Transforming your home into an Airbnb and sharing travel experiences: Hosting on Airbnb not only earns extra income but also creates unique experiences for travelers. Understanding and managing chronic pain involves recognizing its complexities and utilizing effective treatment methods beyond medication.
Turning your home into an Airbnb not only brings in extra income but also allows you to share your space with travelers and create special experiences for them. Hosts like Jen and I have incorporated elements of our own travels into our listings, making guests feel welcomed and cherished. Meanwhile, understanding pain and its effects on the brain is crucial for those dealing with chronic pain. Pain psychologist and neuroscience expert, Dr. Rachel Zofnes, sheds light on the topic, explaining that acute and chronic pain differ, and our brains can amplify the pain alarm, making it essential to recognize and address this sensitivity. Treatment methods, such as mindfulness practices and cognitive behavioral therapy, can be more effective than relying solely on medication. By learning about pain and its complexities, we can better empathize with those living with it and offer them hope and alternative approaches for managing their pain.
The connection between emotions and physical symptoms: Recognizing emotional causes of physical symptoms can lead to earlier intervention and improved health
Our physical symptoms can be closely linked to our emotional wellbeing. The speaker shared a personal story about encountering a bullet ant during a hiking trip and the extreme pain it caused. This experience brought up the connection between physical pain and emotional distress. The speaker also shared his own experience of dealing with stomach pain as a child, which he later realized was due to anxiety and stress. He explained that 90% of the body's serotonin, a brain chemical related to emotions, is found in the gut. Therefore, emotions can manifest physically in the form of stomach aches, butterflies, or even more severe symptoms. The speaker emphasized that had someone made this connection for him earlier, it could have saved him a lot of time and distress. This discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the connection between our emotions and physical symptoms, and encourages us to approach our health holistically.
Understanding the Complexity of Pain: Pain is not just physical, it's emotional, social, and physiological. Emotions can cause real pain and the separation of emotional and physical health is a false divide. A holistic approach is needed to effectively address pain.
Pain is not just a physical sensation, but a complex interplay of emotional, social, and physiological factors. The term "psychosomatic" is often misunderstood to mean that pain is not real, but in fact, it comes from the Greek word "somatic," meaning related to the body. Emotions, which are biological and physiological, can lead to real physical pain. The separation of emotional and physical health in Western medicine is a false divide, and most medical schools do not provide adequate pain education. This lack of understanding and training in pain can lead to inadequate treatment and perpetuate the belief that emotional and physical pain are separate. It's important to recognize that all aspects of our health are interconnected, and addressing pain requires a holistic approach that considers the emotional, social, and physical factors contributing to it.
The Role of Brain in Chronic Pain: High stress and anxiety amplify pain, while low stress and calm emotions decrease it. Negative emotions increase pain, while positive emotions decrease it. Focusing too much on pain worsens it, while distraction eases the pain.
Our current approaches to managing chronic pain, including procedures, medications, and even spinal cord stimulators, are not sufficient for many people. Instead, we can look to the brain and the role of stress, mood, and attention in pain perception. Specifically, high stress and anxiety amplify pain, while low stress and calm emotions decrease it. Negative emotions also increase pain, while positive emotions decrease it. Lastly, focusing too much on pain can make it feel worse, while distraction can make it feel better. Understanding these connections can help us approach chronic pain in new and more effective ways.
Understanding the Complexity of Pain: Pain is a complex experience influenced by our thoughts, emotions, and physical condition. The brain plays a crucial role in processing pain, and understanding this can help us better manage and cope with pain.
Pain is a complex experience that involves not just the physical sensations in the body, but also our thoughts and emotions. The brain plays a crucial role in processing pain, and different parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, and limbic system, all contribute to the pain experience. Pain is a biopsychosocial phenomenon, meaning that all factors, including our thoughts, emotions, and physical condition, influence the pain we feel. Understanding this can help us better manage and cope with pain, as we can learn to use our thoughts and emotions to our advantage in reducing pain volume. This is particularly important because pain is a universal human experience, and we all will encounter it at some point in our lives.
Understanding the Complexity of Pain: Pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Identifying these factors, or the 'pain recipe', can lead to more effective treatment.
Pain is not just a physical sensation, but a complex experience influenced by various biological, psychological, and social factors. Stress, anxiety, depression, and negative emotions can amplify pain perception in the brain. The term "pain recipe" refers to the combination of these factors that contribute to an individual's pain experience. Pain is biopsychosocial, meaning it has biological components like tissue damage, system dysfunction, and genetics, as well as psychological components like thoughts, emotions, and past trauma, and social components like socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, access to care, and social environment. Understanding the pain recipe can help healthcare professionals identify and address the root causes of pain, leading to more effective treatment.
Turn your home into an Airbnb and improve connections: Airbnb your home for income and connections, address pain roots, use pain management workbook, and tackle anxiety/depression for chronic pain relief.
Instead of letting your home collect dust and focusing solely on your pain, consider turning your home into an Airbnb and improving your network connections. This not only brings in extra income but also allows you to share your world with others. Additionally, understanding and addressing the root causes of chronic pain, such as sedentary lifestyle, social disconnection, and mental health issues, can help in managing pain effectively. It's important to remember that pain education and implementing lifestyle changes are crucial steps in hacking your pain recipe. The pain management workbook can be a valuable resource for anyone dealing with pain, as it provides tools and knowledge to better understand pain neuroscience and implement effective treatments. Furthermore, addressing anxiety and depression, which are common responses to challenging situations, can also contribute to pain relief. Overall, taking proactive steps to address both physical and emotional factors can lead to significant improvements in managing chronic pain.
Chronic pain can rewire the brain: Chronic pain can change the brain's response to pain, making it harder to recover and requiring new strategies for relief
Chronic pain can rewire the brain, leading to increased sensitivity and a stronger pain response. This process, called central sensitization, can make it difficult for individuals to recover from pain. Using the analogy of learning a new skill, the more we practice something, the stronger the neural pathways in our brain become. Unfortunately, the same thing can happen with pain. A teenager in the story had been in bed for years due to chronic pain and had seen numerous doctors and taken numerous medications. Despite this, his pain persisted, and he had given up hope. The doctor in the story was able to help him by explaining the concept of central sensitization and asking him to commit to following a treatment plan. By practicing new ways of managing his pain, the teenager was able to strengthen neural pathways that promoted pain relief and improve his overall quality of life. It's important to understand that chronic pain is not just a symptom of an injury or illness, but a complex condition that can have far-reaching effects on the brain and body.
Our brains play a significant role in chronic pain: Understanding the brain's role in chronic pain can help us manage this condition better by learning to desensitize a sensitive brain
Chronic pain isn't just about physical damage or injury. Our brains play a significant role in how we experience pain. When our brains become sensitive to pain, they interpret even small, non-dangerous signals as dangerous. This is like a car alarm going off when there's no real threat. Chronic pain can make our brains enter a constant state of alarm and stress, amplifying the pain experience. It's crucial to understand that pain doesn't always indicate danger, and the treatment involves learning to desensitize a sensitive brain. Remember, pain is always a complex interplay of biological, psychological, emotional, behavioral, social, and sociological factors. So, while we should never ignore the bigger picture, focusing on the brain's role in chronic pain can help us better understand and manage this condition.
Understanding context's impact on pain perception: Context shapes our pain experience, and CBT helps manage chronic pain by gradually exposing the brain to sensations.
The perception of pain is subjective and heavily influenced by context. The story shared about the speaker's experience with pain as a child and as an adult highlights this idea. The way people react to our pain can significantly impact our experience of it. The famous playground study further illustrates this concept, showing that a calm and nurturing response from a parent can prevent a child from crying after a fall. In the context of treating chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach that gradually exposes the brain to sensations to help desensitize it. The use of gradual exposure, as demonstrated by the example of asking a person to stand outside in the sun or walk to the mailbox, can help individuals with chronic pain manage their symptoms. Overall, understanding the role of context in pain perception and utilizing evidence-based treatments like CBT can be crucial in managing and reducing pain.
A multifaceted approach to chronic pain treatment: Addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of chronic pain can help desensitize the brain and reduce pain levels through gradually exposing individuals to increasingly challenging activities.
Effective treatment for chronic pain involves a multifaceted approach that addresses the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of an individual's life. This approach, which includes gradually exposing the person to increasingly challenging activities, can help desensitize the brain and reduce pain levels. For instance, a teenager with chronic pain was able to make significant progress by first standing on his porch, then walking around the block, and eventually jogging and running. This approach not only helped him manage his pain but also improved his overall functioning and quality of life. It's important to note that this biopsychosocial treatment for chronic pain has been known for decades, but it often gets overshadowed by the profit-driven focus on surgeries and pills in the medical community. Pain is constructed in the brain, and context plays a significant role in how it is experienced. A simple yet powerful illustration of this concept can be seen in the tale of two nails: one that is hammered into a board and one that is held in your hand. Both nails are the same, but the context in which they are experienced changes the perception of pain.
Our brains create pain sensations to protect us: Our brains can generate pain even when no injury is present, acting as a protective mechanism against potential harm.
Our brains play a crucial role in determining pain, even in the absence of actual damage or danger. The example of the construction worker who experienced intense pain after jumping onto a nail, only to discover no injury, illustrates this concept. His brain, acting as a danger detector, used all available information to create the sensation of pain, protecting him from potential harm. However, it's important to remember that the pain system, like every system in the human body, can fail, and pain is not always an accurate indicator of bodily damage. This insight into pain perception highlights the complexity of the human body and the intricacy of our nervous system.
Factors influencing pain perception: Our perception of pain can be affected by attention and available information. Ignoring or downplaying symptoms can lead to serious harm.
Our perception of pain can be influenced by various factors, including our attention to it and the information available to our brains. A child's experience of a rusty nail in his foot and a construction worker's encounter with a nail gun illustrate this concept. The child's pain was amplified when he noticed the wound and received attention from his mother, while the worker's minimal pain did not alert him to the serious damage of a 4-inch nail embedded in his face. Our brains use all available information to determine the level and necessity of pain, and ignoring or downplaying symptoms can lead to significant harm.
Understanding Pain and Harm Differences: Pain doesn't always mean damage or danger. Chronic pain doesn't necessarily require surgery. Consider biopsychosocial factors to effectively treat pain.
Pain and harm to the body are not the same thing. Pain does not always indicate danger or damage. Chronic pain, such as back pain, does not necessarily mean that there is structural damage requiring surgery. In fact, failed back surgery syndrome exists, indicating that surgeries for back pain often fail. To effectively treat pain, it's essential to consider the biopsychosocial aspects, including past trauma, toxic relationships, economic stress, and anxiety, as these factors can amplify pain signals. The brain and body are interconnected, and addressing all aspects of pain can lead to better management and relief. Despite any anxiety or nervousness about sharing this information, it's crucial to spread pain education and awareness.
Understanding the Power of Empathy and Touch in Pain Management: Empathy and touch can help alleviate pain by activating mirror neurons and sending touch messages to the brain faster than pain messages, reducing pain volume.
Our brains are wired to connect with and respond to the emotions of others through mirror neurons. This emotional contagion can lead to feeling physical pain when those around us are in pain or experiencing strong emotions. The gate control theory of pain explains how touch can help alleviate pain by sending touch messages to the brain faster than pain messages, effectively "closing the gate" and reducing pain volume. Empathy and touch are powerful tools in managing pain and should not be underestimated. Neuroscience research supports these findings and challenges traditional views on pain and empathy.
Understanding Pain as a Complex Phenomenon: Pain is complex and interconnected, affecting both the brain and body, and can be physical or emotional. Touch can interrupt pain signals, but long-term opioid use can make the brain more sensitive. Neglecting the biopsychosocial aspects of pain can harm patients, and effective treatment requires understanding this complexity.
Pain, whether physical or emotional, affects both the brain and the body. Touch can interrupt pain signals, and emotional pain can physically hurt, just like physical pain. Opioids, which are commonly used for pain relief, can alleviate both physical and emotional pain, but long-term use can make the brain more sensitive to pain. The medical community has often focused on medication as the solution to pain, but neglecting the biopsychosocial aspects can harm patients. Doctors, who genuinely want to help, have not been adequately trained in this area, and patients have been misinformed about the nature of their pain and the appropriate treatments. This misconception perpetuates the cycle, and understanding pain as a complex, interconnected phenomenon is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Understanding Pain and Pleasure's Complex Relationship with Context: Our perception of pain and pleasure is influenced by context and emotional state, and some people can even enjoy pain or spicy food in certain contexts. Practical strategies for managing pain based on this biopsychosocial approach are discussed in the book 'Explain Pain'.
Our perception of pain and pleasure is influenced by various factors, including context and emotional state. The brain interprets sensory input differently depending on these factors, and people can even desensitize to things like extreme heat or pain in certain contexts. This concept is further proven by the fact that some people enjoy pain or spicy food in specific contexts, such as with a trusted partner. The book "Explain Pain" discussed in the podcast offers practical strategies for managing pain based on this biopsychosocial approach. The host shared a heartwarming story of how the book has positively impacted people's lives, and they are committed to making it accessible to those who cannot afford it. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex relationship between pain, pleasure, and context.
The Power of Overcoming Adversity: Recognize the 'pain voice', manage it, and change it to live your best life despite past traumas or threats
Even in the face of dire threats and past traumas, it's possible to stand firm and defy adversity. Jack Barsky shared his harrowing experience of being a Soviet spy who was eventually caught by the FBI. He spoke about the pressure he faced to return home and the consequences of not complying. However, the story doesn't end there. He was eventually caught and faced his past. But the lesson goes beyond just his story. Dr. Rachel Z, a guest on the Jordan Harbinger Show, discussed the concept of the "pain voice" - the voice that tells us the pain will never go away. It's important to recognize this voice and not let it define us. Instead, we need to catch it, check it, and change it. This isn't about ignoring the pain or being insensitive, but about finding ways to manage and overcome it. The pain voice may think it's protecting us, but it's really just causing us to identify with the pain. By understanding this and taking action, we can move past our pain and live our best lives.
Enjoy warmer days with Consumers Energy's smart thermostat program: Michigan residents can save energy and money with Consumers Energy's smart thermostat program, which adjusts temperatures to maintain comfort while conserving energy.
Michigan residents aged 21 and above can enjoy the warmer days ahead with Consumers Energy's smart thermostat program. This program not only helps keep homes cool during warmer weather but also ensures energy efficiency by adjusting temperature settings by 2 to 3 degrees when necessary. It's a convenient and cost-effective solution for maintaining comfort while conserving energy. Additionally, for those struggling with gambling issues, it's important to remember that help is available. The Michigan problem gambling helpline number is 1800 270-7117. Stay cool, stay in control, and enjoy the changing seasons.
661: Rachel Zoffness | Managing Pain In Your Body and Brain
Recent Episodes from The Jordan Harbinger Show
1051: Tu Lam | From Refugee to Real American Hero
From refugee to elite soldier to Call of Duty character: Green Beret Tu Lam shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose.
What We Discuss with Tu Lam:
- Tu Lam escaped Vietnam as a child on a dangerous boat journey, enduring extreme hardship before eventually making it to the United States as a refugee.
- He faced significant racism and challenges growing up in America, but was determined to prove himself and joined the military, eventually becoming a Green Beret.
- Tu Lam served in elite special forces units for over 20 years, participating in dangerous missions around the world including hostage rescues and counterterrorism operations.
- After leaving the military, he struggled with PTSD and drug addiction, but was able to heal through various methods including psychedelic therapy.
- Tu Lam's journey shows how we can overcome extreme adversity and trauma through perseverance, seeking help when needed, and finding positive ways to channel our experiences. His story inspires us to face our own challenges with courage and to use our struggles as motivation to help others.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1051
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1050: Lisa Kaltenegger | In Search of Alien Life and Livable Worlds
Are we alone in the universe? Alien Earths author Lisa Kaltenegger joins us to discuss new discoveries in humanity's hunt for extraterrestrial life.
What We Discuss with Lisa Kaltenegger:
- The universe contains billions of stars and galaxies, with an estimated one out of five stars having a planet that could be similar to Earth in terms of potential habitability.
- Scientists use various methods to detect exoplanets, including observing changes in starlight and analyzing the light spectrum of planets to detect signs of life-sustaining elements like oxygen and methane.
- The search for extraterrestrial life involves looking for planets in the "habitable zone" or "Goldilocks zone" around stars, where conditions might allow for liquid water on the surface.
- The observable universe is limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe (approximately 13.7 billion years), meaning we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang.
- Anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery by staying curious, learning about new discoveries, and supporting science education. Even simple actions like looking up at the night sky and wondering about our place in the universe can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1050
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?
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1049: Friend Was a Creeper But You're Not His Keeper | Feedback Friday
A friend's arrest for a dark crime has you shaken. Can you protect your career and sanity from association with this monster? Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday:
- How did "The Thing" that Soviets used to spy on Americans during the Cold War (as described in episode 1027: Jonna Mendez | A Woman’s Life in the CIA) actually work? Some of our science-minded listeners have written in with fascinating answers!
- Your close friend was arrested for possessing and distributing child abuse material, leaving you and your friend group in shock. You're grappling with feelings of betrayal, questioning your judgment, and worrying about potential impacts on your career as a preschool teacher. What steps can you take to cope with this crisis and safeguard your professional reputation?
- As the new Director of Nursing Care, you're tasked with improving staff performance after years of lax management. You find yourself constantly disciplining employees and dealing with petty complaints, feeling more like a punitive boss than a supportive leader. How can you maintain positivity while addressing these challenges?
- Your wife's family is fraught with tension due to her sisters' problematic marriages, including allegations of abuse and sexual assault. Fresh to the family, you're not sure where you fit into its overall structure yet. Can you help mend family bonds or should you keep your distance?
- You're a Jewish doctor in a relationship with a Catholic woman, struggling to balance your religious practices with your desire to be with her. After a breakup and reconciliation, you discover she's still in contact with her ex. How do you address this without compromising your values or losing her?
- Recommendation of the Week: Love on the Spectrum
- As the founding CEO of a startup, you sacrificed relationships and recreation to build the company. Just as things were going well, you were replaced by the shareholders and are now owed a significant sum. How can you reclaim your professional path while rediscovering personal fulfillment?
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram...
1048: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part Two
Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 2/2 — find Pt 1 here!]
What We Discuss:
- The extreme brutality and inhumane conditions in the United States prison system, including rampant violence, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate medical care.
- The complex and dangerous social dynamics within prison, including racial segregation, gang politics, and the constant threat of violence.
- The psychological impact of long-term incarceration, including the difficulty of reintegrating into society and the lasting trauma experienced by both inmates and their families.
- The systemic issues within the American prison system, particularly the profit-driven motives of private prisons that perpetuate a cycle of crime and recidivism rather than focusing on rehabilitation.
- The power of personal transformation and education, as demonstrated by Shaun's journey from drug kingpin to advocate for prison reform. His story shows that even in the darkest circumstances, individuals can find ways to grow, learn, and ultimately use their experiences to make a positive impact on society.
- And much more — be sure to check out part one of this conversation here if you haven't already!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1048
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1047: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part One
Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 1/2]
What We Discuss:
- Shaun Attwood, a former stockbroker turned drug dealer, recounts his journey from the UK to Arizona, where he became involved in the rave scene and eventually established a large ecstasy distribution network.
- Shaun's story involves interactions with dangerous individuals, including members of the Mexican Mafia and associates of former show guest Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, highlighting the violent and unpredictable nature of the drug trade.
- The narrative illustrates the gradual escalation of criminal activities and the blurring of moral boundaries as Shaun became more deeply entrenched in the drug world.
- Shaun describes the intense paranoia and constant threat of violence that accompanied his lifestyle, demonstrating the high personal cost of his choices.
- Despite the dark nature of the story, Shaun's experiences offer valuable insights into the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making positive life choices. His journey towards redemption, which will be further explored in part two later this week, serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change course and seek a better path in life.
- And much more — be sure to tune in to part two of this conversation here later this week!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1047
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?
And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!
This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals
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1046: Hydrotherapy | Skeptical Sunday
Ice plunges, hot soaks, and eight glasses a day: Jessica Wynn splashes cold water on hydrotherapy myths and explores potential benefits on Skeptical Sunday!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Hydrotherapy, which includes various uses of water for health purposes, lacks substantial scientific evidence for many of its claimed benefits, especially for generally healthy individuals.
- The popular belief that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth perpetuated by beverage companies. Our bodies are well-equipped to signal thirst when we need hydration.
- Extreme temperature changes in hydrotherapy, such as alternating between hot and cold water, can be dangerous and potentially lead to fainting, heart problems, or drowning.
- Many of the alleged benefits of hydrotherapy, such as improved circulation or muscle recovery, can often be achieved through other, potentially safer methods like exercise or breathing techniques.
- Hydrotherapy does show promise in specific medical contexts, such as pain management for fibromyalgia, easing labor during childbirth, and assisting with certain rehabilitation exercises. If you're interested in exploring hydrotherapy for health reasons, consult with a medical professional to determine if it's appropriate for your individual needs and how to practice it safely.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Jessica Wynn.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1046
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Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee...
1045: Helping Pal Who Paid Cost for Offing His Boss | Feedback Friday
We all joke about offing the boss. Your friend actually did. He'll soon leave prison, but you're unsure how to receive him. Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:
- We've all fantasized about offing the boss, but your friend actually did it. Now he's done his time in prison and is returning home. How do you help him rejoin society without ignoring the gravity of his crime?
- You opened a bakery with your partner, but the building owner across the street turned your parking spaces into a dumpster area, including rotting fish from a sushi restaurant. Your attempts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful. How can you save your business from this smelly situation?
- Your sister-in-law is neglecting her nine-year-old daughter, keeping her out of school and leaving her alone all day. The child's father is unreliable, and you're unsure about intervening. How can you protect your niece without causing more chaos?
- Your wife suddenly claimed to be a lesbian, cheated on you, and left the family. After two years apart, you've reconciled, but things aren't going well. She's depressed, anxious, and isolating herself. Can this marriage be saved, or is it time to move on?
- Recommendation of the Week: iPhone users should consider changing default camera settings for optimal high-res photos. Here's how — with more tips here!
- As a Jewish public servant, you've faced increasing antisemitism and violence at work, even requiring hospital visits. Your progressive values are being challenged by the harsh realities of your job. How can you reconcile your ideals with your experiences?
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1045
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please <a...
1044: Dan Harris | From Breaking News to Breaking Habits
Is happiness a learnable skill? 10% Happier author Dan Harris is here to share techniques for managing stress and finding contentment in a hectic world.
What We Discuss:
- Dan Harris shares his experience as a war correspondent and his struggle with anxiety and drug use that culminated in a panic attack on live television.
- The intense and often toxic work environment in network news, particularly during Dan's early career at ABC News.
- Dan's journey from cocaine addiction to discovering meditation and mindfulness as tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- The concept of "Papañca" (mental proliferation) and how it contributes to unnecessary suffering through overthinking and projection.
- Happiness is a learnable skill. Through various practices like meditation, therapy, exercise, and mindfulness, we can train our minds to be more resilient, peaceful, and content. As Dan emphasizes, we're not stuck with our current traits as if they're unalterable factory settings — they are trainable skills that we can improve upon throughout our lives.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1044
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1043: Andrew Gold | Unveiling the Psychology of Secrets
Are secrets a burden or social glue? Psychology of Secrets author Andrew Gold delves into the evolutionary roots and modern impacts of hiding information.
What We Discuss with Andrew Gold:
- Keeping secrets can be physically and emotionally painful for humans. This evolved as a mechanism to encourage social cohesion and information sharing within tribal communities.
- There's a difference between secrets and privacy. What is considered a secret versus private information often depends on societal norms and can change over time.
- Technology is making it increasingly difficult to keep secrets, with devices like smartwatches and phones potentially revealing information we'd rather keep hidden.
- Virtue signaling and victim signaling are common behaviors, especially on social media, where people may pretend to hold certain beliefs or experiences for status or attention.
- Sharing appropriate secrets can increase intimacy and strengthen relationships. By thoughtfully opening up to others, we can build deeper connections and foster trust, leading to more meaningful interactions and a stronger support network.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1043
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1042: Sex Trafficking | Skeptical Sunday
Is sex trafficking really a global crisis or just an overblown conspiracy theory? Andrew Gold reveals truths and misconceptions on this Skeptical Sunday.
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by On the Edge host Andrew Gold!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Sex trafficking knows no borders, and the United States stands out as a particularly active region for this crime. It victimizes individuals regardless of age — notably, more than a fourth of those trafficked are minors.
- The scale of sex trafficking is difficult to determine accurately, with estimates varying widely. This uncertainty stems from the underground nature of the crime and challenges in data collection.
- Sex trafficking victims often suffer severe physical and mental health consequences, including STIs, injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues. The average lifespan of women in prostitution is tragically short at around 34 years.
- The issue of sex trafficking is frequently politicized and weaponized, sometimes exaggerated for political gain. However, it remains a serious problem that ruins thousands of lives through organized crime networks and individual traffickers.
- Education and awareness are key tools in combating sex trafficking. By learning about the issue, discussing it openly, and spreading accurate information, we can help inform potential victims about the dangers and contribute to prevention efforts. Everyone can play a role in this by staying informed and sharing knowledge with others.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!
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Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1042
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