Move Your Mind with Nick Bracks

Most of us walk past someone sleeping on the street and tell ourselves a story about how they got there.In this episode I sit down with Mark Horvath, founder of Invisible People, and he challenges pretty much everything I thought I knew.We talk about why most homeless people are actually sober, why affordable housing is the real issue and not personal failure, how politicians are using homeless people to score points, and why the most expensive thing we can do is leave people on the streets.But we start with Mark's own story. He lost everything twice, ended up homeless on Hollywood Boulevard, rebuilt his life from scratch, then lost it all again in 2008. He didn't grab a camera to change the world. He just needed a reason to get up in the morning.This one shifted something in me. I think it will for you too.Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People, a nonprofit media publisher that has reached millions of people and helped change laws in California and Canada. He grew from 20,000 to over 1 million YouTube subscribers over 17 years, not through campaigns or hacks, just by showing up every day and telling the truth.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: From Homeless to Mission(00:44) TV Career and Losing It All(01:54) Starting Invisible People(03:34) Early Breakthroughs and Sacrifice(06:11) What We Get Wrong(10:20) Affordable Housing Drives Crisis(16:05) Safety Nets and Community Help(19:32) Politics and Weaponized Hate(29:48) Prevention and Proven Solutions(32:38) Housing First and Support(36:49) Costs of Criminalization(39:51) Making Truth Louder(43:00) Finland Lessons Learned(45:20) Podcasting and Audience Building(53:31) Final Advice(54:59) OutroJoin the Move Your Mind Community:go.nickbracks.com/mymcommunityConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Mark:https://invisiblepeople.tv/

Most of us assume the person with the credentials knows us better than we know ourselves.In this episode, I sit down with lawyer-turned-therapist and author Mark A. Michaels to explore why that assumption might be therapy's biggest blind spot.We talk about the authority of the therapist versus the authority of lived experience, the myth of Freud's Oedipus complex and what the story is actually about, growing up with a family secret that took thirty years to uncover, the right to your own therapy transcripts, attachment theory, and the dangers of letting AI diagnose who you are.This isn't just a conversation about therapy. It's about who gets to define your story, and why the answer might not be who you think.Mark A. Michaels is a lawyer, therapist, and author whose work challenges the theoretical frameworks that most modern psychotherapy is built on. Drawing on his own life, including discovering at 30 that he was conceived through anonymous donor insemination, he makes the case that no framework, credential, or theory can replace the expertise you have in your own experience.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Therapy Models are Broken(01:55) Recording Sessions With AI(03:19) The Client Is The Expert(04:30) Oedipus Myth Reframed(07:18) Freud And The DSM(10:08) Donor Conception Secret(14:12) DNA Search Breakthrough(17:41) Meeting Biological Father(22:45) Attachment Interview Insights(29:44) Self Awareness And Meditation(32:29) Mothers Shame And Denial(36:15) How I Was Conceived(37:43) Shame And Secrecy(38:38) Fertility Industry Ethics(40:20) Right To Know Origins(42:21) Therapy Power Dynamics(46:11) Freud DSM Limits(48:28) AI For Mental Health(52:13) AI Bias And Hallucinations(59:34) Paper And Creative Writing(01:01:06) Aging Expectations(01:03:03) Final AdviceJoin the Move Your Mind Community:go.nickbracks.com/mymcommunityConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Mark:https://markamichaels.com/

Many of us have been taught that being mentally strong means pushing through, hiding our emotions, and pretending we're okay.In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Amy Morin to explore the difference between mental toughness and mental strength.We talk about anxiety, grief, emotional suppression, avoidance, self-awareness, uncertainty, vulnerability, resilience, unhealthy coping strategies, and why acknowledging what you're feeling is often the strongest thing you can do.This isn't just a conversation about mental health. It's about challenging the belief that strength means suffering in silence, and learning how to stop running from what you're carrying so you can begin moving forward.Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, bestselling author of the 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do series, TEDx speaker, and one of the world's leading voices on mental strength. Through both research and her own experiences with profound loss, she helps people build resilience in a healthier, more honest way.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Toughness vs Strength(01:15) The Cost of Suppression(04:10) Pressure and Self Honesty(07:04) Emotions as Information(09:31) Feeling to Heal(11:53) Distraction Done Right(15:09) Ambition and Overloading(18:24) Tolerating Uncertainty(24:12) Control and Anxiety Loops(29:42) Exposure the Smart Way(33:03) Practice Versus Winging It(35:39) Pre Game Rituals(37:51) Saying No To Focus(41:26) Stop Copying Formulas(45:03) Define Your Own Success(47:24) Create Without Permission(51:59) Money Values Tradeoffs(53:37) Grief To Viral Breakthrough(58:16) Rethinking Mental Strength(01:01:19) Advice And FarewellJoin the Move Your Mind Community:go.nickbracks.com/mymcommunityCheck out Portal Drinks:https://portaldrink.com/Connect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Amy:https://amymorinlcsw.com/

When you're feeling intense emotions, your mind can start convincing you of things that aren't true.In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Greenberg, a mathematician and psychology researcher, to explore why our brains distort reality, why painful thoughts can feel so convincing, and how to stop believing every story your mind tells you.We talk about anxiety, depression, negative thought loops, intrinsic values, social comparison, critical thinking, conspiracy thinking, community, and why the stories we tell ourselves can either keep us stuck or help us move forward.Spencer Greenberg is the founder of Clearer Thinking, host of the Clearer Thinking Podcast, and author of The 12 Levers: The Complete Psychological Toolkit for Improving Your Life.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: When Emotions Lie(01:45) Mood Cycles Explained(02:57) Stories We Tell Ourselves(04:26) Anxiety & Depression Patterns(05:40) Success Driven by Fear(07:44) Intrinsic Values Framework(11:17) Values vs Algorithms(14:48) Mapping 22 Values(18:11) Cults and Unmet Needs(22:36) Joy and Connection(24:43) Spencer’s Origin Story(26:13) Critical Thinking Nuance(31:53) Cognitive Miserliness(33:01) Politics Breaks Thinking(34:41) Scout Versus Soldier(36:50) Polarization Future Outlook(39:41) Media Gatekeeping Tradeoffs(41:14) Conspiracy Cargo Cults(45:57) Why Conspiracies Spread(47:30) Mindfulness Thought Defusion(53:21) Social Comparison Misery(55:42) Intrinsic Values(57:31) Resources And Book Plug(58:44) Advice To Younger Self(59:51) Final Thanks-Join the Move Your Mind Community:go.nickbracks.com/mymcommunityCheck out Portal Drinks:https://portaldrink.com/Connect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Spencer:https://www.spencergreenberg.com/

At 19 years old, Coss Marte was making millions of dollars a year running one of New York City's largest drug operations.A few years later, he was facing life in prison.Most people would assume that was the end of the story. It wasn't.In this episode, I sit down with Coss Marte, a former drug kingpin who transformed his life after incarceration and went on to build ConBody, a fitness company that has helped thousands of people transform their lives.We talk about crime, poverty, identity, prison, second chances, personal responsibility, shame, self-worth, and what it really takes to reinvent yourself.This isn't just a conversation about prison or redemption. It's about what happens when you stop running from your past and start taking ownership of your future.Coss Marte is the founder of ConBody, entrepreneur, author, and former drug kingpin who transformed his life after incarceration and now helps others do the same.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:32) Teen Drug Empire(03:10) Money, Fame, Reckless(05:23) Why Crime Happens(07:39) Growing Up Too Fast(09:00) Role Models Exposure(16:23) Street Danger Police(21:25) DEA Arrest Life(23:13) Prison Fitness Rebuild(25:16) Forgiveness And Growth(27:41) Building ConBody From Scratch(29:50) Funding & Prison Themed Studio(32:21) Hiring Returning Citizens(33:53) Street Hustle To Sales(36:54) Staying Motivated Daily(39:37) Mission Over Exit(41:25) Owning Your Past(44:48) Advice To 18 Year Old Self(47:33) Defining Happiness And Health(48:57) Final ThanksJoin the Move Your Mind Community:go.nickbracks.com/mymcommunityCheck out Portal Drinks:https://portaldrink.com/Connect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Cos:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cossmarte

Most of us have been through difficult experiences. We’ve been hurt, let down, rejected, traumatised, or faced challenges we never asked for. The question is: what happens next?In this episode, I sit down with Chris Moon, a former military officer, landmine survivor, former Khmer Rouge prisoner, and the world’s first amputee ultra-distance runner. Chris has survived experiences most of us can’t even imagine, but what stood out to me most wasn’t what happened to him.It was how he chose to think about it.We talk about hope, resilience, adversity, trauma, victim mode, personal responsibility, fear, uncertainty, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go to plan. This isn’t about pretending life is easy or ignoring pain. It’s about learning how to face reality without letting it define you.Chris Moon is a former British Army officer, author, motivational speaker, landmine survivor, former Khmer Rouge prisoner, and the world’s first amputee ultra-distance runner.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: Rejecting Victimhood(00:32) Gun Barrel Mindset(02:34) Stress Responses Explained(04:28) Reset With Laughter(05:37) Khmer Rouge Survival Tactics(07:36) Ghost Story In The Village(13:29) Hope And Gratitude(16:18) Humanity Over Violence(17:50) Polarization And Respect(21:02) Facing Hard Decisions(24:11) Landmine Blast And Recovery(27:21) Khmer Rouge History Primer(31:32) Tuol Sleng Horrors(34:07) Khmer Rouge Hostage(35:41) Ambush And Interrogation(37:09) Stop Worrying Cycles(38:29) Swimming After Amputation(40:46) Reframe And Look Outward(44:45) Simple Habits For Resilience(46:48) Suicide Survival Lesson(52:24) Step By Step Goals(55:03) Choosing Gratitude Daily(57:01) Choice Over Victimhood(01:01:02) Advice(01:03:21) Final ThanksConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Chris:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismoonspeakermbeWebsite: https://www.chrismoon.co.uk

Most people think getting healthy requires extreme discipline, perfect routines, and complicated fitness advice.In this episode, I speak with Gary Vee's long-time coach Jordan Syatt about the biggest lies we've been sold about health and fitness, and why the simple things often matter most.We talk about walking, longevity, fitness myths, dieting, body image, perfectionism, food addiction, biohacking, health trackers, and why so many people struggle to stay consistent.Jordan also shares his own experience with eating disorders, the lessons he learned from coaching thousands of clients, and why chasing perfection is often what causes people to fail.What I loved about this conversation is that Jordan cuts through the noise. In a world full of extreme advice, he brings the focus back to what actually works.Jordan Syatt is a strength coach, author, educator, and host of The Jordan Syatt Podcast. He is widely known for coaching Gary Vaynerchuk and helping thousands of people improve their health through simple, evidence-based fitness and nutrition principles.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: Health Fitness Lies(00:28) Walking For Longevity(02:35) Complexity Vs Basics(04:44) Steps Targets That Work(07:28) All Or Nothing Trap(08:34) Perfectionism Mindset(14:02) Progress Beyond Scale(16:08) Psychology And Motivation(18:03) Food Behavior Addiction(20:50) Exercise Addiction Story(24:11) Jordan’s Wrestling Origins(24:36) Weight Cutting And Eating Disorders(27:36) Doctors And Trust Issues(28:23) Doctor Sign Off Loophole(29:56) Finding Strength Training(31:26) Breaking the Binge Cycle(33:51) Coaching Through Experience(35:24) Cutting Through Diet Noise(40:33) Biohacker Nonsense Exposed(42:40) Why Pseudoscience Spreads(47:02) Health Data Obsession(52:03) Simple Habits Win Long Term(53:01) Wrap UpConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syattfitnessWebsite: https://www.sfinnercircle.com/

This conversation starts with a confronting question: are men actually built to be faithful?In this episode, I speak with Yale psychologist Dr. Bill von Hippel about the biology behind male variety-seeking, modern dating, commitment, dopamine, and why chasing more options often leaves people feeling more disconnected.We talk about serial monogamy, dating apps, social comparison, success, loneliness, and why the things we think will make us happy often don’t.What I loved about this conversation is that it doesn’t excuse behaviour, it explains the deeper forces underneath it. And the real takeaway is simple: we may chase novelty, status, and freedom, but what we actually need is connection.Dr. Bill von Hippel is a Yale psychologist, author, and researcher whose work explores human behaviour, happiness, connection, and the evolutionary forces that shape who we are.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction(00:42) Serial Monogamy Origins(02:21) Testicles Tell All(04:26) Variety vs Pair Bonding(07:44) Dating Apps Trap(10:43) Status Won’t Fulfill(15:06) Happiness Rises With Age(18:55) Modern Life Mismatch(23:13) Too Many Choices(26:37) Embrace Uncertainty(30:07) Connection Over Autonomy(32:40) Set a Sacrifice Deadline(33:35) Define Success Upfront(34:44) Accountability Reality Check(36:15) Careers as a Random Walk(36:50) Virtual vs Real Connection(39:11) Daily Connection Habits(41:48) Why We Need People(43:00) Autonomy Over Connection(47:07) City Life Connection Trap(49:23) Remote Work and Demographics(53:59) Kids, Marriage and Meaning(56:57) Finding Your Path(58:58) Advice to My Younger Self(59:47) Where to Find Bill(01:00:27) Final ThanksConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Bill:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamvonhippel/Website: https://vonhippel.socialpsychology.org/

Why does porn keep escalating?In this episode, I speak with porn recovery coach Noah Church about why people seek more and more extreme porn, and how it can affect the brain, relationships, and real intimacy.We explore how porn can become a way to escape stress, anxiety, loneliness, shame, and emotional pain. We also talk about desensitisation, porn-induced erectile dysfunction, relapse, fantasy, intimacy, and why so many men struggle to connect in real life after years of using screens to cope.At the heart of the conversation is the bigger question: why so many men numb what they feel instead of facing what they’re carrying.This episode will change how you understand porn, addiction, and emotional avoidance.Noah Church is a porn recovery coach, author of Wack: Addicted to Internet Porn, and someone who has recovered from porn addiction himself.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: Why Porn Escalates(00:28) Early Exposure Story(01:31) Desensitization And ED(03:37) Quitting And Relapse(05:37) Rising ED Statistics(08:07) Hollow Rewards Explained(10:49) Recovery Process Basics(12:30) Porn As Emotional Coping(14:59) Healthy Use And Education(16:22) Escalation Twists Sexuality(17:33) Porn Free Masturbation(21:31) Cheating And Secrecy(23:49) Dating Novelty And Comparison(29:30) Host Personal Experience(32:26) Try 30 Days Off(34:08) Fantasy Versus Reality(35:22) Turning Imagination Into Values(36:44) Addiction Traits As Strengths(38:19) Rock Bottom Wake Up Calls(40:48) Recovery As Second Puberty(42:54) Early Exposure And Age Gates(44:23) Porn Industry And Stigma(46:30) OnlyFans And AI Illusions(51:05) Incels Dating Apps And Resilience(01:00:58) Closing AdviceConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Noah:Website: addictedtointernetporn.com