Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin Podcast By Gordon Bruin cover art

Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin

Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin

By: Gordon Bruin
Listen for free

About this listen

Gordon Bruin's podcast, "Mind Matters - Mental Health and Addiction Awareness," is a compelling platform to create awareness and understanding around mental health and addiction. Gordon, an experienced mental health advocate and addiction specialist, hosts the show, drawing from his expertise to address various aspects of these essential topics. Each "Mind Matters" episode delves into the complexities of mental health and addiction, providing valuable insights, expert interviews, and personal stories. Gordon explores various subjects, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and recovery, to promote empathy, reduce stigma, and support listeners. The podcast offers practical strategies and resources for individuals struggling with mental health challenges or addiction issues. It fosters a compassionate and inclusive environment where listeners can find solace, inspiration, and the knowledge to navigate their journey toward well-being and recovery. With "Mind Matters - Mental Health and Addiction Awareness," Gordon Bruin endeavors to educate, empower, and create a positive impact in the lives of his audience, fostering a greater understanding of these critical aspects of the human experience.Gordon Bruin Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology
Episodes
  • Harnessing Agency, Mindfulness, and Attention to Transform Your Life
    Jul 8 2025

    Embracing Vulnerability and the Power of Attention

    Summary:

    In this episode, our host opens up about their personal struggles with self-doubt and negative internal voices while creating podcasts. They delve into themes of agency, mindfulness, free will, and choice. Through reflections on their mother's experiences with shame and inferiority complex passed down through generations, they explore how these feelings impact their own life despite numerous successes.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    Personal Struggles: The host discusses the challenge of overcoming negative self-talk when attempting new ventures like podcasting.

    Transgenerational Trauma: Insights into how past family experiences shape current beliefs and behaviors.

    Agency & Free Will: Exploring the power within us to change despite ingrained patterns from past traumas or societal influences.

    Attention & Focus: Drawing inspiration from William James' philosophy that attention is crucial in shaping our actions and outcomes.

    Faith as a Force: Viewing faith as an intelligent force driving creation; it’s about focusing on what we want to manifest in life.

    Visual Imagery & Success Stories:

    How athletes use visualization for success.
    Examples from Phil Knight (Nike) and Steve Jobs (Apple) illustrating obsessive focus leading to remarkable achievements.
    Inspirational Quotes:

    "Whatever you give the most attention to for the longest period of time…that is what you will begin to change towards."

    "Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men the most." — Thucydides

    "Pleasures when unrestrained become punishments." — Marcus Aurelius

    Call-to-action:

    Reflect on your own life—identify where your attention lies daily. Consider practicing restraint where needed for peace within yourself. Harness your intuition to guide you toward meaningful changes or goals you wish to achieve.

    Remember that each effort counts towards becoming who we truly desire—stay patient yet focused!

    Show more Show less
    20 mins
  • Addiction, Trauma, Recovery, and Embracing Discomfort
    Jun 24 2025

    Podcast Show Notes
    Episode Title: Embracing Discomfort for Lasting Recovery
    Key Topics Discussed:

    Understanding Addiction:

    Core issues of addiction often stem from trying to escape uncomfortable emotional states, summarized by the acronym BLAST (Bored, Lonely, Angry, Stressed, Tired).
    Childhood trauma plays a significant role in ongoing struggles with addiction.

    Therapeutic Approaches:

    Highlighted therapies include EMDR and ART which help process traumatic memories.
    The concept of creating "competing memories" through therapy can offer relief from past traumas.

    The Role of Physical Activity:

    Engaging the body through exercise like yoga helps release stored emotions and energy.
    Regular physical activity is crucial in maintaining recovery and mental health.

    Stages of Change in Recovery:

    Five stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation/Planning, Action, Maintenance.

    Building Resilience Through Systems:

    Importance of setting up daily systems or routines that support long-term goals over short-term comfort.

    Embracing Discomfort as Growth Opportunity:

    Learning to sit with discomfort rather than seeking instant relief leads to personal growth.
    Inspirational Stories & Metaphors:

    The Butterfly Cocoon Story: Illustrates how struggle strengthens us for future challenges — cutting short this process can hinder development.

    Thucydides Quote on Power & Restraint: Highlights the value of self-restraint as a powerful trait admired by others.

    Recommended Reading:
    In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
    Embrace Discomfort and The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
    Closing Thoughts:

    Encouragement to embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Recognizing that enduring discomfort is part of becoming stronger mentally and emotionally. This journey isn't about eliminating difficulties but evolving through them into more resilient individuals capable of handling whatever life presents next.

    Thank you for tuning in! Remember that embracing challenge builds strength—let's grow together on this path toward lasting recovery.

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Life Changing Power of Positive Internal Dialogue
    Jun 17 2025
    Episode Title: Unlocking the Power of Positive Internal Dialogue Overview:

    In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of internal dialogue and how it can impact anxiety, depression, and negative self-talk. Discover practical strategies to harness your brain's potential through positive "Why Questions" and learn about different brainwave patterns that influence behavior.

    Key Topics:
    • Internal Dialogue: Understanding its impact on mental health.

    • Brain as a Computing System: How our brain searches for understanding based on what we focus on.

    • The Role of Why Questions: Techniques to reframe negative thoughts by asking empowering questions.

      • Examples include:
      • "Why is it that I embrace challenges with courage?"
      • "Why am I attracting positive people into my life?"
    • Brainwave Patterns:

      • Beta: Active thinking
      • Alpha & Theta: Relaxed states ideal for influencing subconscious scripts
      • Delta: Deep sleep state
    • Using Music to Enhance Brainwaves: Incorporating theta music to relax and open up the subconscious mind.

    Actionable Steps:
    1. Create Your Own Why Questions:

      • Focus them in present tense affirmations related to areas you wish to improve.
    2. Daily Practice (Dailies):

      • Record these questions with relaxing background music.
      • Make listening a non-negotiable part of your routine.
    3. Commitment Over Motivation:

      • Develop systems rather than relying solely on motivation which fluctuates like weather.
    4. Embrace Discomfort in Maintenance Stage:

      • Push past moments when you lack motivation; consistency leads to transformation.
    5. Exercise Routine Example: Utilize discipline over feelings during challenging workouts or routines like sauna sessions for long-term benefits.

    Inspirational Quote:

    "Life is not about finding yourself; it is about creating yourself." — George Bernard Shaw

    Final Thoughts:

    Transforming your internal dialogue requires consistent effort but yields profound changes in mindset and life outcomes. Commit today to small daily actions that align with who you want to become!

    Show more Show less
    17 mins
No reviews yet