In this episode of Understanding the Science of You, Graham Skidmore and Jonathan Angelilli engage in a conversation about masculinity, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Jonathan, a native New Yorker, 2X American Ninja Warrior, and Founder of Breathe Move Nourish, is pioneer of holistic fitness with nineteen years of coaching experience.

He shares his journey growing up in Queens and searching for his purpose in life, calling himself, "sensitive, but not submissive. In this episode, he also discusses:

• Masculinity, recovery, and personal growth. Upbringing, education, and cultural influences in a diverse Queens neighborhood. Eastern culture, spirituality, and personal growth. Societal expectations on boys. Rites of passage. Personal beliefs and emotional intelligence. Personal growth through meditation and nature.

ABOUT JONATHAN ANGELILLI

Jonathan is a native New Yorker, 2x American Ninja Warrior, and pioneer of holistic fitness with nineteen years of coaching experience. His core passion is teaching others how to achieve new levels of health and strength through primal movement and energy medicine. He started exercising to "look better naked", but fitness ended up radically transforming his life; he was able to overcome a destructive teenage drug addiction using only holistic movement, meditation, and nature connection.

For those interested in learning more about Jonathan's work or seeking guidance, visit his website at purestrength.nyc or follow him on Facebook @jonathan.angelilli, or Instagram at @bmn.coach.

Are labels helpful or hurtful? From neurodivergent to alcoholic to witch, labels can be adopted by someone or placed on a person without their consent. Are labels helpful or harmful depending on how they are used?

In this episode of Understanding the Science of You, Graham Skidmore and Sunshine, a Psychic Medium, Soul Healer, Spiritual Advisor, High Priestess, Reiki Master, recovering alcoholic, and Founder of Sunshine Readings, discussed their experiences with labels and identities, grappling with the tension between wanting to belong and not wanting to be defined by labels.

Sunshine shares her personal journey of accepting labels such as witch and alcoholic, discussing the challenges of embracing one's true identity in a society that emphasizes conformity, and the importance of listening to our bodies to gain insight into our emotional states.

Finally, they touched on the importance of self-reflection, embracing challenges, and understanding that people around us may change as we grow and find our path.

• Labels and their impact on self-expression and belonging.
• Embracing non-traditional labels and dealing with judgment from others.
• Navigating identity labels and embracing self-discovery.
• Embracing individuality and nonconformity in a society that values conformity.
• Body sensations as indicators of emotional state.
• Spirituality, identity, and validation.
• Meditation and receiving spiritual information.
• Personal growth and transformation through recognizing and challenging limiting beliefs and patterns.
• Personal growth, self-awareness, and recovery from addictive behaviors.

To learn more about Sunshine, visit sunshinereadings.com, or find her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

How did Graham get to this place of beginning the Understanding the Science of You Podcast?

In this introductory episode, Graham reflects on his journey, which began with a 21-year corporate career, and culminated in recognizing he had "checked all his success boxes" only to find he was inherently unhappy.

Leaving corporate, he began a walkabout journey that gave him a deep trust and belief in the universe, with a drive to help individuals find themselves and their purpose.

He speaks about his understanding of accommodations: the tools, technologies, philosophies and perspectives that take us from our current state to our most productive state. He acknowledges how these accommodations, often taken for granted, become glaringly essential when absent.

He dives into his personal journey leaving that executive role, which he likens to a bitter divorce. He opens up on the struggle, frustration, and cry for help he experienced during this period, now appreciating this period as an essential step in his journey towards self-discovery, fulfillment, and authenticity. He further encourages listeners to be more open and vulnerable to receive the offered help.

On his exploration of healing modalities, he notes the common essence that resonates with everyone, asserting that there's something to learn from everyone and everything. Closing, Graham discusses his Podcast motivations: sharing insights on self-discovery and personal intricacies, hoping to spark thought-provoking comments and reflections from the listeners.

His ultimate goal is to demonstrate different ways of living and inspire others to embrace vulnerability, understand their needs, and ultimately, cultivate a more genuinely happy and productive life.