Control or Be Controlled

In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Jim Marshall, polymath and creator of the groundbreaking Septimics system, to explore a radically different way of understanding human behavior, motivation, and development.We talk about:· Why most self-help frameworks fail to explain human behavior in a structured way· The Septimics system and how it maps human development across 35 distinct scales· The seven levels of human motivation and how they show up in real life· How to assess compatibility in relationships, friendships, and business partnerships· Why understanding “levels” of behavior can prevent costly personal and professional mistakes· The gradient principle and why growth always happens step-by-step· How to make faster, more accurate decisions about people using behavioral patterns· Real-world applications in hiring, leadership, and relationship dynamics· How structured thinking can bring clarity in emotionally complex situationsThis is a thought-provoking conversation about moving beyond vague self-help advice — and learning how a structured understanding of human behavior can help you make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and navigate life with greater clarity and control.CONNECT AND EXPLORE : Connect with Jim : http://septemics.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oxm0ryKZ5ttYOjlNQRT1EApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/control-or-be-controlled/id1893693046Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/controlorbecontrolled

In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Ken Kunken, retired prosecutor and author of I Dream of Things That Never Were, to explore what it truly means to take control in the face of life-altering adversity.We talk about:· The life-changing football injury that left him nearly paralyzed — and the mindset shift that followed· Becoming the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell despite major accessibility barriers· How a strong support system helped him maintain high expectations· Turning physical and emotional setbacks into purpose and long-term success· Building a 40-year career as a prosecutor through resilience and determination· The role of patience, routine, and consistency during slow progress· How gratitude and hope reshape your perspective in difficult moments· Redefining success beyond limitations and external circumstances· Using adversity as a foundation to inspire and impact othersThis is a powerful, perspective-shifting conversation about refusing to be defined by circumstances — and learning how to turn setbacks into stepping stones for a life of purpose, impact, and resilience.CONNECT AND EXPLORE Connect with Ken Kunken - https://kenkunken.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oxm0ryKZ5ttYOjlNQRT1EApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/control-or-be-controlled/id1893693046Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/controlorbecontrolled

In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Michael Michiels, personal development coach, to explore how mastering your mind can transform even the darkest moments into a foundation for confidence, discipline, and purpose.We talk about:· How years of bullying shaped his early mindset — and what changed everything· The deeper psychological roots behind procrastination and low self-worth· Why most people try to fix symptoms instead of addressing the real problem· The power of self-talk and how it quietly builds your identity· The 1-3-5 method for building structure, discipline, and daily progress· Rebuilding trust in yourself after setbacks or self-doubt· Turning rock bottom into a launchpad for growth· Creating small, consistent habits that lead to lasting transformationThis is a raw, honest conversation about taking back control from negative patterns — and learning how to rebuild your life from the inside out, one decision at a time.CONNECT & EXPLORE - Connect with Maikel - https://maikelmichiels.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oxm0ryKZ5ttYOjlNQRT1EApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/control-or-be-controlled/id1893693046Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/controlorbecontrolled

In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Sheekha Singh, tech leader and author of Unburnable Ambition, to unpack the hidden cost of high achievement — and what it really takes to succeed without burning out.We talk about:· Why burnout often hides behind ambition and productivity· The myth of constant busyness as a measure of success· How to recognize early warning signs before burnout takes over· Redefining success in a way that supports both growth and well-being· Building systems and boundaries that protect your energy· The unique challenges faced by women in tech and high-performance spaces· How cultural expectations shape ambition and how to break free from them· The role of delegation, AI, and community in sustainable success· Why progress matters more than perfectionThis is a direct, eye-opening conversation about taking back control from burnout — and learning how to pursue ambition in a way that actually fuels your life, instead of draining it.CONNECT AND EXPLORE Connect with Sheekha : https://sheekhasingh.com/aboutme/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oxm0ryKZ5ttYOjlNQRT1EApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/control-or-be-controlled/id1893693046Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/controlorbecontrolled

In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Sheldon Greaves, guerrilla scholar and founder of a university, to challenge the idea that traditional institutions are the only path to meaningful intellectual growth.We talk about:· Why institutional education isn’t the only route to deep learning· What “guerrilla scholarship” really means in today’s world· How independent thinkers like Buckminster Fuller and Eric Hoffer shaped history outside academia· Building your own learning system based on curiosity and discipline· How to filter disinformation and think critically in an information-heavy world· Creating and leveraging learning communities beyond the classroom· Finding powerful, overlooked resources (including your local library)· Why modern education often neglects personal development· How to take ownership of your intellectual growth without waiting for permissionThis is a bold, thought-provoking conversation about breaking free from conventional systems — and taking full control of how you learn, think, and contribute to the world.CONNECT AND EXPLOREConnect with Sheldon - https://guerrillascholar.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oxm0ryKZ5ttYOjlNQRT1EApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/control-or-be-controlled/id1893693046Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/controlorbecontrolled

In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Nadége Saysana to explore the deeper emotional and psychological patterns behind binge eating — and what it actually takes to create lasting change in your relationship with food.We talk about:· What led to her binge eating and what it looked like in real life· The difference between physical hunger and emotional urges· Why cravings are often emotional messages, not just food-related needs· The impact of eating your emotions (sadness, loneliness, boredom, stress)· What most people try that doesn’t actually stop binge eating long-term· The turning point that finally helped break the cycle· What urges are really trying to communicate beneath the surface· The first kind step to take when you notice emotional eating patterns· The core tools and principles behind her coaching approach· A powerful client transformation storyThis is a grounded, honest conversation about moving from unconscious patterns to awareness — and learning how to respond to yourself with understanding instead of control, shame, or discipline alone.CONNECT & EXPLOREJoin Podmatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/controlorbecontrolledLearn more about Nadége Saysana: https://www.milobingefix.com/

You tell yourself you’ll stop.You tell yourself you’ll do better.But somehow, you keep going back to the same habits… the same distractions… the same cycle.In this first episode of Control or Be Controlled, we break down why that happens and what’s really controlling your actions behind the scenes.This episode explores discipline, self-control, addiction, mindset, and the psychology behind why people feel stuck and struggle to stay consistent.This isn’t about motivation.It’s about awareness, mental discipline, and understanding the patterns that keep you stuck.If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but keep falling back into old habits…This is where it starts.