Align Podcast

This could possibly be the funniest podcast of 2024.

Brent Pella joins us on The Align Podcast, sharing his methods of bringing light (and laughter) to even the darkest moments in life.

Brent is an absolutely hilarious man, with an ever-present positive energy towards everything in life. He brings that to the table in this episode as we discuss the beauty of crowd work, learning to have more patience for people, the importance of lasting impressions, and what a worthwhile life looks like.

I hope you take a lot away from this episode, and most importantly, with a smile on your face. Brent has a beautiful way of presenting information in a way that is guaranteed to leave you smiling - which I would say is the best form of education.

More About Brent:

Brent Pella is a stand up comedian and filmmaker whose videos have gained 500M+ views online and was recently named a "Creator to Watch" by the New York Comedy Festival. A graduate of both the full Groundlings and UCB improv/sketch programs, Brent is best known for his digital comedy content that often satirizes American politics and trending social/cultural issues, as well as his viral celebrity impressions of CA governor Gavin Newsom, Eminem, Joe Rogan and more.

On stage, Brent has been a cast member of MTV's Wild 'N Out since season 16 and currently tours the US performing stand-up at comedy clubs, colleges, and music festivals throughout the country. His debut comedy special is set to release in early Spring 2024.

Brent has written and directed commercial campaigns for national brands including Hopdoddy Restaurants and Black Rifle Coffee under his production company Good Trip Entertainment. Brent also hosts the Good Trip Podcast, a 10-part series of conversations around psychedelics. Past guests have included Rock Doblin (founder, MAPS), David Bronner (CEO, Dr. Bronner's), and others.

Where To Find Brent:

We’re joined by Boyd Varty in a revisited episode of The Align Podcast. Boyd is a tremendous man with such vast amounts of knowledge on wildlife, and the array of emotions in the human experience. He’s been on a rollercoaster throughout, and he’s gracious enough to share his learnings with you here.

Boyd tells us of his time growing up in South Africa, how the safari connects with the human experience, his extremely traumatic experiences, his transformation with Martha Beck, moving through trauma, natural ways to soothe yourself, and what transformation looks like for you.

Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to share this one with your friends and family, Boyd shares such a wild amount of knowledge and beautiful perspectives, worthy of only the best.

If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, hit that follow button and consider leaving us a kind review. 

I hope you enjoy this episode, and I’ll see you again next week!

Enjoy the phenomenal, Boyd Varty.

More About Boyd:

Gay Hendricks joins us on The Align Podcast, sharing his infinite wisdom on relationships and mind-body transformation that he has applied to his work for over 30 years.

In this episode, you can expect to learn about your limiting beliefs, the importance of owning your flaws, discovering your true potential, finding peace in your relationship, and plenty more! This one is overflowing with such beautiful and honest insights, from a man who has dedicated his life to teaching others to love everything.

Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to share this one with your friends and family, we all need a bit of Gay in our lives! Use this podcast as a way of working on yourself, and helping those important to you.

If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, hit that follow button and consider leaving us a kind review.

I hope you enjoy this episode, and I’ll see you again next week!

Enjoy the magnificent, Gay Hendricks.

More About Gay:

Gay Hendricks has served for more than 30 years as one of the major contributors to the fields of relationship transformation and body-mind therapies. Along with his wife, Dr. Kathlyn Hendricks, Gay is the author of many bestsellers, including Conscious Loving, At The Speed Of Life, The Big Leap, and the New York Times bestseller, Five Wishes.

Dr. Hendricks received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Stanford in 1974. After a twenty-one-year career as a professor at the University of Colorado, he founded The Hendricks Institute and later co-founded its charitable organization, Foundation for Conscious Living. He was also the founder of a virtual learning center for transformation and a publishing company and was a co-founder of a conscious entertainment company.

Throughout his career, he has done executive coaching with more than 800 executives, including the top management at such firms as Dell Computer, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, and KLM. His book, The Corporate Mystic, is used widely to train management in combining business skills and personal development tools.

Gay is also a mystery novelist, with a series of five books featuring the Tibetan-Buddhist private detective, Tenzing Norbu. In recent years he has co-created a popular podcast called The Big Leap with Gay Hendricks and Mike Koenigs. He has appeared on more than 500 radio and television shows, including OPRAH, CNN, CNBC, 48 HOURS, and others.

Where To Find Gay:

We are joined on The Align Podcast by the queen of breathing, Jill Miller. Jill has written two books on corrective exercise and is leading the charge on health & wellbeing.In this episode, Jill & I discuss the three zones of respiration, focusing on breathing, how air is a transient organ, how to breathe better through the nose, how the body affects everything, and so much more! This episode is packed full of really important information about the mind and body, so buckle up!

Thank you for tuning in. Jill shares such great insight, so don’t forget to share this one with your friends and family! Use this podcast as a way of bettering yourself and those around you. If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, hit that follow button and consider leaving us a kind review. 

I hope you enjoy this episode, and I’ll see you again next week!

Enjoy the phenomenal, Jill Miller.

More About Jill Miller:

This episode of The Align Podcast is hosted by co-founder and CEO of Commune, Jeff Krasno, with the guest… Me, Aaron Alexander! 

In this episode, we explore the techniques I used to get New York Jets Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, back to fitness following rupturing his achilles in the NFL, my personal experiences with mortality, finding comfort and value in the bare necessities, and finding compassion for yourself. All of that, and more…

In this episode of The Align Podcast, we are joined by co-founder and CEO of Commune, Jeff Krasno. Jeff is an exceptionally experienced man in wellness and spirituality, writing weekly essays, hosting podcasts, and co-founder Wanderlust; a spiritual festival that combines yoga and music.

It was great to have Jeff on the podcast, as he delved deep into the depths of different types of stress, using stress to our advantage, building a psychological immune system, self-regulation, and the experience of building Wanderlust Festival back in 2009. There’s so much to be learned from this podcast, so sit back and enjoy!

Thank you for tuning in. Jeff shared so many incredible insights in this episode into bettering your everyday life, and you can help out those around you by sharing this episode with your friends and family.

If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, hit that follow button and consider leaving us a kind review. 

I hope you love this episode, and I’ll catch you again next week with an episode that is much more personal to me… You’ll have to wait and see!

Enjoy the lovely, Jeff Krasno.

More About Jeff:

Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of luminaries from Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. Jeff pens a personal weekly essay titled “ Commusings ” that explores spirituality, wellness, and culture and is distributed to over one million subscribers every Sunday. Jeff is the creator of Good Stress, a collection of wellness protocols that he developed to reverse his diabetes, lose 60 pounds, and reclaim his health at age 50. Good Stress is available as an online course and is being developed into a book and TV series.

Where To Find Jeff:

Today’s podcast guest on The Align Podcast, David Sutcliffe, is an exceptionally talented man in so many different fields. Formerly an actor, playing roles in Gilmore Girls and Happy Endings, David Sutcliffe now runs his own private therapy practice in Texas.

This episode is full of juicy information, focusing on his famous interview with Andrew Tate, the psychology behind a man like Tate, restoring relationships that are in conflict, understanding and expressing our trauma, and how growing as a person is terrifying.

David was such a joy to have on the podcast. He’s not afraid to really dive in emotionally to topics, and share things that are personal to him - that will hopefully help you a lot too. I really hope you enjoy this one!

Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to share it with your friends and your family. David is such a lovely individual and someone I think we can all connect to on a personal level through his experiences.

If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, make sure to hit that follow button and consider leaving us a kind review.

I hope you love this episode, and I’ll catch you again next week!

Enjoy the great, David Sutcliffe.

More About David:

David Sutcliffe is a Somatic Therapist and a Certified Core Energetics Practitioner with over 15 years of experience. He has a private practice in Austin, Texas, and holds workshops across the United States and Canada. He is also a trained hypnotherapist, a mindset expert, and has extensive experience with meditation, yoga, shamanism, physical fitness, nutrition, and wellness. A former actor, he is well known for his roles in the popular TV series Gilmore Girls and Private Practice, and movies Under The Tuscan Sun and Happy Endings.

Where To Find David:

Today we are revisiting one of my favorite podcast episodes that I’ve ever recorded, with the magnificent Gabor Maté. We talk about defining trauma, solving our internal psychological wounds, exploring relationships, and what it truly means to be vulnerable - amongst many other really important topics.

Dr. Maté is one of my favorite people on the planet, and one of the world’s leading psychologists - particularly in the realm of addiction. He’s the author of ‘When The Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection’ and his most recent book, ‘The Myth of Normal’. Gabor is such an exemplary human being in every way possible, so I hope you get a lot from this episode.

Thank you once again for tuning in. Be sure to share it with your friends, your family. Gabor Maté shares wisdom that every person in the world should hear.If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, make sure to hit that follow button and consider leaving us a kind review. 

I hope you love this episode, and I’ll catch you again next week!

Enjoy Dr. Gabor Maté. More About Gabor:

A renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress, and childhood development.

Dr. Maté has written several bestselling books, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection, and Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It, and has coauthored Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers.

His works have been published internationally in nearly thirty languages.

Where To Find Gabor:

Kimi Inch joins us today on The Align Podcast. Kimi is a dominatrix, intimacy coach, and somatic therapist. She has a brilliant and compassionate mind. You’re in for a thrilling, enlightening, and hilarious experience.

We discuss a lot of different topics and perspectives around intimacy, sexuality, the healing power of a dominatrix, discovering pleasure, energy flows, and deep desires. It’s a really insightful conversation. One that will open your mind to learning more about yourself in ways that you may not usually consider.

If you’re a person in a relationship, or someone that experiences any shame, guilt, fear, or anxiety, I think this will be a really great listen for you - and one that will help you.

Appreciate you tuning in. Be sure to share it with your friends - maybe not with your family on this one though! If you find yourself coming back to the podcast, make sure to hit that follow button and consider leaving a 5-star rating.

I hope you love this episode, I had a great time making it. 

Enjoy the remarkable Kimi Inch!

More about Kimi:

Meet Kimi Inch, a renowned expert on intimacy, conscious kink, and unlocking your body’s untapped erotic energy.

With over two decades of experience and training from top mentors in Tantra, Conscious Kink, and Sacred Sexuality, Kimi has helped thousands of clients around the world embody their most powerful selves. Featured on prestigious platforms such as The Oprah Winfrey Network, SXSW, Princeton University, and Nightline - Kimi’s goal as a pro-Domme, Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapist, and Sex Positive Edu-tainer is to provide a safe and pleasure-filled space for exploring parts of ourselves that we rarely dare to look at.

Where To Find Kimi:

It’s not often that you can have a Grammy-nominated artist, someone who walked across America, or someone who summited Mount Everest on your podcast…

But today, we did all three.

Mike Posner is a very wise, kind, and fascinating human being with an immense amount of knowledge to share, and a huge bank of accomplishments to his name.

We started off the podcast with some breathwork and continued by talking about personal growth, taking control of your mind and body, the challenges of manhood, relationships, and the spiritual journey that we call music.

More About Mike:

Mike Posner's expansive, multi-platinum discography has earned him global recognition. His songs have been streamed more than 10 billion times, and his pop single "I Took A Pill In Ibiza” was nominated for “Song of The Year” at the 2017 Grammys. In addition to his own music, Posner has written hits for some of the world's biggest artists, including Maroon 5 and Justin Bieber.

In 2019, Posner walked nearly 3,000 miles across North America in an effort to inspire people to challenge themselves, surviving a rattlesnake bite along the way. He then made it to the peak of Mount Everest in 2021, raising more than $250,000 dollars for the Detroit Justice Center for his endeavor.

Where To Find Mike:

MIKEPOSNER.COM

X / Instagram: @MIKEPOSNER

Leading cardiothoracic surgeon and nutritional pioneer Dr. Steven Gundry joins us for a conversation on the importance of gut health, discussing bacteria within microbiomes, changes in food consumption, and the importance of meal times. We also discuss the benefits of fermentation, sparkling water, and the unfortunate side effects of nicotine.

In this episode of the Align podcast, esteemed astrologer and author Debra Silverman joins us for a conversation on the connection between astrology and psychology. We discuss Debra’s four elements for a balanced and healthy life, as well as her book "The Missing Element”. We also explore personal stories, and the significance of astrological charts, and the ways they factor into our day-to-day experiences.

Astrologer, psychotherapist, and spiritual guide Debra Silverman is here to bring hope to those experiencing collective pain. With a climate crisis standing in the foreground, she brings her wisdom of the elements and astrology to the table to uncover solutions for our times.

She is the author of The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition (Findhorn Press), and is founder of a school that has trained more than 4,000 people in astrology. Debra is also host of The I Don’t Believe in Astrology Podcast.

Debra Silverman is madly in love with Astrology. Where once she was a skeptic, she now believes the wisdom of Astrology is an undeniable, dependable, and healing balm for society as we face post pandemic life and a climate crisis. For Silverman, Astrology is medicine.

While there is no “one size fits all” approach, Debra Silverman has developed a unique psychological-spiritual model. She connects with each person she practices with on a deeper level in order to empower them to their full potential.

In this episode of the Align podcast, we’re taking a look back at some of our top episodes of 2023, exploring all things health and wellness. From surfing legend Laird Hamilton, to popular figures like Mike Israetel, we’ve put together some of the best bits from the podcast.

Gabor Maté, Robert E Grant, Peter Crone, and Amanda Bucci also feature in this highlight reel for the year!

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In this episode of the Align podcast, we join Chris Sanborn (Mukhande Singh) for a deep dive on natural raw water advocacy, and his business: Alive Water.  We cover the harmful effects of chemicals in tap water, and the transformative power of natural spring water. We also explore Chris's spotlight in popular culture, and the technologies he uses to improve water quality.

Chris Sanborn is a leader and advocate for drinking unprocessed spring water in reusable glass. He founded the first company which offers lab tested safe and probiotic spring water delivery.

Sanborn believes earth could be restored to a pristine paradise, by influencing human desire to source our food, water, and medicine from natural landscapes.

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In this episode of The Align Podcast, Brian Mackenzie joins us for a discussion on the science of breathwork and its performance enhancing effects. We explore the ways in which C02 tolerance can be a game-changer for your health, as well as Brian’s techniques for nasal breathing. We also discuss big wave surfers, their ability to stay calm in chaotic situations, and ways this impacts their mental state. We round up the conversation with ways to navigate internal noise, and how we can all build a better mindset when it comes to health and wellness.

Brian Mackenzie is an innovator and pioneer in developing and applying custom protocols to optimize human health and performance. His work harnesses and integrates respiratory (breathing), movement, strength & conditioning, and endurance-based training approaches to elicit unprecedented positive results.

His protocols and programs have been used to accelerate and raise mental and physical performance in world-class Olympic and professional athletes, first responders, musicians, actors, top executives, elite military operators, the tactical firearms community, prisoners in institutions, and the health of people suffering from chronic and pathological issues.

Brian’s work is voluntarily and repeatedly subjected to rigorous 3rd party scientific testing, re-testing, and improvement, at top institutions. He has been contracted, and his work is involved in research projects at Stanford University School of Medicine, California State University Fullerton, San Francisco State University, and the UFC Performance Institute.

Brian is himself a highly accomplished practitioner. He completed Ironman (Canada, 2004), the Western States 100-mile, and The Angeles Crest 100-mile runs using adapted training protocols he developed to improve performance. He is the co-founder of The Art of Breath, a division of SH//FT that teaches a principles-based approach to breath & performance. Brian has also co-authored the book Power Speed Endurance, The New York Times Best Seller UnBreakable Runner, and UnPlugged, which assesses the integration of emergent technology and human performance.

He has voluntarily integrated and invested his programs at varying California State Prisons, including San Quentin, Pelican Bay, and Corcoran, with tremendous success. His programs have been featured in Outside Magazine, Men’s Health, Runners World, Triathlete Magazine, Men’s Journal, and periodicals such as The Economist. Brian and his protocols have been featured in 2 of Timothy Ferriss’ New York Times bestselling books, including: “The 4-Hour Body” and “Tools of Titans” and Scott Carney’s New York Times best-seller “What Doesn't Kill Us.”

His clients have included: Ari Emanuel, Kelly Starrett, Tim Ferriss, U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Marines - including elite units), varying Law Enforcement Agencies, Canadian Military (CANSOF), Jon “Bones” Jones, Laird Hamilton, Tia Clair Toomey (5X CrossFit Games Champion), Rich Froning Jr. (4X CrossFit Games Champion) and many others.

Brian is the Founder & Creative Director of SHIFT, Co-Founder and President of The Health and Human Performance Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to researching how breath and innate tools can optimize and help health and human performance.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Dr. Mike Israetel joins us for a discussion on meditation, spirituality, and ways to build mental strength. We explore the realm of dreams, their importance, and how they shape our understanding of reality. We also dig deeper into this from a neuroscience perspective, as Mike explains some of the brain’s more complex algorithms and how we can harness them. We round off with a conversation about telepathy, and the science behind cell phones.

Dr. Mike Israetel holds a PhD in Sport Physiology, and is currently the head science consultant for Renaissance Periodization.

Mike was formerly a professor of Exercise and Sport Science in the School of Public Health at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he taught several courses, including Nutrition for Public Health, Advanced Sports Nutrition and Exercise, and Nutrition and Behavior.

He has worked as a consultant on sports nutrition to the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Johnson City, TN, and has been an invited speaker at numerous scientific and performance/health conferences, including nutritional seminars at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY.

A co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, Mike has coached numerous athletes and busy professionals in both diet and weight training. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Mike is himself a competitive bodybuilder and professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, coach Jim Kwik talks to us about ways we can incorporate brain training into our daily lives. We slide into the world of cognitive types, or what Jim refers to as “brain animals” - a model that helps us understand how different people think, learn, and lead.

We also cover his book, ‘Limitless’, the significance of personalized learning versus traditional school systems, and the role nootropics can play in brain health. Finally, we round off the episode with a discussion on healthy routines to adopt, in order to increase mindfulness. 

Jim Kwik is an internationally acclaimed authority in the realm of brain optimization, memory improvement and accelerated learning. With over 30 years of experience, Jim has dedicated his life to helping people tap into their brain’s full potential. From overcoming learning challenges after a childhood brain injury, Jim embarked on a journey with the mission to leave no brain behind. Through his teachings, Jim inspires others to unlock their inner genius, empowering them to live a life of greater power, productivity, and purpose.

This November, Jim is unveiling an expanded edition of his New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, "Limitless - Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, Unlock Your Exceptional Life." Since its debut in 2020, "Limitless" has emerged as a touchstone in the field, garnering praise from global thought leaders and luminaries. The book has equipped countless readers with tools for unparalleled productivity, personal transformation, and professional triumph – including the future of work, brain nutrition, brain types, and how AI will impact our daily lives.

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In this episode of the Align podcast we join Dan Clark, the CEO of Brain.fm, for a deep-dive into the world of acoustic neuroscience, and how sound can impact our internal state, physiology, and concentration. We cover Dan’s journey with Brain.fm , as he sheds light on the ways music can serve as a powerful tool for mental state regulation. We also explore Dan’s experiences with martial arts, and the potential of Brain.fm in managing symptoms of ADHD.

In this episode of the Align podcast, Shawn Stevenson joins us for a discussion on the ways eating habits can affect our health outcomes. We dive deep into the dangers of TV dinners, and the benefits of communal eating, especially for children. We also cover the rise in autoimmune disorders, and the ways we can better understand our bodies’ signals to pre-empt and treat illnesses. We also discuss Shawn’s book ‘Eat Smarter’, which contains science-backed recipes to improve metabolic health.

Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each month.

A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets.

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In this episode, I join Dave Asprey for a deep-deep into the world of biohacking. We explore  the power of stem cells and exosomes in healing and repairing tissue. What’s more, we cover a technique that can reverse Macular degeneration, and alternatives to stem cell treatment. We also dive into Dave’s personal journey with overcoming health issues and optimizing his own physical abilities.

Dave Asprey is an award-winning entrepreneur and tech innovator known around the world as, "The Father of Biohacking." He's a multi-New York Times and national bestselling author of Game Changers, Head Strong, The Bulletproof Diet, and Smarter Not Harder, the creator of Bulletproof Coffee, and the host of the Webby Award-winning #1 rated health show, The Human Upgrade Podcast (formerly Bulletproof Radio).

Dave is the founder and CEO of Upgrade Labs, the first franchise of biohacking gyms, and Danger Coffee, his mineralized, mold-free coffee.

Over the last two decades Dave has worked with world-renowned doctors, researchers, scientists, and global mavericks to uncover the latest, most innovative methods, techniques and products for enhancing mental and physical performance.

Dave has personally spent over $2 million taking control of his own biology – pushing the bounds of human possibility all in the name of science evolution and revolution. The creator of the Bulletproof diet and innovator of Bulletproof Coffee, Collagen Protein supplements and many more advances in commercial wellness products, Dave’s mission is to empower the entire globe with information and knowledge that unlocks the Super Human in everyone at any age. The proof of these advancements are better sleep, energy, and expanded capacity for all.

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In this episode, I join food activist Vani Hari AKA Food Babe to discuss the ways we can all make more mindful food choices and live healthier lives. We explore the tactics used by food companies to mislead consumers, the impacts of chemicals in processed foods, and the need for transparency with labeling.

We dive deep into Vani’s avoidance of microwaves, as well as healthier eating habits to implement. We also discuss her latest cookbook, ‘Food Babe Family’, which hits store shelves this week!

In this episode, I join Ellen Langer for a discussion about mindful living and the ways it can impact health and wellbeing. We dive deep into the power of placebos, and how mindfulness can transform our relationships with others. From decision-making to healing and personal growth, we explore the ways a healthy mindset can counter the aging process. We also discuss the importance of prioritizing happiness over all else, and the strength it takes to live a full and exciting life. 
Ellen J. Langer was the first woman to be tenured in psychology at Harvard, where she is still professor of psychology. The recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards, the Arthur W. Staats Award for Unifying Psychology, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Liberty Science Genius Award, Dr. Langer is the author of eleven other books, including the international bestseller Mindfulness, as well as The Power of Mindful Learning, Counterclockwise and On Becoming an Artist.

Her trailblazing experiments in social psychology have earned her inclusion in The New York Times Magazine’s “Year in Ideas” issue. She is known worldwide as the “mother of mindfulness” and the “mother of positive psychology.” She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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In this episode, I join David Weck for a discussion about the world of barefoot shoes, advancements in physical therapy, and the power of natural movement patterning. David shares his insights on the importance of foot strength, locomotion patterns, and the interconnectedness of the body.

We also delve into the fascinating concept of spiral mechanics and how it affects our movement. So, join us as we uncover the secrets of proper alignment and how it can revolutionize the way we move athletically.

In this episode, I join Prince Ea for a discussion about self-acceptance, meditation, and fitness. We dive deep into relationships, and how love is ultimately the cure for everything. We explore an ideal morning routine, starting with sunlight, movement, and meditation. We then dig into the role fitness plays in our lives, and the ways in which giving back can be a healthy process for ourselves and those around us.

Richard Williams, better known by his stage name Prince Ea, is an American rapper, spoken word artist, and civil rights activist from St Louis, MO. Prince Ea is a familiar face for anyone with a newsfeed: he's accumulated over 1 billion views on Facebook and YouTube.

His messages of compassion in the form of content-heavy spoken word poetry has earned him global recognition as an social influencer on peace and civil rights with a focus on education. His "I Just Sued the School System" video received 7.9 million views. He is a graduate of University of Missouri-St. Louis.

In this episode of the Align podcast, Dr. Mike Israetel talks to us about the science behind muscle growth, and the ways we can optimise our training methods. We dive into the debate between partial rep and full rep training, and which exercises are better for high-level athletes. We explore the importance of a high power-to-weight ratio in sports like jiu-jitsu and football. We also tackle the age-old question: What is the ideal rep range for muscle growth? We end the episode with the best way to train for someone who is “skinny-fat”.

Dr. Mike Israetel holds a PhD in Sport Physiology, and is currently the head science consultant for Renaissance Periodization.

Mike was formerly a professor of Exercise and Sport Science in the School of Public Health at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he taught several courses, including Nutrition for Public Health, Advanced Sports Nutrition and Exercise, and Nutrition and Behavior.

He has worked as a consultant on sports nutrition to the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Johnson City, TN, and has been an invited speaker at numerous scientific and performance/health conferences, including nutritional seminars at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY.

A co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, Mike has coached numerous athletes and busy professionals in both diet and weight training. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Mike is himself a competitive bodybuilder and professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Mark Bell talks to us about the changing nature of the fitness industry. We start with a brief discussion on the effects of psychedelics and its rising popularity. We dive deep into the benefits of exercise for mental wellbeing, and different ways you can develop a more holistic approach to training. We also explore the dangers of overeating for non-athletes and athletes alike, and cover Mark’s experiences with powerlifting and the culture of steroid use in the fitness industry.

Mark “Smelly“ Bell is a meathead millionaire who has leveraged a successful powerlifting career into a multi-million dollar business empire.

Mark has spent most of his 20s and 30s working on becoming a world ranked powerlifter. He is currently ranked in the top 10 of all-time powerlifters, with a total of 2,628 lb.

He has squatted 1,080 lbs, bench pressed 854 lbs, and deadlifted 766 lbs. Mark continues to train in his own gym in West Sacramento, CA: Super Training Gym. STG is open to the public on weekends and is Free!

In this episode of the Align podcast, Joel Seedman and Zack Telander debate whether or not ATG squats are ultimately harmful for athletes and non-athletes alike. Joel dives deep into his stance, that squatting heavy loads below 90 degrees can be a dangerous movement . What’s more, he argues that it can cause premature aging of the body.

Zack, on the other hand, explores the benefits of movements like ATG squats. He argues that removing exercises entirely from a programme is too hard a line to draw. We end the episode with a challenge for both coaches. 

Whose side are you on?

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Marc Gafni talks about the mind, body, and heart connection. He covers the different ways tension manifests in the body, and the ways we can communicate with music. He also dives deep into the importance of our psychological self, mystical self, and future self, as ways to view our past, present, and future. We end the conversation with an exploration of love and compassion, and methods to be more mindful in day-to-day life.

Dr. Marc Gafni is a visionary thinker, social activist, and passionate philosopher. He is known for his “source code teachings,” including Unique Self theory, the Five Selves, the Amorous Cosmos, A Politics of Evolutionary Love, A Return to Eros and Digital Intimacy.

He is author of over twenty-five books, including the award-winning Your Unique Self: The Radical Path to Personal Enlightenment. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford University, as well as Orthodox rabbinic ordination.

He teaches on the cutting edge of philosophy and spirit in the West, with the aim of participating in the articulation of what Dr. Gafni together with Dr. Zak Stein and colleagues are calling CosmoErotic Humanism.

At the core of CosmoErotic Humanism is what Dr. Gafni and Dr. Stein are calling ‘First Principles and First Values,’ Anthro-Ontology and a “Universal Grammar of Value.” This shared story rooted in First Principles and First Values can then serve as the matrix for a global ethos for a global civilization.

Dr. Gafni is the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Office for the Future, the Center for World Religion and Philosophy and the Foundation for Conscious Evolution. At the core of their shared missions is the articulation and delivery into culture of a Great Library - in multiple forms - which participates in evolving the source code of consciousness and culture in response to the Meta Crisis.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Robert Edward Grant talks to us about aligning one’s chakras, drawing from ancient teachings and modern perspectives. We dive deep into the impact of psychedelic substances like Psilocybin, and its effects on consciousness. We also explore the symbolism behind the Vitruvian man and Egypt’s pyramids. We cover philosophical ideas of good and evil, and ultimately what it means to be human.

“If we can change our perceptions on things, then that can have a massive impact on the world in and of itself.” — Robert Edward Grant

Robert Grant is a successful entrepreneur and best-selling author of the books PHILOMATH and POLYMATH. His life is immersed in curiosity and an insatiable desire to learn. He’s traveled to 140 countries and lived in nine, learning different languages to learn about the cultures.

While studying under a music scholarship, Robert realized he wanted to help people, so he shifted into healthcare, following a dream of sound-based medicine.  

Time spent in the pharmaceutical industry taught Robert that we need a systemic change in the healthcare industry, so he shifted his focus to become a catalyst for change in a larger system that no longer serves us. Looking through the prism of the u”in”verse (the cosmic system of matter and energy of which we are a part), Robert began his journey of self-discovery.

Now, he shares practical applications of the interconnectedness of physics and the fundamental constants, music, geometry, and prime number theory. He inspires a global community through heartfelt, accessible, yet in-depth talks, and has been featured on TedX and Gaia News. 

Robert is a prolific inventor and founder of several corporate enterprises, including the growth equity holding company, Strathspey Crown LLC, and Crown Sterling Limited LLC, a next- generation Cryptography company, based on discoveries from his work in geometry and mathematics.

He is a prodigious artist, sculptor, music theorist, musician, and author of several research and patent publications spanning biology, DNA combinatorics, number theory, geometry, and physics.  

Robert doesn’t consider himself a mathematician, but a human being who is learning the language of the universe.

“There’s a global renaissance of understanding and awareness happening right now. As people free their minds and their awareness and consciousness, consciousness lifts and perspectives shift. As the heart and brain merge together in this heart-brain consciousness, you’re going to see more, and more, and more of these new realizations for humanity. I think we’re here to learn who we actually are. And that’s the greatest encryption of all.”

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Amanda Bucci talks to us about building healthy relationships online, and the value of emotional communication. We dive deep into our relationships with social media, and how this impacts our day-to-day lives. We also explore Amanda’s own experiences with polyamory, and the lessons we can all take from this, including how to navigate jealousy in a relationship. We end with a discussion on the best ways to create emotional safety in your relationships, and how to come to terms with feelings of shame and self-loathing online. 

Amanda is a business coach, conscious leadership coach, creative entrepreneur, and influencer. She helps digital entrepreneurs and creators start, grow, and scale their businesses using strategies rooted in authenticity, alignment, and transformational healing.

She's the host of the Bucci Radio Podcast [7 million+ downloads] and the founder of the Entrepreneurial Archetype Quiz™; a personality quiz for entrepreneurs to create faster, more effortless success by operating from who they are at their core.

In this episode of the Align podcast, Dr Caroline Leaf talks to us about the mind-brain connection and the prevailing misconceptions about mental wellbeing. We also look into the Neuro Cycle method - a system designed to change the way you understand and manage your thoughts.  We dive into the true nature of trauma, and the value in observing your body’s signals as they relate to mental wellbeing. We finish the episode with the benefits of writing to organise your mind. 

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist, audiologist, and clinical and cognitive neuroscientist specializing in psychoneurobiology and metacognitive neuropsychology.

Her passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain, control chaotic thinking, and find mental peace. Since the early 1980s, Dr. Leaf has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health, and the formation of memory.

As a highly sought-after expert on mental health, she is the host of the top-rated podcast, Cleaning Up the Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf is also the author of several bestselling books, including Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, The Perfect You, Think, Learn, Succeed, and many more.

She has a Master’s and PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics. Dr Leaf does ongoing research and clinical trials in the field of psychoneurobiology in order to improve mental health interventions.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Peter Crone talks to us about addiction, and the ways we can use trauma to empower our life choices. We also look to reprogram the ways we view our addictions, and dig deeper into the narratives of inadequacy and self-judgement that we all tell ourselves. We dive into the true nature of desire, and how we can all take control of our lives by aligning ourselves with what we say. We finish the episode with an exploration of self-love and the way it can play a pivotal role in our lives.

Peter Crone is a thought leader in human potential and performance. He devotes his life to sharing insights and strategies to create an inspired life and find true freedom by awakening new levels of awareness. Peter helps redesign the subconscious mind that drives behavior and performance and uses the wisdom of Ayurveda to help people find balance through diet and lifestyle. He’s worked with entertainers, professional athletes, as well as global organizations.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Laird Hamilton talks to us about surfing, and the ways we should embrace chaos on a daily basis. We dive deep into his childhood in Hawaii and his affinity for surfing at a young age. We also explore his secrets for longevity, and how he maintains health and fitness at fifty-nine years old. We cover some of the habits everyone should build in order to live a more emotionally, spiritually, and physically balanced lifestyle.

Laird Hamilton is known as the guiding genius of crossover board sports and is largely considered the primary influence behind many surfing innovations, including tow-in surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and hydrofoil boarding.

Surfer Magazine has labelled Laird as, “the sport’s most complete surfer, displaying almost unnerving expertise in a multitude of disciplines, and flat out surfing’s biggest, boldest, bravest, and the best big wave surfer in the world today, bar none.”

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Zak Williams talks about the current mental health epidemic, and its impact on future generations. We dive deep into his childhood and his relationship with his late father, actor Robin Williams. We also explore the long-term impact of digital overcrowding and its effects on mental wellbeing, as well as coping mechanisms for trauma. A lot can be solved by celebrating loved ones, tapping into our self-awareness, and being kinder to ourselves and others. 

Zak Williams is CEO and co-founder of neurotransmitter health company PYM, a mental health advocate and speaker, and an investor in technology and consumer packaged goods companies.

Zak is passionate about developing best-in-class products and experiences to provide effective, sustainable products for supporting optimal mental wellness and alleviating anxiety and depression through mental hygiene. As a mental health advocate, he focuses his time and effort on sharing his story and his experiences to support initiatives and campaigns seeking to remove the stigma and address the challenges associated with mental health topics.

Zak is a US trustee of the international advocacy organization United for Global Mental Health, a board member of mental health awareness non-profit Bring Change 2 Mind, and an advisor to national policy organization Inseparable and the mental health tech platform Project Healthy Minds. He received an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA from New York university where he majored in Linguistics.

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In this episode of the Align podcast, Connor Beaton talks about finding purpose as a man and tapping into your emotional well-being. We dive deep into relationship dynamics, why people cheat, and where we seek validation from. We also explore porn addiction and how it can affect our perceptions of sex and intimacy. Does it give men a sense of power or is it a form of self-sabotage? We also cover the power of victimhood, the fear of rejection and healing the toxicity within ourselves.

Connor Beaton is the founder of ManTalks, an international organization focused on improving the lives, relationships, and leadership of men. Connor is also an international speaker, author of the best-selling book Men’s Work, host of a top-ranked podcast and works with men who are looking to lead themselves and their lives more effectively. Since founding ManTalks, Connor has spoken on stage at TEDx, with Lewis Howes, Gary Vaynerchuk, Danielle LaPorte, and has been featured on platforms like the United Nations, Forbes, Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, CBC and the National Post.

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In this episode of the Align Podcast, Pavel tells us all about breathwork, whether it can be a way to re-surface past trauma and how that can help us heal. We also touch upon the importance of building trust and connection within ourselves, others and our environment. We then discuss natural and manmade EMFs and how those can affect our physiology. Pavel shares the frequencies that we consume daily and how those can be reduced for a healthier lifestyle. We also talk about our individual and collective consciousness, how to manifest the life we want and what it means to surrender. Listen to the episode for a bonus 15-minute breathwork experience to reset your system!

NOA|AON, also known as Pavel Stuchlik. With over 15 years of experience traveling the world and immersing himself in some of the most rigorous teachings, NOA has become an expert in transformation, self-realization and harmonious living.

As an internationally conscious DJ/producer, serial impact 7-figure entrepreneur and investor, certified Ambassador of Peace, and Wim Hof instructor, NOA has a unique and diverse set of skills that he brings to his workshops, immersive experiences, retreats, and lectures. His teachings integrate ancient wisdom with modern science and technology to provide simple daily routines that can help you achieve unity, love, and joy in your life.

One of NOA's most notable experiences was spending a total of 40 days in darkness with no food living with breatharians in Thailand. From this experience, NOA|AON has brought back some of the most effective teachings and created a movement with #noamovement, which aims to bring people back to unity, love, and joy.

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In today’s episode of The Align Podcast, Layla and I dive deep into human sexuality. We discuss the concept of ‘Sex Magic’ and how you can use your erotic energies to amplify your sexual power. We also talk about how religion and porn affect our ideas of sex and intimacy and why people may be afraid of exploring their own bodies. Layla also tells us about the different pleasure practices, how to increase libido and the connection between the masculine and feminine energies during sex. If you want to learn more about your body and the different types of orgasms, you won’t want to miss this one.

Layla Martin studied human sexuality and human biology at Stanford and then spent a decade learning from Tantric masters in the jungles of Asia. She combines modern science with the effective practices of Tantra to inspire people to heal trauma or shame and fully awaken their sexuality.

As the founder of the Tantric Institute of Integrated Sexuality, Layla teaches people how to experience more epic sex and legendary love through her trademarked VITA™ Method. She has a potent approach to up-levelling sex and life, and she shares her practices on her YouTube channel, which has nearly 90 million views to date.

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If you had the chance to be immortal, would you take it?

In today’s episode of The Align Podcast, Mark Sisson and I get into the concept of longevity. We discuss the mind and body relationship, facing mortality and how our attitude can help you lead a better life. We also talk about what it means to age and whether stress impacts our lifespan. Mark also tells us about the importance of footwear for foot health and what inspired him to start his business. 

Mark Sisson is the founder of Mark's Daily Apple, as well as the Primal Kitchen condiment empire. He's a record-holding endurance athlete and author of numerous books including the Primal Blueprint, the Keto Reset Diet, and Keto for Life.

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In today’s episode of The Align Podcast, David Spiegel and I talk all things hypnosis. From the positive effects it can have on our physiology to the dark sides of the practice. We also discuss the relationship between our minds and bodies and whether we’re able to restructure our perception of pain and stress through thought. David tells us about the power of breathing for our brain activity and how it can act as a self-soothing practice. We also get into the meaning of trauma, how to overcome it and whether hypnosis can play a part in healing from it.

Dr. David Spiegel is Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he has been a member of the academic faculty since 1975, and was Chair of the Stanford University Faculty Senate from 2010-2011. Dr. Spiegel has more than 40 years of clinical and research experience studying psycho-oncology, stress and health, pain control, sleep, hypnosis, and conducting randomized clinical trials involving psychotherapy for cancer patients. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific journal articles, and hundreds of book chapters on hypnosis, psychosocial oncology, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. His research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Fetzer Institute, the Dana Foundation for Brain Sciences, and the Nathan S. Cummings Foundation. He is Past President of the American College of Psychiatrists and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and is a Member of the National Academy of Medicine. He was invited to speak on hypnosis at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2018.

In this week’s episode of the Align Podcast, Khalil shares his experiences with addiction, abuse and his eventual journey to sobriety. He also dives into how the traumatic experiences in his life shaped him to be the person he is today. We talk about the meaning of intimacy, the power of therapy and the importance of healing our inner child. We also discuss the societal stigmas around crying, how the ego can negatively influence our decisions and whether the law of attraction actually exists.

At 33 years old, Khalil Rafati weighed 109 pounds and was living on the streets of Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles, addicted to heroin and cocaine. With nowhere to go but up, he decided to get sober. Then he discovered juicing. Now, Khalil Rafati is a speaker, author, and health & wellness entrepreneur. He is the owner of SunLife Organics, a rapidly growing chain of popular juice and smoothie bars in the United States. Additionally, he is the author of the best-selling book "I Forgot to Die" as well as his newest release "Remembering to Live." He also founded Malibu Beach Yoga and Riviera Recovery, a transitional living facility for drug addicts and alcoholics.

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In this episode of the Align Podcast, Humble the Poet and I have a meaningful conversation about building relationships, understanding vulnerability and how to live up to our truth. We also discuss the concept of Sikhism and the 5 thieves of life.  Do we rely too much on dopamine, approval and validation? Humble the Poet delves into the importance of finding inner peace and being mindful of society's influence on our desires. Once we stop judging our own behaviours, we can become more compassionate towards ourselves and others. 

In this episode of The Align Podcast, Paul and I discuss the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our homes, their impact on our health and how to avoid them. We also debate the real meaning of cholesterol and what you can do to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Paul emphasizes the need for intuitive eating to improve our lives and the health implications of fake meat. We also talk about ‘ghost poops’, why humans may fear their own nature, and how different types of underwear can affect our genitalia. 

Paul Saladino is a double board-certified MD, host of the Fundamental Health podcast, and author of The Carnivore Code and The Carnivore Code Cookbook.

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In this episode of The Align Podcast, Kute Blackson and I unlock some of the deepest knots that we might have within ourselves around limiting belief systems. We discuss what could be blocking us from the things that we want and how the truth can reveal our purpose in life. We also define what it means to surrender and the importance of it in unlocking our lives. We then talk about the role our ego plays in our lives and how we may be unconsciously blocking ourselves from love.

KUTE BLACKSON is a beloved inspirational speaker and transformational teacher. He speaks at countless events he organizes around the world as well as at outside events including A-Fest, YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), and EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization). He is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council, a select group of one hundred of the world’s foremost authorities in the personal development industry. Winner of the 2019 Unity New Thought Walden Award, Blackson is widely considered a next generation leader in the field of personal development. His mission is simple: To awaken and inspire people across the planet to access inner freedom, live authentically and fulfill their true life’s purpose.

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In this episode of the Align Podcast, Boyd tells us how African safaris can relate to the journey into our own lives. He also emphasizes how important it is to connect with nature for our personal well-being, especially in a world where technology is dehumanizing us on many levels. Boyd shares his personal experience with trauma and how he embarked on a healing journey through transformational practices and doing the work. Join us as we discuss what it means to be human, how to live towards the feeling and giving into the idea of "I don't know”.