A Higher Branch

We identify the subtle ways complaining and blaming infiltrate our thoughts and conversations. From health-related complaints like "I have no time" to love issues such as "my partner is too busy," we unravel the destructive patterns that keep us from the life we deserve. But why is complaining and blaming so detrimental? Sam breaks down the reasons, emphasising how it wastes precious time and ener...

Explore the universal experience of rejection, ranging from small and trivial to big and painful. Sam delves into the psychological and primal responses ingrained in all of us, explaining why it's normal to feel hurt after rejection. Some individuals bounce back effortlessly, while others linger in the pain. Sam shares a two-step technique designed to overcome rejection and propel you forward in p...

If you've ever found yourself making the same mistakes repeatedly, struggling to break free from negative cycles, and yearning for a higher version of yourself, then this episode is for you. In today's episode, Sam explores the common pitfalls we face in the eight key areas of life, from health and love to work and friendship. Do you catch yourself mindlessly reaching for unhealthy snacks, engagin...

In the last episode, Sam delved into the reasons behind self-sabotage and shared a four-step process for practicing acceptance. Today, he's back to guide you through the Higher Branch method for finding meaning and purpose, ensuring you live the life you truly deserve. Sam kicks off the episode by challenging common misconceptions about having singular life purpose, debunking the stress-inducing i...

In today's episode, Sam dives deep into a universal human experience - pain, and its potential transformation into prolonged internal suffering. Join Sam as he unravels the reasons behind this tendency and, more importantly, discover the antidote to self-sabotage. In the face of external pain—be it a setback, rejection, or loss—many of us inadvertently turn it into an internal struggle that define...

In today's transformative journey, Sam unveils the power of creative imagination, or CI, as he calls it—a force far mightier than artificial intelligence. Join us in discovering how to wield your CI to turn fears into the driving force behind crafting the life you've always imagined. Sam delves into the art of using your creative imagination to envision the worst-case scenarios, a practice that mi...

In this episode, you are encouraged to join us on a journey to unravel the profound impact of envy—an emotion that stands out as the root of all evil, both internally and externally. Together, we delve into the complexities of jealousy, fear, greed, and aggression, understanding how they are all interconnected and influenced by the destructive force of envy. Drawing from experiences in one-on-one...

Our host, Sam will take you on a journey on identifying the five signs you’re living in your head, the four causes and the ten transformative ways to break free from the constraints of overthinking and tap into your body's innate wisdom. Discover how connecting with your physical self can unleash your creative energy, boost productivity, and pave the way to a successful life. Join us as we engage...

In this episode, host Sam Makhoul takes you on a journey to understand the pain of rejection and how to deal with it. Whether it's a partner, family member, friend, colleague, or even a stranger, rejection hurts. Sam will take you through four ways people will show they don’t like you, two reasons people don’t like you and 11 tips on how to deal with it. With a focus on the psychology behind this...

In our last episode, Sam delved into the four negative states that might be holding you back from living your best life and the reasons why you should care about doing a life reset. Today, Sam dives deeper into the transformative process with a five-step method to do a life reset.. To grasp the essence of today's discussion, it's essential to revisit the four negative states you might find yoursel...

Sam takes you on a journey to identify the four negative states that might be holding you back from living your best life and they are feeling overwhelmed, stale, lost, and stuck and just as importantly the two reasons why you should care about doing a life reset. He stresses the need for a “life reset” to bring you back to baseline where you have the clarity, energy, and motivation to pursue new...

​There is a lot of emotions from your childhood that is stored in your subconscious mind that can affect you physical and mental health in your adult years. In this episode we welcome back the intriguing conversation between Sam Makhoul and Lyn Macpherson on how hypnotherapy can heal those emotions. You will learn: The affects childhood trauma has on you now The comfort of a good hypnotherapist Wh...

A lot of our anxieties are locked away deep in our subconscious. As hard as we may try, we cannot control anxiety until we unlock the subconscious and find out the source of our anxiety. Lyn Macpherson is a hypnotherapist who over many years has cured and healed people with trauma and anxiety, even after many years of traditional therapy. She sees anxiety as a message with clues. In this episode,...

And just like that... you now have all the 7 pillars to building a beautiful, healthy life. Today Sam Makhoul and Dr Scott Wustenberg finalise the series on the 7 S's with part 2 on stress. Stress can play a huge part in your life whether that be acute or chronic. But the impact of stress is reversible as you will find out in this episode. You will learn: The difference between acute and chronic s...

When stress is left unchecked the impact on our physical and emotional health can be debilitating. It can develop into anxiety and depression. Most of us ignore the early signs of stress thinking we can reverse it at any time. For others they are in denial. They tell themselves i can stop my stress at any time. The reality is that once stress takes a hold in your system the effects of adrenaline a...

The most important S in the series. You are going to love this podcast where Sam Makhoul and Dr Scott Wustenberg take us through how important it is to socialise for your health and wellbeing, how fearing connection takes a huge toll on your immune system, your questions answered about returning to the workplace and on the more positive side, the importance of socialising with your loved ones, fri...

Humans are solar powered creatures. Our skin and our eyes serve as solar panels for the absorption of UV rays that stimulate the production of many hormones including Vitamin D (which is in fact a hormone), human growth hormones. Vitamin D has over 3000 functions in our body ranging from immune system to mood boosting. The ultimate benefits of the sun include higher energy, better gut health and d...

Research confirms unequivocally that strength is more important than cardio fitness and flexibility for your longevity and quality of life. It turns out that being 'strong' is super important not just to your body but also to your mind. In this episode we continue the series of the 7 S's as we cover the topic of STRENGTH. We explain the correlation between your genotype and the best way for you to...

Could sleep potentially be the most important S of the series? it is very high up there. Why? Because it plays a pivotal role in all aspects of your physical health and more importantly your emotional wellbeing. Good quality sleep boosts energy, improve gut health, makes you smarter, live longer, look younger and decimates anxiety! Join us on this episode while Sam Makhoul and Dr Scott Wustenberg...

Starving yourself and ‘fasting’ are two different things. Fasting is a deliberate strategy where most people schedule a time where they do not eat. It is artificial. Starving yourself from food is however a different phenomenon. It is a more natural inconsistency and activates the fight or flight response that activates autophagy and slows down ageing. In this weeks episode you will learn how to a...

Are you confused about your bio individuality and what you should eat? In this episode Dr Scott Wustenberg clears a lot of misconceptions about food and nutrition. You will be surprised and empowered. YOU WILL LEARN: The 3 essential bio tests we all should do Would the keto diet suit you? How much protein is too much protein and what is the best protein source Why fats so phenomenally important Do...

What did we really learn in 2021? What changes have we made in 2022 to help shape the future we want to create? In this episode, Sam Makhoul shares his top learnings from 2021. He explains how to fulfil each of the 8 fundamental human needs and tells us what’s coming up on the podcast in 2022. You will learn: The real reason why we got stressed during the pandemic The importance of variety and nov...

Today we are joined once again with Australia’s most sought-after Psychotherapist, Melissa Ferrari. In this episode, Sam Makhoul and Melissa Ferrari shares with us topics such as, how do you know when you have found the one, when do you know when to have sex and get intimate with someone you have just started dating, how do you know it’s time to commit to someone long term and how do you prepare t...

Today we are joined once again with Australia’s most sought-after Psychotherapist, Melissa Ferrari. In this episode, Sam Makhoul and Melissa Ferrari shares with us how can single people get into a relationship and should you put together a checklist of wants in a partner. The pair also discuss: What's it like being single Why are some singles scared to enter into a relationship Melissa’s best piec...

Today we are joined once again with world renowned, Luke Coutinho; Holistic Lifestyle Coach in Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine, for our final part of our 3 part series. In this episode, Sam Makhoul and Luke Coutinho shares with us the benefits of restorative sleep and what supplements we should be taking. The pair discuss: The best technique for quality sleep Melatonin supplements pros and cons T...