Most of our harshest self-criticisms were never truly our own. In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, we dive deep into how negative core beliefs are formed, why they feel so real, and how to finally challenge the thoughts that keep you stuck. We explore practical strategies like identifying your true values, questioning where your beliefs came from, and taking small, self-compassionate actions to rewrite your inner narrative.

If you’ve ever caught yourself repeating the same self-critical thoughts or living by values that don’t feel like yours, this conversation will give you the tools to start changing that pattern today.

Topics Covered:

• Why your automatic thoughts aren’t always truly yours

• How emotions reinforce negative beliefs

• A practical exercise to identify and prioritize your personal values

• Using self-compassion to rewire your inner dialogue

• The first steps to softening and shifting lifelong thought patterns

Listen now to start questioning the beliefs that hold you back and create a life aligned with who you truly are.

Most people think imagination is just for kids, artists, or dreamers. But what if the life you're living right now is the product of your imagination—used unconsciously?

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, we dive deep into the misunderstood power of imagination. From Carl Jung’s technique of active imagination to modern research on the subconscious and default mode network, Ryan and MJ explore how visualization, inner dialogue, and mental habits can shape everything from your mood to your future.

You’ll learn why rumination comes easier than vision, how to train your imagination like a muscle, and why the phrase “I’m just making it up” might be the most important signal you’re doing it right. With stories, science, and practical exercises—like the 3-minute door visualization—this episode is your blueprint for reconnecting with the part of you that still believes in change.

In this episode of the Simple Healthy Life podcast, we dive into the silent epidemic of adulthood drift—when life becomes a blur of work, screens, and routine, with no personal passion anchoring you. Ryan reflects on earning his black belt in Jiu Jitsu and how it wasn’t about talent or motivation—it was about time, attention, and commitment.

We explore why having a hobby matters more than you think, how to stop waiting for the “perfect passion,” and why fulfillment often comes after you start. Whether you're looking to rediscover your identity, break free from burnout, or just feel more alive in your daily life—this episode is your guide to finding direction through doing.

In a world full of noise, busy schedules, and overstimulated brains, how do we actually slow down enough to live our lives—rather than just react to them? In this back-to-basics but deeply personal episode, Ryan and MJ unpack why meditation isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about reclaiming your attention, your alignment, and your ability to focus in a distracted world.

You’ll hear real stories about falling off the meditation wagon, what it feels like to live on autopilot, and how building the two most foundational life skills—focus and discomfort tolerance—can change everything. From default mode networks to dopamine overload, this is your accessible, no-fluff guide to why meditation matters more than ever.

Why do you end up starving at night even when you think you’re “eating right”? Why do blood sugar crashes leave you exhausted—and why is everyone suddenly obsessed with weight-loss shots like Ozempic? In this episode of the Simple Healthy Life podcast, Registered Dietitian Ryan Gebo, and Owner of R-Labs Mike James break down the real science behind hunger hormones like ghrelin, the surprising truth about glucose swings, and what you aren’t hearing about the new wave of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone stuck in the diet-binge cycle, this episode unpacks the hidden reasons your diet keeps sabotaging you—and what to do instead.

At 63, Jim Forand biked nearly 3,800 miles from Massachusetts to California—solo. In this episode, we unpack the full story: the tornado warnings on day one, the 8,500-foot climbs in Pennsylvania, the wild horses in Arizona, and the mindset that carried him through it all. It’s a conversation about stamina, stillness, and what opens up when you say yes to something huge.

In this raw and revealing episode of Simple Healthy Life, we confront one of the most avoided but universally shared experiences: death. From the ancient parable of Samara to modern reflections on mortality, reincarnation, and even uploading consciousness, we explore how death—or the awareness of it—can deeply influence how we live, love, and make meaning. We share personal stories, like a powerful breathwork vision, and ask hard-hitting questions: What do you want said at your eulogy? What would it mean to live a life that’s truly enough?

This episode blends philosophy, spirituality, psychology, and humor in a conversation that’s unexpectedly uplifting. Because we’re all headed to Samara. What will you do before you get there?

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, we reflect on what it really takes to bring an idea to life—from the first spark of inspiration to the unexpected skills learned along the way. MJ shares the untold story behind building R Labs, a wellness space rooted in intentional recovery, community, and cold water resilience.

We explore the role of intuition (including somatic marker theory), discomfort tolerance, novelty search, and why goals often don’t unfold the way we expect. Whether you're starting a business, shifting careers, or craving personal growth, this episode offers timeless takeaways and honest insights for anyone walking the fog-covered bridge of meaningful change.