• Decoding Our Ancestors: How Evolutionary Psychology Explains Fear, Phobias, and Irrational Behavior
    Mar 26 2026
    00:00:25 Hello listeners00:05:59 Phobias00:12:04 Anxiety and Fear00:20:38 Does Free Will Exist?00:25:30 Takeaways00:00:25 Hello listeners00:05:59 Phobias00:12:04 Anxiety and Fear00:20:38 Does Free Will Exist?00:25:30 TakeawaysPsychological Triggers: Human Nature, Irrationality, and Why We Do What We Do. The Hidden Influences Behind Our Actions, Thoughts, and Behaviors. (Understand Your Brain Better)By: Peter Hollins Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/psychologicaltriggershollinsUnderstand, avoid, and defeat the subconscious causes of your irrational and self-defeating behaviors. It’s only human nature.A psychological trigger is something that causes us to act out of urgency - not correctness or even happiness. It’s a switch that is flipped outside of our consciousness. This is fertile ground for some of the worst decisions of our lives.Seize control and of your impulses and make better decisions.Psychological Triggers is an introduction to yourself - your impulses, your desires, and everything in your subconscious that drives you to action. It answers the question, “Why did I just make a terrible choice when I know I shouldn’t have?”We are all slaves to our triggers, and this book seeks to identify them to better battle them. We might think we are making our decisions independently and out of free will, but you’ll discover that to be far from reality.Master your psychology, master your life.Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.Think clearly and triumph over your human nature.•The triggering effects of social pressure and conformity.•How everyday emotions are behind some of the most powerful triggers.•Natural, biological, evolutionary human drives - can you regulate them?•Simple thinking traps we all fall victim to.•The notion of free will and whether it truly exists.Beat psychological triggers, reclaim your free will, and irrationality.Is purely rational thinking, devoid of emotion and human drives, a reality? Probably not. But you can certainly live free from your worst impulses and irrational hunches, which are what psychological triggers create more often than not. See yourself thrive from consistently making beneficial decisions and defeating your primal psychology. Understand, avoid, and defeat the subconscious causes of your irrational and self-defeating behaviors. It’s only human nature.A psychological trigger is something that causes us to act out of urgency - not correctness or even happiness. It’s a switch that is flipped outside of our consciousness. This is fertile ground for some of the worst decisions of our lives.Seize control and of your impulses and make better decisions.Psychological Triggers is an introduction to yourself - your impulses, your desires, and everything in your subconscious that drives you to action. It answers the question, “Why did I just make a terrible choice when I know I shouldn’t have?”We are all slaves to our triggers, and this book seeks to identify them to better battle them. We might think we are making our decisions independently and out of free will, but you’ll discover that to be far from reality.Master your psychology, master your life.Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.Think clearly and triumph over your human nature.• The triggering effects of social pressure and conformity.• How everyday emotions are behind some of the most powerful triggers.• Natural, biological, evolutionary human drives - can you regulate them?• Simple thinking traps we all fall victim to.• The notion of free will and whether it truly exists.Beat psychological triggers, reclaim your free will, and irrationality.Is purely rational thinking, devoid of emotion and human drives, a reality? Probably not. But you can certainly live free from your worst impulses and irrational hunches, which are what psychological triggers create more ...
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    28 mins
  • From Eureka to Empires: Archimedes' Genius and the Legacy of Scientific Discovery
    Mar 19 2026

    00:00:28 Hello listeners

    00:01:03 “Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough, and I will move the world."

    00:13:40 • Use breaks and rest strategically.

    00:14:31 • Cut down on noise and distraction.

    00:15:17 • Honor your random insights and epiphanies by writing them down when they happen.

    00:18:00 • Find a task so engrossing that it makes the rest of the world disappear.

    00:18:29 • It may sound obvious, but if you’re “on a roll,” don’t forcefully stop yourself.

    00:18:46 • Even our passions can be a drag sometimes, but it’s often just a question of getting started and staying with a task long enough for our own natural momentum to kick in.

    00:20:00 • Whatever you’re trying to learn, find ways to anchor it in your everyday life.

    00:28:31 Questions for reflection

    00:00:28 Hello listeners

    00:01:03 “Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough, and I will move the world."

    00:13:40 • Use breaks and rest strategically.

    00:14:31 • Cut down on noise and distraction.

    00:15:17 • Honor your random insights and epiphanies by writing them down when they happen.

    00:18:00 • Find a task so engrossing that it makes the rest of the world disappear.

    00:18:29 • It may sound obvious, but if you’re “on a roll,” don’t forcefully stop yourself.

    00:18:46 • Even our passions can be a drag sometimes, but it’s often just a question of getting started and staying with a task long enough for our own natural momentum to kick in.

    00:20:00 • Whatever you’re trying to learn, find ways to anchor it in your everyday life.

    00:28:31 Questions for reflection


    Think Like the Greats: Lessons from History’s Top Performers, Champions, and Masters (Mental Models for Better Living Book 9)


    By Peter Hollins


    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8QJZCV



    What if the secret to greatness isn’t talent, but how you think?

    Imagine channeling the calm discipline of Marcus Aurelius in chaos, the precision of Marie Curie in pursuit of truth, the inventive fire of Archimedes under pressure, the emotional genius of Shakespeare on the page, and the relentless artistry of Mozart in the face of rejection.


    THINK LIKE THE GREATS is not a biography compilation — it’s your mental upgrade, built on the tested thinking patterns of the world’s most iconic performers, inventors, creators, and philosophers. These were not just individuals of talent, but of uncommon perspective — and this book decodes their mental frameworks for modern use.


    Inside, you’ll uncover how to:


    Strengthen Mental Clarity and Control: Apply Stoic reasoning from Marcus Aurelius to stay steady in a turbulent world.


    Fuel Lifelong Curiosity and Grit: Embrace the scientific persistence and intellectual courage of Marie Curie to solve hard problems.


    Think in First Principles: Adopt Archimedes’ radical approach to innovation and insight — not just solving problems, but reframing them.


    Master Emotional Intelligence Through Story: Learn how Shakespeare used narrative to expose human truth and influence minds across centuries.


    Produce at a High Level with Consistency: Unpack the rituals and resilience behind Mozart’s relentless creativity and output.


    Whether you’re building a company, crafting your legacy, or just hungry to be better — the masters of history have already left the blueprint. This book hands it to you.


    Stop following the average path. Start thinking like the greats — and create your own enduring masterpiece.


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    30 mins
  • Breaking Free: From Laziness to Laser Focus - Mastering Mindset & Action
    Mar 12 2026

    00:00:27 Hello listeners, welcome to The Science of Self

    00:05:34 The Different Types of Laziness

    00:20:21 Make the Serenity Prayer your new mantra

    How To Do Things You Hate: Self-Discipline to Suffer Less, Embrace the Suck, and Achieve Anything (Live a Disciplined Life Book 16) By: Peter Hollins



    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGRD68JL

    Doing things you hate is a skill. And it's a skill that is always in high demand.

    Look, you can teach hard skills. You can teach a monkey to do lots of things that humans can do. But you can't force them to work without a monkey revolt on your hands.


    All growth comes from discomfort and the ability to push through.

    How To Do Things You Hate is a primer on how you can embody the self-discipline to live the life you want. It's not easy; otherwise everyone would be there. It requires surmounting boulders, crossing oceans, and not a small amount of pain. It's always worth it, but are you able to get there? Are you tough enough? Can you find the motivation inside you somewhere? Are you able to taking it on the chin?


    After this book, you will be able to resoundingly say YES!


    Self-discipline and willpower are the best habits, because everything can stack on them.

    Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.


    Not just more productivity, but you'll start to notice that your to-do list will always be DONE.

    -Diagnose and understand the exact type of laziness problem you have and why your butt is always glued to the couch.

    -The value of discomfort and how to love it with daily exercises and practices that make you absolutely monk-like.

    -The incredibly valuable 90-second rule of emotional volatility and self-mastery.

    -The doom loop of procrastination and how you are probably caught in it right now, every day.

    -How you should approach your daily tasks like a pro athlete with daily routines, and activation modes .

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    24 mins
  • We Are On A Break
    Oct 13 2025
    Brief Break, Back Soon

    Louisa: [00:00:00] Hello everyone, and thank you so much for tuning in to our series. We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement. Your enthusiasm inspires us to keep creating and sharing meaningful content with you.

    As you may already know, we'll be taking a short break. But don't worry, this pause is just an opportunity for us to recharge, gather new ideas, and come back with even more exciting episodes that we know you'll love. We anticipate returning with fresh and inspiring content in just a few weeks.


    In the meantime, feel free to catch up on any episodes you might have missed or revisit your favorites. We’ll be back before you know it, ready to explore new topics and share even more amazing stories. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to embark on this next chapter together.


    Stay tuned for updates, and until then, take care and keep being amazing. Thank you once again for listening. [00:01:00] See you soon!

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    1 min
  • Unlock Your Brainpower: Mastering Memory & Test-Taking with Retrieval Practice & Spaced Repetition 🎧 🧠 📚
    Sep 18 2025

    00:08:41 Successive relearning, according to learning expert Bill Cerbin

    00:14:43 Here are a few steps to get you started

    00:21:29 Here are the primary takeaways from today's episode.

    Become a Studying and Learning Machine: Strategies For the Top of the Class, Promotions, and Smashing Your Goals (Learning how to Learn Book 27) By Peter Hollins


    Hear it Here - bit.ly/4hqQa5q


    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D41QTWPY


    The best students, the top performers, the quickest learners - it's not by luck. They know what they're doing, and you can be like them too.

    We've never been taught how to learn. Yet learning is the keystone to any goal you want to achieve. Let's start changing your life with this very book.


    A learning structure and framework that takes you from A-Z, in what to do and how to approach it.

    STUDYING AND LEARNING MACHINE takes you on a psychological and physiological journey of your brain and how to work with it best. What your brain likes and hates - that will 1000% impact how quickly and effectively you learn. The more you learn, the more you earn! So let's go on this journey together of how to maximize your time, money, and life path!


    Master your approach and save countless hours.

    Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.


    Smarter, faster, and better ways to achieve expertise.

    -What Descartes had to say about effective reading and retention.

    -How to 'scaffold' content that you read for better memorization.

    -The STIC framework and how it makes your brain want to help you learn better.

    -Understanding various types of thinking modes and when to use each one.

    -Play - how it helps learning and how you can speed up your learning 2x.

    -How to climb a 'skill tree' to keep your progress efficient and effective .


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    23 mins
  • Integrating Fun for Growth: Jolynn Ledgerwood on Playful Practices ***HIGHLIGHTS*** - Social Skills Coaching
    Sep 15 2025

    Unlock Productivity with Play: A Conversation with Jolyn Ledgerwood

    See the full converstaion at https://youtu.be/VleRbyL5L0Q

    Join us on Social Skills Coaching as we delve into an insightful conversation with Jolyn Ledgerwood, a consultant, coach, and founder of Elevate Your Talent. Discover how Jolyn transitioned from corporate training to personal coaching, using innovative methodologies like Lego Serious Play and Clifton Strengths. Learn about the importance of play in the workplace, the value of mental health, and practical tips for personal and professional growth. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how embracing playfulness can make you more productive and fulfilled.


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:36 Meet Jolyn Ledgerwood

    02:10 Discovering Lego Serious Play

    03:33 The Power of Play in the Workplace

    05:30 Jolyn's Background and Methodologies

    10:24 Advocating for Mental Health

    12:50 Connecting and Coaching with Jolyn

    14:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    15 mins
  • Pleasure vs. Purpose: Hedonism's Tightrope Walk - Exploring Aristippus & the Ethics of Fulfillment
    Sep 9 2025

    00:01:09 Aristippus and Ethical Hedonism.

    00:07:45 How is Ethical Hedonism Different from Hedonism?

    00:10:37 Reframe the Way You Think about Pleasure

    00:17:45 Reframe the Way You Think about Pain

    00:22:52 Here are the main takeaways from today's episode.

    Philosophies on Self-Discipline: Lessons from History’s Greatest Thinkers on How to Start, Endure, Finish, & Achieve (Live a Disciplined Life Book 7) By Peter Hollins


    Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/philosophieshollins



    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H1BSFCV



    8 meditations on goal achievement and getting things done no matter the circumstances.


    Instead of trying to go it alone or wing it, apply lessons from some of history’s greatest thinkers. Harness thousands of years worth of wisdom, not just your own.


    Our thoughts determine our actions. Learn from the best and create a self-disciplined mindset.


    Philosophies on Self-Discipline brings you the condensed knowledge of philosophers, polymaths, scientists, and psychologists. You will gain a working knowledge of many classic texts and theories, and learn how to apply them to your own modern life. There is no better way to become a well-rounded person who is also productive on command, and never prone to procrastinating.


    Thousands of years of knowledge in one book.


    Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.


    A quintessential guide for procrastinators and couch potatoes.


    •Plato, Akrasia, and the power of small wins.•Nietzsche and the energy that our willpower runs on.•How to re-imagine hedonism for your own purposes.•Freud, subconscious desires, and getting things done.•The science of behaviorism and what we can learn from rats.•Kaizen, rituals, and focusing on the present.


    Use tips and techniques that combine psychology with philosophy.


    No more ifs, buts, or ands. Just simple action and execution.


    Get started, fight your resistance, and finish your task -- starting with clicking the BUY NOW button.


    This is the seventh book in the “Live a Disciplined Life” series, as listed below:1.The Science of Self-Discipline: The Willpower, Mental Toughness, and Self-Control to Resist Temptation and Achieve Your Goals2.Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline3.Neuro-Discipline: Everyday Neuroscience for Self-Discipline, Focus, and Defeating Your Brain’s Impulsive and Distracted Nature4.Mind Over Matter: The Self-Discipline to Execute Without Excuses, Control Your Impulses, and Keep Going When You Want to Give Up5. Practical Self-Discipline6.Legendary Self-Discipline: Lessons from Mythology and Modern Heroes on Choosing the Right Path Over the Easy Path7. Philosophies on Self-Discipline: Lessons from History’s Greatest Thinkers on How to Start, Endure, Finish, & Achieve.

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    26 mins
  • Unlocking Potential: Mentorship, Coaching, and Personal Growth ***HIGHLIGHTS from Sonya Figueiredo***
    Sep 6 2025

    Unlocking Deeper Connections & Overcoming Trauma with Sonya Figueiredo

    See the full conversation at https://youtu.be/JFLM-8xD07Y

    In this insightful episode of The Science of Self, host Russell interviews Sonya Figueiredo, founder of Mindful Transitions. Sonya shares her personal journey that led her to start her coaching business, focusing on professional women in the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of addressing deeper issues, breaking through personal barriers, and fostering genuine connections in all facets of life. Sonya discusses the difference between coaching and therapy, the significance of understanding one's 'why,' and practical tips for self-improvement and daily routines. Learn how to navigate life's challenges and improve your relationships from the inside out.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:22 Sonya's Journey to Mindful Transitions

    02:26 Understanding Trauma and Coaching

    04:25 Purpose and Self-Discovery

    06:32 Self-Improvement Courses and Techniques

    13:20 Daily Routines and Habits

    16:13 Final Thoughts and Closing

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    18 mins