In this episode, philosopher and writer Amod Sandhya Lele joins Frank Lawton for a rich conversation on ethics, identity, Buddhism, and the pursuit of the good life. Amod shares a formative experience in his early twenties — a moment of personal crisis and reflection that led him to a life-changing encounter with Buddhist philosophy, particularly the insight that suffering arises from craving. This realization became the foundation of his lifelong inquiry into wisdom traditions across cultures. Amod reflects on his journey from early political activism and Western philosophical inquiry to a deeper exploration of Buddhist thought, including both Theravāda and Mahāyāna perspectives. He speaks about his enduring interest in virtue ethics, personal cultivation, and the role of philosophy in shaping a meaningful life — drawing connections between Aristotle, Buddhism, and the evolving self. Together, Frank and Amod explore how we can navigate ethical life without rigid rules or fixed identities. They delve into the transformative potential of self-reflection, the importance of cultivating virtuous habits, and the vision of the self not as something we uncover, but as something we consciously become over time. The episode weaves together deep philosophical ideas with grounded personal insights — offering listeners a map for living more wisely and authentically. Explore more of Amod's work:Substack: loveofallwisdom.substack.comBlog: loveofallwisdom.com

In this episode, Frank Lawton speaks with Edward Zaydelman — community builder, retreat center consultant, and core member of the nonprofit Leap Forward. Edward shares his personal journey from New York nightlife and Burning Man to building intentional communities in Costa Rica. He recounts the rise and fall of his first eco-retreat center and the profound lessons learned about sustainability — not just ecological, but emotional, relational, and spiritual. The conversation dives deep into the invisible structures that make or break communities — values alignment, communication, integrity, and psychological safety. Edward emphasizes the importance of slowing down, rewiring the human mind, and doing inner work in tandem with outer change. Drawing from his work at Leap Forward, he illustrates how authentic growth emerges in community, not isolation. Together, they explore how our world is at a tipping point — and how small groups of committed people can lay the groundwork for a wiser, more integrated future. Find more of Ed’s work at:Live The Possibility — his Substack newsletter exploring practical tools and wisdom for building eco-villages, retreat centers, and new models of living: www.livethepossibility.news Leap Forward — a nonprofit community focused on rewiring the human mind, cultivating integrity, and evolving collective consciousness through deep inner and interpersonal work: www.leapforward.us--- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode, Frank Lawton speaks with Amanda Saint — author, publisher, and founder of The Mindful Writer — about writing not as a performance, but as a practice of presence, healing, and self-discovery. Amanda shares how mindfulness transformed her creative process, turning writing into a channeling experience where characters reveal their own stories and wisdom. She explains how fiction, when approached mindfully, can bypass the ego and open up profound inner transformation — both for the writer and the reader. Amanda describes how writing helped her heal emotional wounds and how the people she writes with have undergone life-changing shifts by letting go of control and listening deeply to what wants to be written. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind storytelling, its role in shaping reality, and why the most important story is the one we tell ourselves about who we are. Know more about Amanda Saint's Substack called The Mindful Writer here: https://themindfulwriter.substack.com/ --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, Frank Lawton speaks with Robert Glazer—entrepreneur, author of The Compass Within, and host of The Elevate Podcast—about the profound power of discovering your core values. Robert shares his personal journey from being “unemployable” to founding a globally recognized marketing firm and eventually stepping into work that reflects his deepest beliefs. Together, they explore how core values act as a compass for decision-making across relationships, careers, and communities. Robert introduces a practical framework for uncovering your values—not as aspirational ideals, but as non-negotiable guiding principles rooted in personal experience. He explains why one-word lists like "integrity" or "family" often fail to capture the depth of real values, and offers compelling metaphors—like the “electric fence” and “driving through a tunnel with the lights off”—to illustrate how misalignment leads to burnout and poor choices. Frank shares his own discovery process, and the two dive into themes of self-reliance, trust, spiritual capacity, and how conflict often stems from invisible value clashes. By the end, listeners are left with a toolkit of reflection questions and the invitation to look within—to find not just what they believe, but who they truly are. To learn more about Robert’s new book and dive deeper into this work: Explore the book, The Compass Within: robertglazer.com/compassStart your own values discovery with the Six Core Values Questions: robertglazer.com/six--- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this rich and layered conversation, Professor Peggy Kern joins Frank Lawton to explore what wellbeing really means — beyond fleeting happiness or individualistic self-help ideals. Drawing from her deep background in positive psychology, health psychology, and systems science, Kern presents a nuanced, contextual model of human thriving. She explains the Dual Continuum Model, where ill-being and wellbeing are not opposites, but dimensions that can coexist. A person can struggle with mental illness and still live a meaningful, values-aligned life. This insight reframes how we understand resilience, recovery, and human potential. Kern critiques traditional positive psychology’s focus on individual flourishing, arguing for a more collective and systems-informed approach. She highlights how contextual factors like school culture, leadership involvement, and community belonging fundamentally shape wellbeing outcomes. Change, she insists, must often start with those in power — especially school leaders — to meaningfully support the whole community. Themes of dialectics (acceptance and change), belonging, strengths-based language, and the pitfalls of commodified self-care run throughout the conversation. Peggy also shares her own lived experience with mental illness and how that journey informs her understanding of what it means to truly live well — with contentment, not just happiness. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode, Frank sits down with resilience researcher Kyle Shepard, the creator of Resilient Mental State. Their conversation dives into the true meaning of resilience, showing that it is less about avoiding stress and more about adapting, recovering, and growing stronger through it. Drawing from his military background, Kyle explains how discipline and exposure to adversity can build mental toughness. He also opens up about fatherhood, describing how raising children tests patience, deepens responsibility, and creates opportunities for emotional growth. To learn more about Kyle’s work and explore his writing and podcast, visit Resilient Mental State: https://www.resilientmentalstate.com/ --- Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this conversation, therapist and researcher Kasra Mirzaie explores the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS), adolescent development, and the search for meaning in an often fragmented world. Kasra shares how IFS offers a powerful framework for understanding and healing the inner lives of young people by relating to parts with compassion rather than control. He highlights the importance of listening deeply, creating rituals of meaning, and using gentleness instead of force when working with clients, especially adolescents. The episode moves through themes of spirituality, interoception, agency, and the role of systems thinking in therapeutic work. Kasra brings a rare combination of academic insight and heartfelt presence, offering listeners a model of therapeutic work grounded in curiosity, humility, and deep care.   Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects.   Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast  

Dr. Roger McFillin joins Frank Lawton to challenge the dominant mental health narrative — one that medicalizes emotional pain and fosters dependency on psychiatric drugs. He argues that conditions like depression are not diseases but natural human responses to life’s challenges, and that overreliance on diagnoses and medication often leads people away from true healing. Instead, McFillin advocates for a pro-human, pro-health approach rooted in personal resilience, community, nature, and spiritual connection. He emphasizes that suffering is not a problem to be fixed with pills, but a signal guiding us toward growth, change, and deeper meaning. Together, they explore the cultural, economic, and psychological systems that promote disempowerment and distraction. What emerges is a powerful call to reclaim our autonomy — and to face emotional struggles not with fear, but with presence, courage, and connection. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast --- More of Dr. Roger McFillin here: https://www.drmcfillin.com/

Frank Lawton speaks with Sabrina Ahmed, a resilience coach, neuroscientist, and artist, about the deep interplay between burnout, trauma, grief, and resilience. Sabrina shares her personal journey through mental health struggles, hospitalization, and the profound loss of her father—experiences that shaped her holistic approach to healing. They explore how burnout extends beyond stress, involving emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of ineffectiveness—and how it often stems from unprocessed loss, misaligned values, or over-adaptive coping patterns like overthinking and perfectionism. Sabrina introduces the idea of burnout archetypes (e.g., the Busy Bee, People Pleaser) and explains how loss—especially bereavement—can trigger these patterns. Together, they unpack how resilience is a trainable skill, developed through micro-habits, body awareness, community, and behavioral experiments. Through frameworks like the Drama Triangle and Empowerment Dynamic, Sabrina offers tools to shift from reaction to agency, and from burnout to growth. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this raw and inspiring episode, Frank Lawton speaks with writer, boxer, and thinker Ed Latimore about the hard-won lessons that shaped his philosophy of life. From growing up in the projects to fighting professionally, from battling addiction to embracing fatherhood, Ed distills a lifetime of struggle and reflection into practical wisdom. He shares why he gave up alcohol, how he learned to stop wasting time on the wrong people, and why relationships are “emergent properties” that can’t be reduced to their parts. Together, Frank and Ed explore the difference between being liked and being respected, why failure is essential training for success, and how boxing taught Ed to face fear, pain, and public judgment without flinching. This conversation cuts through excuses, revealing a path grounded in responsibility, preparation, and resilience. Whether it’s building meaningful connections, confronting weakness, or cultivating order, Ed shows how to turn life’s hardest blows into the training ground for true strength. Check out Ed's work ​here​: https://edlatimore.com/ And his new book, ​Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business​ here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593716361 Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective episode, Frank Lawton speaks with naturopathic doctor and integrative healer Erica Matluck about how healing unfolds beyond conventional ideas of safety, diagnosis, and even root causes. Erica shares her journey from energy work and anthropology to Western medical training and integrative practice — shaped not by rigid ideology, but by lived experience and practical discernment. She challenges the dominant frameworks of both conventional and alternative medicine, especially the oversimplification of healing into singular “root causes.” Instead, she invites a systems-level approach that honors complexity, pattern recognition, and the interplay of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual health. Frank and Erica explore the limits of titles, the over-reliance on modalities, and the importance of discernment in the healing process. They discuss how imbalance itself is a guidepost toward equilibrium, and how transformation often requires us to trust the unknown. From discerning unconscious patterns to reframing symptoms as messages rather than malfunctions, this conversation invites listeners to look deeper and wider than any one model can offer. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

What if you could turn anxiety, numbness, and avoidance into strength, resilience, and joy?In this episode, coach and facilitator Elliot Freeman shares a powerful system for mastering self-regulation — using simple tools like breathwork, movement, and self-compassion to transform your inner world. We explore: Nervous system mastery with polyvagal theory The difference between numbness and fight-or-flight states How to upgrade your capacity to handle emotional intensity Practical tools to reset and regain presence in minutes Why facing discomfort unlocks authentic living Whether you want to break old patterns, build emotional resilience, or live with more connection and freedom, this conversation offers a clear plan to get there.   Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects.Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this reflective episode, Frank speaks with longtime Mindform member Arwill Recto, a partner, father, and systems thinker deeply engaged in self-awareness and communication. Arwill shares his journey from faith-based volunteer work to corporate leadership, and how burnout and pandemic depression sparked a deeper dive into psychology, stoicism, and purpose. They explore how self-awareness shapes communication both at work and at home, and how Arwill's growth shifted from being inward and achievement-focused to more relational and altruistic—particularly after becoming a parent. He talks about the challenge of reconciling a return to spirituality with years of secular personal development, and how journaling, reparenting, and the willingness to name his emotions have helped build better relationships. Arwill explains why understanding both the message and the mindset of the listener is key to real connection. It’s a thoughtful exchange on how inner clarity and openness lead to stronger relationships, more conscious leadership, and ultimately, deeper contentment.Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects.Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this rich and introspective episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton is joined by Kendall McCullough, a spiritual life coach and the founder of Rooted Awakening Coaching. Kendall shares his deeply personal journey from a challenging early adulthood marked by mental health struggles and a Kundalini awakening, to the development of a grounded and spiritually integrated coaching practice. Drawing heavily on Jungian psychology, Kendall outlines his four-part model of change—Awakening, Individuation, Grounding, and Transformation—which reflects both his personal evolution and the framework he now offers his clients. Together, Frank and Kendall explore themes of inner child work, embodiment, the integration of ego and spirit, and the importance of grounding profound spiritual experiences in everyday life. They discuss the limitations of conventional therapy, the symbolic power of belief, and the role of direct experience in reshaping one’s map of reality. With candor and warmth, Kendall reflects on the risks of ungrounded awakening, the healing potential of compassion, and his ongoing pursuit of becoming who he truly is—both in his coaching work and personal life.Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this role-reversal episode, Mindform member John Warinner hosts a deeply personal conversation with the podcast’s regular host, Frank Lawton. Together, they explore Frank’s journey through meditation, fatherhood, and the transformative power of communication especially his passion for Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Frank opens up about how Vipassana retreats shaped his presence and how his role as a father influences the language he uses and the worldview he hopes to pass on to his children. The episode also unpacks the philosophical layers of worldview, belief, and persuasion—tying personal growth to how we speak, listen, and perceive one another. Both reflective and practical, this episode is a rare glimpse into the mind behind Mindform, revealing the values, questions, and lived experience that guide its voice. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with Ryan A. Bush, founder of Mindform and author of several books including The Anxiety Book and The Philosopher’s Field Guide. The conversation centers around the psychotech programs Ryan has developed, including the Anxiety Algorithm, Flourishing Function, and Growth Accelerator. Ryan elaborates on his vision of creating a “user interface for the mind”, how these tools deliver real transformation, and the community-building strategies behind Mindform. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects.   Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this special episode, Ryan A. Bush hosts a live Q&A with Anne-Laure Le Cunff—neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs—centered around her book Tiny Experiments. Recorded as part of the Mindform community’s June book club, the episode brings together questions from members on how to build an experimental mindset in work, life, and learning. Anne-Laure discusses the difference between “tiny experiments” and traditional goal-setting, why curiosity and subjectivity matter, and how experimentation can be a form of personal liberation. She shares stories of YouTube failures, Google burnout, meditation trials, medicinal plant walks, and the growth of Ness Labs as a community born from experimentation. The episode touches on neurodiversity, metacognition, legacy vs. generativity, and whether we really have a “best self” to discover. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In Episode 23 of The Mindform Podcast, Frank Lawton speaks with Ralph Kurz, Stoic mentor and mental trainer, about his journey into Stoicism and how it reshaped his worldview. They trace his path from reading Meditations to joining the College of Stoic Philosophers and facilitating discussions on virtue through the Virtues Project. Their conversation explores Stoicism beyond its popular image as a set of coping tools, focusing instead on its spiritual depth—particularly the concept of logos and the Stoic aim of aligning with nature through reason and virtue. Ralph shares how this philosophy informs not just thought, but action, performance, and identity. The episode also touches on the practical applications of Stoic ideas in coaching and mental training for athletes. Topics like flow, self-expression, and the paradox of detachment from outcomes are unpacked with clarity, revealing Stoicism as a dynamic framework for both personal development and meaningful living. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, Ryan A. Bush hosts in place of Frank Lawton for a thoughtful conversation with returning guest Lucas Golding. The two explore the nature of the self, drawing from Lucas’s background in meditation and Buddhist philosophy and Ryan’s interest in neuroscience. Together, they question the idea of a fixed identity, examine how language and evolution shape our sense of self, and reflect on what happens when we begin to let go of that illusion. Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects.   Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

In this deep and insightful episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with bestselling author and communication coach Peter Andrei to unpack the deeper dimensions of effective communication. What begins as a story about Peter’s embarrassing first speech in high school evolves into a powerful conversation about truth, intention, clarity, and influence. Peter shares the transformation of his definition of "effective communication"—from winning debates and contracts to honestly transmitting what’s true within. The conversation weaves through timeless principles such as "As within, so without," and explores how internal clarity creates external clarity. Frank and Peter also dive into storytelling, cognitive bias, the danger of persuasive speech without virtue, and why truth-telling paradoxically makes you more influential. 🔗 Explore More from Peter AndreiPeter’s official website: https://www.speakforsuccesshub.com/homePeter’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07X8YP859 Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects.Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect’s Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast