On the X

Today's episode is a compilation of conversations about how we communicate: how we share what we're feeling, how we listen, and how the words we choose shape the way people respond to us. Chris revisits conversations with Jeff Weidenhofer on emotional fitness and why face-to-face connection beats any virtual support group; former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator Chris Voss on the art o...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer, a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and bestselling author of "The Craving Mind," "Unwinding Anxiety," and "The Hunger Habit." Dr. Brewer's research has reshaped the science of the loops that keep people stuck in worry, in eating, and in their worst habits. They dig into why willpower isn't doing what most people think it's doing, how anxiety op...

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Elisha Goldstein, a clinical psychologist, author of Tiny Shifts, and co-founder of the Center for Mindful Living, to explore how emotional patterns drive stress, self-doubt, and reactivity. Drawing on more than two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Goldstein explains how to recognize these patterns and apply practical strategies to manage them more e...

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with Dacher Keltner, a world-renowned psychologist, professor at UC Berkeley, and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. He is the bestselling author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, as well as The Power Paradox and Born to Be Good, and his work helped inspire Pixar’s Inside Out. In this conversation,...

On this episode of On the X, Chris sits down with renowned psychologist Richard J. Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, to break down the science of flourishing, resilience, and well-being. Drawing from decades of research and insights from his latest book "Born to Flourish," he explains how the brain shapes emotion, stress, awareness, and conne...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with bestselling author Chris Bailey to discuss intentionality, goal setting, procrastination, and the systems that help people follow through. The conversation covers values, process vs. outcome goals, productivity frameworks, and how AI can be used as a tool for thinking and organization. To find out more from Chris Bailey and purchase his books, visit: https:...

Today's episode is a compilation of our most powerful conversations about the brain. Neuroscientist Sandy Chapman, former Navy SEAL Kevin Gatley, peak performance expert Steven Kotler, and brain retraining specialist Ashok Gupta share strategies to improve focus, manage distractions, harness flow states, and truly rewire your brain for peak performance—helping you think more clearly, perform bette...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Marc Brackett, psychologist, professor at Yale University, and founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Brackett breaks down why we are historically so bad at dealing with our emotions and provides actionable frameworks to change that. They dive into the critical difference between IQ and EQ, why mislabeling your feelings (li...

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Ethan Kross to talk about the science of emotions and “mental fitness.” They break down why we struggle to control our emotions, the difference between reacting and regulating, and how your inner voice can either help or hurt you. On the X is an IRONCLAD Original. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us...

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with Brigham Buhler, founder and CEO of Ways2Well, a company focused on preventative health and personalized care. Brigham shares his journey from working in pharmaceutical and medical device sales to building a company aimed at helping people take control of their health. They discuss metabolic health, lifestyle choices, and the tools and strategies that can he...

Today’s episode is a compilation exploring how the brain responds under extreme pressure. Guests include Laird Hamilton, who has faced some of the largest waves on the planet; Tommy Caldwell, a professional rock climber who survived being held captive in Kyrgyzstan; and Dr. Nicholas Wright, a neuroscientist studying stress, fear, and resilience. Together, they share firsthand experiences of life-o...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Sandi Chapman and former Navy SEAL Kevin Gatley to discuss brain health, neuroplasticity, and cognitive performance, including how the brain can adapt throughout life and strategies to improve focus, decision-making, and resilience. Dr. Sandi Chapman is a neuroscientist and the founder of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Te...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Ashok Gupta, founder of the Gupta Program, to discuss neuroplasticity and the role of the brain and nervous system in chronic illness. Ashok shares his experience with chronic fatigue syndrome and how it led to the development of his brain retraining program. The conversation explores conditions such as fibromyalgia and long COVID, the science behind nervou...

This compilation episode of On the X focuses on trauma, PTSD, and resilience, featuring conversations with VA counselor Jeff Wiedenhofer, psychiatrist Dr. Paul Conti, and Taya Kyle, widow of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. The episode covers clinical definitions of trauma and PTSD, how trauma affects the brain, and how individuals experience and carry trauma across different contexts, including military ser...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Nicholas Wright, a neuroscientist and strategist, to explore how our biology drives the future of conflict. The author of Warhead: The Neuroscience of Conflict and Strategy, Dr. Wright, draws on his background advising the Pentagon and White House to explain how the brain’s architecture shapes decision-making in war and how the chaos of battle physicall...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Steven Kotler, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and expert on human performance. Steven is the co-founder of the Flow Research Collective and author of books including The Rise of Superman, Stealing Fire, The Art of Impossible, and Bold. In this conversation, they discuss the science and application of flow states, their impact on mental and p...

On today's episode, Chris Irwin speaks with The Honorable Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to enhance healthcare and services for U.S. veterans. They discuss reducing disability claim backlogs, improving wait times, expanding community care, supporting mental health, and VA research initiatives. On the X is an IRONCLAD Original More abo...

On this final installment of Mind Matters, Chris and Jeff discuss mental health, presence, and focus in the context of modern distractions. They talk about the impact of constant news and social media consumption, the challenges of maintaining attention, and the misconception of multitasking. The conversation also covers the value of mindfulness, having difficult conversations, and the role of wri...

On today's episode, Chris speaks with Scott Lynch, mindset coach and host of The Motivated Mind podcast. The conversation covers Scott’s path into mindset coaching following the loss of his best friend to suicide, and how that experience shaped his views on mental health and personal development. To listen to Scott's podcast, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-motivated-mind/id143847...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with neuroscientist and Ohio State professor Dr. Angus Fletcher to explore how the human brain actually works when facing uncertainty, pressure, and complexity. Drawing from his research and his book Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Know, Fletcher explains how intuition, imagination, emotion, and common sense form the foundation of human decision-ma...

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with Joshua Macin, former Jiu Jitsu World and Pan American champion and founder of Detox Dudes. Joshua shares his journey from peak athletic health to a four-year battle with severe illness, panic attacks, and chronic fatigue, and how he rebuilt his mind and body through detox, gut health, and holistic healing. Today, he helps others reclaim their health through...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with actor, producer, and author Zachary Levi, known for Chuck and Shazam! franchise. They discuss his latest project, Not Without Hope, a true story of survival against the odds, and explore Zachary’s work in mental health advocacy through his books Radical Love and Go Love Yourself. He also shares his vision for Wildwood Studios, his production company focused...

On today's episode, Chris sits down with psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen to explore the critical connection between brain health and mental well-being. They dive into how trauma affects the brain, the science behind innovative tools like SPECT scans, and the effectiveness of treatments such as EMDR. The conversation also examines the potential benefits and risks of psychedelic...

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with filmmaker Ken Burns to discuss the making of his latest series on the American Revolution. The conversation also examines the challenges and decisions faced during the war, the experiences of ordinary soldiers, enslaved people, and Native nations, and how these stories were brought to the screen. Ken shares insights into how music and storytelling help conv...

On today's episode of Mind Matters, Chris and Jeff discuss life transitions, sharing their experiences leaving active duty, exploring new career paths, and reassessing purpose and identity. On the X is an IRONCLAD Original. More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠ Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By parti...