The Mindform Podcast

In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective episode, Frank Lawton speaks with naturopathic doctor and integrative healer Erica Matluck about how healing unfolds beyond conventional ideas of safety, diagnosis, and even root causes. Erica shares her journey from energy work and anthropology to Western medical training and integrative practice — shaped not by rigid ideology, but by lived experience an...

What if you could turn anxiety, numbness, and avoidance into strength, resilience, and joy? In this episode, coach and facilitator Elliot Freeman shares a powerful system for mastering self-regulation — using simple tools like breathwork, movement, and self-compassion to transform your inner world. We explore: Nervous system mastery with polyvagal theory The difference between numbness and fight-o...

In this reflective episode, Frank speaks with longtime Mindform member Arwill Recto, a partner, father, and systems thinker deeply engaged in self-awareness and communication. Arwill shares his journey from faith-based volunteer work to corporate leadership, and how burnout and pandemic depression sparked a deeper dive into psychology, stoicism, and purpose. They explore how self-awareness shapes...

In this rich and introspective episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton is joined by Kendall McCullough, a spiritual life coach and the founder of Rooted Awakening Coaching. Kendall shares his deeply personal journey from a challenging early adulthood marked by mental health struggles and a Kundalini awakening, to the development of a grounded and spiritually integrated coaching practice...

In this role-reversal episode, Mindform member John Warinner hosts a deeply personal conversation with the podcast’s regular host, Frank Lawton. Together, they explore Frank’s journey through meditation, fatherhood, and the transformative power of communication especially his passion for Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Frank opens up about how Vipassana retreats shaped his presence and how his rol...

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with Ryan A. Bush, founder of Mindform and author of several books including The Anxiety Book and The Philosopher’s Field Guide. The conversation centers around the psychotech programs Ryan has developed, including the Anxiety Algorithm, Flourishing Function, and Growth Accelerator. Ryan elaborates on his vision of creating a “us...

In this special episode, Ryan A. Bush hosts a live Q&A with Anne-Laure Le Cunff—neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs—centered around her book Tiny Experiments. Recorded as part of the Mindform community’s June book club, the episode brings together questions from members on how to build an experimental mindset in work, life, and learning. Anne-Laure discusses the difference between...

In Episode 23 of The Mindform Podcast, Frank Lawton speaks with Ralph Kurz, Stoic mentor and mental trainer, about his journey into Stoicism and how it reshaped his worldview. They trace his path from reading Meditations to joining the College of Stoic Philosophers and facilitating discussions on virtue through the Virtues Project. Their conversation explores Stoicism beyond its popular image as a...

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, Ryan A. Bush hosts in place of Frank Lawton for a thoughtful conversation with returning guest Lucas Golding. The two explore the nature of the self, drawing from Lucas’s background in meditation and Buddhist philosophy and Ryan’s interest in neuroscience. Together, they question the idea of a fixed identity, examine how language and evolution shape our sen...

In this deep and insightful episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with bestselling author and communication coach Peter Andrei to unpack the deeper dimensions of effective communication. What begins as a story about Peter’s embarrassing first speech in high school evolves into a powerful conversation about truth, intention, clarity, and influence. Peter shares the transforma...

In this compelling episode, Ryan and Frank explore the concept of building a wiser world through systems thinking, psychotechnology, and personal transformation. They touch on systemic dysfunctions (like shareholder-driven capitalism), cultural and political division, the need for wisdom education, and Ryan’s vision for the Mindform app—an immersive, gamified platform for developing practical wisd...

In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, host Frank Lawton speaks with Thomas D. Zweifel, leadership expert, author, and strategist, about what it truly means to lead. Zweifel shares his central philosophy: that leadership is not about dominance or status, but about empowering others through conversations of value. They explore the concept of co-leadership, the Global Leader Pyramid frame...

In this thoughtful and energizing conversation, John Webster shares his evolving philosophy of wellness—not as a destination, but as a lifelong dance of balance, growth, and action. Drawing on his personal transformation through running, his professional background in law, and his experience hosting a wellness podcast, John introduces his practical framework for well-being: the GET model (Grow, Em...

In this second appearance on The Mindform Podcast, Ariel Strong returns to speak with host Frank Lawton about the rapidly evolving role of AI in society, psychology, and ecological management. Ariel shares insights from her wildfire mitigation work and her mission to democratize AI access through community education and local meetups. The conversation deep-dives into the tension between AI's disru...

In Part 2, the conversation between Ryan A Bush and Mufakhrul Shah deepens as they examine how morality is developed and enforced. Ryan expands on his wisdom-based ethics, questioning whether rules help or hinder moral growth, while Mufakhrul defends principles as necessary guardrails for a functioning society. They explore whether striving for virtue can replace duty, how to deal with those who r...

Host Frank Lawton moderates a thoughtful and engaging conversation between Ryan A Bush and Mufakhrul Shah on the nature of morality and ethics. Mufakhrul shares a duty-based view rooted in universal principles, while Ryan challenges this with a wisdom-driven approach focused on values, reasoning, and consequences. The discussion explores whether morality is innate or taught, how rules shape ethica...

On this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with Zach Baker to explore the vast and transformative power of active imagination. Zach shares his personal journey into the inner world, uncovering emotional landscapes, building the ideal self, and navigating the unconscious through symbolic imagery. Together, they discuss how working with the imagination can heal old wounds,...

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton welcomes back scientist and music lover Kyle Douglas, returning since his appearance in Episode 3. This time, the conversation centers around the transformative power of sound, vibration, and the human voice. Kyle unpacks how frequency and resonance can be used as tools for nervous system regulation, emotional release, and inner alignment....

In this Mindform Podcast episode, Frank Lawton speaks with executive coach and secular Buddhist Mike Verhey about leadership, psychology, and personal growth. They explore how coaching helps individuals move from insight to action by asking the right questions rather than giving direct advice. Mike shares his AAA model—awareness, approach, and action—as a guide for meaningful change. He discusses...

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton welcomes Julian Eger-Benninger, a deep thinker based in Germany. The conversation delves into the concept of transformational change, exploring how emotional learning and memory reconsolidation can lead to profound personal growth. Julian shares insights from his experiences in mindfulness practices, including the therapeutic approach of f...

In this episode, Frank Lawton and Ryan A. Bush explore eudaimonia, the deep well-being that comes from aligning actions with values. Ryan explains Virtue Self-Signaling Theory, which ties happiness to the brain’s self-appraisal system—our innate mechanism for evaluating our own actions. This system influences serotonin levels, shaping confidence, motivation, and long-term fulfillment. The discussi...

This episode explores the transformative power of Stoicism, focusing on how philosophical principles shape resilience, emotional control, and personal growth. Ryan L, a key member of the Mindform community, shares his journey from personal tragedy to a life guided by Stoic wisdom. He discusses the dichotomy of control, emphasizing the importance of focusing only on what’s within our power. The con...

In this thought-provoking episode, Frank Lawton welcomes physical therapist and psychology enthusiast Jimmy Norris for a deep dive into the interplay between personal growth and self-acceptance. Together, they explore how storytelling and metaphor shape impactful communication, the challenge of translating abstract ideas into tangible change, and the role of mindfulness in emotional regulation. Ji...

Frank Lawton speaks with John Warriner about the connection between self-improvement, psychology, and regenerative systems. John, an ecological engineer, explains how solving environmental and technical issues requires understanding human behavior. They discuss leadership, teamwork, and the idea of communities committed to everyone's flourishing. John challenges the 51% majority rule in democracy,...

In this episode, host Frank Lawton sits down with Brandy C to explore the power of authenticity, self-love, and values-based living. They discuss the balance between structure and freedom, the challenges of neurodiversity, and the deep impact of choosing who we share our true selves with. Brandy shares her personal journey of self-acceptance, the struggle of trying to fit into societal expectation...