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What if you could stay informed without doom-scrolling, bias, or overwhelm? In this episode, we sit down with Kira Shishkin, CEO of informed, a “news concierge” that delivers concise, factual updates via SMS—helping you cut through the noise and reclaim your attention.

Kira shares how growing up across Ukraine, Israel, and the U.S. gave him a unique perspective on how information can be weaponized—and why he’s committed to building a service that strips news down to just the facts. Each morning, informed subscribers receive a 30-second briefing distilled from thousands of sources, free of spin, sensationalism, or hidden agendas.

We dive into:

• Why traditional media feeds anxiety (and how informed flips the script)
• How brevity and neutrality can actually deepen your understanding
• The surprising mental health benefits of a “cleaner” information diet
• Why SMS—not apps or feeds—remains the most intentional channel for news

Whether you want to stay sharp for conversations, reduce information stress, or simply make sense of the world without all the noise, this conversation with Kira will change the way you think about news.

👉 Try informed at https://informed.now
👉 Connect with Kira Shishkin: l.informed.now/kira

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Every day, our minds are bombarded with information—some useful, much of it just noise. In this candid conversation about signal versus static, we explore how to cut through mental clutter to find what truly matters.

The mathematics of signal processing provides a fascinating parallel to our mental lives. Just as scientists work to extract meaningful data from background noise, we too must develop techniques to separate valuable insights from the constant stream of distractions bombarding our consciousness. Through personal examples—from treadmill sessions that clear mental space to the intentional interruption of negative thought patterns—we share practical approaches for achieving greater mental clarity.

Our discussion takes an honest look at today's heightened information environment. With social media algorithms designed to hijack attention and political discourse that often generates more heat than light, maintaining focus on what truly matters has become increasingly challenging. Yet within this complexity lies opportunity: by recognizing these external influences, we can develop stronger filters and deeper self-awareness.

The most powerful insights often come not from adding more information but from creating space for presence. Simple practices like intentional breathing, brief physical activity during workday frustrations, or scheduled moments of reflection can dramatically shift our relationship with mental static. We explore both the immediate benefits of these practices and how to extend their effects throughout your day.

Ready to clean your mental house? Join us for a refreshingly honest conversation about finding clarity in a noisy world. Subscribe now and learn how to amplify your inner signal while turning down life's unnecessary static.

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Ever felt that inexplicable sense of calm when your bare feet touch grass or when you glimpse a star-filled sky? That's not coincidence—it's your body remembering its most fundamental relationship.

The healing power of nature doesn't require grand wilderness expeditions or expensive retreats. As our conversation with integrative wellness coach Mae Marooney reveals, connecting with nature can be as simple as mindfully cutting vegetables, growing a small plant, or brewing a cup of herbal tea. These seemingly small acts create powerful bridges between our modern lives and the natural world our bodies inherently understand.

What makes this approach revolutionary is how it combines ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge science. The growing field of ecotherapy is increasingly validated by research showing measurable benefits for conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to high blood pressure. Meanwhile, the fascinating science of epigenetics suggests that our attraction to certain landscapes might actually be encoded in our DNA—a form of ancestral memory guiding us toward environments that feel like "home."

Throughout our discussion, we explore the profound disconnect many of us experience in our screen-dominated, indoor lives, and how simple practices can help us reclaim our place within the natural world. Mae shares insights from her work with diverse communities, demonstrating how nature-based healing can transcend economic barriers and become accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford private wellness services.

We also venture into deeper territory, examining how traditional healing systems worldwide have relied on plant medicines for millennia, and the responsible, respectful approaches needed when working with powerful natural substances like psilocybin. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and proper guidance when exploring these ancient practices.

Whether you're struggling with mental health challenges, feeling disconnected from your body, or simply seeking more balance in a chaotic world, this episode offers practical wisdom for rediscovering nature as your most accessible healer. As Mae beautifully reminds us, nature is always there—hand extended, waiting for you to grasp it.

Ready to experience this fundamental reconnection? Listen now, and discover how the medicine you need might already be surrounding you.

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We explore the power of the mind and how our thoughts create our reality. Cleaning mental clutter requires understanding our true intentions and values while being open to growth.

• The mind is our most powerful tool for success but gets filled with "useless shit" that hinders progress
• Knowing people's true intentions helps us accept different perspectives without feeling offended
• Most negativity comes from within ourselves, not external circumstances
• Turning inward to understand our thought processes is essential for personal growth
• Energy is what we create more of in our environment - choose wisely what you focus on
• Growth can come from both resonating with like-minded people and exposure to different perspectives
• Fear often prevents people from stepping outside their comfort zones
• Being rigid in values and beliefs may limit personal development
• Both comfort and discomfort can lead to empowerment if we self-reflect honestly

Check out our new Facebook page! Find us at https://www.facebook.com/cyfhb and give us a follow.

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Have you ever felt guilty about wanting to skip a holiday parade? Our conversation digs into the unspoken expectations around celebrations like July 4th and why choosing your own path is not just acceptable—it's essential for genuine happiness.

The team explores how our relationship with holidays evolves throughout our lives. For some, the perfect celebration might be a quiet day at home with a beer, while others crave the energy of crowds and community events. We unpack why these preferences shift based on our life circumstances, energy levels, and personal needs, not just our age. You'll hear personal stories about college reunions, changing family traditions, and the sometimes complicated emotions holidays can trigger.

After the isolation of COVID, we've all had to reconsider our social connections in new ways. Some discovered they thrived in solitude while others felt desperate for community—and holidays now amplify these differences. The episode touches on safety concerns at public gatherings but reminds listeners that community experiences, even brief ones, provide valuable energy and perspective. The most powerful takeaway? Breaking free from monotony keeps us vibrant regardless of chronological age. We're not "over the hill" unless we stop growing and trying new things.

So whether you're planning an elaborate celebration or looking forward to a quiet weekend, this episode gives you permission to honor your authentic needs without judgment. As you listen, consider what would truly make this holiday meaningful for you, and remember that the perfect balance of solitude and connection might look different for everyone—and that's exactly as it should be.

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What invisible force makes us more likely to follow through on our commitments when we share them with others? The Clean Your F*cking House team dives deep into the psychology of accountability and how declaring intentions transforms abstract goals into concrete actions.

When Kevin announced his plan to order business cards for his coaching practice, he found himself scrambling at the last minute before our recording – not because anyone would punish him, but because "I didn't want to let you guys down." This simple yet profound motivation unlocks a key insight about human behavior: we're far more driven by social commitments than personal ones.

The science backs this up. Your chance of achieving a goal jumps from 10% to 20% simply by telling someone about it. As we check in on last week's declarations – from Kevin's business materials to Lou's walking routine and Nancy's weight training – we witness this accountability effect in real-time, complete with the stumbles, adaptations, and victories that make goal-setting a deeply human experience.

We explore practical strategies for making accountability work in your life: attaching new habits to existing routines, starting with manageable commitments, and choosing accountability partners whose opinion genuinely matters to you. Even when we fall short of our declared intentions, the very act of sharing them creates momentum that wouldn't exist otherwise.

Whether you're trying to build a fitness routine, launch a side business, or finally tackle that project you've been avoiding, the simple act of declaring your intention to someone you respect might be the missing ingredient. Listen as we make fresh declarations for the coming week, then join us by making your own commitment and experiencing the accountability effect yourself.

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"Why do I keep putting this off?" It's the question we all ask ourselves when facing tasks we know we should tackle but somehow never do. In this candid conversation, we dive deep into the psychology of procrastination and share battle-tested strategies to finally break through.

The struggle is real: we maintain structure at work because others depend on us, but when it comes to personal goals, we often lack the same accountability systems. Kevin opens up about wanting to apply his professional discipline to personal goals like growing the podcast's social media presence. "After working all day, I don't want to do much, but I also have goals that require effort," he admits, capturing that universal tension between relaxation and growth.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is our focus on practical, immediately applicable solutions. We explore how setting aside just 15 minutes daily can build momentum for even your most neglected projects. Nancy shares her old-school paper calendar technique that provides visual cues for commitments, while Lou discusses how the right mindset can transform burdensome tasks into acts of self-respect.

By the episode's end, we each make public declarations for the coming week - specific, achievable goals with clear action steps. From creating business materials to establishing consistent exercise routines, we demonstrate how to turn vague intentions into concrete plans. The power of these declarations lies in their specificity and the accountability we create by sharing them.

Try this yourself: choose one personal goal you've been postponing, break it down into a 15-minute daily action, add it to your calendar, and tell someone who'll check in on your progress. Your future self will thank you for the positive changes these small steps will create. What declaration will you make today?

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What makes us snap at the people closest to us? Why does that co-worker's repeated mistake push you over the edge? And how do some people seem completely unbothered by life's frustrations while others erupt at the slightest provocation?

Join Nancy, Kevin, and Lou as they dive deep into the neural pathways of anger and how these emotional channels become carved like water flowing down a hillside—creating default responses we may not even consciously choose. Kevin vulnerably shares his personal turning point: "I was driving to work and I was fucking pissed... I'm like why am I so angry?" This moment of self-awareness became the catalyst for years of intentional work to rewire his emotional responses.

The trio explores the significant difference between feeling anger (a perfectly natural emotion) and being controlled by anger (a choice we make). They tackle the particularly thorny issue of family relationships, questioning when it's appropriate to set boundaries with loved ones whose behaviors repeatedly trigger us. As Lou poignantly notes, "Your responsibility is to take care of yourself and the people around you that depend on you."

Perhaps the most beautiful metaphor emerges near the conclusion—comparing emotional growth to gardening. Rather than forcing change, we might simply need to remove the obstacles preventing our natural development. "I don't try to control how things grow," one gardener explained. "I just get rid of all the things that prevent them from growing."

Ready to start de-weeding your emotional garden? Listen now for practical insights on transforming anger into self-awareness and creating space for genuine growth and connection. Your future self will thank you.