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Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser
The Holistic Approach to Personal Development with David Hennessey
After graduating from Psychology school, David Hennessey realized he could find simple solutions for complicated things. As an introverted kid, he was always very contemplative, always working through ideas in his mind. Curiosity would always push him to try and make things better, more accessible, simpler. Traveling and living in three different countries with three different cultures and two totally different languages contributed to open David's mind and think more deeply about how people operate and carry their lives.
Visiting us today is David Hennessey, the creator of The Wonder Technique, a Holistic Approach to Personal Development. David worked in a stressful sales environment for years, and after his mother fought and won the battle against cancer, he decided it was time to make his dream of traveling the world come true. After a long trip to over 23 countries and living long-term in three of them, he started thinking about how to get control of his life by controlling his habits.
In this episode, David unravels the principles of The Wonder Technique; we talk about his journey looking for fulfillment, joy, happiness, and simplicity. We also talk about when and where his passion for personal development began and the relationship between change, simplicity, and consistent action. David kindly offered advice for those interested in making substantial changes, improving, thriving, and having more fulfilling and healthy lives.
Tune in to Episode 109 of Rejuvenaging, and learn how to find simple solutions to the most complicated issues of our lives.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Can you tell us a bit of your journey to get to this point in your life? (3:21)
- Can you give us a short course on The Wonder Technique? (08:35)
- Did you direct your efforts at any particular group? Whether it be an age group or a group that may lack some of the nutritional components for normal cognitive development? (21:46)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How traveling and witnessing how other cultures handle their lives opens up our minds (7:03)
- Some simple yet practical advice to upgrade how we eat (13:16)
- Making things simple and easy to follow and implement is critical to reaching real change (21:02)
- The relationship between proper nutrition and cognitive development (23:57)
Resources:
- The Wonder Technique website
Useful Rejuvenaging Resources:
- Website: https://www.thementalhealthgym.com/
- Book: Dr. Ron Kaiser -Rejuvenaging: The Art and Science of Growing Older with Enthusiasm
- Email: ron.kaiser@thementalhealthgym.com
- TEDx Talk: Aging Enthusiastically to Make the World a Better Place
More episodes
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268. Setting Goals and Embracing Positivity for a Fulfilling 2025
14:02||Ep. 268As the year comes to a close, Dr. Ron dedicates this solo episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser to helping listeners reflect on the past year and prepare for a thriving 2025. Drawing from his expertise as a positive health psychologist, Dr. Ron emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control and creating meaningful goals that drive growth and positivity. He discusses the value of setting both basic and stretch goals, encouraging listeners to start small and build momentum towards significant personal achievements.Dr. Ron explains how human behavior and learning play a pivotal role in maintaining consistency, particularly when setting goals at the start of a new year. Using relatable examples, he advocates for incremental progress, highlighting the benefits of attainable objectives like daily hydration, regular movement, and incorporating healthy habits. He also touches on the importance of integrating fun and self-care into daily life, stressing that joy and personal growth can coexist with larger commitments to making the world a better place.In this motivational episode, Dr. Ron inspires listeners to take control of their 2025 by embracing a mindset of enthusiasm and resilience. By focusing on self-improvement, fun, and meaningful goal-setting, he reminds us that the potential for a great year starts from within. Join Dr. Ron on this journey of growth and transformation, and make 2025 your best year yet.More info:https://www.drronkaiser.com/267. Encore Presentation The Age-Proof Brain: Unlocking Memory, Health, and Cognitive Vitality with Dr. Marc Milstein
42:06||Ep. 267This is a special replay of an episode of the REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast that was first posted on May 23rd, 2023Dr. Ron Kaiser is the host of the podcast REJUVENAGING® with Dr. Ron Kaiser, and in this episode he interviews brain health expert Dr. Marc Milstein. Dr. Milstein has written a book, The Age Proof Brain, which provides strategies to improve memory, protect immunity, and fight off dementia. According to Dr. Milstein, our power to improve brain function lies in the brain's connection with the rest of the body. The book covers topics such as sleep habits and environmental toxins, and offers integrative science-supported strategies to increase memory, fight off depression, improve mood, ignite energy, and even prevent dementia and non-genetic Alzheimer's disease.Dr. Marc Millstein was welcomed to the REJUVENAGING® with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast to discuss the topic of aging and its effects on cognition. Dr. Millstein has a PhD in biological chemistry and a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular, cellular and developmental biology from UCLA. He discussed how there is an increase in cases of dementia and Alzheimer's due to people living longer and underlying conditions that drive memory loss. He stressed the importance of taking control of these conditions, such as heart health, diabetes, and lifestyle factors, in order to protect one's brain now and in the future.The conversation discussed how to maintain memory health as one ages. It was highlighted that genes are not the only factor when it comes to memory health, and that there are various other areas that need to be taken into consideration. These include sleep, nutrition, stress levels, activity levels, underlying conditions such as cardiovascular health, diabetes, metabolism, and gut health. It was also highlighted that there are treatments available for many of these conditions, and that it is important to optimize them in order to maintain a healthy brain. The conversation includes how memory and brain processing can improve or decline as people age. Multitasking becomes more difficult with age, and this can be a cause for concern. It is important to identify the root cause of memory issues, as they can often be treatable. Dr. Milstein suggests taking extra time to focus on one thing at a time, as our brains tend to forget information that we do not focus on for at least 10 seconds. This can be helpful in preventing people from having difficulty remembering things like where they put their keys or their car. Additionally, he suggests that analytical thinking and the ability to store information can improve with age. Lastly, it was discussed that there are some normal age-related declines that should not be of alarm, such as difficulty in adapting to new technology. In conclusion, there are many steps that can be taken to maintain brain health as one ages.DrMarcMilstein.comFacebookInstagramYouTubehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1637741421?tag=randohouseinc7986-20266. Encore Presentation Improving the World through Compassion with Dr. Rick Hanson
36:06||Ep. 266This is a special replay of an episode of the REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast that was first posted on March 7th, 2023.Oftentimes, listening to the news can be difficult. Between wars, famines, climate change, and inequality (to name a few), happenings of the world can start to seem like a never-ending cycle of unfortunate events. It can be deflating to think this way and discouraging to feel like there’s nothing that you can do about it. However, you have more power and influence than you may think, and the spark to light the flame of change could be as simple as… being compassionate.My guest on today’s episode, Dr. Rick Hanson, is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His latest book, Making Great Relationships, offers practical guidance for developing a positive mindset and improving relationships. Rick joins me on my show today to talk about what compassion can do for the world as well as the Global Compassion Coalition, an organization that he founded that’s focused on creating a compassionate world where people and nature are cared for and thrive. Tune in to Episode 176 of REJUVENAGING® and channel your compassion with Dr. Rick Hanson.Some Questions I Ask:How do you define compassion? (3:12)If an individual wants to join the coalition, how can they do it? (24:03)Why should I, as a listener, join the coalition? What's in it for me and the world? (24:46)In This Episode, You Will Learn:About the aim of the organization Rick founded - The Global Compassion Coalition (8:05)About what leads to the basis of the evolution of altruism (18:19)About Rick’s theory of change (20:35)About some of Rick’s foundational practices (29:39)ResourcesThe Being Well PodcastRick’s Latest Book: Making Great RelationshipsRick’s Other BooksGlobal Compassion CoalitionConnect with Dr. Rick HansonWebsiteTwitterFacebookUseful REJUVENAGING® ResourcesWebsite: https://www.thementalhealthgym.com/Book: Dr. Ron Kaiser -Rejuvenaging: The Art and Science of Growing Older with EnthusiasmEmail: ron.kaiser@thementalhealthgym.com TEDx Talk: Aging Enthusiastically to Make the World a Better Place265. Staying Fit and Joyful During the Holiday Season
17:29||Ep. 265In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes the holiday season with insights on maintaining fitness, health, and emotional balance from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Reflecting on the unique challenges and joys of the holidays, he shares practical strategies to stay aligned with your wellness goals while embracing the festivities. With a focus on portion control, moderation, and mindful choices, Dr. Ron emphasizes the importance of setting a clear intention to maintain health and fitness, no matter how tempting the celebrations may be.Beyond the culinary indulgences, Dr. Ron explores the richness of holiday connections. He encourages listeners to use gatherings as opportunities to expand social networks and rekindle relationships, creating meaningful moments with friends and family. By engaging in shared activities like gift-making or thoughtful conversations, the holidays can be less about consumption and more about connection and joy. Dr. Ron also reminds us to stay open to meeting new people and fostering relationships, even in unfamiliar settings.Finally, Dr. Ron highlights the importance of sticking to core wellness practices—such as exercise, meditation, and hydration—throughout the holidays. By staying committed to a balanced lifestyle, the season can be a time of celebration without regret or post-holiday recovery struggles. Listen in for actionable tips and a refreshing perspective on navigating the holidays with enthusiasm, positivity, and fitness in mind.264. Encore Presentation of REJUVENAGING Muscle-Centric Medicine: Age Better, Live Stronger with Gabrielle Lyon
44:46||Ep. 264This is a special replay of an episode of the REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast that was first posted on September 19, 2023.In this podcast episode of the REJUVENAGING® with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discusses her unique approach to optimizing muscle health and aging well through a strategy that combines nutrition, fitness, and self-help principles. The concept Dr. Lyon introduces is "muscle-centric medicine," emphasizing the critical role of skeletal muscle in overall health and well-being. She highlights that muscle is often overlooked in preventative medicine and explains how it functions as an organ system within the body. Dr. Lyon believes that healthy skeletal muscle is essential for aging gracefully and maintaining mobility.Dr. Lyon’s background includes training in nutritional sciences, board certification in family medicine, and fellowship training in nutritional sciences, making her extraordinarily well-equipped to address the topic of aging and muscle health. She shares her journey of discovery during her fellowship in geriatrics and nutritional sciences, where she observed a common thread among her patients—their health issues were often linked to inadequate skeletal muscle mass rather than obesity. This insight led to the development of her unique perspective on muscle-centric medicine.Dr. Lyon acknowledges the absence of a standardized measurement for optimal skeletal muscle mass, making it challenging for individuals to determine their own muscle health accurately. She emphasizes the importance of strength, mobility, and metabolic markers in assessing muscle health.The conversation underscores the importance of resistance training and strength-building exercises in aging well, as these activities contribute to maintaining metabolic health and functional independence.Overall, the interview with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon provides valuable insights into the often-overlooked role of skeletal muscle in healthy aging and offers guidance on how individuals can improve their muscle health for a more vibrant and energetic life.Connect withhttps://www.facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon/https://twitter.com/drgabriellelyonhttps://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/https://drgabriellelyon.comVisit Dr. Ron athttp://www.drron-kaiser.com263. Deprogramming Diet Culture with Dr. Supatra Tovar
47:45||Ep. 263In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes Dr. Supatra Tovar, a clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness expert who specializes in helping individuals overcome the influences of diet culture and develop a healthier relationship with food. Dr. Supatra shares her personal journey, from her early exposure to eating disorders to her multifaceted career in health, fitness, and psychology. Her unique approach combines science and compassion to help clients recover from disordered eating through her book, Deprogram Diet Culture, and her innovative method that emphasizes tuning into the body’s natural cues and rejecting harmful societal messages around food and body image.Dr. Supatra dives into the origins of diet culture, the biological realities behind dieting's ineffectiveness, and why sustainable health isn’t found in restrictive eating habits. She explains how our current food environment promotes overeating and how diet culture capitalizes on our insecurities. Dr. Supatra also offers practical advice on limiting exposure to negative influences, building a healthy relationship with exercise, and fostering positive self-image—just in time for the holidays.Join Dr. Ron and Dr. Supatra as they unravel the myths and pressures around dieting and explore ways to reclaim a balanced, joyful approach to food and health.https://drsupatratovar.com/https://www.facebook.com/drsupatratovarhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drsupatratovar/https://www.youtube.com/@my.anew.insighthttps://www.instagram.com/drsupatratovar/https://www.tiktok.com/@drsupatratovar262. Embracing Change: A Key to Health, Happiness, and Resilience
15:30||Ep. 262In this solo episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron takes the opportunity to dive into the importance of embracing change. He reflects on how, as Charles Darwin observed, adaptability to change is more critical to survival and success than intelligence or strength. Dr. Ron encourages listeners to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat, exploring how an open attitude towards change can foster resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. He emphasizes the power of change in enhancing both mental and physical health.Dr. Ron outlines the numerous benefits that come from accepting change, such as reduced stress, increased activity levels, and stronger social connections. He discusses the positive impact of change on relationships, personal growth, and even longevity, noting that people who embrace change tend to be more resilient and adaptable, often experiencing a greater sense of fulfillment and joy in life. Adaptability to change, he suggests, also encourages a growth mindset, which allows people to set flexible goals, learn from new experiences, and keep their minds active.Throughout the episode, Dr. Ron encourages listeners to practice stepping outside of their comfort zones as a way to strengthen adaptability. By regularly challenging themselves in small ways—whether by learning a new skill, meeting new people, or trying different activities—listeners can become more comfortable with change and discover its transformative power. He closes by reminding everyone that embracing the idea of change, while sometimes daunting, is not something to fear but a gateway to growth and opportunity.261. Decoding Talk Types with Amanda Kenderes How Our Communication Style Shapes Who We Are
35:59||Ep. 261In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, communication expert and author, Dr. Amanda Kenderes shares her insights into understanding communication styles through her groundbreaking "Talk Types" framework. Her book, Talk Types: How What We Say Reveals Who We Are, delves into the three core categories of communication and how these shape our interactions and relationships. Amanda explains the basis of these categories — objective understanding (A), subjective experience (B), and subjective understanding (C) — and how each combination, or "talk type," reflects unique motivations and conversational preferences. By recognizing our own talk type and others’, we can unlock the key to better personal and professional relationships.Amanda shares her personal journey of growing up internationally and learning the nuances of communication across cultures, which inspired her fascination with deep and meaningful conversations. Her experiences led to the creation of the "Talk Types" model. Whether it's connecting with loved ones, resolving conflicts, or building effective leadership skills, Amanda discusses how understanding and adapting to talk types can greatly enhance communication. She also provides practical examples, like navigating parent-child dynamics and professional meetings, where recognizing talk types fosters empathy and cooperation.Dr. Ron and Dr. Amanda also explore practical applications of the Talk Types model in everyday life. From decoding our children’s preferences to better understanding our partners, Amanda explains how we can apply this knowledge to strengthen relationships. Her insights on how to "translate" communication across different talk types to help listeners connect on a deeper level, even when styles differ. This conversation underscores how cultivating awareness of talk types is a powerful tool to enrich our lives, improve our interactions, and foster more fulfilling connections.For more information on Dr. Amandahttps://amandakenderes.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kenderes/https://www.instagram.com/amandakenderes/https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Types-How-What-Reveals/dp/B0D12Z8QPJ260. Strength in Surrender: Matt Dawson's Journey from Investment Banker to World Record Adventure Athlete"
25:39||Ep. 260In this episode of Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser, we welcome Matt Dawson, known simply as Dawson, an accomplished investment banker turned six-time world record endurance athlete and sought-after public speaker. Dawson shares his incredible journey of transformation, from working 80-100 hour weeks in the corporate world to undertaking some of the world’s most extreme physical challenges, including climbing the highest peaks on each continent and trekking solo across Death Valley. His new book, Strength in Surrender, explores the powerful concept of embracing vulnerability and finding strength in letting go, and he offers insights into how we can apply his philosophies in our everyday lives regardless of whether we seek an extreme lifestyle.Dawson also opens up about the pivotal moment that led him to change his life path—an emotional trip to Everest Base Camp—and how it catalyzed his mission to live with purpose. He discusses the founding of the Dawson's Peak Foundation, a nonprofit committed to helping individuals discover their true potential and purpose. Working closely with veterans' charities like the Gary Sinise Foundation, Dawson and his team undertake ambitious expeditions to inspire others and raise funds, showing that life is about more than self-accomplishment; it’s about using our abilities to elevate those around us.In his discussion with Dr. Ron, Dawson emphasizes that it’s never too late to pursue a meaningful life and that small, intentional steps can make a huge difference, and those steps may be physical or in other areas of life. He shares practical strategies for finding purpose, building resilience, and contributing positively to the lives of others. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or simply looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life, Dawson’s inspiring message and actionable advice are sure to resonate.https://dawsonspeak.com/https://www.facebook.com/dawsonspeakcharityhttps://www.instagram.com/dawsonspeak/