Marathon State of Mind

Positive Psychology Expert Emiliya Zhivotovskaya on Learning to Thrive despite Trauma

This episode is with one of the world's leading voices on applied positive psychology, Emiliya Zhivotovskaya. Emiliya is the founder and CEO of the Flourishing Center, a New York based Benefit Corporation training coaches, teachers and individuals in the science and art of thriving.  

Emiliya was a part of one of the first ever Masters Programs in Positive Psychology, training under the founder of the field, Dr Martin Seligman. She is also doing a PhD in Mind Body Medicine and holds over a dozen other certifications in topics related to well-being, health and resilience. 

Emiliya has experienced significant grief and trauma in her life, including losing her entire family. She shares how having trained the skills of resilience and well-being equipped her to show up and continue to thrive through such extreme challenges and how we can do the same. 

To learn more from Emiliya and her work:

The Flourishing Center

The Flourishing Center Podcast

Prevent being Traumatized by COVID-19 Youtube series

The Mind of a Marathoner: Jess Trengove on Finding Joy in the Process

This episode is with one of Australia's best ever Marathon runners, Jess Trengove. Jess has represented Australia at two Olympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016) and two Commonwealth Games (Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018), picking up consecutive bronze medals in the latter. She now has her sights set on new personal bests having taken a brief pause in 2019 to welcome her first child, Billy into the world. Jess outlines how she is navigating the joys and challenges of balancing motherhood with running and unpacks how finding joy in the process and contributing to others along the way has fuelled her passion and perseverance in one of the most physically demanding sports. As a Physiotherapist as well as world class athlete, Jess' depth of understanding of the physical and mental aspects of exploring potential shines through in this conversation.

You can find more about Jess and the "Rundies" she discussed on:

Jess Trengove Instagram 

Jess Trengove Website

Jess Trengove Facebook

Rundies Running Undies Instagram

Rundies Running Undies Website

Special Episode: How to Be a 'Well' Being

In this special episode Eloise and Rory dive into what well-being is, why it's important, and how you can build yours in uncertain and challenging times. The purpose of this episode is to give you a simple framework for well-being so that you can check-in with yourself and apply science-based, practical strategies to boost your own well-being and that of the people around you. Whilst focusing on 6 key elements of well-being, Eloise and Rory also tackle some of the nuances and common misconceptions about well-being, such as why it's not always about feeling just 'positive' emotions, and the importance of creating space for all emotions.

Education Expert Adam Voigt on Culture, Communication and Leadership

This episode is with Adam Voigt, one of Australia's foremost experts on education leadership and culture. Adam is the Author of Restoring Teaching, founder of Real Schools, and the go-to education expert for Channel 10's 'The Project' and other national news media. Adam believes unconditionally in unleashing the potential of every student, parent, teacher and school leader to create a better future through education.

This conversation goes far beyond formal education with Adam's practical insights being equally applicable to any relationship, organisation or culture. Adam brings practical wisdom that is grounded in good science and has proven transformational in some of Australia's most challenging school environments.

Q&A on Mindset, Beliefs, Adaptability and Optimism in Uncertain Times

In this episode Eloise and Rory answer your questions relating to mindset and adjusting well to change in life. Questions include:

 

3:40 - "Strategies to help change a limiting belief system and help me feel excited to race?" 

11:00 - "What is the one thing I can do everyday to help me be feel and be better?"

12:36 - "How to calm your nerves before a big race?"

15:13 - "How to feel like you are 'enough'?"

18:44 - "Tips for being more optimistic in the pandemic?"

21:33 - "Advice Eloise and Rory would have given to themselves as teenagers"

24:43 - "How do you develop a mindset that is consistent to keep moving forward despite life's setbacks?"

27:11 - "Best piece of running advice Eloise has ever been given?"

29:17 - "How do you balance listening to medical advice about injuries versus your own desire and wisdom within to come back from injury?

32:32 - "How Eloise adjusted her mindset for running when pregnant?"

36:34 - "How to find your passion and purpose after years of trying and not finding?"

39:05 - "What do you tell yourself when you're running and it's uncomfortable?"

43:00 - "What's coming up next on the podcast"

Lauren Parker on Finding a Way Forward

This episode is with Lauren Parker, World Champion and Commonwealth Games Medalist Paratriathlete. Lauren grew up competing at elite levels for swimming and professional ranks for triathlon and ironman before a freak training accident in 2017 left her paralysed from the waist down. Twelve months later, having checked herself out of rehab early to take up a new sport she hadn't heard of before, Lauren lined up for Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Lauren still lives in excruciating pain, yet finds purpose in her training and the pursuit of what's possible. She is perseverance personified and our hope is that this conversation inspires you to realise that whatever challenges you face, there is more within you - you have what you need to adapt, adjust and thrive.

Mark Monchek on Conscious Growth in Business and Life

This episode is with Mark Monchek, CEO of The Opportunity Lab, an organisation whose mission is to empower conscious leaders to build great companies that make a difference in the world. Mark has worked with leaders from the likes of Google, Apple, The New York Times and the United Nations to help them take their organisations to the next level of sustainable growth. He is also the author of amazon best seller Culture of Opportunity: How to Grow Your Business in an Age of Disruption.

Genevieve Gregson on How Enjoyment & Mindset make High Performance Sustainable

This episode is with Genevieve Gregson, a 2 x Olympic runner and Australian record holder. Genevieve shares honestly about the ups and downs in becoming a world class athlete and reveals the mindset and mental skills that have enabled her to adapt in the face of adversity and go from "rock bottom" to breaking records in the space of 12 months. The insights from this episode extend well beyond elite sport and apply to anyone interested in carving their own path through challenges and finding joy in the process.

9/11 survivor Ron DiFrancesco on resilience, perspective and post-traumatic growth

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? For our guest, Ron DiFrancesco, it was just another day in the office ... until it wasn't. Ron's office was on the 84th floor of the World Trade Centre - the second tower that was struck by a terrorist-hijacked plane. From here, Ron witnessed the world changed right before his eyes. In a conversation that breathes fresh perspective into the very meaning of life, Ron courageously shares his experience and reveals unforgettable insights into the resilience of the human spirit and why there is always cause for hope. 

Ron has since developed a resiliency framework, been featured in Time magazine and become a keynote speaker at global positive psychology conferences and large corporations. 

*A word of caution: Whilst this is an episode about hope and perspective, the traumatic nature of the events described may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Discretion is advised, especially for younger audiences. 

A surprise start: Eloise Wellings on persevering with passion and purpose

Rory puts co-host Eloise Wellings in the hot seat to explore her journey in becoming who she is today. Eloise is one of Australia's most decorated distance runners, having competed at 2 Olympic games, 4 Commonwealth games and multiple world championships (and she isn't finished yet!). In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Eloise made the finals of both the 5000m and the 10,000m events. However, her journey has been anything but plain sailing, having been forced to miss three consecutive Olympics games through devastating last-minute injuries. Whilst Eloise has overcome and achieved a lot in her sport, running by no means defines who she is. Off the track, Eloise is a founder of the Love Mercy Foundation - an award winning not-for-profit that works in Northern Uganda to empower communities out of poverty sustainably. She is a mother of two and a sought after speaker on mindset and resilience. In this episode, Eloise and Rory discuss the power of purpose, passion and perseverance towards a vision of what "could be" possible.

Eloise's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elzywellings/?hl=en

To learn about Love Mercy Foundation: https://www.lovemercyfoundation.org/

For more information about Eloise and Rory's keynotes and workshops for schools and corporate organisations: https://www.facebook.com/An-Olympians-Guide-To-A-Positive-Mindset-102830567989504/