no distraction.

At 25, Alex Manzi had the job, the salary, the life that looks correct on paper — and he had a breakdown. The question he asked himself on the other side of it ("surely this can't be it") sent him into psychology books, meditation, and eventually a microphone. Twelve years and roughly 500 episodes later, he's still asking it.Alex started what became the first UK podcast focused on self-development, mental health and personal growth — a full year before Steven Bartlett launched Diary of a CEO. It hit the top three on Apple and got him messages from strangers asking for help, which is how he stumbled into coaching without knowing coaching was a thing. He now writes books, is finishing a graphic novel, and runs a six-month program that ends with six days in France he describes as two years of transformation compressed into a week.This conversation goes somewhere unexpected. It's less about strategy and more about who you're being while you execute it.Inside this episode:— Why your life will only ever make sense in the rear view mirror, and what to do in the meantime— The difference between your "default being" and your "created being" — and why most people never meet the second one— What a coach asked Alex that reframed every decision he's made since— Why you can't "get" energy, and the one Sunday-morning distinction that changes how it feels— The singer who said she wasn't good enough for the stage — and what happened in a bar in France— The empty page exercise Alex gives anyone who doesn't know what they want— Why consuming other people's version of success quietly deletes your ownFind Alex: https://www.instagram.com/iamalexmanzi/no distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Abbi's world: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/

Claire Doré spent sixteen years inside the personal development industry — then saw something she couldn't unsee. So she deleted her title, released her clients, walked away from her income, and gave away 95% of everything she owned, including her home. Her argument is simple and uncomfortable: the moment you call yourself a coach, you've placed the person in front of you underneath you.Claire now refuses a title altogether. She calls herself an energetic mirror — someone whose presence lets people see themselves clearly enough that the story they've been carrying just dissolves. It isn't theory. In this conversation she describes booking a £300 hotel room that left £30 in her account, the woman who sat down beside her in reception the next morning, and what happened after that. She describes a stranger who told her he'd made a mistake he couldn't forgive himself for — and what one sentence did to him. She talks about the label she now wants to walk into prisons and dismantle.What we get into:Why "the healing paradigm" might be quietly keeping millions of people brokenWhat she means when she says energy speaks before words ever doWhy she hasn't watched the news in sixteen years — and didn't know the clocks had gone backThe collapse before the click: why your reality blows up right after you make the real decisionWhy "I don't know" is the most fertile ground for clarity there isThe book she never intended to write, and why she'll never publish it the normal wayWhat it actually costs to let go of every single familiar thing in your lifeThis one is less an interview than an energetic exchange. Claire's own words.no distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Abbi's world: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/

Claire didn't like coffee until she was 24 — one espresso and her "whole system said no." Today, she's a specialty barista who gets flown from Madrid to Vienna to Amsterdam to make coffee at events across Europe. Her explanation for how that happened is deceptively simple: follow what excites you, and don't argue with it.In this episode, I sit down with Claire — barista, visual creator, writer, and founder of IMMÄ Studio. She's the definition of multi-passionate: she's used hospitality jobs to travel through Switzerland, Australia, and Spain, managed one of Madrid's most respected specialty coffee shops, works in advertising production, and is now building a creative community rooted in one skill most of us avoid — being honest with ourselves.In this conversation we get into:— How do you figure out what you actually want when you could do anything?— The "research phase" most new creators skip — and why it costs them years— Why 90% of creators quit in the first three months, and the daily reflection habit that keeps Claire going— How to travel the world with a "low-skill" job (and why hospitality is the most underrated travel hack)— Why connections are made in the DMs, not the comments— The story behind IMÄ Studio — and why "you already are what you are" is the whole point— Plus: Claire ranks every coffee drink, and the latte macchiato does not surviveClaire's honesty about the slow, unglamorous version of the creator journey — the one where your online income doesn't pay rent yet and that's okay — is something almost nobody talks about.Follow Claire:Substack: https://claireisonit.substack.com/ @imma__studio  no distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Abbi's world: https://linktr.ee/abbiDogan

What if the self-development you keep consuming is the exact thing keeping you stuck?In this episode, Austra makes a confession most coaches never would: for years she taught people how to master their mindset while quietly struggling behind the scenes — until she realized that consuming personal growth had become her most sophisticated form of procrastination.Austra hosts two podcasts, Wisdom in Action and Chase the Impossible, and works as a mindset coach. But her story is anything but a polished highlight reel. She spent years convinced she "just couldn't run" — then went on to finish five half marathons, a half Iron Man, and the original marathon route in Athens, all by following one rule: commit before you're ready. Along the way she learned that realness, not perfection, is what actually makes people connect.In this conversation, Austra and I get into:– Why "consuming self-development" might be the most comfortable way to avoid actually changing– The difference between theory experts and life experts — and who you should really be listening to– What three weeks offline until 8PM does to the way you think (and why boredom became a superpower)– How to reframe rejection so a single "no" stops running your decisions– Why you'll never feel ready — and how to start anyway– The lesson she resisted longest: why you can't build, heal, or grow entirely alone– How to identify your own "impossible" and actually chase itThis one is for anyone who's read all the books, saved all the clips, and still feels like they're standing still :)Follow Austra:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/  @wisdominactionpod   @austraputnina  no distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Abbi's world: https://linktr.ee/abbiDogan

She was kicked out of her home at 16, pulling 12-hour barista shifts for barely a few euros an hour, with $300 to her name and no backup plan. Three years and a string of failed online businesses later, she bet everything on one last shot — and stumbled onto the counterintuitive truth that built her entire brand: people don't relate to your wins, they relate to your suffering.Estere isn't a famous founder or a guru with a decade of credentials. She's a self-made creator who built a sold-out coaching business on X from absolute zero — twice — after her first account was banned overnight at 2,800 followers. Her edge isn't luck or a big audience. It's a philosophy she calls "world building": turning your story, your struggles, and the things you don't have into a brand people can't look away from. In this conversation she breaks it down with no fluff and no recycled advice.In this episode:— Why talking about what you DON'T have beats flexing your wins every single time— The "hill you die on" philosophy, and why having haters might be the whole point— How one post about quitting university got her 1,000 followers in 24 hours— The brutal reason most offers never sell, and the one question that fixes it— What losing her entire business overnight taught her about starting again— Why your self-esteem might be the real ceiling on your income— The lesson that changed everything: how letting go led to her biggest month yetIf you've ever felt like you needed results before you were allowed to have a story, this one's for you.Follow Esther:X: https://x.com/esterezwno distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Abbi's world: https://linktr.ee/abbiDogan

For most of her career, Pragna carried something into every meeting, every project, every promotion: the feeling that she couldn't fully be herself at work. Then one ordinary network meeting in 2013 cracked something open — and changed the entire direction of her life. This is a conversation about what it actually costs to spend years not belonging, and what it takes to finally come home to who you are.Pragna spent nearly three decades in corporate tech before founding Belonging Matters, a consultancy built on a deceptively simple idea: people do their best work — and live their best lives — when they feel safe, seen, and like they genuinely belong. London-born, South Asian, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she's turned her own experiences of exclusion into a five-part framework that organisations now use to audit their culture. She's also the creator of the Belonging Cards, a deck designed to pull people out of small talk and into the conversations that actually matter.In this episode:– Why "slowing down" might be the fastest way to get where you actually want to go– The five hidden dimensions that quietly decide whether you belong — anywhere– What it really costs to stay in a job, a friendship, or a room where you don't feel safe– The 2013 moment that finally let her be herself, and why it took so long– How she moved from the hardest year of her life to her clearest sense of purpose– Is AI coming for your job, or freeing you to finally do human work?– Why she'd rather skip the small talk and go straight to the real conversationFollow Pragna:Website: https://belongingmatters.co.uk/no distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Follow Abbi: https://linktr.ee/abbiDogan

Four months of 16-hour days. A $90K theft in the first 24 hours. And a choice: quit, or push harder. Dan West pushed.He ended up making $240K — and that was just the beginning of a wild ride that would eventually lead to burnout, a six-month disappearance from the internet, and a quiet realization that changed how he thinks about business, leadership, and what it actually means to build something real.Dan is a content strategist, copywriter, and online business coach who built his reputation on Instagram, Substack, X (formerly Twitter) — first through the NFT trenches, then through hard-won frameworks he now uses to help creators and coaches get their first (or next) clients fast. His approach is no-nonsense, story-driven, and grounded in what actually moves numbers.In this episode, we get into:The $90K theft that nearly killed his NFT project — and the bold moves he made to recover more than doubleWhy he went dark for six months, and the uncomfortable moment he discovered his audience had quietly done the sameThe "Offer Crystallization" framework — why most offers fail before they're even launched, and how to fix yours in a Google DocWhy he tells new clients: don't create content yet — send 100 DMs firstThe three pillars he now refuses to compromise on (and why putting money before them actually makes you less money)What masculinity, frame, and respect have to do with closing clientsThe one question Dan uses to guide every decision: does this give me energy, or take it away?If you're building an online business, growing a brand, or just trying to figure out what you actually want — this one's for you.Follow Dan West: @danwestworld  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danwestworld/no distraction:Get weekly anti-letters: https://abbidogan.substack.com/Follow Abbi: https://linktr.ee/abbiDogan

Today’s episode is a banger :)Denise Balyoz is a natural leader as she went through the corporate ladder and ended up in a space that didn't feel right. As she discovered her natural gift, she expanded her work and started coaching other leaders who feel like there’s something missing.In today’s talk, we talked about leading your own life and approaching situations with your leadership capacity. As we digged deeper, we uncovered deep faults in today’s leadership and explored a way of leading that is lighter, more sustainable, and above everything, not draining.Denise’s current work revolves around Ancient Oak trees. She felt the first pull 4 months ago, and ever since, she learned so much about herself by communicating with the trees. Not only did she, but her clients experienced similar effects of uncovering truths that previously couldn’t be put into words, but now they flow naturally.She is currently writing her book about the oak trees, and be prepared for another episode once it's out :)00:00 Redefining Leadership in Today's World03:11 The Impact of Individualism on Leadership05:38 The Role of Connection in Leadership08:07 Hierarchical vs. Non-Hierarchical Leadership Models10:37 The Power of Personal Energy in Leadership13:12 Building Capacity for Effective Leadership15:17 Creating Inner Safety for Leadership17:48 Techniques for Expanding Consciousness20:00 The Interplay of Consciousness and Unconsciousness22:16 Transformative Practices for Leaders31:44 Creating Daily Scaffolding for Self-Alignment33:22 Breaking Free from Ego and Embracing Curiosity35:21 Connecting with Ancient Oaks: A Journey of Discovery40:19 The Wisdom of Oak Trees and Their Impact on Life43:10 Transformative Experiences Through Oak Presencing Sessions46:53 The Interconnectedness of Leadership and Nature52:40 Activism Through Self-Nourishment and PresenceFollow Denise:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisebalyozSubstack: https://substack.com/@denisebalyozWebsite: https://themovewellcoach.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-balyozOak sessions page: https://themovewellcoach.com/oak-presencing-sessionsYou can just be offline whenever you want. Want to learn how?https://abbidogan.substack.comMy anti-socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbidoganSubstack: https://substack.com/@abbidoganMy portal: https://abdulkadirdogan.comWe create miracles.

This was one of the talks where I truly felt like talking to a bro :) In this conversation, Urban Gibon shares his journey from starting an evergreen business to managing stress and aligning passions with monetizable skills. He discusses the importance of creating a unique offer, understanding evergreen funnels, and the value of personal growth through the creator journey. Urban emphasizes the significance of mentorship, the process of crafting content, and the role of reading in enhancing creativity and self-understanding. The discussion also touches on the importance of adapting to changes and the benefits of being open to new ideas and paths.00:00 The Seed of an Evergreen Business06:36 Managing Stress in Creator Work11:41 Shifting Focus: From Stress Management to Branding16:06 Advice for Beginner Creators20:25 Understanding Evergreen Funnels26:29 Content Strategy for Funnels33:52 Creating a Compelling Offer38:23 Tailoring Offers for Unique Clients43:32 Practical Steps for Beginners53:49 Navigating Change and Misalignment58:12 The Evolution of Personal Branding01:10:34 Books and Resources for CreatorsFollow Urban:X: https://x.com/UrbanGibonYouTube:  @UrbanGibon  You can just be offline whenever you want. Want to learn how?https://abbidogan.substack.com/My anti-socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbidogan/Substack: https://substack.com/@abbidogan/My portal: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/We create miracles.

Nach diesem Gespräch fühle ich mich definitiv leichter als zuvor :)In diesem Gespräch verstehen wir die Herausforderungen und Chancen der Selbstständigkeit, Stressmanagement, die Bedeutung des inneren Gleichgewichts und wie externe Unterstützung dabei helfen kann, nachhaltigen Erfolg zu erzielen. Zora Janacek teilt mit uns ihre Reise von der Musikbranche zum erfolgreichen Coaching für kreative Selbstständige. Erfahre, wie Achtsamkeit, Atemtechniken und Selbstreflexionen dabei helfen, Stress zu bewältigen und ein erfülltes Leben zu führen.00:00 Stress und Selbstständigkeit10:03 Der Einfluss von Stress auf Kreativität19:29 Stressbewältigung und persönliche Grenzen28:38 Netzwerken und Selbstidentifikation als Selbstständiger29:47 Die Rolle des Coachings: Externe Hilfe zur Selbstreflexion31:32 Coaching vs. Therapie: Überbrückung der Versorgungslücke33:14 Der Coaching-Prozess: Individuelle Begleitung und Zielsetzung34:49 Methoden zur Selbstreflexion: Das Unterbewusstsein ansprechen37:18 Atemtechniken und Meditation: Zugang zum Unterbewusstsein39:28 Die Kraft des Unterbewusstseins: Ideen und Kreativität freisetzen40:42 Detoxing für den Geist: Stille und Selbstreflexion42:44 Die Bedeutung des Atmens: Bewusstes Atmen für innere Ruhe48:10 Emotionen als Indikatoren: Bedürfnisse erkennen und erfüllen49:12 Der Veränderungsprozess: Schritte zur Stressbewältigung49:54 Wachstum durch Coaching und Inspiration52:36 Emotionale und mentale Aspekte der Selbstständigkeit53:31 Veränderungen nach dem Coaching: Ein neuer Blick auf die Selbstständigkeit55:59 Präventive Ansätze im Coaching57:09 Der Weg zur Selbstständigkeit: Zoras persönliche Geschichte59:35 Herausforderungen im Coaching-Markt01:02:01 Die Balance zwischen Kreativität und Bürokratie01:04:29 Selbstständigkeit: Risiken und Chancen01:06:58 Abschließende Gedanken zur Selbstständigkeit und FehlerkulturFolge Zora:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zora.kurzvorlos/Ihr Coaching: https://kurzvorlos.de/You can just be offline whenever you want. Want to learn how?https://abbidogan.substack.com/My anti-socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbidogan/Substack: https://substack.com/@abbidogan/My portal: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/We create miracles.

In this insightful interview, Kat Korobacz shares her expertise on neuroplasticity, CBT, and nervous system regulation. Discover practical strategies to understand and reshape your brain, overcome mental barriers, and foster lasting change.She explains:Neuroplasticity and how the brain rewires itselfThe role of safety and nervous system regulation in changePractical CBT techniques for understanding and shifting beliefsMetaphors for complex psychological concepts (fruit bowl, tree, roads)The importance of self-awareness and curiosity in personal growth00:00 Understanding the Brain's Complexity03:11 Neuroplasticity: Shaping Our Thoughts and Behaviors05:57 Awareness and Change: The Path to New Choices08:35 Identifying Indicators of Change11:10 The Predictive Nature of the Brain13:37 Creating Safety for Change15:54 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Explained18:39 Core Beliefs and Their Impact on Change39:40 Transforming Identity Through Sustainable Change41:39 Metaphors for Understanding Complex Concepts45:10 The Power of Practical Skills in Therapy48:09 Exploring the Nervous System's Role in Change53:28 The Collaborative Nature of Therapy57:23 Unpacking Personal Narratives for Deeper Understanding01:05:02 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist01:10:49 Using Personal Experiences to Foster ChangeFollow Kat KorobaczInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Therapist.KatSubstack: https://substack.com/@katkorobaczHer Website: https://kortherapypractice.com/You can just be offline whenever you want. Want to learn how?https://abbidogan.substack.com/My anti-socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbidogan/Substack: https://substack.com/@abbidogan/My portal: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/We create miracles.

In diesem inspirierenden Gespräch teilt Hannah ihre Erkenntnisse über die Bedeutung der Komfortzone, das Verlassen der Wachstumszone und die Rolle von Mut, Dankbarkeit und Zeit in der persönlichen Entwicklung. Erfahre, wie du kleine Schritte nutzen kannst, um deine Ängste zu überwinden und deine Ziele zu erreichen.Hannah ist die Gründerin des Twenties Coaching, welches jungen Menschen in ihren Zwanzigern (und Dreissigern) dabei hilft, ihre Karriere mit mehr Klarheit zu begegnen.Kapitel00:00 Die Komfortzone verstehen03:39 Wachstumszone und Panikzone06:31 Der Weg aus der Komfortzone09:21 Indikatoren für Wachstums- und Panikzone12:31 Journaling als Werkzeug zur Selbstreflexion20:25 Die Kraft der Dankbarkeit21:38 Angst, Dankbarkeit und Zeit für Kinder erklärt24:15 Coaching für die 20er: Warum diese Zielgruppe?27:01 Herausforderungen in den 20ern: Mut, Struktur und Zeitmanagement30:08 Der Einfluss von Social Media auf junge Erwachsene32:41 Selbstvertrauen und die Beziehung zu sich selbst34:13 Coaching-Methoden: Das Lebensrad37:24 Transformation durch Coaching: Erfolge und Erkenntnisse41:05 Lernen durch Vielfalt: Der Podcast als Inspirationsquelle43:37 Transformationen im Coaching: Von der Unzufriedenheit zur Erfüllung47:19 Der Weg zur Selbstständigkeit: Herausforderungen und Chancen54:04 Netzwerken und Unterstützung: Der Schlüssel zur Selbstständigkeit57:11 Abschließende Gedanken: Der individuelle Weg zum ErfolgFolge Hannah:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlaang/Links: https://linktr.ee/hannaahlangUndddddddd...You can just be offline whenever you want. Want to learn how?https://abbidogan.substack.com/My anti-socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbidogan/Substack: https://substack.com/@abbidogan/My portal: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/We create miracles.

Integrative Mind-Body and Somatic Coach Sara Santos explains how most of the pain we are experiencing has a deeper cause than we might think. She explains how the mind-body connection can be the cause for a majority of the chronic pain we are experiencing in our lives.Sara's work bridges the gap between understanding stress, emotions, our brain, and somatic practicesin order to feel safe in our bodies again.In our talk we explored this field of medicine through some real life examples from me that opened my eyes on the real effects of why I feel constantly stressed when trusting someone.00:00 The Pressure to Be Loved06:40 Understanding Perfectionism and Its Impact12:53 The Role of Trauma in Stress Responses22:04 Identifying Chronic Stress and Its Symptoms29:48 Understanding Symptoms and Root Causes34:15 The Mind-Body Connection and Neuroplasticity40:49 Building Safety and Trust in Healing46:38 The Role of Trauma in Mind-Body Healing52:54 Practical Steps for Healing and Self-Compassion57:48 Finding Hope and Resources for RecoveryFollow Sara:Website: https://fromchronicpaintowellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.mindbodybiology/You can just be offline whenever you want. Want to learn how?https://abbidogan.substack.com/My anti-socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbidogan/Substack: https://substack.com/@abbidogan/My portal: https://abdulkadirdogan.com/We create miracles.

In this magical conversation, Heather and I explore various themes related to personal growth, manifestation, and the impact of past experiences on present life. Sometimes I believe that she sees things that none of us can really comprehend :)We discuss grounding techniques, the concept of the 'pink bubble' for visualization and manifestation, the importance of frequency and vibration, and the role of forgiveness in healing trauma.The conversation also touches on the future of AI and quantum computing, emphasizing the need for human connection and self-awareness in navigating life's challenges.---I beat my decade long phone addiction, podcast creative entrepreneurs and spend more time offline than online.Now I help creators beat their phone addiction to turn mental noise into pure signal.My Free guide: https://whop.com/focused-entrepreneurGrab it and make the world a less distracted place.My socials:X — https://x.com/abbiDoganNewsletter — https://abbidogan.substack.com/We create miracles

Remarkable people are hard to find, but coaching can help.In this conversation, Howard Longstaff and I discussed the concept of the 'Red Fish' as a metaphor for remarkable leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of coaching in transforming individuals into leaders who can thrive in their environments. The conversation covers various aspects of coaching, including career, life, and business coaching, and highlights the impact of AI on the job market. Howard also shares insights on creating supportive cultures in organizations and the significance of mental health discussions in group settings.You don't want to miss this!Follow Howard:https://uk.linkedin.com/in/redfishcoaching---I beat my decade long phone addiction, podcast creative entrepreneurs and spend more time offline than online.Now I help creators beat their phone addiction to turn mental noise into pure signal.My Free guide: https://whop.com/focused-entrepreneurGrab it and make the world a less distracted place.My socials:X — https://x.com/abbiDoganNewsletter — https://abbidogan.substack.com/We create miracles

Today’s podcast is a bit special because I got interviewed for the first time!In this talk with Kate Furmanova, we talked about the one topic that 50% of Earth’s population is struggling with: phone addiction and dopamine.Furthermore, we talked about my downtime as a creator and how I plan on coming back in a more creative and artistic way.Follow Kate: @katefurmanova  ---I beat my decade long phone addiction, podcast creative entrepreneurs and spend more time offline than online.Now I help creators beat their phone addiction to turn mental noise into pure signal.My Free guide: https://whop.com/focused-entrepreneurGrab it and make the world a less distracted place.My socials:X — https://x.com/abbiDoganNewsletter — https://abbidogan.substack.com/We create miracles

In this enlightening conversation, Lisa Riesner and I explore the profound themes of self-discovery, awareness, and the complexities of love.We discuss the importance of choosing yourself, the role of vulnerability in authentic connections, and the impact of digital distractions on our ability to be present.Through the lens of acting, we delve into the art of navigating life's challenges with intention and purpose, emphasizing the significance of understanding our roots and ancestral trauma.Ultimately, we invite you to embrace your journey of being, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and others.Follow Lisa Riesner:Substack: https://substack.com/@lisariesnerYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@lisariesnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisariesner_official/---I beat my decade long phone addiction, podcast creative entrepreneurs and spend more time offline than online.Now I help creators beat their phone addiction to turn mental noise into pure signal.My Free guide: https://whop.com/focused-entrepreneurGrab it and make the world a less distracted place.My socials:X — https://x.com/abbiDoganNewsletter — https://abbidogan.substack.com/We create miracles