What if stress isn't the enemy we thought it was? Our guest today suggests that certain aspects of stress can actually be powerful motivators. But here's the catch: there's a sweet spot, and most of us tend to overshoot it.

Today I'm speaking with Dr. Stephen Sideroff. This is a conversation you will want to listen to multiple times, or at least have a notepad with you so you can jot down some notes. In fact, you're going to want to listen to this multiple times because it's packed with incredible information and things that I think are essentials in our lives.

Dr. Sideroff is an internationally recognized expert in psychology and resilience. Not only has he published groundbreaking research, but he has served as an associate professor at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine. Now, he's sharing his expertise in his new book, "The 9 Pillars of Resilience," offering insights into mastering stress, aging gracefully, and enhancing vitality.

In this episode, we discussed:

Why stress is the master hallmark of aging

The power of confronting unfinished emotional business in Chapter X

How we can get past the discomfort of exploring our buried feelings

Discovering the starting point for challenging our inner critic

Dr. Stephen Sideroff breaks down the nine pillars of resilience

How our presence can impact each other unconsciously

The 9 Pillars of Resilience Book

Purpose: The Ultimate in “Use It or Lose It” on Psychology Today

How does one reach the pivotal moment that propels them into the next chapter of their life? For our guest today, that moment unfolded in a Starbucks, where Jeff Eamers stumbled upon a newspaper ad seeking volunteers for suicide prevention. Having battled his own demons for years, Jeff saw this not just as an opportunity, but as a calling.

In his past life, Jeff wore many hats—writer, director, producer, counselor—all while battling the tumultuous challenges of bipolar disorder. Now, he's found peace and purpose as a practicing psychotherapist and the voice behind the upcoming Three Moments in Time podcast. He lives in the California desert with his two dogs and 11 chickens.

Jeff's journey is one marked by resilience, vulnerability, and the unwavering determination to confront the darkest aspects of the human experience. But a word of caution: Jeff's story is unfiltered and may touch on themes of mental illness that could trigger some listeners.

We discussed:

The first hospitalization at 21 marked the onset of a series of mental health challenges for Jeff

How a major film opportunity brought Jeff from the advertising world to Los Angeles

Jeff reflects on the experience of navigating manic highs and depressive lows

Why he transitioned from Hollywood to suicide prevention counseling

How the sudden loss of his best friend served as a wake-up call

Why Jeff decided to pursue a new academic journey at 55

Jeff shares his understanding of the single most crucial factor in healing

Mental health in the high desert: A Yucca Valley man, animal rescue and the open landscape via Desert Sun

www.eamertherapy.com

What could be more crucial as we enter Chapter X than knowing our purpose? Today, I’m happy to have Ian Chamandy on board. He’s developed a groundbreaking program aimed at helping people define their purpose.

Ian is no stranger to purpose-driven work. As a founding partner of Blueprint Business Architecture, he's helped hundreds of companies define their unique essence in seven words or less. But Ian's mission goes beyond corporate boardrooms. He firmly believes that every single one of us has a unique purpose waiting to be discovered.

In this episode, Ian walks us through his method for defining purpose, showing us how it can transform not only our decision-making but also our personal fulfillment. Through stories and practical advice, he shines a light on the power of aligning our purpose with our values, talents, and aspirations.

We discussed:

The impact of a simple reminder Ian taped to the wall above his typewriter

How we can apply a key business principle to develop our own purpose

The magic of defining what makes you uniquely remarkable (in seven words or less)

Why discovering your purpose can help you make better decisions

Three things that defining your purpose will do as you transition into Chapter X

Visit Purpose(U) at purposeu.co

Ian Chamandy on LinkedIn