The MIND Performance Pod with Lindsey Paoli

Co-parenting can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a parent faces. And if we’re serious about mental performance, nervous system regulation, and raising secure kids, we can’t ignore it. In this episode, I’m joined by co-parenting coach Jay Skibbins, who helps parents navigate the emotional realities of raising children across two households. Jay has been co-parenting for over 11 years and works with parents to help them regulate emotions, communicate clearly, and create peace in their homes, regardless of what their co-parent does. We talk about the mindset shifts that can transform co-parenting, why trying to control your co-parent rarely works, and how emotional regulation can completely change your parenting experience. This conversation goes far beyond co-parenting, it’s about learning how to show up as a grounded, confident parent no matter the circumstances. In This Episode We Discuss: Why focusing on your co-parent keeps you stuck The role emotional regulation plays in parenting How boundaries create safety for kids The “inverted V” parenting model for raising independent children Why healing yourself can shift the entire family dynamic Connect with Jay Skibbins Jay works with parents through group programs and coaching designed to help them navigate co-parenting challenges with emotional clarity and confidence. His newest project, Grounded Co-Parent University, is designed to help parents develop emotional regulation, build healthier parenting dynamics, and create stability for themselves and their children. Check it out here: https://www.skool.com/groundedcoparentuniversity/about Enjoyed this episode? You’ll love this one too: Check out “The Hidden Link Between Your Gut, Stress, and Women’s Health,” where I break down how chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation impact energy, mood, hormones, and overall wellbeing, and why so many high-performing women live in survival mode without realizing it. Subscribe to The Mind Performance Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow The Mind Performance Podcast so you never miss a conversation on mental health, nervous system regulation, parenting, and personal growth. Because better mental performance doesn’t just improve your life, it changes the lives of the people around you.

When I first met Natalie Lehman, she was deep in her career as a litigation attorney. Over the last year, I watched her begin to explore something different—something that would eventually become Blackacre Mediation, her own business helping people resolve complex property disputes outside the courtroom. In this episode, Natalie and I talk about what it really looks like to step away from a secure legal career and build something on your own terms. With over 20 years of experience in property and real estate law, Natalie now uses mediation to help individuals, businesses, and attorneys resolve disputes more efficiently—often avoiding years of costly litigation. We also talk about the behind-the-scenes journey of entrepreneurship: building the right network, recognizing the right season of life to start something new, and learning how to say no so you can stay aligned with your bigger vision. Natalie shares what mediation actually looks like in practice, the types of real estate disputes she helps resolve, and the lessons she learned while launching her business less than a year ago. If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own—or wondered how legal disputes can be resolved without spending years in court—you’ll want to hear this conversation. In This Episode We Talk About: Natalie’s transition from litigation attorney to mediator What property and real estate mediation actually involves Why some disputes are better resolved outside the courtroom How networking played a key role in building her business Recognizing the right season to start something new Setting boundaries and saying no as a new entrepreneur Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. Learn more & join here: Gut Brain Reset   Connect with Natalie Lehman Website: https://www.blackacremediation.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackacremediation Natalie Lehman is the founder of Blackacre Mediation, where she helps individuals, businesses, and attorneys resolve property and real estate disputes through mediation.   Similar Episode to Listen To: If you enjoyed this conversation about networking and building a business through relationships, check out: Proximity Is Opportunity: The Relationship Strategy Behind Long-Term Business Success with Ruth Furman.

This conversation felt timely in a way I can’t fully explain. Lisa Malia and I reconnected after she commented on one of my “Becoming a Housewife” posts, about how I was viewing feminism wrong. And suddenly, what started as a cheeky exploration turned into something much deeper. We talked about feminine energy, matriarchy vs. patriarchy, trust in relationships, and what it actually looks like to redesign feminism instead of abandoning it. We also went somewhere more personal than I expected, into her breast cancer journey, dense breast tissue, medical advocacy, and what it really means to trust your body when the system doesn’t fully trust you back. Here’s what we unpacked: The difference between masculine energy and patriarchal systems (they are not the same) What matriarchal leadership actually looks like Why this cultural moment feels like a shift (hello, firehorse energy) How stress, suppression, and over-hustling can show up in women’s bodies The under-addressed experience of dense breast tissue Advocating for your health and choosing what gives you peace Trust inside relationships (and how my resistance to certain “roles” might actually be about broken trust) Community as medicine, especially in person, not just online What it means to live in your archetype (yes, I’m apparently still very much a midwife) This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s layered. It’s vulnerable. It’s reflective. And it’s VERY timely in today’s volatile times.  If you’re a high achieving woman navigating: A shift in identity Questions about feminine vs. masculine roles Health advocacy Or just a quiet nudge that something in you is changing This episode will meet you there. ----more---- Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. Learn more & join here: Gut Brain Reset Connect with Lisa Malia If this conversation stirred something in you, I highly encourage you to explore Lisa’s work more deeply. Website: https://www.lisamalia.co/ Instagram: @lisamalia.evoke Offerings / Programs: https://www.lisamalia.co/evoke-feminine-leadership-collective Lisa brings nuance, courage, and grounded wisdom to conversations around feminine energy, leadership, and health advocacy. If you’re navigating identity shifts or reclaiming trust in your body and relationships, her work is a powerful place to start. Similar Episode You’ll Love If this episode resonated, I also recommend: Bridging Science & Spirituality: How Energetics Shape Your Health, Mind, and Business with Dr. Shalane Carter In that conversation, we explore the energetic foundations of health and performance — how stress, belief systems, nervous system regulation, and spiritual alignment directly shape the body and business outcomes. It pairs beautifully with this episode, especially if you’re curious about the science-meets-spirituality side of feminine embodiment and health.

In this episode of the Mind Performance Podcast, I talk about nervous system regulation, chronic stress, and the hidden signs of nervous system dysregulation in ambitious women. We explore how stress affects your energy, gut health, hormones, and overall wellness — and why so many high-performing women live in constant survival mode without realizing it. I break down six unexpected signs your nervous system is overwhelmed, including burnout, inflammation, energy crashes, irritability, and feeling tired but unable to rest. I also explain the gut-brain connection, the role of cortisol and chronic inflammation, and why mental health and physical health must be addressed together. I share my personal journey with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and chronic inflammation that led me to develop the Gut-Brain Reset, a simple framework focused on nervous system regulation, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle habits to support women’s health and long-term performance. If you’re struggling with burnout, chronic stress, hormone imbalance, low energy, or emotional overwhelm, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your body and how to start restoring balance. What You’ll Learn Signs of nervous system dysregulation in women How chronic stress affects energy, mood, and hormones Why you feel tired but wired or constantly overwhelmed The gut-brain connection and inflammation explained Survival mode, burnout, and stress response patterns How gut health impacts mental health and performance My experience with PCOS, inflammation, and recovery Simple habits to support nervous system regulation What the Gut-Brain Reset is and how it works At the end of the day, this conversation isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about understanding yourself. So many of us have learned to function in constant stress, exhaustion, and survival mode that we mistake it for normal. But your body is always communicating with you, asking for balance, rest, and care. My hope for you is that this episode encourages you to slow down, listen more closely to what your body is telling you, and recognize that regulation, ease, and sustainable energy are actually possible. Small, intentional shifts can create powerful change — and you deserve to feel well, supported, and at peace in both your mind and body. intentional, more aware, and more compassionate with ourselves as we learn what our bodies need.

The lunar new year is here, and we’re officially stepping into the Year of the Fire Horse, which means bold energy, big movement, massive growth, and yes… major burnout potential if you don’t manage it correctly.  In this episode, I’m breaking down what this energy actually means, how it differs from the traditional January reset, and how I’m personally approaching 2026 so I can expand without exhausting myself.  I’m sharing the psychology behind Fire Horse energy, what it means for your decisions, relationships, and identity shifts, and the five actionable strategies to stay focused, aligned, and intentional all year.  If you’re ready for growth, momentum, and clarity, but want to protect your nervous system while doing it, this episode is for you.   What I Talk About In This Episode Why Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar (and why that matters for your energy) The shift from last year’s shedding and growth cycle into fast-moving Fire energy The Fire element: passion, visibility, leadership — and the shadow side of burnout Why this year brings more opportunity, faster decisions, and big identity shifts How the mind fundamentals help you channel expansion without overwhelm   The Big Message This isn’t a year to shrink. It’s a year to expand, take risks, and step into a bigger version of yourself. But growth only works when your energy has direction, structure, and intentional recovery.    💬 Let’s Connect Tell me your one big focus for the year, the lens you’re using to make your decisions. DM me on Instagram → @themindperformancepod   Coming Next… The official launch of The Gut Brain Reset, plus early listener bonuses and exclusive access. Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. Learn more & join here: Gut Brain Reset

Ruth is the owner of Image Words Communications, a full-service marketing communications firm specializing in public relations. For nearly 25 years, she has been helping business owners, often in healthcare and mental health, "amplify their awesomeness" and strategically make noise nationwide. She’s based in Las Vegas, but her impact reaches coast to coast. In this conversation, we talk about what PR actually looks like today, why it’s still incredibly relevant for small businesses, and how relationships remain at the center of sustainable growth. Ruth shares her path from being a journalism major to working in magazines, corporate PR, and eventually building her own firm through what she describes as a very human, non-linear journey. We also dive into her mastery of relationship-building and networking. Not because it comes naturally, but because she intentionally practices it. Ruth opens up about seeing herself as awkward and insecure, despite how confident she appears, and why putting yourself in rooms, following up, and being radically helpful creates long-term opportunity. A big theme of this episode is balance. Ruth shares about caring for her mom through advanced lung cancer, navigating grief, and learning how to run her business differently during seasons that require more personal space. We talk about over-functioning, equating busyness with relevance, and what it looks like to give yourself permission to slow down and work at a new pace. We also cover: What public relations means in today’s digital-first world Why earned media builds credibility in ways social media alone cannot How PR fits into an overall marketing ecosystem The power of proximity, collaboration, and follow-up Using social media strategically at any age ADHD as both a challenge and a superpower Why “just because you can doesn’t mean you should” Ruth is full of wisdom, humor, and what I lovingly call “Ruthie-isms,” like “proximity is opportunity,” “leftovers get stale,” and “I’m coloring in a new coloring book in this phase of life.” This episode is honest, grounding, and packed with perspective for anyone building a business and a life at the same time. If you’ve ever wondered whether PR is worth it, how real visibility is created, or how to grow without burning out, you’re going to love this conversation. Connect with Ruth Website: https://www.ruthfurman.com Instagram: @ruthiefurman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthfurman   Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. The Gut–Brain Reset is a 2-week, science-backed protocol to help you feel clear, calm, and regulated again. Learn more & join here:  Gut Brain Reset

In this episode of The Mind Performance Pod, I sit down with Ilona Pamplona—twice-published author, coach, and founder of Your Aura at Work—for a grounded, practical conversation on Human Design and how it can be used as a real-world tool for self-trust, energy management, and aligned decision-making. What struck me most about Ilona’s work is how she bridges ancient systems (like astrology, the I Ching, chakras, and Kabbalah) with modern coaching and strategy. This isn’t about labels or personality boxes—it’s about understanding your core energetic operating system so you can stop forcing yourself into ways of working that were never meant for you. We explore what Human Design actually is, how it differs from other personality systems, and why it can feel so validating when you finally see yourself reflected in your chart. Ilona also breaks down the four main aura types, what they need to thrive, and how misalignment often shows up as burnout, frustration, bitterness, or anger. This conversation is especially for you if you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel so hard for me when it seems easy for everyone else?” or “Am I broken… or just wired differently?” Spoiler: you’re not broken. What We Cover in This Episode What Human Design is and where it comes from Why Human Design focuses on how you’re designed to work (not what job you should have) The four aura types (Generators, Projectors, Manifestors, Reflectors) and their core strategies How Human Design supports self-trust and intuitive decision-making The connection between energy misalignment, burnout, and emotional exhaustion Using your chart as a tool for business clarity, boundaries, and sustainable growth Why you don’t “suck at business”—you may just be using your energy incorrectly About Ilona Pamplona Ilona Pamplona is a twice-published author, coach, and strategist helping leaders align who they are with how they work. As the founder of Your Aura at Work, she uses Human Design as a practical framework to translate self-awareness into clear, strategic action. Ilona specializes in working with entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who want emotionally intelligent, aligned success rooted in clarity and self-trust. Free Resources & Special Offer Ilona has generously extended 15% off a 1:1 Human Design session for listeners of The Mind Performance Pod. These sessions are perfect if you want personalized insight into your chart, your decision-making style, and how to better use your energy in life or business. Free Human Design Calculator: https://yourauraatwork.com Book: Human Design Made Easy Instagram: @yourauraatwork Website: https://yourauraatwork.com Reflective Question What if the next level of your success isn’t about becoming someone new—but about remembering who you already are and learning how you’re designed to move through the world?   Feeling foggy, anxious, bloated, or burnt out? You’re not broken — your gut, brain, and nervous system may just need a reset. The Gut–Brain Reset is a 2-week, science-backed protocol to help you feel clear, calm, and regulated again. Learn more & join here:  Gut Brain Reset - https://lindseypaoli.mykajabi.com/the-gut-brain-reset   Enjoyed this conversation? Here’s another episode you’ll love: Bridging Science & Spirituality: How Energetics Shape Your Health, Mind, and Business with Dr. Shalane Carter - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-science-spirituality-how-energetics-shape/id1854820156?i=1000741523425

This episode is extra special because it’s my very first double-guest feature, and I couldn’t have picked two better women to kick that off with. I’m sitting down with Krista Pool and Tracy Gifford, the co-founders of Stay Fit Mom — a brand that has quietly grown into a powerhouse by helping women simplify nutrition, build sustainable habits, and stay consistent through every season of life. What makes this conversation so meaningful to me is that I’ve watched Krista’s journey from afar for years, long before Stay Fit Mom became what it is today. Seeing how she and Tracy have built something rooted in values, community, and long-term consistency is incredibly inspiring. In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to grow a business organically, how they’ve navigated visibility, social media, motherhood, partnerships, and why they believe community and accountability matter more than ever in today’s “information everywhere” world. If you’re a busy mom, entrepreneur, or high-achieving woman who feels stretched thin and wants a more realistic approach to health and consistency, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: How Stay Fit Mom started as a simple blog and evolved into a macro-nutrition coaching business Why sustainable habits always beat extremes What it’s really like to build a business with your best friend Getting comfortable on camera (even when you don’t feel ready) The power of repetition in content, marketing, and habit-building Why community and accountability drive real change Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship How faith, values, and small daily actions create long-term success Their newest cookbooks and why high-protein, family-style meals matter Krista and Tracy are living proof that success doesn’t come from one big moment — it comes from showing up, adjusting, and staying committed even when things feel slow or messy. This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do everything perfectly. You just have to keep going. About Today’s Guests Stay Fit Mom founders Krista Pool and Tracy Gifford are macro-nutrition coaches, recipe creators, and moms on a mission to help women build sustainable health habits. Through their coaching programs, viral meal-prep recipes, and The Stay Fit Mom Podcast, they teach women how to fuel their bodies, simplify nutrition, and stay consistent through every season of life — all without extremes. Connect with Krista & Tracy Website: stayfitmom.com Instagram: @stayfitmomkrista  |  @stayfitmomtracy Offers Mentioned:  Gut Brain Reset  Get 15% off any Stay Fit Mom offer with code LINDSEY

This episode is a personal one, just you and me. Lately, I’ve been noticing a shift in how I move through the world. Not just in business, but in my body, my marriage, my motherhood, and my sense of safety. And once I noticed it, I couldn’t unsee it. This conversation isn’t polished or packaged. It’s me breaking the fourth wall and naming what’s changing, and why being “busy” suddenly feels wrong. In this episode, I talk candidly about: Moving to Florida and being confronted by an entirely different pace of life Why nervous system regulation naturally dismantles hustle culture The moment I realized I no longer want to be busy “for the sake of it” How motherhood, marriage, and safety intersect with ambition Letting go of thrill-seeking — in business, relationships, and even roller coasters Why I’m simplifying my work, scaling down client hours, and choosing ease on purpose This isn’t a training or a framework — it’s a conversation. If you’ve been feeling a quiet pull toward less… If success doesn’t look the way it used to… If your body is asking for something different before your mind catches up… You’re not alone. And you’re not broken. We’re figuring this out together.

Before we jump into visioneering next week and planning for the year ahead, I wanted to slow things down and take a moment to look back. This episode is all about reflection and celebration, acknowledging what worked this year, what supported us, and what we don’t want to rush past just because the calendar is turning. So often, we move straight into fixing, planning, and optimizing without honoring what actually carried us through the year. In this conversation, I invite you to pause with me and reflect before we move forward.   In this episode, I talk about: Why reflection is just as important as goal-setting The tendency to skip celebration and move straight into “what’s next” What this year revealed about my values, priorities, and capacity How honoring what worked creates a stronger foundation for the future Why closing the year intentionally matters for your nervous system and mental performance The importance of gratitude without bypassing the hard parts Next week, we’ll move into visioneering. But for now, this is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and acknowledge how far you’ve come.

Hey, friend. The holiday season is supposed to be about rest, connection, and slowing down, but for so many of us, it’s when productivity pressure shows up the loudest. In this episode, I’m reflecting on presence, why it feels so difficult to access, and how productivity culture doesn’t magically disappear just because the calendar tells us to rest. Even when things slow externally, our nervous systems often stay in “doing mode.” I talk about how productivity can quietly become part of our identity, not just a tool, and how that makes rest feel uncomfortable, undeserved, or even unsafe. This isn’t a conversation about abandoning goals or ambition. It’s about noticing when constant doing becomes a way to avoid stillness, feeling, or being with ourselves. This episode is especially for anyone who struggles to slow down during the holidays, feels guilty resting, or notices anxiety creeping in when there’s finally space. In this episode, I explore: Why slowing down can feel uncomfortable for the nervous system How productivity culture shapes our sense of worth The difference between true rest and numbing or distraction What presence actually looks like in everyday life Gentle ways to practice being present without forcing calm This is an invitation to soften, not to optimize the holidays, but to experience them. You don’t have to be more productive to be worthy of rest. You don’t need to fill every moment. You’re allowed to be here. Reflection to sit with: Where might you be using productivity to avoid presence and what would it feel like to let yourself slow down, even just a little?

Today’s episode is a wild ride — a shocking and honest conversation to set the tone for all future interviews to come . I’m joined by my longtime friend Mathew Bowyer, entrepreneur, father of five, author of Recalibrate, and (as many of you know from the headlines) the man behind one of the largest underground sports betting operations in the country. Matt and I go way back — Vegas days, weddings, trips to The Bahamas — so this isn’t just an interview, it’s a deeply personal conversation about mindset, addiction, resilience, and what happens when your entire world flips upside down. This conversation took place 17 days before he stepped into federal prison where he’s now serving a one year sentence.  Matt opens up about: Running a billion-dollar bookmaking operation and the stress that came with it The FBI raiding his home and the moment he knew his life had to change How his addictive personality shifted from gambling to building something meaningful Why writing Recalibrate became his lifeline (You can purchase your copy of his riveting story HERE) Facing a federal prison sentence and how he’s preparing mentally The role his wife, exes, and blended family have played in his growth What social media taught him about vulnerability, criticism, and purpose The habits keeping him grounded: sauna, cold plunge, jiu-jitsu, clean eating, and strong routines How he built a loyal community online from scratch, even while under federal investigation Why he believes the next 10 years will be the most successful of his life This episode is a masterclass in mindset under pressure, owning your story, and rebuilding from the absolute bottom. No matter what season you’re in, there’s something in Matt’s journey that will hit home. If you’re here for mindset, self-development, resilience, and real human transformation — this one’s for you.

I used to sit firmly in the “only show me the science” camp, coming from a corporate and clinical background. But with time I began to understand that the philosophies of longstanding ancient practices had this one common theme, a belief in energetics and spirituality, and Dr. Shalane Carter helps us understand the science and evidence behind those philosophies with human biology, emotional patterning, and quantum physics at play. I’m sitting down with Dr. Shalane Carter, a doctor of integrative medicine, holistic health practitioner, yoga educator, and spinal energetics expert who bridges the worlds of science, energy, and nervous system healing in the most grounded way I’ve ever experienced. In this conversation, we explore: How quantum physics validates the influence of consciousness and emotion on the body Why your nervous system is the foundation of your patterns, productivity, leadership, and relationships The science behind the electromagnetic field, energy centers, and how emotional experiences imprint on the body What spinal energetics actually is and why somatic healing works Why high-achieving women often ignore whispers from their body until they become “screams” How childhood conditioning (before age 7!) creates subconscious patterns that influence your business, confidence, and boundaries today Why entrepreneurs attract certain clients based on energetic patterns—and how shifting your frequency shifts who and what you attract The difference between “high vibe only” culture and actual emotional regulation Dr. Shalane’s journey through grief, intuitive experiences, motherhood, and entrepreneurship—and how it all shaped her work ✨ If You’re an Entrepreneur… We talk about the energetic “leaks” that show up in business: over-explaining discounting out of guilt people-pleasing clients attracting misaligned customers struggling to show up confidently Shalane explains how each pattern ties back to an energy center that’s under-resourced, and how regulating your nervous system can immediately shift how you lead, create, sell, and show up. ✨ Why This Matters One of my goals as a host is to demystify the overlap between psychology, behavior, and the energetic patterns we don’t always see but absolutely feel. This episode brings all of that together in a way that’s: grounded accessible backed by research deeply human and surprisingly practical If you’ve been curious about healing, mind-body connection, or expanding your internal capacity as a leader, this will open doors for you. ✨ Connect with Dr. Shalane Carter Instagram & TikTok: @dr.shalanecarter Podcast: Be the Frequency   BOOKS MENTIONED: Messages From The Body: https://www.amazon.com/Messages-Body-Psychological-Meanings-Reference/dp/1939020778 Many Lives, Many Masters https://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Masters-Prominent-Psychiatrist/dp/0671657860 

Welcome back to The Mind Performance Pod! I cannot thank you enough for the support you’ve shown through the launch. Your messages, DMs, and feedback genuinely fuel me — they’re the reason I want this podcast to feel personal, useful, and rooted in real life. Today, we’re diving into a topic literally everyone seems to be talking about: AI — how it's impacting our brains, our businesses, and even our kids. And yes… we’re doing this therapist-style, business-owner-style, and mom-style. Because apparently, I don’t know how to talk about anything without wearing all three hats at once. This episode is the first in a series I’m creating where I sit down and unpack big trending topics through the lens of mental performance, emotions, and everyday life. Think: what’s actually happening in our minds when the world shifts this quickly? I’m sharing my honest thoughts as a therapist, business owner, and mom on: Why AI isn’t something to fear, but something to navigate with intention Where AI can support your mental load — and where it absolutely cannot replace human connection How businesses can use AI to streamline operations without sacrificing relationship-building What our kids are already noticing about AI (even without devices at home) and how to guide them with boundaries + real conversations If you’ve felt curious, overwhelmed, or unsure about how AI fits into your real life, this episode will help you look at it through a grounded, human lens — not the fear-based headlines. Tune in, share your thoughts with me, and let’s keep learning together as the world evolves.   Let's connect! Instagram: @mindperformancepod Website: lindseypaoli.com

In this episode, we’re getting into something I wish I’d learned years before ending up burnt out, numb, angry, exhausted, and convinced something was “wrong” with me. Spoiler: nothing was wrong. I was just seriously under-nourishing my brain. We’re talking about The MIND Fundamentals — the seven daily essentials your brain requires just to function at baseline. Not optimally. Baseline. And I’m willing to bet you’re missing at least three of them every single day. Inside, I share: The real signs of high-performer burnout that we normalize way too much How ignoring these early symptoms led me into anxiety, depression, and even suicidality Why medication isn’t a magic fix if you’re not producing enough serotonin in the first place The truth about self-help overload, endless coaching, and plant medicine retreats How ChatGPT actually hurts your personal growth journey (sorry, but it’s true) Why consistency beats intensity in rewiring your brain The neuroscience behind serotonin, neuroplasticity, and why your habits matter more than you think Then I break down the 7 Mind Fundamentals — the acronym MINDFUL:  M – Movement  I – Intention  N – Nourishment  D – Deep Connections  F – Fresh Air  U – Unplugging (Sleep + Rest)  L – Learning These seven daily practices are simple, accessible, and the absolute foundation for mental performance. No hacks. No trendy wellness fads. Just the actual science of how your brain creates serotonin, builds resilience, improves focus, regulates emotions, and rewires itself. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel overwhelmed, inconsistent, unmotivated, or emotionally unpredictable… this is your episode. And if you’ve been chasing every self-help fix under the sun but still feel stuck? Start here. Start simple. Start with the fundamentals.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Mind Performance Pod — the episode I’ve put off for way too long. I’m Lindsey Paoli, dual-licensed therapist and mental performance strategist, and today I’m sharing something I don’t normally do: my full story. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or like you’re meant for more but can’t get out of your own way, this one is for you. In this kickoff episode, I talk about: Why I hate traditional therapy (yep, I said it) What mental performance actually is and why it changes everything How growing up as a military kid shaped my mindset and my perfectionism My brother’s early ADHD & bipolar diagnoses — and how that shaped my view of mental health Leaving an ROTC scholarship after 9/11 and the fallout that came with it My suicide attempts at 18 and 29 — and why the mental health system failed me How I accidentally ended up in hospitality for 11 years Meeting the therapist/coach who finally changed everything Building a business during a pandemic, having two babies in grad school, and reinventing my career Why I created this podcast even though public speaking terrifies me The honest truth about “messy action” and why it’s the only way forward What you can expect from future episodes (spoiler: powerful conversations + simple mental performance tools you can use immediately) This podcast is for entrepreneurs, leaders, high performers — and honestly, anyone who’s sick of feeling stuck and wants to finally understand how their mind works. If you’ve ever wanted to hear the real origin story behind my work and the mental performance framework I teach, this is it.

If you’ve ever thought “I need to get my life together” between client calls, kids’ lunches, and a double espresso, you’re in the right place. I’m Lindsey Paoli, therapist, CEO thinker, and mom. High performance isn’t just hustle... it’s mental fitness. This podcast is strategy for your mind: fast-paced, high energy, no fluff. Think neuroscience meets boardroom over punk-rock beats. Subscribe and perform without losing your mind.