Mark My Brain

Topic of this episode is na homage to one of the Jordan Peterson's rules and revolves around questions like: Why we often treat ourselves worse than we would anybody else? Why we tell ourselves things we would never tell someone else? If somebody spoke like that to our friends, we would immediately run to defend them. But it’s fine when it comes to self-talk, apparently. Why we rarely support ourselves as much as we would support anyone we care about? Why we might see ourselves as not worthy – whether it comes to support, tone of voice, forgiveness or anything else?Sounds familiar?Listen to the whole episode to learn more. Enjoy!

Why do so many of us clearly remember moments that hurt us as kids, only to be told by our parents that they “don’t remember” or that it “wasn’t that bad”? In this episode, I try to unpack the psychology behind this almost universal experience: how children and parents encode the same event differently, why shame and self‑protection can drive genuine forgetting or denial, and what trauma research says about whose memory is more likely to be accurate as well as how intergenerational trauma can also play a role.Enjoy! 

Hey! It's almost too common nowadays to witness the moral fall of a celebrity, public figure or your favorite content creator. It might be easy and tempting to withdraw your faith from other people and to dismiss the concept of role models as a whole. I know because these were exactly my thoughts recently. So, in today's episode, I decided to explore questions like: What do role models do for us psychologically? What practical benefits can they offer? How do reverse role models fit into the picture? Why can the fall of a role model hit us so hard? What lessons can we draw from it? And much more...Enjoy!

This once again more personal episode focuses on the topic of stagnation in life masquerading as progress: Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on activities that on a surface might seem like they help us progress and grow but in reality it's quite the opposite.I explore why is that, what are some typical examples of this occurring as well as my ideas around how to combat it.Enjoy!

Hey! Today I am joined by my dear friend Steven who is a former basketball player, powerlifter and an amateur crossfiter and together we discuss the impact of sports and exercise throughout our lives from social as well as mental benefits to intra-team competition and performance pressure. Funny personal stories included.Enjoy!

Have you ever felt stuck in a situation where nothing you do seems to matter? Where you've tried so many times to change something that you've simply given up trying? Today, we're diving into one of psychology's most fascinating yet troubling discoveries - learned helplessness. Going over the discovery, psychological background, effects on our lifes, practical examples as well as way to prevent falling into such mental trap and if do, how to break free.Enjoy!

Have any of your friends or family ever told you to just "Fake it till you make it?" You might be entitled to compensation - in the form of this episode!Is there actually any merit to this advice? Could this approach have any benefits? Enjoy this laidback episode going over my thoughts on the topic.Enjoy!

Hey! In today's episode I am joined by Defne, who is a dear friend of mine as well as passionate artist and together we dive into a discussion about art and creative outlets, their importance in our lives and for life in general, the perspective on art from philosophical as well as practical approach and more...Join us for this relaxed conversation and enjoy!

Letting go and moving on from something (or someone) precious to us is emotionally one of the most difficult things we humans usually experience. To be frank: it sucks! So, let's explore this topic together, learn what the science says, discuss philosophical perspectives that can offer some guidance and of course go over practical tips to help you move through such transitional periods in your life.Enjoy!

Hello friends, what do you think: Should you listen to your feelings or push through them?In this episode, we dive into the mindsets of figures like David Goggins—who champions discipline over emotion—and contrast them with the science and philosophy that highlight the dangers of ignoring your feelings. Real-life scenarios from career, relationships, and health-wise context, will help discuss when emotions are your best guide and when they might hold you back. Drawing on psychology, Stoicism, and Aristotle’s virtue ethics, we’ll try to find the balance between heart and mind, so you can make wiser choices and live a more fulfilling life.Enjoy!

People will tell you to "live in the moment". But what exactly does that mean? What if you find yourself wishing you enjoyed and appreciated some moments in the past more? That's what today's episode is about - appreciating the "right here and now", being present and enjoying your life to the fullest.Enjoy!

In today's episode, we're going to explore another inherently human experience - feeling "not good enough". How does psychology and even philosophy view and tackle this issue? What are the roots and causes? And of course, what are some practical approaches to dealing with such feelings? We're going to discuss all this and more...Enjoy!

We are all human and loneliness is inevitably part of the human experience. In the recent years however, it seems that loneliness is becoming more and more prevalent and a bigger issue than most of us would guess.In today's episode, we're going to take a closer look at it and discuss topics like: Why do we even feel lonely? What purpose has loneliness played in our evolution? Why do people feel more alone today? What are the causes of modern, wide-spread loneliness? How to fight against it? And more…Enjoy!Sources and inspiration:American Psychiatric Association. (2025, February 26). Media Advisory: New Polling Data on Loneliness, Experts Available from American Psychiatric Associat. https://www.psychiatry.org:443/news-room/news-releases/media-advisory-new-polling-data-on-loneliness-expeBanerjee, A., & Kohli, N. (2023). Theoretical Approach to Loneliness: A Cognitive Perspective. European Academic Research, 10(11). https://euacademic.org/UploadArticle/5745.pdfBerman, R. (2023, June 27). Social isolation, loneliness may raise mortality risk, study finds. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/social-isolation-loneliness-linked-to-increased-mortality-risk-research-findsGallup, Inc. (2022). Meta-Gallup Research Hub. Gallup.Com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/509675/state-of-social-connections.aspxHawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine : A Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 10.1007/s12160-010-9210–9218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8Independent Age. (2020, July). The Psychology of Loneliness. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Psychology_of_Loneliness_FINAL_REPORT.pdfJin, E., & Hwang, S. S.-H. (2024). A preliminary study on the neurocognitive deficits associated with loneliness in young adults. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371063Novotney, A. (2019). The risks of social isolation. American Psychological Association, 50(5). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolationPerlman, D., & Peplau, L. A. (1998). Loneliness. Academic Press. https://peplau.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2017/07/Perlman-Peplau-98.pdfSeemann, A. (2022). The Psychological Structure of Loneliness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1061. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031061

Do you want to be happy in life? I will guess the answer is probably "yes". If that's the case, you might be surprised that pursuing that goal can be more difficult than it seems at first.In this episode, we will take a closer look at the question: Should you pursue happiness in life? I will try to find an answer through exploring different definitions of happiness, ideas and reasoning. Enjoy!

Have you ever experienced anger? If you are a human being, the answer is probably yes. It's also quite likely that it was a negative experience. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way.In this episode, we'll explore the mechanisms behind anger and aggression, the possible ways to utilise the emotions towards something productive, constructive and positive, as well as the dangers of getting consumed by them or on the other hand suppressing them.Enjoy!Sources and inspiration:Carlos Todd PhD LCMHC. (2024, May 2). The Difference Between Anger and Aggression. Masteringanger.Com. https://masteringanger.com/blog/difference-between-anger-and-aggression/Doris Helge, PhD. (2001, September). PositivelyChanneling Workplace Anger and Anxiety.https://doi.org/10.1177/216507990104900908Flanigan, M. E., & Russo, S. J. (2018).Recent advances in the study of aggression. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(2),241–244. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-018-0226-2Kvapilík, T. (2023). Mozaika Duše:Desatero pro zdravější duši a vztahy (1st ed.). Mladá fronta.The Centre for YouthAOD PracticeDevelopment. (2025). Anger and Aggression. Out of Home Care Toolbox.https://www.oohctoolbox.org.au/anger-and-aggression

Studying abroad is widely popular and there is a good reason behind it! In today's episode my friend Sam and I will take a closer look at why is Erasmus such a strong experience, what did we take away from it and in what areas it helped us grow. Expect to learn about the typical fears and challenges connected to going on an Erasmus and how did we overcome them, the main benefits and lessons we bought back from abroad, if you should or shouldn't go, and much more...Enjoy!

Our fear holds us back in many areas of our lives - in career, business, relationships - and often keeps our dreams and ambitions beyond our reach. It's our human responsibility to face those fears and in fight for a better future try to overcome them.This episode and the discussed tips and approaches should help you on that journey. Enjoy!

This episodes focuses on learning and studying. Many of us need to do it, most of us struggle with it! Let's change that.Explore specific learning techniques, general tips, what you should avoid when studying and what does a huge meta-analysis of 10 different learning techniques say about them. Enjoy!(https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2021.581216/full)

Hello! In this episode we'll explore how to develop your hobbies and interests into something more through what I like to call "side projects" and how it can potentially show you a way towards a better life and future. Enjoy!

Hi! In this episode I tackle the challenges of being someone who tries to balance and balance multiple different interests in their life. I go over the main problems and try to offer some tools that have helped me with managing my time and energy across different interests. Enjoy!

Hello friends! In today's laidback episode I've decided to go over a several books I have recently read that have left a significant impact on me. My list consist of fiction as well as non-fiction and authors from Jordan Peterson to Marcus Aurelius. A good book is precious so I hope these recommendations will inspire you to pick one up and give it a shot. Enjoy!

Hello, friends!In this episode we take a closer look at panic attacks: specifically, what are they, why do they happen (what can cause or trigger them) and of course some tips and tricks on how to better deal with them. I've done some research in preparation which I combined with my own personal experience. Enjoy!Sources:Blechner, M. J. (2007). Approaches to Panic Attacks.Neuropsychoanalysis,9(1), 91–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/15294145.2007.10773545Fisher, J., MMSc, PA-C. (2024, May 24).Panic attacks: Recognizing and managing panic attacks and preventingfuture attacks. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/panic-attacks-recognizing-and-managing-panic-attacks-and-preventing-future-attacksMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). (2018, May8).Panic attacks and panic disorder—Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021Roth, W. T. (2010). Diversity of effective treatments of panic attacks:What do they have in common?Depression and Anxiety,27(1), 5–11.https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20601The National Institute of Mental Health. (2022).Panic Disorder: WhenFear Overwhelms - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms

Hi friends! Today I'm joined once again by my friend Sam and we discuss our experience with studying at university - specifically what challenges and benefits it entails. Is it worth it? Enjoy! Note: Sam and I both live and study in Europe where the university system is vastly different from the one in US.

Hi, friends! I'm back with another episode and this one is pretty straightforward - we'll be diving deep into the topic of what can make a soul bleed and what can one do to tend the wound (so to say). Enjoy!

Hello, friends! In this episode I explore questions like: What benefits does journaling have? What forms can the process take? How to make journaling your own? I also talk about my own journaling journey and draw conclusions from that. Enjoy!

Hi, friends! In this episode I focus on a more personal topic - consciously becoming a more positive person - presenting my own thoughts, experiences and tips and tricks. I ponder HOW and IF someone can become a positive person as well as some practical tools that can manifest the desired change.

Hi, friends! In this episode I explore the topic of building habits - why we should consciously do it, what are the basic principles and what are some things that worked for me in my own life. Ending the episode with what is in my opinion the fundamental principle of productivity.

Hi, my name is Mark and in this episode I'm gonna share some of my thoughts about inspiration. Specifically, what can be the way to inspire others and how to find inspiration (in) yourself. Less scripted episode than usual, let me know what you think.

Hi, my name is Mark and I'm gonna share some thoughts with you! In this episode, I ponder the importance of stories, exploring different purposes of storytelling as well as the common narrative structure - the hero's journey - and the takeaway for personal life.

Hi, my name is Mark and I'm gonna share some thoughts with you! Today I had the pleasure of conversing with my dear friend Sam about the nature, meaning and purpose of art. We are both novices to the field of art so embark on this journey with us!

Hi, my name is Mark and I'm gonna share some thoughts with you! In this episode I'm trying to understand nostalgia from amateur's POV. I've done some research which I present alongside my own opinions and takeaways. Enjoy!