Episodes

  • 191. Beauty
    Nov 26 2025

    Are you trying to organize your life, or are you just trying to organize your mind?

    We often view weight loss and beauty as purely physical pursuits—counting calories, hitting the gym, or buying aesthetic fillers. But what if the "ugly" parts of us aren’t physical at all? What if they are rooted in anxiety, stress, and mental chaos?

    In this episode, we break down the philosophy of True Beauty as a form of Order. We explore Toliy’s recent 30-pound weight loss journey, uncovering why it felt "effortless" this time around. The secret wasn't a new diet; it was addressing the invisible stressors, fixing sleep habits, and removing the "chaos" from the mind first.

    If you are tired of the "start-stop" cycle of self-improvement, this conversation will shift your perspective from fighting the symptoms to fixing the root cause.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The Definition of True Beauty: Why beauty is actually a reflection of peace, order, and symmetry, while "ugliness" is often a manifestation of internal chaos and stress.
    • The "Mind Loss" Connection: Why you cannot change your body if your mind is occupied with fear and anxiety.
    • The Domino Effect of Habits: How fixing your sleep and morning routine naturally leads to better nutritional choices without "discipline."
    • Intention vs. The Math: Why understanding why you eat is infinitely more important than what you eat.

    💡 Most Insightful Moment: "The math is not the math. If you eat more, you get fatter. Now the math is: 'Why do you eat more?' ... The results are not just the weight loss or gain. It's 'Mind Loss.' You become a conspiracy theorist... you start blaming the world. You take away your own accountability."Mike

    Ready to declutter your mind and body? If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share this link with a friend who needs to hear this today.

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 190. Why Self-Examination Beats Searching for Purpose
    Nov 19 2025

    Dive into a raw, unfiltered conversation that challenges the age-old question: "What's my purpose?" In this episode, we explore how fear and anxiety often masquerade as the drive to "find" meaning, only to lead us down unproductive paths. Katherine opens up about her personal struggles with impatience, free time, and future uncertainties, sparking a deep dive into self-examination as the true lifelong quest. Joined by Toliy, Mike, and host Eldar, the group dissects illusions born from solitude, the power of sharing vulnerabilities, and why education and curiosity are key to breaking free from mental traps.

    Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by "what ifs," or simply curious about living more intentionally, this episode offers practical insights on navigating anxiety, embracing the present, and turning self-doubt into empowerment. Discover why purpose isn't a destination—it's an ongoing process of questioning and growth.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Purpose isn't about discovering a "magic" activity; it's consistent self-examination to align your life with truth and what truly makes you feel alive.
    • Fear-based motivations (like preparing for worst-case scenarios) create illusions—share them early to dispel them quickly and avoid unnecessary suffering.
    • Education and curiosity help unconvince your mind of doom-and-gloom narratives, opening doors to fun, immersive experiences without guilt.
    • Consistency in routines and sharing builds resilience; without it, moods fluctuate, and progress stalls.
    • Overcome self-imposed blockages by embracing discomfort—being "wrong" repeatedly fosters humility and faster personal growth.

    Most Insightful Moment: Toliy drops a game-changing perspective on the value of vulnerability: "The more we share, you're gonna be wrong 90% of the time. Think about that. If you're wrong about things over and over and over and over again. Now when you run into things, they're not gonna live as long because you're like, I couldn't be wrong about this." This highlights how admitting errors builds curiosity and short-circuits anxiety cycles.

    Ready to question your own illusions? Subscribe now for more thought-provoking discussions on philosophy, mental health, and personal growth. Rate and review on your favorite platform, share this episode with someone who's pondering their path, and join the conversation in the comments. New episodes drop weekly—don't miss out! Listen on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For full transcripts and resources, visit DennisRox #FindingPurpose #SelfExamination #OvercomeAnxiety #PersonalGrowth #PodcastPhilosophy

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • 189. Know Thyself – Unpacking Socrates' Timeless Wisdom on Self-Examination and Personal Growth
    Nov 5 2025

    Ever wondered why you make the decisions you do, or why suffering seems to be life's ultimate teacher?

    In this thought-provoking episode of Dennis Rox Podcast, hosts Eldar, Toliy, and Mike dive deep into Socrates' famous directive: "Know thyself." Joined by guest Dre, they explore how constant self-examination uncovers our ignorance, builds wisdom, and leads to a more fulfilling life. From the pitfalls of idolizing celebrities like LeBron James or Andrew Tate, to the role of mentors versus blind fandom, and even the genetic limits on our potential—this discussion challenges you to question your beliefs, embrace discomfort, and invest in real change. Whether you're grappling with personal decisions, seeking virtue, or curious about philosophy's take on modern life, this episode offers actionable insights to navigate cognitive dissonance and live with purpose.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Socrates' "know thyself" as a call to recognize ignorance and pursue wisdom through self-reflection.
    • Suffering as the catalyst for growth—why normalizing pain keeps us stuck, and how sharing vulnerabilities accelerates self-discovery.
    • The dangers of idolizing celebrities and athletes: tying emotions to uncontrollable externals leads to powerlessness.
    • Mentors vs. idols—why true guidance requires active participation, not passive following.
    • Genetics and free will: two-thirds of our traits may be innate, but the remaining third allows for meaningful change through effort.
    • Building mental stamina: share your "stupidity" publicly to bridge cognitive gaps and liberate yourself.
    • The unexamined life isn't worth living—empower yourself by questioning everything.

    Most Insightful Moment: Toliy captures the essence of transformation: "You have to invest into yourself versus continuing to wait for something to happen. 'cause like nothing is gonna happen. No portals are going to magically open until you actually put a concentrated effort to change it yourself." This raw call to action reminds us that true change starts with personal accountability.

    Ready to examine your own life? Subscribe now for weekly dives into philosophy, self-improvement, and real-talk discussions that challenge the status quo. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more seekers—your feedback fuels the conversation! Follow us on X @DennisRoxPod for episode clips and join the community. What does "know thyself" mean to you? Share in the comments below.

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    2 hrs and 13 mins
  • 188. Screw Perfection: Why Mistakes Build Unbreakable Kids (and Adults)
    Oct 29 2025

    How do you teach kids (or even adults) without being overly controlling?

    Ever caught yourself helicopter-parenting your kid away from a "lesson" like hot sauce curiosity—only to wonder if you're raising a fearless explorer or a bubble-wrapped worrier like Toliy? In this raw, laugh-out-loud episode of Dennis Rox Podcast, hosts Eldar, Joe, Katherine, Mike, and Toliy dive headfirst into the messy magic of learning from mistakes in parenting and beyond. Drawing from real-life chaos—like Joe's toddler Benny's spicy tongue adventure (spoiler: one dab = zero future nagging) and Eldar's bloody skateboarding scars that forged unbreakable confidence—they unpack why letting go of control isn't just nice; it's essential for child development and adult growth.

    From overprotective "no's" that spark paranoia (Katherine's anxious upbringing vs. Eldar's boundary-pushing thrills) to adult "babies" fumbling permits and printers, the crew roasts perfectionism as the ultimate growth-killer. Attachments? They're the sneaky saboteurs turning harmless fails into epic arguments—think Toliy's ego-fueled delegation drama and Joe's dad refusing to hand over the drill. But here's the gold: controlled risks build trust, curiosity kills the cat (then revives it wiser), and even Eldar enters "baby camp" mode, ditching late-night vices to level up for fatherhood.

    This isn't fluffy advice—it's battle-tested wisdom on personal growth through pain, delegation without disaster, and why shielding from "boo-boos" creates 30-year-old crybabies. Timestamps for the win:

    • [00:03:12] Hot sauce hack: Curiosity vs. control in toddler tantrums
    • [00:40:41] Skate scars to self-assurance: Pushing boundaries for confidence
    • [00:59:01] Baby camp confessions: Prepping your body (and mind) for parenthood

    Building on our deep dives into perfectionism's trap (Ep 181: Why Creativity Feels Like a Curse) and the art of teaching through timely advice (Ep 172: The Art of Teaching: Timing, Trolling, and Transformation), plus owning pain for change (Ep 165: Power of Pain and Personal Change), this ep arms you with tools to foster resilience—without the ER visits.

    Ready to trade your inner control freak for a legacy of bold humans? Hit play, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more unfiltered growth gems, and drop a 5-star review sharing your biggest "hot sauce" moment. What's one mistake you're finally letting teach you? Tag us on X @DennisRoxPod—let's build unbreakable bonds together!

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • 187. Ways to Achieve "Mindfulness" Without Daily Meditations
    Oct 22 2025

    What does it mean to be mindful?

    In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, hosts Eldar, Toliy, Mike, and Katherine dive deep into the often-misunderstood concept of mindfulness, debunking myths like "just meditate for 10 minutes" and revealing it as a powerful tool for escaping autopilot habits and hidden pain. Through candid personal stories—from Katherine's battles with mindless eating and insulin resistance to Mike's rock climbing breakthroughs and Toliy's rushed mornings—the group explores how normalized suffering blocks self-awareness, why arrogance stifles curiosity, and how true mindfulness emerges from recognizing pain, asking tough questions, and eliminating unexamined behaviors. They argue that mindfulness isn't vague zen vibes but a tangible equation: face your pain, get curious about possibilities, and redesign your life for intentional joy, leading to better health, relationships, and self-trust.

    Key takeaways include viewing pain as a signal for change, the role of curiosity in broadening perspectives, and practical tips like process-of-elimination for daily routines. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety, bad habits, or just feeling stuck, this raw discussion offers actionable insights to wake up from "sleepwalking" through life.

    Building on our popular episode 182 "Self-Love and Backing yourself" where we tackled relationship dynamics and self-identity, and episode 181 on "Perfectionism" exploring anxiety behind self expectations, we continue unpacking self-improvement themes. Also, check out episode 183 on "Empowerment" for insights on fairness, corruption and boiling anger of today's world.

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • 186. Would You Take a $15k Rolex challenge to Redefine Your Life’s Worth? Dave did.
    Oct 15 2025

    Will you accept the Rolex to rewrite your career story?

    In this insightful episode, the hosts engage in a deep conversation with Dave, a career and leadership coach who has helped transform lives by enhancing self-respect and leadership skills. The discussion revolves around Dave's experiences, the challenges of charging appropriately for coaching services, and the importance of asking the right questions to unlock a person's true potential. The hosts provide valuable advice on positioning coaching as a lifelong relationship and discuss the intrinsic value of self-respect and personal growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, coaching, and understanding the profound impact of empowerment.

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    2 hrs and 21 mins
  • 185. Authentic Friendships- From Anxiety to Fun
    Oct 8 2025

    How do you properly communicate in friendships?

    In this episode, the host, joined by recurring guest Katherine, delves into the complexities of friendships, communication, and self-identity. The discussion spans identifying red flags in friendships, the importance of properly communicating one's true self, and the impact of personal anxieties on relationships. The conversation also explores the dynamics of male and female friendships, the role of curiosity and questioning, and ultimately concludes with the universal importance of having fun as the key to living a satisfying life. The episode emphasizes self-reflection, mindfulness, and the continuous journey of understanding oneself to improve interactions with others.

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    2 hrs and 40 mins
  • 184. The Two Paths of Learning: Direct Pain vs. Remembered Pain
    Oct 1 2025

    How do people truly learn and become receptive to advice?

    In this episode, the group delves into the ways people learn through pain—either directly or by remembering past pain. They discuss the common struggle of giving advice and the frustration when the advice is ignored. The conversation explores why people may appear ready for advice but resist implementing it due to attachments, pride, or fear. They emphasize the importance of patience, compassion, and proper timing when offering help. The discussion also touches on the recurring theme of seeing past superficial complaints to identify the core issues and the necessity of allowing people to experience their learning journey. They illustrate these points with personal anecdotes, shedding light on their approach to supporting friends and family through their struggles.

    Feel stuck and can't actualize? We'd love to hear your story - we can even dissect it on our next episode. Submit your story using this form - https://forms.gle/joegCWQ7mHt7eN3K9

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    1 hr and 36 mins