Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman (SBK) joins The Nick Standlea Show to talk about his new book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. From his early years in special education to earning a PhD and becoming one of psychology’s most engaging voices, SBK shares powerful stories, science-backed insights, and mindset-shifting strategies for anyone looking to take back control of their life. We dive into why the victim mindset is so seductive, how social media rewards helplessness, and why sensitivity can be a superpower when embraced the right way. This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to live with more agency, authenticity, and purpose.

🎯 Big Takeaway from the Episode with Scott Barry Kaufman You are not powerless—no matter what you've been through. Victimhood may be real, but staying in a victim mindset is a choice. Empowerment begins when you stop waiting to be saved and start saying, “Yes, this happened… and now what?”

Throughout the episode, SBK drives home that:

Trauma doesn't have to define you.

Sensitivity isn't weakness—it’s a superpower, if you own it.

The algorithm—and culture—might reward helplessness, but real growth happens when you reclaim your agency.

Whether you’ve faced real adversity or just feel stuck, Rise Above offers the mindset shifts, language, and tools to stop blaming the world—and start building a better one, starting from within.

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Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

Timestamps: 0:00 – Scott Barry Kaufman (SBK) 1:32 – Joan Rivers quote & the power of inner change 3:01 – Defining the victim mindset 4:50 – How social media rewards victim identity 6:30 – The algorithm vs. real growth 9:00 – Tribalism, status, and survival wiring 11:00 – College essays, agency, and who gets rewarded 13:20 – What California universities are missing 16:00 – SBK’s story: From special ed to Ivy League professor 20:00 – Choir, cello, hacking: Unearthing hidden talent 22:30 – “Yes, and” mindset explained 24:00 – SBK on neuroticism and how he changed 26:50 – Empowerment vs. fragility 29:00 – Sensitivity as strength 30:45 – The male stigma around being sensitive 32:00 – Maddie, rejection, and the incel epidemic 36:30 – Redefining trauma and responsibility 41:05 – Vulnerable narcissism: What it is and why it matters 44:41 – Entitlement vs. contribution 45:56 – Final thoughts & where to find SBK

Ask questions. Don't accept the status quo. And be curious.

Can plunging into freezing water actually boost your workouts, improve mental health, and improve libido? Professor Thomas Seager, co-founder of Morozko Forge (they built Joe Rogan's home ice bath), thinks so—and he's got the data to back it up.

In this episode of The Nick Standlea Show, we dive into the emerging science behind cold exposure and its surprising effects on metabolism, mood, and stress resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned cold-plunger or cold-curious, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about discomfort, healing, and health.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode explores the science and personal experiences behind cold plunging as a tool for mental clarity, stress relief, and metabolic health. While many of the claims discussed are supported by emerging research, others remain anecdotal or under-studied. Cold exposure may offer real benefits, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Individuals with chronic health conditions—especially hypertension, thyroid disorders, or hormone imbalances—should consult a healthcare professional before starting any extreme cold therapy.

The views expressed are those of the guest and do not constitute medical advice.

What We Covered: ✅ How cold plunges activate brown fat and supports metabolism ✅ The "dive reflex" and parasympathetic nervous system response ✅ Why cold plunges might improve focus, resilience, and libido ✅ Whether plunging before or after workouts is a good idea ✅ The role of cold in regulating stress and boosting mood ⚠️ Claims about diabetes, thyroid function, or testosterone remain unproven in clinical settings and need more controlled studies

Takeaway: Cold plunges are a powerful form of hormetic stress—challenging in the short term, but potentially beneficial in the long term. Just like lifting weights, the key is proper use, gradual adaptation, and listening to your body.

💡 "Start cold enough to gasp, stay long enough to shiver, and always prioritize safety."

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Learn More About Morozko Forge Ice Baths: https://www.morozkoforge.com

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Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

Why do we stop noticing the most meaningful parts of our lives?

In this episode of The Nick Standlea Show, neuroscientist and author Dr. Tali Sharot joins Nick to discuss her new book, Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There. They explore the science of habituation, the secret to revitalizing relationships, reigniting joy, and making everyday life feel vibrant again. From midlife malaise to marriage monotony, Tali explains how small changes—like disrupting routines or traveling differently—can help us rediscover wonder.

We also unpack: * Why we become desensitized to even the best parts of life * How novelty recharges the brain * What brain science says about risk-taking, lying, and truth-telling * Tips for keeping long-term relationships exciting * Why TikTok is easy—but snowboarding is better

Stick around to hear Dr Sharot's ideas for a future tech tool that could measure confirmation bias—and maybe even help break our online echo chambers.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge your thinking and sharpen your curiosity.

📚 Get the book: Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There - https://amzn.to/3YxJEmf

🎙 More from Tali Sharot: The Affective Brain Lab - https://affectivebrain.com

TED Talks: How to motivate yourself to change your behavior - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp0O2vi8DX4

The optimism bias https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8rmi95pYL0

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Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

00:00 – Intro: Who is Tali Sharot? 01:03 – The U-curve of happiness & Nick’s midlife story 03:19 – Why happiness dips in midlife 07:23 – What is habituation and why it matters 10:13 – Why routine dulls life—and how novelty revives it 11:50 – Habituation, lying, and risk-taking 20:52 – How to revive long-term relationships and marriages 24:00 – The balance between explorers and routine-seekers 27:23 – Why even novelty needs contrast to feel new 28:03 – Travel tips to make experiences more memorable 30:45 – Nick’s Amazon honeymoon story (and why luxury feels better after hardship) 34:09 – Can habituation explain the midlife crisis? 39:32 – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow, and the difficulty of starting meaningful activities 41:00 – Small changes vs. big shake-ups—what really works? 43:38 – Nick on how the podcast adds challenge and learning 45:08 – Tali's tips: easy changes that fight habituation 48:30 – What’s next for Tali Sharot’s research 52:24 – Could we measure confirmation bias with tech? 54:07 – Why echo chambers are dangerous 55:06 – Where to find Tali Sharot and her work 55:29 – Final thoughts: Be curious

Jay Baer, marketing strategist, bestselling author, and customer experience expert, joins The Nick Standlea Show to break down what small businesses are getting wrong about marketing, customer trust, and growth. He shares why most brands are too broad, how to turn customer complaints into business opportunities, and why social media isn’t the silver bullet many think it is.

In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why unhappy customers are your most valuable asset ✔️ How to build a marketing strategy that actually works ✔️ The real reason most businesses struggle to grow ✔️ How AI is changing customer interactions

If you run a business, manage a brand, or want to sharpen your marketing approach, this episode is a must-watch.

#Marketing #SmallBusiness #JayBaer #CustomerExperience #TheNickStandleaShow

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Connect with Jay Baer: Website: www.JayBaer.com Books: JayBaer.com/books Newsletter: www.TheBaerFacts.com 83 recommended tequila brands: www.JayTequila.com IG: @jaybaer IG: @tequilajaybaer LI: JayBaer

Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Matters 02:39 – The Airplane Bathroom Story & the Power of Persuasion 06:13 – Most Websites Are Built Wrong—Here’s How to Fix Yours 08:43 – The Biggest Mistake Podcast Hosts Make 11:44 – The #1 Challenge Small Business Owners Face 15:02 – Why Ignoring Customer Complaints Costs You More Than You Think 25:05 – Only 5% of Unhappy Customers Actually Complain—What That Means for You 33:59 – How to Handle Social Media Trolls Like a Pro 43:10 – The One Marketing Strategy That Still Works Today 57:35 – The Genius Cake Strategy That Closed 92% of Deals

Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

"Mindfulness isn’t about shutting off your thoughts—it’s about choosing which ones fuel success."

Welcome to a deep-dive into the reality of performance—both on the field and in life. On this episode of The Nick Standlea Show, I sit down with Micha Shaw, a former elite athlete turned mindfulness coach, to dissect what it really takes to win when the odds are stacked against you.

Expect raw honesty and razor-sharp insights. Micha doesn’t sugarcoat the fact that success isn’t just about natural talent—it’s a mental game. She shares how mindfulness, meditation, and even the humble act of journaling can transform nervous energy into competitive fire. If you’re tired of the endless hype and ready for practical, actionable strategies, this conversation is your blueprint for mastering the inner game.

Highlights Include: *How to flip anxiety into excitement and channel it for peak performance. *The surprising role of mindfulness in competitive sports and everyday life. *Why cold plunges, deep breaths, and even self-love notes might be your secret weapons.

This isn’t your typical inspirational fluff—it’s actionable insights for anyone ready to challenge the status quo and own their story. So, if you’re ready to unlock your potential, hit play and let’s get into it.

Subscribe • Rate 5 Stars • Comment

#Mindfulness #Performance #athletemindset #nickstandleashow #michashaw

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Guest, Micha Shaw, Mental Skills Coach: Instagram: @michashaw YouTube: @michashaw www.MichaShaw.com

Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

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Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

🚨 Albert Puig, the former director of La Masia—Barcelona’s world-renowned youth academy—and Bernat Franquesa, his co-founder at APFC Courses, join The Nick Standlea Show to share their insights on soccer development, life lessons, and teaching creativity.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How La Masia became the "Silicon Valley of Soccer"
• Why the best players focus on mindset over athleticism
• The vital role of competition in self-growth
• How to teach creativity and vision to young athletes
• The importance of passion, hard work, and resilience in sports and life

🌟 Learn from the coaches who helped develop stars like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Gerard Piqué.

📖 Want to take your coaching to the next level? Check out APFC Courses at APFCourses.com to learn the Barcelona methodology straight from the experts.

For training straight from the experts in San Diego, California, check out APFCTraining.com

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into personal growth and high performance on The Nick Standlea Show

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Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction Nick introduces Albert Puig, former director of La Masia, and Bernat Franquesa, co-founder of APFC Courses.

0:49 – What Makes La Masia Special? Albert shares insights on why La Masia is considered the "Silicon Valley of soccer."

2:27 – Pressure at the Top: Life at La Masia Albert reflects on the challenges of working in one of the most prestigious soccer academies.

6:12 – Budget vs. Value: La Masia’s Economic Impact The surprising revenue La Masia’s players generate for FC Barcelona.

9:01 – Winning vs. Development Why the focus at La Masia is on long-term growth over short-term victories.

12:07 – Competition: A Battle With Yourself Albert and Bernat discuss how soccer teaches life’s most important lesson: competing with yourself.

17:18 – Do You Want the Ball? Lessons for Life How wanting to dominate the ball translates to ambition in life.

20:52 – The Train Moment: Deciding to Seize Opportunities Bernat shares stories of players who made—or missed—their moments.

28:45 – Hunger vs. Comfort: Cultural Differences in Development The contrast between player development in Spain and the U.S.

30:39 – Speed of Mind vs. Speed of Body Albert explains why decision-making is the most important skill in soccer.

35:04 – Teaching Vision and Creativity How to develop players who can see the game before it happens.

42:00 – Parents: Step Back and Let Players Learn Why over-involvement from parents can hinder a player’s growth.

47:15 – Balancing Passion and Intensity What makes a great coach? Passion, love, and intensity.

54:00 – Preparation for Life: Lessons Beyond Soccer Using soccer as a tool to teach life’s greatest lessons.

58:08 – Lamine Yamal: A Special Talent Albert reflects on spotting talent like Lamine Yamal and what sets him apart.

1:00:29 – Advice for Coaches Albert and Bernat’s final words of wisdom for coaches: focus on development, not results.

1:01:18 – Closing Remarks Nick wraps up with gratitude and a reminder to stay curious.

Today we dive into the wisdom of Naval Ravikant, as captured in "The Almanack of Naval." (Naval, if you're listening or watching, I would love to have you on the full show for an interview!) This book, curated by Eric Jorgenson, is a compilation of Naval Ravikant's insights on wealth and happiness, drawn from his interviews, tweets, and blog posts over the past decade.

Naval, a successful entrepreneur, investor, and philosopher, shares his unique perspectives on: ● Building Wealth: Discover Naval's principles for achieving financial freedom through specific knowledge, leverage, and long-term thinking. ● Finding Happiness: Explore the importance of habits, acceptance, and mental clarity in cultivating lasting happiness.

Let's unpack Naval's thought-provoking ideas and discuss how they can be applied to your own life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned investor, or simply seeking a more fulfilling life, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.

You can find more of Naval's work at: ● Twitter: Twitter.com/Naval ● His website: https://nav.al/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone seeking wisdom and inspiration!

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Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

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Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

#NavalRavikant #TheAlmanackofNavalRavikant #Wealth #Happiness #MeaningfulLife #TheNickStandleaShow

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Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

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Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.