The Zen Meathead
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” - Dolly Parton Life is a relentless teacher, but sometimes, the lessons hit like a freight train. In this heartfelt episode, our guest, Jawara Hayden, takes us on an intimate journey through resilience, identity, and self-discovery. From surviving toxic relationships and battling mental health challenges to embracing their authentic self, Junko’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the courage it takes to transition—not just physically but emotionally and socially as well. This is a raw and inspiring...
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“The reason I started asking this question is because I realized that my relationship with my father sucked, and I had to f****** go, ‘No, dad, I f****** love you. You’re gonna hug me, you piece of s***. We’re doing this.’” Let’s face it: the relationship with your father can be a bit of a rollercoaster—one that occasionally derails. This episode tackles the highs, lows, and awkward loops of navigating dad dynamics, peeling back layers of emotional baggage and generational quirks. It’s about breaking the cycle of “strong, silent type”...
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“The ability to sleep is so important that it controls the quality of our lives, yet we take it for granted.” Sleep is the ultimate productivity hack and health booster, yet it’s the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. This episode explores why sleep is non-negotiable for success, with the guest shedding light on its impact on memory, focus, and emotional resilience. From the dangers of sleep deprivation to the transformative power of consistent routines and simple habits, the discussion is a wake-up call to prioritize rest. Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s...
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Ever wondered what AI has to do with hot tubs, killer drones, and potentially making America rich? You’re in the right place. In this episode of the Zen Meathead Podcast, Chris sits down with retired Microsoft/Google engineer and Restaurateur James Whitaker for a mind-expanding chat about everything from AI’s untapped potential to why your LinkedIn feed is getting dull. It’s a little bit tech, a little bit pub wisdom, and a whole lot of big ideas—all with that classic Zen Meathead humor. - James breaks down why AI is mostly hype—and why it’s also our future. - Discover the real...
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Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits, unsure how to break free and start living your best life? What if a simple shift in your habits could be the catalyst for a complete life transformation? Could optimizing your nutrition and hormones be the key to cutting your body fat in half, without the scale moving much at all? We’ve all experienced moments where we feel stuck—whether it's in our fitness, career, or personal life. Perhaps you've struggled with balancing self-care and work, or you've been working hard at getting healthier but haven't seen the results you...
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Success isn't always convenient, but it's worth the effort. Armed with grace and grit, towards a healthier, happier you. Joining us again, is Jenn DeTracy. You might remember her from her previous appearance on our show about six months ago when we talked about the realms of leadership. Today, we'll be demystifying wellness and physical health. Ever wondered why certain ingredients are allowed in some countries but banned in others? It's a fascinating discussion that will make you think twice about what you're putting into your body. When it comes to taking on a health journey. Are you...
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So, picture this: You're on an airplane, always in transit, yet never fully arriving. But what if we let go of the destination and just embraced the moment? That's the revolutionary idea our guest brings to the table. Today, we've got a special guest in the house who's here to shake things up and challenge the way we think about life. Our friend, Linus Hammarstrand, a Buddhist monk deeply rooted in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. He shares his journey into Zen practice, starting with Shaolin Kung Fu at the age of 16, and how it eventually led him to embrace the path of a Buddhist monk. We...
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“Faith is faith, as hard as integrity.” "It is criminal how little we've saved ($). Like it should be criminal." Ever found yourself questioning why the dollars you make don't always translate to financial security? It's not just about making money – it's about understanding how our emotions play an important role in sculpting our financial realities. This episode is a captivating exploration of how our emotional landscapes shape our financial realities After years of personal growth and introspection, Zoey Shannon has built a thriving business centered around helping others...
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“Some (gender identifying) terms, to me, are not feminine or masculine. They just denote an energetic helpfulness to another human on the planet.” So, what's gender identity? Gender identity is a deeply-felt sense of being male, female, gender fluid or another gender. It may or may not align with the physical sex assigned at birth, and can change over time for some people. The gender and pronoun conversation continues to be a hot topic and as its new and expanding terminology is exciting and liberating for some, for others it can be very complicated, confusing, and even...
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“To understand water is to understand the cosmos, the marvels of nature, and life itself -Masaru Imoto” Having discipline is very crucial in freediving, so one must learn breath control, technique, and mental focus. The parallel between scuba diving and freediving differs in how fast you come up from the exceeded depth, with freediving being faster than scuba diving. Part of the safety measures are the presence of safety divers, video cameras, and the contraband system, ensuring a swift response in case of emergencies, and also having a buddy in free diving to mitigate risks. Our guests...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Zen Meathead podcast, hosts Chris and Sarah sit down with their fascinating new friend, Heather Slye. Heather shares her unique journey and experiences in the world of fitness, where she balances her worlds of bodybuilding, pole dancing as a form of exercise and working for tech giant, Microsoft.
Heather takes us through her initial interest in fitness, her discovery of bodybuilding, and how she fell in love with the art of pole dancing as a way to challenge herself physically and artistically.
Join us as we delve into the world of fitness and technology with the inspiring Heather Slye. Hear how her dedication to bodybuilding and pole dancing led her to live a healthier lifestyle.