, and how we can change our immediate environment to improve our mental wellness.
Robin on Twitter
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Victor Assaf is an Adaptive Crossfit athlete/coach and motivational speaker from Ecuador.
In 2012 he was driving home from a strongman competition and lost control of his motorcycle on a bridge. His body slammed into a light pole. The crash damaged three cervical vertebrae which left him in a coma.
When he awoke after 10 hours of surgery, lucky to be alive, the doctor told him he would never do CrossFit again. He had lost motor function and sensation in his right arm. Ultimately they couldn’t save his arm.
Just seven months later, he returned to Crossfit. Infact he just competed at Wodapalooza and placed 6th in the RX Men Adaptive Standing division.
Victor’s journey took him from egocentric to altruistic, from not having a voice to being heard around the world.
Victor Promo Video
Victor Assaf Instagram
Zach Wigal is the creator of Gamers Outreach, a company that motivates, supports and entertains those in hospital fighting for their lives. How? by bringing video games to hospital rooms in over 200 hospitals in the US and parts of Canada.
This entrepreneurial journey is fuelled by passion. What started as a video game tournament has evolved into a company helping thousands of sick or injured youth every week.
Zach has even been mentioned in Forbes Under 30 for his incredible work in the video game and non-profit world.
I was always told they are just bad. They teach violence… Zach makes you realize that isn’t really the case. Zach opens the sheltered mind and changes the socially created issues that come with video games.
Zach explains the the community, the inclusion, the life lessons and more that come with video games that you may not realize until you hear these real life examples.
Zach Wigal Twitter Gamers Outreach Twitter
Mike Farwell lost two sisters to Cystic Fibrosis.
In 5 years he raised half a million dollars with his bare hands.
No business plan, no waivers, no incorporation, to charitable status… just pure passion and the will to fight a disease.
During his time away from Radio (his full-time job and expertise) Mike started a hobby/project doing chores for people in return for donations to Cystic Fibrosis Research. This BLEW UP into a wildly successful campaign called “Farewell-4-Hire.”
From lawn work, to sticking his hands in places you wouldn’t want to, Mike has become a handy man with a huge purpose.
Mike has seen his hard earned proceeds push the needle of Cystic Fibrosis care, treatment and the lifespan of those living with CF.
Farwell Twitter
Send me an Email: ben@heroicminds.live
Lyle Thompson is arguably the best lacrosse player in the world.
He plays for the Georgia Swarm in the National Lacrosse League along with his three brothers, Jeremy, Haina and Miles. Lyle is growing the game of lacrosse through his heritage and beliefs as a Native American. He has and continues to make such a big impact in and out of lacrosse that he became a Nike sponsored athlete in 2015.
The other thing you may notice about Lyle is the pony tail that hangs down his back as he plays, which represents his Native Heritage. There was an incident in January this year during a game where an announcer made a remark about cutting his pony tail or “scalping” him. With an outpouring of support from fans and players around the league, this was something Lyle turned into an opportunity to educate.
In September of this year Lyle will represent the Iroquois Nationals at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.
In this episode we cover the origin of lacrosse, how it is a game of medicine, how the stick was created, we debunk myths of Native Americans and have some laughs about an honorary Thompson brother… which is not an easy title to receive.
Thompson brothers lacrosse
Lyle on Instagram
Corey is a comedian and author from Georgia touring around the United states. Whether on stage by himself or with his “wellRED” tour group Drew and Ryan, he is always mixing comedy with social and political issues.
Corey doesn’t reinforce prejudices in his work but rather challenges and normalizes difference.
I came across Corey in a Huffington Post Article about a guy that opened up his home/yard and ordaining services to same sex couples that weren’t allowed to get married at other venues. Corey is that guy.
Corey tells some powerful stories about his great friends, one who happens to be gay and has certain places he feels he cannot go as well as an African American friend who was robbed and shot but never told the cops out of fear that he would end up in jail.
It is not Corey’s mission to make change or virtue signal. His mission is to make people laugh and earn an income. The messages he brings to comedy on stage are what he truly believes. His work is just him being himself.
www.coreyforrester.com
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Norman Farb studies neuroscience of human identity and emotion at the University of Toronto. His focus is on how cognitive biases shape emotional reactions that determine well-being. For example, some people seem to shrug off stressful encounters, whereas others cannot let them go.
In this episode we talk about the narrative thought and the experiential thought in our mind. We even talk about how emotion sits right in the middle of these two forms of thought and how we can practice controlling our emotions.
Dr. Farb gives numerous eye opening examples of just how mindfulness can help everyone reach their full potential.
Dr. Farb Webpage
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Jean-Paul ran the Toronto Marathon 6 times in a row. Why you might ask? Because running is his tool for wellness, power and resilience. Jean-Paul was sexually abused at a young age and didn’t tell his family until he had been married 25 years and had a son in his twenties.
Jean-Paul is a remarkable writer and speaker. He wrote a book called, Running Into Yourself - unlock your strength, heal your wounds, and find new life through running.
Jean-Pauls talks about his journey through exposure therapy, his thoughts on the starting line at a race in South Africa and how this trend of wanting a quiet mind may not be the right approach.
Jean- Paul doesn’t run with music. It gets in the way of the dark conversations that he has with himself. The conversations that deal with things he could otherwise avoid. The conversations that cultivate resilience.
Jean-Pauls Website
Ricky Manetta is a head co-ordinator working world wide with the UFC the ultimate fighting championship. Ricky is also the Founder and senior instructor of MMA KRAV MAGA. He is 50 years old and had his first taste of martial arts when he was just 9 years old.
Stay tuned for the conclusion when we talk about Ricky and the top MMA competitors today.
Ricky went from the victim of bullying to being the bully and now in the position of teaching people how to have the confidence to stand up to bullies without any physical violence.
Ricky takes us through a number of stories, a cab ride that landed him a job as a DJ, the dad that was afraid to stand up to a bully, why we should give a bully a hug, why we should check our own ego and when to listen to the “do right man.”
Ricky Manetta on Instagram
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Drew Butterworth actually started the Original Uber and realized the power of customer experience when bagging groceries as a kid… but before we talk business, we talk real-life, death, masculinity, relationships, and then business.
Drew, entrepreneur and creator of GoodVibesJuice lost his grandmother, father and dog in grade 9 within the span of 3 months.
Drew makes some powerful points in this episode, two of my favourites were the process and reasoning for accepting his step father into the family and how it doesn’t matter what business you run as an entrepreneur as long as the reason for the business feeds your passion.
I even ask Drew the magical question of why, “Cold Pressed Juice vs regular juice”?
He knocks my socks off with his answer.
Good Vibes Juice on Instagram
Pro Snowboarder to Counsellor.
Ryan was in the middle of what he thought to be a snowboarders dream life; professional athlete, cars, money, sponsorship, parties, travel…
He started to realize he really didn’t have much. Everything he had didn’t make him happy anymore. The lifestyle didn’t make him happy. He was doing things for a lifestyle he thought he should want. He looked in the mirror at 6’4, 170 pounds of an abused and alcoholic body and convinced himself he was fine.
1000 days before recording this episode Ryan got the help he needed. He has been sober ever since. He is now the manager of a bike shop, he’s a mentor to indigenous youth, he counsels people suffering with addictions, living and family problems and is leading a heroic life.
Ryan on Instagram
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
Emily is a former inmate at a federal prison. She was dragged into an illegal drug trade.
Before that experience Emily was a very successful marketer downtown Toronto and used drugs recreationally as a form of celebration and to help in being the life of the party… like many people do today.
Drug use became a coping mechanism for a family issue. She was then dragged into a one time, harmless, no chance of being caught smuggling trip to St. Lucia in the Caribbean. On the way back home while wearing a tailored drug smuggling dress she was caught by security.
It was a downhill spiral after being told she was going to prison. Then one day in the midst of this storm Emily turned her life around.
She read 82 books in prison. She decided to live a sober life. She decided to start a business with an impact beyond just incredible popcorn, Cons and Kernels.
Cons and Kernels Website
Emily on Instagram
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Greg is the President & CEO of Sutton Special Risk insurance company that insures thousands of professional athletes. Beyond that Sutton Risk offers insurance for disability, critical illness, war & terrorism, kidnap, ransom, and professional sports to name a few.
We begin this episode with a powerful conversation about how to build long-term, substantial business relationships that go beyond the product or service.
We talk business, we talk about normalizing risk in life, and we talk about how professional athletes have changed their opinion on risk over the last 10 years.
http://www.suttonspecialrisk.com/
Ex-Marine and police officer Brian Murphy was supposed to have the day off on August 5th, 2012. Instead he found himself in the middle of a gun fight at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
In a total of a minute and fifteen seconds he was shot 15 times.
He was then dragged into a police car by his partner, vest cut off with a knife and loaded into an ambulance. The first bullet that hit him in the face is still in his body today.
Brian explains how he stayed calm amidst the gun fire, how he kept fighting even after he was shot in the face, the negative power that pity can play in ones life, how to act as a leader and a whole lot more.
This entire episode is a collection of stories from that day, all with different lessons. Brian concludes with a story to share what a hero is.
CNN Video/Article
http://bammindset.com/
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
Shawn Matthias played 10 incredible years in the NHL. But what happens when you move on from playing? When you have to redefine yourself and find out who you really are?
An enlightening conversation I never thought I would have with a 10 year NHL vet, one year out of playing. We touched on a couple things to say the least...
- 10 years in the NHL
- How the ego is the enemy
- Wake-up calls from a visit to Africa
- Spirituality
- Negative lifestyle habits due to assumptions
- Finding out who you really are
- Not playing hockey doesn't mean retirement
Shawn on Instagram
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
On December 14, 2012, Scarlett Lewis experienced something that no parent should ever have to endure: she lost her son Jesse in an act of unimaginable violence after a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This conversation is about how to face the impossible, how to find courage when you think you have none, and how to choose love instead of anger, fear, or hatred.
We can live in anger and resentment, or we can choose love and forgiveness.
With her decision made, Scarlett found some peace and began to believe that choosing love was the key to creating a healthy, safe, and happy world.
She began the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation. the foundation develops programs that teach children about the power each of us have to change our thoughts and choose a life without fear and hate.
Nurturing Healing Love is Scarlett's story of how choosing love is changing her life--and how it could change our world. To learn more about the foundation or to make a donation, go to www.jesselewischooselove.org
Send me an email: Ben@heroicminds.live
Craig Towler is a bilateral amputee. On July 4th, 2016 he was struck by an impaired driver which resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. He leads a life knowing nothing can take away his happiness and will to succeed.
In this episode we talk about dealing with the anger, the value of reflecting on the past to assist us in the future but not dwelling too long in the past that it takes away from our ability to live now.
The popular saying “It is not about what happens, it is how you react to it” … in Craigs opinion it is how you “interpret” what happens and leverage that for the future.
Craigs Website | Craigs Instagram
Send me an email! Ben@heroicminds.live
The audio from the first ever Heroic Minds Live Event held at the University of Waterloo on March 20th 2019.
6 guests and myself had an interactive conversation with the audience.
Guests:
#2 - Nik Knezic | Stay Weird And Live In The Moment #4 - Amber Shewfelt | Accept What You Can't Control #9 - Ryan Martin | Acceptance Breeds Resilience #29 - Nichole Robertson | We Create Limitation #34 - Chris Miranda | Greater Purpose #46 - Matthew McCoy | The Addicts Attic Wow, what an incredible evening, enjoy!
Send me an email! - ben@heroicminds.live
On July 17, 1989 Angie was sitting in a police interrogation room, her world crashed down as she listened to two detectives tell her that her husband had coordinated and carried out the murder of his father.
Angie has lived out the heroes journey through and through. She has totally figured out how to stop living life in defence mode, how to totally rationalize mistakes to the point that they are simply mistakes and who cares, she has accepted her past with no need at all to change it, she has raised 3 children and has been re-married now for 25 years!
Oh ya she also went back to school and graduated the same day as one of her daughters.
Angie has decided to happen to life, instead of letting life happen to her.
Angie on Instagram
My email: Ben@heroicminds.live
**Remember to tag me in a heroic story so I can share on my social media! @Ben_Fanelli_ & #HeroicMinds
We run away. Mike runs toward.
Internationally acclaimed Filmmaker and photographer. Storm chaser. Emmy winner. Published author. Husband and father of three.
For Mike, a passion turned into a life-changing career with Mother Nature. We talk storms, we talk philosophy, we talk life and more. From what mother nature has taught Mike about life, to how it can change people, to the beauty of difference in every single storm he chases.
Aligning with the philosophy of the heroes journey is a quote from Vincent van Gogh, “There is peace even in the storm...”
Mikes Instagram
Mikes YouTube
Two bioethicists.
Maria is an independent consultant in privacy & health law. Melissa is a neuroscientist. A career of high level decision making under pressure. Taking into account and prioritizing a collection of philosophical, social, legal and ethical concerns with the goal of maximum benefit to patient and caregiver. A very heroic duty.
This episode has two parts:
In part one we talk about making the tough decisions, keeping out bias, prioritization of values, living with the decision, the issue with policies, and more.
In part two we apply this information to hot topics in the media today, assisted dying, artificial intelligence, and gene editing.
Haley is a South Florida native who was diagnosed with autism at age three. Upon receiving her autism diagnosis, her family was told that she would be fortunate to make a friend, graduate high school, or obtain her driver’s license.
Haley has defied the expectations set forth within her initial diagnosis.
Haley attended the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Law as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2015. She completed both degrees in an impressive three years. Haley then graduated from the University of Miami School of Law.
Today, she is an attorney, author, artist, and autism advocate who writes and speaks publicly about her journey and gives hope for other autistic people and their families and friends.
Haley Moss Instagram
Haley Moss Twitter
Haley Moss Website
Send me an email ben@heroicminds.live
Through podcast guests I’ve started to develop this idea of being shock-proof; composure amidst challenge. This doesn’t come from a set of skills but rather how we decide to live our lives.
My best friend once told me we all have a pot representing what we can handle. And if we don’t deal with things that need attention, our pot can boil over… limiting what we can handle, limiting our composure in the face of challenge.
We don’t have to be alone with our thoughts, we don’t have to have tough conversations, we don’t have to create things on our own anymore. It is so interesting that technology has given us so many great things but also so many crutches and distractions.
We need to empty our pot. We need to do the difficult things, the new things, the exciting things.
So when that road you are on takes a turn or you see a bump coming…
Your pot has room for challenge. You are in tune with yourself. You are shockproof.
Send me and email: ben@heroicminds.live
Victor Oreskovich found himself in the Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Play-Offs. 6 months prior he wasn’t even thinking about hockey and had been “retired” for two years. He went from the NCAA to the Ontario Hockey League to retirement, back to school, then back to hockey. 5 games out of retirement he finally arrived in the NHL.
Here’s the kicker… Vic lost the love for the game when he was 12 years old.
We start with what it takes to make it to the NHL and then circle back to narrow down what mindset gave Vic the ability to play in the National Hockey League. What changed? What temporary fix gave him the ability to play in the best hockey league in the world?
Stories, regrets, and lessons learned through one divergent yet incredible hockey career.
Victor Oreskovich on Instagram
Send me an Email! ben@heroicminds.live
Chief Happiness Officer and Co-Founder of Plasticity Labs, Jim Moss, was a Hall of Fame, gold medal-winning, pro athlete. But, in the weeks leading up to the 2009 season, he was suddenly rendered acutely paralyzed from a rare autoimmune disease.
As an athlete of this caliber, he knew what it would take to fight his way back. Regardless, the doctors weren’t sure how long it would take to walk again.
Ignoring the naysayers, Jim hacked his own healing, focused on being grateful and learning the science of mood and performance. He walked out of the hospital six weeks later.
The moral of the story? Mood drives performance.
When you have a transformational experience like this, you are compelled to share it with the world.
Jim Moss Twitter
Plasticity Labs
Send me an email @ ben@heroicminds.live
Laura and Jacob were in a car accident that changed life for both of them.
Laura is now a C6 Quadriplegic.
Laura has taken on immense challenges including yoga which we talk about. Jacob has taken on a supporting role and together they are living a life that they didn’t chose but have come to accept.
Laura talks about continuing to push the envelope. Jacob discusses learning through trial and fire how to best support Laura.
They both share their new approach to spirituality or religion (whatever you’d like to call it). They both talk about how their relationship has changed and also grown stronger.
The couple went on spontaneous road trips and adventures before the accident and that hasn’t changed today. They go on even more adventures today than they used to.
Laura has this incredible aura of optimism and bravery that people need to hear.
Laura on Instagram
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Daniel Grossman is an Emergency Medicine Physician without the use of his legs. A mountain biking accident brought a new normal into his life.
In a mere 5 months Dr. Grossman went from being transported in a helicopter from the accident to learning how to drive without his feet to treating patients from a wheel chair.
Getting ready in the morning takes Dr. Grossman 3 hours, and he doesn’t complain about it. He views and compartmentalizes the situation as his new normal that is now part of the path to his goals. His goals are to make a difference and innovate in the medical community on an individual level as well as across the world on a macro level.
His goals in life have not changed. The only thing that has changed is how he will reach those goals.
Dr. Grossman Twitter
Dr. Grossman Instagram
Dr. Grossman Website
Send me an email ben@heroicminds.live
World renowned Author Matt Haig talks with me about his new book; Notes on a Nervous Planet.
“In a full lifetime our ancestors knew on average 200 people. Today we can connect with 200 people in one morning sitting in bed on instagram.”
In this episode we talk about his book, about the world we live in today. How we think certain things will make us happy and they don’t. How there are so many technological devices and processes that disconnect us from ourselves.
Collectively we as people create the nervous system of the world. It is nervous today, just as an individual would be. A world with infinite choice, magazines and televisions telling us we will never be good enough, expectation to build relationships over a keyboard and more.
How do we change or resist this? How do we not only live but thrive in a world like this? Listen and find out.
Matt Haig Twitter
Matt Haig Instagram
Matt Haig Website
Theoren Fleury was sexually abused by his junior hockey coach which lead him to alcohol, drugs and promiscuity throughout his impressive 16-year NHL career. In this episode we talk about how addiction can find its way into someones life, maybe its food, maybe it’s a cell phone. It all comes back to an individual that is unable or unwilling to deal with their emotional burdens, often trauma. We talk about spirituality in general and spirituality of aboriginal people that actually don’t mind what you believe, they welcome you in regardless. We finish with an incredible conversation about how pain is needed in life and how to be a winner, in the office, in the classroom, or on the ice... Oh ya we also explain what it means to "Sit in your sh*t."
Theoren Fleury Twitter
Theoren Fleury Website
Send me an email: ben@heroicminds.live
Greg Westlake is Team Canada’s Sledge Hockey Captain. He is known as someone you do not want to battle against in the corner. Greg continues to have an incredible athletic journey regardless of having both his legs amputated above the knee at 18 months old. Greg is now in broadcasting and philanthropy while working to grow the game of Sledge hockey.
We talk about Greg’s journey from standing hockey to sledge hockey, how he has inspired people so much that they have become Olympians themselves. We move into topics of leadership, day to day accountability. Why Greg has an ulterior motive in life when it comes to being a captain or being in broadcasting, he wants a platform to create positive change. We even talk about how Greg finds calm in the unknowns in life. In conclusion we discuss Matt Cook, Gregs Roommate who passed away from the same cancer as Terry Fox; an out-standing individual.
Greg is also a world record holder on a hand bike (World Human Powered Speed Challenge) We discuss that as well.
World Record Hand Bike
Support Matt Cook Foundation
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Matthew McCoy share's his story of abuse by his grand father, heroine addiction, suicide attempts, robbery, losing his girlfriend to an overdose, experience in prison, and finally being sober for 11 years.
He now works to save peoples lives with his program; The Addicts Attic.
Matthew McCoy the "teddy bear" that sits in front of me tells the story of this entire journey to where he is today.
He grew up with a wealthy family. He was a popular kid at school.
This story is proof of resilience the human body and mind can have.
Donate to The Addicts Attic
Explicit Content
Dr. Sleno, is a mother of 7, a military doctor, pilot and teacher. Dr. Sleno was one of the last 17 individuals in the running to be selected as one of Canada's next astronauts. To put things in perspective, The Canadian Space Agency has hired 12 astronauts since 1983. Dr. Sleno is also the CEO of Leap Bio Systems; Canadian professionals in the medical, aerospace, research and engineering fields changing the way medical care is done not only in space but also remote areas on earth.
Dr. Sleno and I discuss the process of staying grounded, accepting the risk in trying to do crazy things… like leaving the planet, how she was tested in the process of becoming an astronaut, and lots more. We even touch on the challenges her organization is approaching such as augmented reality for medical treatment done in space by someone here on earth… another life changing episode. Enjoy!
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
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Audrey was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was told not to have kids and not to open a Physio Therapy Clinic. She has successfully done both those things. She also had to tell her husband of 20 years that she loved another woman.
Audrey and I talk openly, and optimistically about her entire life journey; specifically how her mind set at certain times correlated directly to her health. When something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t right. Talk about it, change it. Find the happiness you deserve. Waking up from surgery with tubes all over her body after having part of her stomach removed Audrey finally decided to be authentic. This is a story of approaching things that are scary, uncomfortable or will require a lot of work.
Audreys Book
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
He’s back! The man on this Heroic Minds journey with me. Philosophy Major, Masters in Business Administration, business consultant and more. In this episode we break down with philosophy and science exactly why YOU DO control whether the rainy day is a “bad” day or a “great” day.
Part 2:
Ian and I break down the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling (1910)
This poem was written circa 1895 as a tribute to Leander Starr Jameson who led about five-hundred of his countrymen in a failed raid against the Boers, in southern Africa. It is a literary example of Victorian-era stoicism.
Heroic Minds Shirts
Mind Manual
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
He’s back! The man on this Heroic Minds journey with me. Philosophy Major, Masters in Business Administration, business consultant and more. In this episode we break down with philosophy and science exactly why YOU DO control whether the rainy day is a “bad” day or a “great” day.
Part 1:
- Thinking fast vs. Thinking slow.
- How to stay motivated; Dopamine vs. Serotonin.
- How the attitude you choose affects your perception of things.
Heroic Minds Shirts
Mind Manual
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Tyler Marshall and K-9 Police Dog “Chase” are partners in the Waterloo Police Department. They have been together since day one. Both of them sacrifice enjoyment for the safety of an entire community. Chase is a working dog. He does not live the same life as dogs you may know. He lives in his own dog house in the backyard of Tylers house. He has limited contact with the family, limited treats and definitely limited high pitched "Good boy's." When Tyler throws the tennis ball Chase takes off full speed to track it down. Tyler says without yelling “Hold” and Chase will stop instantly with complete control and wait patiently. Tyler will then say “down” and from 30 yards away, Chase will lay down and wait. Tyler then allows Chase to retrieve the ball and return it to him. What is life like for these two? How are decisions made? What are some real stories of the work Chase has done and the abilities he has. Does chase know the difference between work time and play time? Does he take on different positions in the police force? Where does he come from? All that and more, leading up to a story where Chase tracked down a suspect and had them say “I’ll come out but don’t let that dog near me."
Dana is a licensed psychologist who consults with surgeons, actors, musicians, executives as well as professional teams and athletes in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS and Autosport.
She has worked with a number of Olympic teams, taking her to the Olympic Games in Nagano, Sydney and Salt Lake City in her capacity as the teams’ performance psychologist.
A former international athlete herself, Dana served as captain of the Canadian Field Hockey Team and played hockey for the University of Cambridge, UK. She has two doctorates (from the University of Cambridge, UK and the University of Ottawa) and is a clinical assistant professor with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. The Canadian Baseball Network ranked her #9 on the 2016 Most Influential Canadians in Baseball Top 100 list.
In this episode we talk about how our minds limit ourselves and how we can change that.
TruLocal.ca
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
John Young is the only person with Dwarfism to complete an Ironman. Not only that he also regularly races in triathlons, and marathons. John Young was raised in a foster home with a strong female influence. John is also a teacher and basketball coach… yes a basketball coach. He shares funny stories of how he deals with the social situation when people may judge him and what his mindset is when he’s mid race. We also discuss a mindset on handling pain and how his quote “Be The Hammer” came to be.
John Young Instagram
John Young Twitter
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. D.J. Cook is a neurosurgeon and owner operator of OtterCreekFarms. In this episode he tells the story of working on the farm and 10 minutes later in surgery to save someones life. That is the life of Dr. Cook. We talk about decision making as a brain surgeon, how he approaches problems on the farm just how he approaches problems during surgery. Dr. Cook is fascinated by the resilience of the brain and how performance of the brain can now be seen through specialized imaging on stress induced patients. Dr. Cook is one of the most humble people I have ever met; a life saver, a farmer, a hero.
Heroic Minds Forum
Heroic Minds Mind Manual
Gerry Dee is one of the best comedians of our time. Known for his hit show Mr. D, his stand up comedy, Gerry Dee Sports Reporter and his various role’s in main stream movies. Gerry’s journey to comedy is exactly why I wanted him on the show. He still remembers the arguments his parents had when he was a kid over whether they had enough money for food and gas that week. While doing his second degree Gerry had four jobs, one of them being comedy, which grew into what it is today. The interesting thing is that it was never about chasing the money, it was about doing something and trying to be the best in the world at it… the money would be a by-product of that. Gerry’s comedy career took flight in 2002 when he became the first Canadian to win the San Francisco International Comedy Competition (which had past winners such as Ellen DeGeneres, Louis C. K., Dane Cook, and more.) We talk sports, society, failure, goal setting, schooling, comedy, and more. "Don't listen to people that say you can't, go find out for yourself." - Gerry Dee
Gerry Dee Website
Gerry Dee - Words that end in “an”
Gerry Dee - My Italian Neighbours
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
A feel good story about a dog born without eyes that has changed and saved peoples lives. Many years ago Joanne had a foster dog that could not find a home. People thought Smiley could not live like a “normal” dog. One day Joanne decided Smiley would go from a foster dog to her own. Through an incredible journey Smiley turned into a source of hope, a saviour, and a hero. Smiley’s story teaches us how to treat and approach people that may be different, how to adapt to our surroundings and how easy it is for anyone to make someones day…without knowing that it could get them out of a rut or even save their life.
For The Love of Smiley Instagram
For The Love of Smiley Book
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Suicide. A conversation I never thought I would be having with my hockey coach. Like anything in this world that we don’t understand talking about it will only make us better and more equipped. In this episode I sit down with Troy Smith head coach of the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League. Before coaching Troy played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League from 1995-1999 with the Detroit Jr. Red Wings/Plymouth Whalers organization. We start by talking about Troy’s brother who completed suicide. We move into other topics of how to support someone that doesn’t want help, how to talk to someone that may be having mental health issues, and how mindfulness and meditation aren’t the only way to support your mental health. We even talk about the night I had my injury and how Troy almost got in a fight in the hospital which provided some comic relief, lastly Troy reveals his hobby of playing fortnight and the ulterior motive as to why he plays.
Troy Smith Twitter
In this episode I bring to light something missing in the concussion conversation. Athletes may have to stop playing the sport they love one day… and that is okay. Athletes are never told this nor do they talk about it or plan for it. Once an athlete sustains a concussion they are expected to go against the grain and not play through injury which has been a habit developed from a young age. It is not “tough” to play through injury, it is habit. What is tough is accepting where you are, regardless of how terrible it may feel and acting in accordance. Athletes may have to second think their return to sport and make the tough decision of moving on from playing. You can live just as happy if not happier without sport. This needs to be talked about more to enable athletes to make this decision. It was conversations like this that helped me to accept where I was and the decision I needed to make. I can live without sport… I never believed I could.
Chris Miranda, ex-golf pro and golf course owner “had it all” until one day noticed tingling in his hands. He went from shooting a 71 to a 91 on the golf course and had trouble standing up on his hockey skates. He was told by the doctor he had 6 weeks to live. Initially thought to be a rare form of cancer Chris was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves. This has rendered Chris without the use of his hands or feet. Raising two young kids, with a full time job and constantly around a game he can no longer play like he used to, Chris has found a way to get back to “having it all”.
Brock McGillis is the first professional hockey player to publicly reveal he is gay. He played professionally in both the United States and Europe. At age 19, McGillis was ranked on the NHL draft list, but his prospects were derailed by a series of injuries, from cuts and concussions to mono and knee surgeries. Brock has become an influential advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His story has been highlighted in newspapers and blogs across North America, and was most recently featured on CBC The National. This year he will be featured in a novel about hockey heroes and is working on a TV show. He’s also starting a foundation and hoping to speak at every elementary and high school in Canada. In this episode we venture well outside the issue(s) around homosexuality and homophobia to social issues that everyone can relate to. The messages in this episode should be shared with many sports teams and organizations.
Brock McGillis Twitter
Send me an email: Ben@heroicminds.live
Wali Shah is a Pakistani, Muslim, Canadian, public speaker and poet. Wali came to Canada in 1997 with his mom. After years of dealing with assumptions and name calling, hate crime and more, a small altercation escalated leaving Wali in hand cuffs. It was at that point he realized the immense power that is in our narratives. The way we speak, the stories we are told and the manufactured ideas we believe make for conflict and anger that could be easily avoided. In this episode we talk his journey from hand-cuffs to the stage of 100's of different schools. We talk about the word terrorist, we talk about cultural misunderstanding, we talk about the heroic initiative we can all take to understand different people better. It is simply educating ourselves that can literally make this world a better place. We don't have to like each other but it would make this world a better place if we respected each other.
Wali Shah on Twitter
Emily Kaplan is an ESPN journalist and ex Sports Illustrated journalist. Her writing is different than the average athletic story. She interviews and writes in a way that the human side to each athlete shines through. It is her type of writing that is so exciting because it allows everyday people, young, old, athlete or not to relate to the story.
We start with Emily's journey in the male dominated world of sports journalism where 11% are female. We move into a number of athlete's journeys, the reason for the culture of hockey and how it can be applied to other "groups", the social issue of concussion, past interviews with athlete superstars and more.
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Dream Job
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Male vs Female Reporter
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11% of sports journalists are female
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In the change room
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Football to Fire Fighting
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Empathy in athletes
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Hockey players don’t say “I”
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What will the team think?
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How to tell a story
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Whats bigger than the game?
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Improving the game beyond the ice
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Biggest regret in journalism
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Nick Saban & Vladimir Tarasanko
Emily on Twitter
Send me an email! b.fanelli@hotmail.ca
Michael Landsberg is a Canadian sports journalist and former host of Off the Record on TSN. Today he still works a full time job while spending 2/3 of every day helping people open-up, share, discuss and find courage in their mental health struggles. In this episode we talk as open as possible about mental health but also in general, chirps were thrown and laughs were had throughout the entire episode. Michael shares the details of his continuous journey through life while dealing with depression and anxiety. He talk about how to overcome the ego that stops us from sharing. We discuss how mental health issues are similar to a street fight where you look for any tool you can to help win the fight. We even discuss how to approach the conversation with someone else that may be dealing with depression or anxiety.
Platform to #SickNotWeak (4:00)
Alone in the hotel (6:00)
What is Depression (8:00)
Marks on my arm (18:50)
How #SickNotWeak improves lives (19:30)
We pretend we have it figured out (22:00)
Share with strength - Share with power (27:00)
I didn't create the Bacteria (31:00)
My journey through anxiety (34:00)
Learn to live with me (41:00)
The shower (46:30)
"Change is Hope" (50:00)
Expose yourself (57:40)
Michael Landsberg - Twitter
Sick Not Weak
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Nichole is a piano teacher, competitive swimmer, a musician and athlete that has been blind since birth. I prepared for this episode accordingly with questions and ideas that I thought would lead us to discussion of a different approach to life.... that didn't happen... something more incredible did. Nicole explained how she lives alone, she is a university professor and does 99% of everything people with sight do. Nicole and her story is proof that it is not what we see that creates our limitations in life but what we imagine in our minds. There was never a fear in riding a bike, in swimming, in J-walking, in Music, in pushing the envelope of life. She just did it and pushed the envelope while doing so forcing her peers to improve and keep up.
Colours (4:30)
Touch faces? No thanks (5:10)
Squirrels (7:00)
No fear (16:40)
Explore with our hands bodies and ears (17:30)
Swimming, baseball, ball hockey (22:00)
Piano! (27:00)
Condescending people (31:00)
Hearing the vibe (33:58)
Self-Driving Cars (36:00)
Society (38:00)
Typing exams (40:00)
Always Finding Challenge (44:40)
The best teachers are students (54:00)
Reach out to Nichole here:
Phone: 519-570-1173
Email: nicholer@rogers.com
Or
Reach out to me: ben@heroicminds.live
truLocal - (Discount Code HEROICMINDS25)
So much of what we think we cannot do is in our head. I heard the other day that our body actually stops us before hand as a safety precaution.
Ryan Martin Bike Across Canada Update (Guest on episode #9)
Donate Here!
Is there a God (26:00)
Mind is the creator mind is the everything (32:00)
Relationship with present moment (37:50)
Rephrase suffering (45:00)
Nothing is permanent (53:00)
Freedom from suffering (55:00)
Nirvana - complete freedom (58:00)
We create out own suffering (1:08:30)
Below the surface (1:20:00)
The power is within us (1:21:00)
Happy death (1:26:00)
CanadaAMindfulnation.ca
Kindfulnation.com
TruLocal.ca
Send me an email! ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Collingridge was recruited from Bristol in the U.K. to be the Senior Investigator at Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto. He is also the chair of the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Collingridge studies brain mechanisms that control the strength of brain cell connections, and how this fundamental property (known as synaptic plasticity) affects brain function. The work is critical for understanding the cellular basis of learning and memory. Dr. Collingridge aims to find pharmacogenetic methods (drugs) to restore behavioural and cognitive function and to prevent neurodegenerative processes that afflict people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, and mental illness. From why smells reminds us of our past to research on medication that can reverse the affects of depression to pruning our synapses and the best way to keep our brain young. Enjoy!
Scent Music and Memory (6:00)
10% of our Brain (8:30)
Cant Remember Everything (9:00)
Plasticity (11:20)
Metaplasticity (13:10)
Improving memory (14:30)
Weaken fear response (17:40)
Immune System & Nervous System (26:30)
Nervous system variability (27:00)
Stress on the brain (33:40)
Medication for Alzheimer’s (36:00)
Ketamine and depression (37:30)
Peak plasticity in life (43:20)
Raise pain threshold (44:30)
Inflammation and memory (50:00)
Marijuana vs. Alcohol (56:20)
Keeping your brain young (1:01:20)
Send me an Email! ben@heroicminds.live
Work Cited:
Park, Pojeong, et al. "NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation comprises a family of temporally overlapping forms of synaptic plasticity that are induced by different patterns of stimulation." Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 369.1633 (2014): 20130131.
Nisticò, Robert, et al. "Synaptoimmunology-roles in health and disease." Molecular brain 10.1 (2017): 26.
Bliss, T. V. P., G. L. Collingridge, and R. G. M. Morris. "Synaptic plasticity in health and disease: introduction and overview." (2014): 20130129.
Bortolotto, Zuner A., et al. "An analysis of the stimulus requirements for setting the molecular switch reveals a lower threshold for metaplasticity than synaptic plasticity." Neuropharmacology 55.4 (2008): 454-458.
Canadian Forces Sargent Major Michael Cotts enlisted at the age of 17. He served overseas six times, in Kuwait, Somalia, Bosnia, and Afghanistan as a master warrant officer and combat engineer. Michael received a medical discharge in 2012 for post-traumatic stress disorder. After returning home Michael has ventured through some dark times to find healthy habits, overcome immense adversity and live triumphantly with PTSD. He has joined numerous groups that encourage active lifestyle and competition within a wide variety of activities such as snowshoeing, cycling, fishing, scuba-diving and Cross-fit. He has biked 800 miles from Ottawa to Washington over several weeks. Michael even runs workout classes for fellow veterans and first responders with operational stress injuries in New Brunswick.
Journey to the military (6:00)
Weaning people out (8:30)
Role of the Combat Engineer (12:30)
Objective based (15:00)
Importance of rehearsals (16:30)
Fear from PTSD (19:40)
Growth in the Military (21:30)
Real or fake (25:00)
Mission before man (28:20)
Preparation (30:00)
Human side (35:00)
PTSD like a concussion (37:00)
Bosnia mine clearing (41:40)
Stranded & Laser's (45:40)
Figuring out PTSD (48:00)
Giddy Up! (54:00)
Fitness Challenge (1:1:01)
Adversity is relative (1:02:50
Make stuff last longer (1:04:20)
My brain blows me away (1:10:30)
Its not the F** Crackers (1:13:10)
Send Michael an e-mail! michaelcotts@hotmail.com
Solider-On
TruLocal.ca
Send me an e-mail! ben@heroicminds.live
Camil Dumont is the CEO of Inner City Farms. A company that grows vegetables in the city of Vancouver... yes literally in the city, on the front and back yard of peoples homes. He does this to bring people together and to educate. Camil has accepted the pay cut, the risk and the challenges that come with the business all to make our relationship to food a little healthier. A very heroic journey.
Background (3:18)
Beginning of Inner City Farms (5:06)
Relationship to food (7:00)
Health eating is more than food (8:20)
Issues and food (9:40)
Food has changed (12:45)
Us and the cycle (15:50)
Food and Community (18:00)
Vehicle for positivity (23:00)
Beginning, Middle and End (28:40)
Limitation & Risk (31:00)
Hero (32:30)
How to garden in a city (38:30)
All parks to farms...lol (43:00)
Your yard (45:00)
Instagram @InnerCityFarms
InnerCityFarms.com
TruLocal.ca
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Garret Rank is a full time NHL referee and pro golfer that recently competed in the US Open. He is also a cancer survivor with an incredibly resilient mindset.
Rank has his eyes set on reffing the Stanley Cup Finals and competing in the Masters.
We talk about how NHL players will actually help him after making a bad call, arguments on the ice with past guests (Scheifele, Landeskog), we walk through how to decelerate a yelling match with a pissed off NHL player, bouncing back from a bad call or bad golf shot, and finish with some funny stories from the US Open fans and hecklers!
Background (0:00)
Cancer (5:15)
Two people within (10:40)
Message to 16 year old Garret (15:30)
Mental prep (17:00)
Bounce back (20:10)
Help from the players (24:30)
Take control (31:40)
Landeskog & Scheifele - Stories (38:20)
Heckling & Pro's @ US Open (51:30)
Self Reflection (52:50)
TruLocal.ca
Ben Fanelli Twitter
Ben Fanelli Instagram
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Brenna Huckaby is up for Best Female Athlete With a Disability at the 2018 ESPY Awards and is the first Paralympian to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition.
Brenna was a nationally ranked gymnast when osteosarcoma took her leg and career when she was only 14 years old.
Now she is a two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist from the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. One gold in the snowboard-cross and one in the banked slalom.
In this episode we talk about how literally getting off the couch turned her life around and allowed her to push the limits of life regardless of her amputation.
From swimming to water skiing, to olympic gold in snowboarding, to prosthetic malfunction mid-race, to defying her odds of giving birth. We even discuss Brenna's future goals of competing in the summer Olympics and driving a standard vehicle.
Diagnosis (3:00)
Swimming & Waterskiing (8:30)
Control & Healing (11:45)
Forced to Walk (14:20)
Beginning of Snowboarding (19:00)
Okay to Lie to Yourself (21:30)
"Adaptive" (28:00)
"A New Normal" (36:50)
Miracle Daughter (39:20)
Gold Medals (41:00)
"Why Am I Here?" (42:00)
Inherent Stress in Success (50:00)
Building Up Men & Women (54:00)
"Nothing I Cannot Do" (59:00)
VOTE FOR BRENNA HERE
Brenna Huckaby Instagram
Brenna Huckaby Twitter
TruLocal.ca
Ben Fanelli Twitter
Ben Fanelli Instagram
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Work Cited:
Huisman, E. R. C. M., et al. "Healing environment: A review of the impact of physical environmental factors on users." Building and environment 58 (2012): 70-80. (Link)
Gabriel Landeskog was one of the youngest captains in NHL history and Rookie of The Year in the NHL in 2011-2012 season.
He moved to Canada from Sweden at 16 years old. He is presently the Captain of the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He is having a successful career beyond the NHL with multiple medals on the world stage representing team Sweden.
From his bachelor party, to being an NHL captain at 19 years old, to surviving a triathlon, to the scariest moment in his life, to the most embarrassing moment of his life.
In this episode we don't talk much about hockey. We talk about the human side to one of the most stoic, strong and fearless captains in the sporting world today.
Sweden vs. Canada (2:50)
Fire Fighting (6:45)
Bachelor Party (8:45)
Rituals (11:50)
Raise the level of everything (18:40)
Power of vulnerability (24:40)
Dealing with mistakes (34:50)
Not the perfect captain (37:35)
Most scared Gabe has ever been (42:00)
The answers are inside me (44:35)
Surviving a triathlon (48:00)
Message to 16 year old Gabe (54:30)
Most embarrassing moment of his life (58:10)
Twitter @GabeLandeskog92
TruLocal.ca
Ben Fanelli Instagram
Ben Fanelli Twitter
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Mike Laughlin looked death in the eyes twice. He is an above knee amputee full time Fire Fighter with endless resilience and tenacity.
We talk about 3 life altering experiences over the course of ten years and how none of them have stopped him from anything in life.
From crawling on his knees with a shattered femur and broken arm in minus 28 degrees celsius to having his leg bones stuck in the ground after a motorcycle accident.
Mike looks and acts just like any other healthy, active young male. The only difference is that every morning when he puts his two shoes on, he also puts his leg on.
This is a story for the books.
Concussion and Mental Health (3:20 - 5:20)
Growing Up (5:20 - 6:50)
Will to win (9:00 - 10:45)
Snowmobile Crash (10:45 - 21:00)
Limping is all in your mind (21:00 - 20:55)
Loss to Depression (24:30 - 30:30)
Motorcycle Crash (31:40 - 49:40)
Transfer to Prosthetic Leg (49:50 - 1:06:15)
A New Normal (1:06:15 - 1:08:20)
Trading Catheter Stories (1:14:40 - 1:18:40)
TruLocal
Ben Fanelli Twitter
Ben Fanelli Instagram
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Dr. Bob Stevens has been an oncologist for 25 years. He has seen how incredible the human body and mind is first hand.
In this episode Dr. Bob and I not only discuss his mindset in the area of oncology but also the mindset of the patients that he works with everyday.
We talk about life, death, breaking edge cancer care and lots more.
For those like myself intimidated by the topic of cancer or even feel insufficient as to not having the right to discuss the topic, this is the episode for you. Dr. Stevens tells incredible stories and realities of just how amazing people are.
Sacrifice for others - (7:55-8:50)
Learn to feel emotions - (21:10 - 26:35)
Mindset for work everyday - (25:48 - 26:35)
Dealing with the pressure of ones life - (26:40 - 35:05)
The word "Cancer" - (35:05 - 37:10)
The odds are irrelevant - (40:35 - 45:20)
Prolonging life - (44:00 - 45:25)
Peace in death - (45:25 - 48:47)
Evolution of cancer treatment - (48:50 - 57:20)
TruLocal
Dr. Stevens Instagram
Ben Fanelli Instagram
Ben Fanelli Twitter
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Daniel Gallucci has been through brain cancer and is now pushing the envelope of neuroscience to then push the envelope of human performance.
After discussing Daniels journey through cancer we then move into how he and his team are testing the human body and mind under stress while recording functional images of the brain.
Daniel and his team with some of the top neuroscientists in the world could change sport and human performance forever.
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First seeing the cancer on his MRI (7:03 - 7:45)
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Blessed by uncertainty (9:55 - 15:40)
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Why people shouldn't expect things (20:45 - 23:55)
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Human performance & neuroscience (25:39 - 46:00)
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You vs. the universe (45:58 - 46:50)
Daniel Gallucci Twitter
Daniel Gallucci Website
Ben Fanelli Twitter
Ben Fanelli Instagram
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Steven Woods is an engineering director at Google Canada leading 500 people. He has a PhD in Computer Science and started the first voice recognition software company in 1999 called Quack.com
He fired himself from his own company and then re-hired himself, he went to Hawaii to meet someone in person that wasn't answering his calls. He didn't make the school golf team and was named MVP the following year. He has been told that he can be too passionate. Needless to say Steve doesn't like to take "no" for an answer.
His journey to Google is one for the books. He went from school to playing hockey in Australia to scuba diving, back to school, to the golf team, to Pittsburgh, to Silicon Valley, finally to Google and more in between.
Hear how one day Google literally came to his house to recruit him.
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Crazy ride to Google Canada (0 - 22:00)
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$200m business that started in a basement (24:30 - 26:00)
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How to prioritize with the 70 / 20 / 10 method (33:00 - 35:00)
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Three traits in every successful person (56:00 - 1:02:00)
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When to take risk (47:00 - 54:00)
TruLocal.ca
Steve Woods Twitter
Ben Fanelli - Twitter
Ben Fanelli - Instagram
Iain Bigford is a Philosophy major and brand marketer. He has the incredible ability to articulate complex thoughts and ideas. Perfect for this episode.
In this episode we work through 3 principles that are consistent across every HeroicMinds guest thus far.
We talk through, dissect and debate just exactly what it is that allows each HeroicMinds guest to be the hero of their own story.
- Evolutionary connection between the hero's journey and today's complex world.
- The biological connection between being a predator or pray.
- The neuroanatomy behind composure in times of challenge.
- How articulation of clear objectives primes the mind for goal oriented action.
@Iainnorthe - Instagram
TruLocal
@Ben_Fanelli_ - Instagram
@Ben_Fanelli_ - Twitter
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Dara Howell is an olympic Gold Medalist, a RedBull Athlete, and an ambassador for Always #LikeAGirl campaign.
There is a lot more to Dara's current journey than simply executing on her ski's and stepping onto the podium.
At the age of 19, Dara was thrown into a world of fame and success over night. This came with a feeling of shamefulness, anxiety and fatigue. After years of contemplating exit from sport and the spot light, Dara had 9 months to train for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Her showing at the Olympics didn't come with your standard fairytale ending... but it did come with an inspiring, courageous story of its own.
Dara finished in the bottom half of her fellow competitors yet she turned that situation into one that had the entire country at her back; integrity regardless of winning or losing.
It was the fear of failure that once stopped Dara from achieving her best not only as an athlete but as a person. It is failure that has now fuelled Dara with an inherent excitement regardless of the outcome.
Dara no longer stresses if she truly believes in a favourable outcome... she prepares as best as she can and then enjoys the journey.
TruLocal Discount Code: HEROICMINDS25
Twitter - @DaraHowell
Instagram - @DaraHowell
Instagram - @Ben_Fanelli Twitter - @Ben_Fanelli
Darren Van Zandbergen holds the world record in the over 40 division of the Fire Fighter Combat Challenge, also known as the toughest two minutes in sports. Darren and his team finished first in the relay at the same World Championships and shattered two world records in the process.
Beyond that Darren is a training officer for the Oakville Fire Department in Oakville, Canada.
Darren is in charge of training fire fighters to be ready for whatever and whoever is in need when 911 is dialled.
In this episode we dive into the mental integrity that is needed to stay focused while at the top of a 100 foot ladder, or when lives are at stake.
We then talk about the combat challenge, 100% output with zero room for error.
Darren has a really powerful approach to PTSD in first responders, which he shares on this episode.
In conclusion, Darren shares an incredible story of his grandfather losing a finger, which he uses for motivation when he has no energy left.
Heather Moyse has represented Canada professionally in three different sports; Rugby, Cycling, and Bobsleigh. Heather was the leading try scorer in the 2006 and 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup, she represented Canada in cycling at the Pan-American games in 2012, and won two olympic gold medals in bobsleigh one in 2010 and one in 2014. Outside of sport Heather has a masters degree in occupational therapy, she is a motivational speaker and has recently released her book called Redefining Realistic.
Heather helped grow the sport of rugby in another country and ended up crossing paths on the world stage with a player that she once introduced to the game.
We discuss her rare and outstanding self-talk that allows her to put 100% focus into every race.
Heather admits she has always had an ulterior or greater motivation than simply finishing at the top of the podium.
Beyond her success as a professional athlete, Heather continues to strive for more. She climbed the Antarctic Peak with retired military to support their challenges with PTSD.
Heather was hand picked for 3 different sports, she trained for only a fraction of the time that her competitors did yet she was continually successful in competition.
Book 'Redefining Realistic'
Twitter - @HeatherMoyse
Instagram - @HeatherMoyse
HeroicMinds Website
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli
Three time NCAA champion, silver medalist in the 2014 Olympics and gold medalist in this years 2018 Olympics. She helped lead The University of Minnesota to their first ever-undefeated season and became the fourth woman in NCAA hockey history to eclipse 100 points.
Amanda Kessel is one of the most prolific hockey players today.
There is more to Amanda’s story that you may not see. Amanda had to stop playing hockey for almost two years due to concussion. The process to recover was one that you don't hear often and needs to be shared.
There’s more to Amanda than the game of hockey. She is doing her part in the fight for equity in women’s hockey and is working on a clothing line that started as a hobby during her time away from the game.
Amanda is not only a successful athlete but a successful person and is definitely the hero of her own story.
Twitter - @AmandaKessel28
Instagram - @AmandaKessel28
HeroicMinds Website: www.heroicminds.live
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli
Mark Scheifele is an assistant captain of the Winnipeg Jets and one of the most exciting players in the National Hockey League today. After signing a long-term eight-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets he continues to thrive and improve. In this episode we talk about things you don't hear in interviews or in the locker room. How to stay grounded when you are living out your dream, the power of prayer, how to control anxiety and much more. Mark remains in control of his own destiny because he is able to adapt to the inherent adversities that come with being one of the best hockey players in the world.
@markscheifele55
Website: www.heroicminds.live
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli
My email: ben@heroicminds.live
Anthony Stewart made it to the NHL with less than a 1% chance. He couldn't afford to play or commute to the rink. That didn't stop Anthony Stewart or his brother from making it. Early exposure to many things in life, walking to the rink with his equipment, striving to support his 6 siblings, all lead to his dream of playing in the NHL. Anthony is the hero of his own story and now a hero for many others that start life in the same position as he did.
@StuMunrue
Website: www.heroicminds.live
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli
Karsten Madsen is a professional triathlete. With a heart out of rhythm he was told sports were no longer. He was reluctant to deal with adversities outside of sport, all while competing on the world stage of cross triathlons. Karsten has stepped away from his sport 3 times. His determination and win at all cost mindset is his greatest asset but he also realizes it can be a weakness when not controlled. Karsten has now made mental wellness a part of his training routine. Rejuvenated and prepared, Karsten is ready to chase success. He now has his eyes set on being the 2018 ITU Cross World Champion in Denmark and competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Website | Twitter | Instagram | Cliff Bar
Website: www.heroicminds.live
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli_
Ryan Martin is biking across Canada. It took him a long time to figure out what was going on in his head. Time after time he thought his problems were solved. When he finally accepted his bipolar disorder he found the path of resilience. Overtime Ryan has learned how to manage his thoughts and emotions to live a fulfilling life. He is biking 8000km across Canada to instil courage in others dealing with mental health challenges. www.mindcycle.ca
Website: www.heroicminds.live
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli_
Marc Savard played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League. He had an obligated yet heroic journey through concussion to finish an incredible career. We discuss how he reached his dream and the moment he realized in the locker room mid-game that it was going to be his last game as a professional hockey player. We finish with a fun discussion about another sport he may play professionally one day.
Website: www.heroicminds.live
Instagram: @Ben_Fanelli_
On the surface people see a young NCAA swimmer, a friend, a sister, a teammate. What you don't see is that Julia ventured through and found control over epilepsy and bipolar disorder, overcoming both challenges to compete in the pool again with her D1 Swim Team at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Julia has since then finished her undergrad degree and is in the process of becoming a lawyer. Julia explains how taking the time to find control over adversity isn't a reason to give up or dwell on being stagnant... because a pause doesn't mean it's over.
Eric Bolton had the choice; med school or music... safety or passion. He chose passion and hasn't looked back. Eric is a successful business owner and recording artist. He goes to work everyday to create, teach and share his passion with the world. We sit in his loft studio and talk about the inherent adversities and exciting risk in chasing your passion, how to organically grow a sustainable customer base, how to make the right decision and the fact that everyone is an entrepreneur.
Brett Maclean just reached his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL...then his heart stopped and his life changed forever. From the moment he woke up in the hospital to sitting here chatting with me, Brett carries an aura of control and composure. That is what made him a successful hockey player and with a 5% chance of living, a successful survivor. We start with his journey to the NHL, then discuss his life changing heart attack, the lessons he has learnt and how you can support the Heart & Stroke Foundation. @mackattack_39
Amber Shewfelt is the definition of toughness. She is living a triumphant life with Cystic Fibrosis, setting and achieving goals regardless of the daily adversity. Her main goal is to make life better for others dealing with CF in a selfless and remarkable way. We discuss life, death, and how to share your message in a way that can change a life. Amber also shares that feeling upset and frustrated shouldn't be avoided to hide the truth, but rather embraced to accept the truth and find a way through. **Share this podcast to support those living with CF and tag @CFCanada @ambershewff
Kelly Boaz, a successful and vibrant Holistic Nutritionist had an undiagnosed eating disorder from the age of 11-18. She was diagnosed with an eating disorder from the age of 18-28. Her story makes very clear, what it is like to have an eating disorder and what it takes to overcome. In this episode we discuss her story, mental health and how fear can scare us away from the answer or mold us into our own hero. This episode concludes with my inability to form a sentence after Kelly overloads us with motivation to beat our fears and the benefits of doing so. www.kellyboaz.com
Chasing the NHL to Battling Cancer to Engineering at The University of Waterloo. We touch on Eminem, "gutting it out", painting your daily canvas, surgery, and much more. You can reach Nik at: Twitter: @KneNik Instagram: @Nknezic
My name is Ben Fanelli and what lead me to creating this podcast was waking up in a hospital with no idea where I was to the news that I was lucky to be alive, I will never play sports again and that my brain was bleeding in three places.
This was a month after I took a huge step forward in reaching my dream of being a professional hockey player.
After a rollercoaster ride of recovery, I managed to return to the game two years later. I earned a try-out with the New York Rangers and was the captain my final season. Since then I counted my blessings and moved on from chasing my dream of playing in the NHL.
What I learnt along the way is that; it is not the strongest or smartest that thrive in life, it is those with the ability to persist and perform through inherent adversity.
This episode is about my story and what the future holds for HeroicMinds and the HeroicMinds Podcast.