Starve the Ego Feed the Soul

We talk with retired F-16 pilot LtCol. Frank “Slap” Lusher about why his proudest mission is the family he builds with his wife, not the medals or the flight hours. We break down practical fatherhood habits that create a safe home, strengthen kids under pressure, and keep masculinity rooted in humility and accountability.   • choosing family-first decisions and closing chapters without regret   •...

What if admitting “I don’t know” about the afterlife could make you more alive today? We dive into the stories humans tell about death—why they comfort us, how they guide behavior, and where they can quietly limit our courage. With warmth and honesty, I explore the tug-of-war between the need for certainty and the deeper call to live, love, and serve without cosmic guarantees. We start with the bi...

I explore why true wisdom starts with owning our ignorance and how that stance transforms love, leadership, and parenting. We move from self-help as validation to training as practice, with humility, curiosity, and daily reps as the engine of real change. • The School of Life insight that sparks the talk • why admitting ignorance unlocks growth • the difference between consuming and training • pra...

What if “the one” isn’t a person you find but a capacity you grow into? That question drives our heart-forward conversation with relationship coach and musician Kelsey Grant as we separate fear from truth, chemistry from compatibility, and secrecy from the kind of honesty that actually deepens love. We start where most dating advice ends: inside. If you can map your partner’s patterns but can’t na...

I welcome my childhood friend Dr. Mike Meaney back on the show where we discuss how pain changes how a life moves. It sharpens every edge, tests every bond, and forces you to decide what you believe when there are no easy choices left. That’s where our conversation begins: a candid account of failed orthopedic surgeries, a system that too often rewards the cut over the cure, and the daily reality...

Use code FEEDTHESOUL at https://seoulandsoil.com/ for a discount on the best handcrafted, no BS skincare products in the USA.  Psychotherapist Romina Richardson shares profound insights on the emotional labor of therapy, authentic connection in relationships, and staying human in a tech-dominated world. We explore what makes a great therapist beyond credentials and how self-awareness creates the f...

Visit Tangem.com and use code FEEDTHESOUL for a special discount on your cold wallet. Cryptocurrency is transforming the future of finance, offering new ways to build wealth and diversify investments despite its volatility. • David shares his crypto journey beginning in 2015 with Bitcoin mining • Only 5% of the world's population currently owns cryptocurrency, showing massive growth potential...

The divide between men and women has never been more pronounced in our culture, especially when it comes to who bears responsibility for healing relationship wounds. Drawing from years of experience as a counselor and my own personal journey, I tackle the dangerous tendency to place blame solely on one gender while absolving the other. Most relationship discourse online falls into one of two extre...

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today. Randall "Random" Brooks shares his expertise on upset prevention and recovery training, revealing how proper pilot preparation for emergencies translates to valuable life skills and better decision-making under...

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today. We explore the nature of spirituality and religion with Pastor Charlie McCallie in a wide-ranging conversation that challenges conventional thinking about God, faith, and human connection. • The episode opens with poetry...

Technology and social media significantly impact how we build and maintain our relationships. This episode explores the concepts of fubbing, the implications of social media on intimacy and trust, the dynamics of online dating, and practical steps toward healthier digital interactions.  • Discussion of how technology influences modern relationships  • Introduction of fubbing as a relationship chal...

Want to work with me one on one? Head over to www.nicobarraza.com and book a free 15-min Zoom consultation to see if it is a good fit for you. I work with individuals and couples. Effective communication is essential for building healthy relationships, yet so many lack the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue. We explore the challenges of emotional dumping, assumptions, and the importance of rec...

What if the sky truly is the limit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Claudia, the president of the Latino Pilots Association (LPA), and Manny, the director of finance, as we explore what it means to break into the aviation industry, particularly for people of color and women. With heartfelt stories of personal and family journeys, they unravel the unique challenges faced by Latinos and L...

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today. Renowned author and dog behavior expert Dr. Alexandra Horowitz joins us to unravel the mysteries behind how dogs perceive their world and the misconceptions we often hold about their emotions. Dive into the fascinating in...

Use code BEHEALED on both of these websites https://signalrelief.com/ and https://meetjovi.com/ And to donate to me finding a surgeon that will help me go here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-nico-barraza-soar-after-five-surgeries The podcast episode explores the fundamental skill of listening during emotionally charged moments and the barriers that prevent effective communication in relationship...

Use code BEHEALED here https://signalrelief.com/ and here https://meetjovi.com/ If you want to donate to help me head out to Boston to see yet another surgeon on this insane healthcare journey go to the GoFundMe here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-nico-barraza-soar-after-five-surgeries Sabrina Zohar joins us to discuss the critical role of accountability in relationships and the nuances of effect...

To support my flight school training click here: https://gofund.me/2d0a5255 Donate to Mylo’s charity of choice here: https://www.heartofamerica.org/our-work/indigenous-initiatives/ Check out the documentary on Mylo here https://youtu.be/LRPKxRsfQEw?si=rCRVPPdVmhuygtTo Embark on a journey of discovery as I sit down with my good friend, Mylo Fowler, a remarkable photographer and artist known for his...

https://gofund.me/4cc4ffee Please consider contributing to my flight school fund below and share it on your social media pages! Thank you in advance for your support! Ever questioned the roles we play in our relationships? This episode tackles the intricate dance of masculinity and femininity in today's world. Through a candid exchange with a fellow pickleball player, I dissect the stereotype...

What happens when love is more about what we receive than what we give? In our latest episode, we dive into the complex and often misunderstood world of modern love and relationships. We start by dissecting a provocative post by mindfulness educator Case Kenny, challenging the notion of the "purest form of love" as one centered on receiving rather than giving. By examining how social med...

Get yourself a Paddletek Pickleball paddle for 10% off using the code NICO10 at checkout here https://www.paddletek.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooLOkNTMpOuII8wvhVoIH5VZyG8xITOlxuSxoclWRYeqd7seKYG Highly recommend buying a Slyce end cap for your pickleball paddle too using the code Feedthesoul10 here https://slycesport.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorL_tyC5b7RrsrbwISHzyanHclkMNK8FNFXqD8_0Bozc8K0el8e What if you could fi...

What does it take to balance the life of a professional athlete with personal relationships and long-term happiness? Join us as we sit down with Olympian Annie Kunz, who shares her incredible journey in track and field, representing the US in the Tokyo Olympics, and the other international competitions. Listen to Annie's firsthand account of the emotional rollercoaster she faced when a season...

The conversation explores the topic of narcissism and its impact on individuals and relationships. Dr. Karyl McBride, a therapist and author, shares her expertise on narcissistic parents, the traits of narcissism, and the effects on children. She discusses the different types of narcissistic mothers and the role of the father in enabling the narcissistic dynamic. The conversation also delves into...

Interested in working with me one on one? Head over to www.nicobarraza.com This week's conversation is with Ray McKimm, a Psychotherapist based out of Ireland who I encountered via this incredible spur of the moment interview he gave to a content creator that amassed millions of views.  Ray's Bio: "Ray has trained in a range of therapeutic interventions and worked in the N.H.S., the...

In this episode, I sit down with Leah Elson, a brilliant scientist and author, whose passion for science communication and advocacy for women in STEM resonates deeply. Leah discusses her unique path balancing athletics with scientific pursuits, and the critical role of effective communication in bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. Together, we explore how early exposu...

Can creating a more disciplined and appreciative environment truly shape the next generation into responsible adults? In this episode, we unpack the often-overlooked nuances of modern parenting. Reflecting on my own childhood, I draw contrasts between the sometimes overly-protective approaches of today and the more disciplined methods of the past. We critically explore the balance between positive...