After a few weeks off the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is back with an amazing guest. Paul Taylor. Paul and I have bumped into each other on a number of occasions at Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff events where he has been presenting. Every time I have heard Paul's presentation it has challenged my thinking. A former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer and former Research Professor at the University of San Francisco,Paul is an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and Neuroscientist who is currently completing a PhD in Applied Psychology, where he is developing and testing resilience strategies with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group. A Podcast host, published Author and TV presenter through his program Body and Brain Overhaul, he was twice voted Australian Fitness Industry presenter of the year. Paul has a proven track record in leadership, management and dealing in high-pressure situations, through his former roles as an Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and a Helicopter Search-And-Rescue Crew Member with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and has undergone rigorous Combat Survival and Resistance-to-Interrogation Training. Paul doesn’t just talk about resilience - he lives it. Enjoy listening to Episode 23 of the podcast by subscribing and downloading it at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au   Takeaways: Paul Taylor's decision to join the armed forces was influenced by a moment in India and a desire for discipline in his life. The military provided Paul with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, but transitioning to civilian life can be challenging, especially in terms of finding a new identity. Paul's experience in the military and his passion for helping others led him to become an educator and speaker, focusing on behavior change and helping people become better versions of themselves. He is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology and working with the Australian military on resilience and peak performance. Building stress fitness and resilience requires implementing strategies and tools. Hormesis is the concept that sublethal exposure to stressors can induce stress resistance. Recovery and balance are crucial in managing stress. Focusing on what is within our control and finding the silver lining in difficult situations can help build resilience. Character development is important for personal growth and well-being. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Shared Wisdom 02:28 The Impact of a Moment in India 05:06 Joining the Armed Forces and Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life 09:16 Helicopter Search and Rescue 12:24 Camaraderie and Loss of Identity 21:18 Pursuing a PhD in Psychology and Working with the Australian Military 22:11 Moving Beyond Resilience: Stress Fitness 24:02 Building Stress Fitness and Resilience 26:17 The Power of Sublethal Stressors 29:09 Hormesis: Building Strength through Stress 32:31 Focusing on What is Within Our Control 35:16 Finding the Silver Lining in Difficult Situations 45:28 Character Development: A Path to Personal Growth