The Lift Podcast

What if a country's success wasn't measured by its economy—but by the happiness of its people?   In this fascinating episode, Darren Morton and Simon Matthews journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation that's redefining what it means to thrive. While much of the world focuses on economic growth, Bhutan has become internationally recognised for measuring Gross National Happiness and...

What if the way you see the world isn’t reality—but just your interpretation of it? In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the powerful role of language, perception, and mental models in shaping human behaviour, communication, and healthcare outcomes. At the heart of the conversation is the idea that “the map is not the territory” — the concept that our understanding...

What if the way we structure time is quietly affecting our stress, sleep, and overall wellbeing? In this fascinating episode, Darren and Simon explore the intersection of cosmology, culture, and lifestyle medicine, uncovering how ancient rhythms still shape our modern lives—often without us realising it. From the origins of the seven-day week to the science behind lunar cycles and tides, they unpa...

What does it really mean to be an expert in today’s world? In this episode, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the concept of the T-shaped professional—someone with deep expertise in one area and broad knowledge across many others—and why this model is becoming increasingly important in fields like lifestyle medicine and beyond. They unpack the balance between depth and breadth, the benefits and ch...

What if wealth had nothing to do with money? In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren challenge the traditional definition of wealth and explore a more meaningful framework built around five essential types of wealth: time, social, mental, physical, and financial. They unpack how these resources shape our daily lives, influence our wellbeing, and determine how “rich” we truly f...

When was the last time you felt a true sense of awe? In this episode, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the transformative power of transcendent moments — those rare but powerful experiences that shift our perspective, deepen our sense of connection, and remind us that we’re part of something bigger. From the stillness of nature to the beauty of art and the meaning found in everyday moments, they...

Why is breaking a habit so difficult — even when we really want to change? In this episode, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the fascinating psychology of behavioural change, sharing personal stories of habits they’ve struggled with — from decades-long nail-picking to knuckle-cracking — and what finally helped shift them. They explore why simply trying to “stop” a behaviour often backfires, how...

What if improving your health didn’t require a total life overhaul? In this energising conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore why small, consistent changes are one of the most powerful (and underrated) ways to improve your health, happiness, and long-term wellbeing. Drawing parallels between financial investing and lifestyle habits, they reveal how tiny daily “deposits” in your health com...

What do the new dietary guidelines really mean for everyday eating? In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the latest dietary guidelines for Americans, exploring how modern nutrition advice is shifting—and what actually matters for long-term health. Drawing on personal preferences, clinical insight, and real-world practicality, they discuss how to eat well without becoming overwhelmed or extreme...

In this episode, Darren and Simon dive into the heart of lifestyle medicine, exploring how we balance the core pillars of health—nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress—in real life. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and a bit of humour, they unpack what it truly means to find your own sense of “enough.” From the joy of ocean swims and the therapeutic burn of a good workout to the surpr...

In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the science of jet lag, exploring why rapid travel across time zones disrupts our sleep, energy, mood, and overall well-being. They dive into the role of circadian rhythms, why flying east is often harder than flying west, and how light exposure, meal timing, hydration, and movement can make or break your adjustment to a new time zone. The conversation also...

In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon dive deep into one of life’s biggest questions: What is enough? Exploring the powerful link between human health and the health of our planet, they unpack the root causes of chronic disease, the hidden costs of endless economic growth, and the human tendency to constantly want more. The conversation challenges modern ideals of success and invites...

Despite being more digitally connected than ever, rates of loneliness, isolation, and emotional disconnection are soaring. In this thought-provoking conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the growing loneliness epidemic—and the surprising ways artificial intelligence might both contribute to the problem and be part of the solution. They discuss how AI companions, chatbots, and digital ass...

What if the problem isn’t you—it’s the way we set goals? In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren unpack the complexities of behaviour change and goal setting, exploring why so many of us struggle to sustain motivation and how we can approach goals in a healthier, more flexible way. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of unmet goals, the science of self-efficacy, and the pit...

What do parachutes have to do with health? In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon unpack the parachute metaphor to explore the challenges, creativity, and courage needed to make lifestyle medicine work in the real world. They discuss why evidence alone isn’t enough—change only happens when we deploy what we know. From the size of interventions and the importance of maintenance, to the...

Back by popular demand! This fan-favourite episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with regret and decision-making. Do you ever find yourself stuck in a loop of "What if?" and "I should have…"? Regret is a universal emotion, but what if you could make choices with more confidence and less second-guessing? 🤔 In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the psychology of regret and decision-maki...

Why do people resist change—and how can clinicians respond more effectively? In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the complex role of resistance in clinical practice, tracing its historical roots in psychology and reframing it as a valuable resource rather than a barrier. They discuss how autonomy, systemic influences, and patient motivations shape behaviour—and how c...

Light isn’t just about vision—it’s vital for your mental and physical health. In this eye-opening conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren delve into the fascinating science of light and its profound impact on overall well-being. From the mood-boosting power of natural sunlight to the surprising effects of blue, red, and artificial light, they unpack the latest research and share practical strategi...

In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the fascinating world of behavioural change, exploring how community activities—like fishing—can become powerful catalysts for responsible behaviour and social connection.   Through engaging stories and practical examples, they reveal: ☀️How environmental design and infrastructure influence the choices we make ☀️The psychology...

In this inspiring episode, Darren and Simon explore the powerful link between outdoor activity, social connection, and mental well-being. Through heartfelt personal stories—like Darren's son's upcoming adventure run and the phenomenal success of Coastrek, a charity walk empowering women—they dive deep into how movement, nature, and community work together to support mental health.   🎙️ Topics Cove...

In this engaging episode, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the powerful science of savouring—a key concept in positive psychology that can dramatically enhance your mental health, resilience, and overall happiness.   Learn how to: 😎 Harness anticipatory, in-the-moment, and reflective savouring 😎 Be more present and mindful in your daily life 😎 Turn ordinary moments into lasting emotional wel...

Is being “book smart” enough? In this episode, Darren and Simon explore the true nature of intelligence—challenging the idea that IQ alone predicts success. They dive into the science of emotional intelligence (EQ) and explain why it plays a far greater role in personal well-being, professional performance, and relationships. From the famous marshmallow test to everyday life skills like self-aware...

Back by popular demand! This fan-favourite episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building better habits and making lasting lifestyle changes.   Join Darren and Simon Matthews as they break down the psychology of motivation, explore the science of behaviour change, and share practical strategies for habit formation that actually work. You’ll learn how your environment, social circles, a...

Why do we sometimes feel a surge of energy just when we’re ready to give up? In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the concept of the second wind—the physical and psychological boost that helps us push through fatigue, whether in endurance sports or everyday life. They share personal experiences, explore the science behind energy depletion and recovery, and discuss how resilience and mindset im...

🤔 What makes an idea truly powerful? In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren Morton delve into the origins of big ideas, their path to gaining traction, and why some transform the world while others fade away.   From positive psychology and mental wellbeing to the groundbreaking rise of lifestyle medicine, this conversation unpacks: 💡 How innovation shapes our lives and heal...