This week I discuss a fascinating research paper that changes how we think about salt and blood pressure.

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This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores something many of us experience: replaying conversations in our minds and wondering if we said the right thing. Why do social interactions sometimes leave us doubting ourselves? Carly reflects on the quiet pressure we often place on ourselves to be interesting, articulate, or insightful in conversations, and how that pressure can fuel our inner critic. Drawing on ideas from Japanese psychology, particularly Morita therapy, she shares a simple shift that can help conversations feel more natural: moving our attention away from how we’re performing and toward genuine curiosity and presence with the person in front of us.

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In this conversation, Graeme Cowan shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and discusses the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. He highlights the impact of stress and burnout, the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety, and practical strategies for self-care and mindset shifts. Graeme emphasises the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and provides actionable insights for individuals and leaders to create a supportive work environment.

Takeaways

• Graeme Cowan experienced severe depression after a business downturn.
• The impact of mental health extends to loved ones, not just the individual.
• Workplace programs can leverage large numbers of participants for mental health awareness.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in mental health advocacy.
• Many managers experience severe stress, affecting team engagement.
• Psychological safety is crucial for team performance and innovation.
• Self-compassion can enhance resilience and risk-taking.
• A growth mindset encourages continuous learning and improvement.
• Intentional actions significantly influence our mood and well-being.
• Building supportive relationships is essential for mental health.

00:00 The Journey to Mental Health Awareness

11:00 Understanding Workplace Stress and Burnout

17:00 Leadership and Psychological Safety in the Workplace

22:35 The Origins of Team Effectiveness

27:32 Mindset and Self-Compassion

33:14 The Great Leaders Care Mindset

43:40 Practical Steps for Individuals and Teams

Resources

Graeme Cowan’s latest book; Great Leaders Care

Weblink: https://graemecowan.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecowan1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemecowan/

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Do you ever shrink yourself because someone else seems further ahead, more confident, fitter, happier, or more successful? In this episode of Mojo Monday, Carly explores the psychology behind comparison and the idea of an inferiority complex through the lens of Hardiness. Rather than trying to stop comparing, she explains why it’s a normal human response and how the real power lies in how we interpret it. When comparison is seen as a threat, we withdraw. When it’s viewed as a challenge, we move into action. This episode is a practical reminder to shift your focus to what’s in your control and take one small step forward, even when discomfort is present.

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This is a repeat episode with the rock star, neuroscientist Ken Mogi as I felt it was so good, I’m playing it again! We discuss the concept of Ikigai, which translates to 'a reason to live.' Ken explains how Ikigai encompasses more than just work, emphasising the importance of starting small, releasing oneself to achieve flow, and finding joy in little things. Ken outlines the five pillars of Ikigai, which include harmony and sustainability, and the significance of being present in the moment. He encourages listeners to reconnect with their inner child to discover their Ikigai and live a fulfilling life.

Timestamps:

04:00 Understanding Ikigai: More Than Just Work

07:56 The Five Pillars of Ikigai: Starting Small

14:52 Releasing Yourself: The Flow State Connection

28:05 Harmony and Sustainability in Life

34:59 The Joy of Little Things

40:48 Being in the Here and Now

53:00 Final Thoughts on Finding Your Ikigai

Resources

Connected with Ken Mogi

Books

Think Like a Stoic

The Little Book of Ikigai

https://www.instagram.com/qualiaken/?hl=en

https://x.com/kenmogi?lang=en

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have regrets — moments we wish we could redo, words we wish we could take back, choices that cost us something.

In this week’s Mojo Monday, Carly explores how regret can either keep us stuck in self-criticism or become a powerful teacher. Drawing on Stoic wisdom and the framework of Hardiness, she shares how looking back with awareness can help us grow forward with intention.

If there’s something you’ve been holding onto, this episode offers a new lens — one that turns regret into growth.

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