The Lift Podcast

Is One-Size-Fits-All Health Failing Us? A New Approach to Wellness

In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the real reasons behind the chronic illness epidemic and explore what we can actually do to feel better.
They break down the science in a simple, relatable way—covering key concepts like metaflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in modern disease. You’ll also hear why traditional healthcare is shifting toward lifestyle medicine and personalised health—and how these approaches could be the future of well-being.
Whether you’re feeling constantly tired, stressed, or just curious about how to take better care of yourself, this episode offers practical insights and hope.
 
💡 In this episode:
The real root causes of chronic illness
Why inflammation is a bigger deal than you think
How your energy systems impact your health
What lifestyle medicine is and why it matters
Easy, realistic tips to start feeling better today
Follow the show for more conversations that help you live well—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
#ChronicIllness #LifestyleMedicine #Inflammation #Metaflammation #MitochondrialHealth #FunctionalMedicine #PrecisionHealth #WholePersonCare #HealthPodcast #WellnessTips #EnergyAndHealth #ModernHealthcare #PreventativeHealth #FeelBetterLiveBetter

Why Your Lifestyle Matters More Than Medicine

🎙️ Can Lifestyle Medicine Change Your Health?
In this episode, Darren and Simon dive into the power of lifestyle medicine and its role in preventing and even reversing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. They break down groundbreaking studies, including Dean Ornish’s research on heart disease reversal and the Diabetes Prevention Program’s proof that lifestyle changes work.
Beyond the science, they discuss the real-world challenges of applying lifestyle medicine today—from food deserts to social barriers—and why nutrition, movement, and social connections are key to long-term health. Plus, Simon shares his love for travel, cooking, and the need for solo time to recharge.
Tune in to learn:✅ How lifestyle changes impact chronic disease✅ The science behind lifestyle medicine's effectiveness✅ Why social connections are crucial for longevity✅ The biggest obstacles to implementing lifestyle medicine✅ How a systemic approach can make healthy living accessible to all
Hit play and start your journey toward better health today! 🎧 #LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast #Wellnness

Regret & Decisions: How to Make Choices You Won’t Second-Guess

Do you ever find yourself stuck in a loop of "What if?" and "I should have…"? Regret is a universal emotion, but what if you could make choices with more confidence and less second-guessing? 🤔
In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the psychology of regret and decision-making, particularly in healthcare and lifestyle medicine. They explore:
🔹 The three types of regret (Outcome, Process, and Option Regret)🔹 How decision fatigue affects your choices🔹 The role of informed choice in healthcare and personal well-being🔹 Practical strategies to avoid decision paralysis and move forward with confidence🔹 How psychology and economics shape our decision-making processes
Whether you’re facing a major life choice or just struggling with everyday decisions, this conversation will empower you to make choices you won’t regret!
👉 Listen now and take control of your decisions!
📢 Follow & Subscribe for more insights on health, mindset, and well-being!
🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!
 
#DecisionMaking #Regret #MindsetMatters #PsychologyOfChoice #HealthyDecisions #SelfImprovement #MentalWellbeing #LifestyleMedicine #BetterDecisions #BehaviorScience #HealthChoices #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #DecisionFatigue #PodcastClips #Podcast

From Setback to Comeback: The Science of Thriving Through Adversity

Life is full of challenges—loss, setbacks, and unexpected hurdles can shake us to the core. But what if the way we respond to adversity could transform our resilience and well-being? In this inspiring conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the science of lifestyle medicine and positive psychology, sharing personal stories of overcoming hardship through simple but powerful practices like gratitude, hope, movement, and social connection. From the beauty of Madrid in winter to the community spirit of Parkruns, they explore how meaningful connections and intentional lifestyle choices can help us navigate life's toughest moments.
 
Whether you're facing a personal challenge or simply looking for ways to fortify your mental and physical health, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and practical strategies to help you thrive.
 
🎧 Tune in to discover:
✅ How adversity can feel like a downward spiral—and ways to break free
✅ Why movement and outdoor activities are non-negotiable for well-being ✅ The incredible role of gratitude and hope in tough times
✅ How social connections and community can uplift and empower you
✅ Practical tools from lifestyle medicine to build resilience
✅ Why understanding others’ experiences makes you a better support system
 
Ready to turn challenges into opportunities for growth? Hit play and join the conversation! 🚀✨
 
Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global
To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global
 
#Podcast #WellnessPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #PositivePsychology #MentalWellbeing #Resilience #SelfCare #Gratitude #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #HealthyLiving #OvercomingAdversity #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney

Mental Toughness Uncovered: Why Grit is More Than Just Perseverance

In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren dive deep into the concept of mental toughness and grit, breaking down what these traits really mean and how they shape personal growth and success. They explore the nature vs. nurture debate, examining how both genetic and environmental factors contribute to building mental resilience.
 
Discover why mental toughness is essential for overcoming life's toughest challenges, and learn how you can cultivate your own grit through passion, resilience, and embracing adversity. Simon and Darren also highlight the importance of balance, explaining how mental toughness can sometimes have downsides if pushed too far without recognizing personal boundaries and autonomy. Whether you're seeking to improve your own resilience, develop stronger character strengths, or simply curious about how mental toughness plays a role in success stories and personal development, this discussion is for you!
 
🔔 Subscribe for more insights on personal development and growth
👍 Like, Comment & Share if you found this podcast helpful!
 
Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global
 
To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global
 
#MentalToughness #Grit #Resilience #PersonalDevelopment #SelfGrowth #CharacterStrengths #NatureVsNurture #OvercomeChallenges #SuccessMindset #MentalStrength #PersonalGrowthTips #GritAndGrowth #LifeSkills #Motivation

Why Big Life Changes Are the Perfect Time to Reinvent Yourself

In this episode, Darren and Simon dive into the power of self-reflection, habit formation, and the surprising role of life transitions in shaping behavior. They explore the habit discontinuity hypothesis—the idea that disruptions like moving house create unique opportunities for lasting change. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, they reveal how intentionality, curiosity, and emotional awareness can turn life’s upheavals into stepping stones for growth. Tune in to discover how you can harness change to build better habits and a more fulfilling life.

Kindness Isn’t Weakness: Navigating Competition with Compassion | Episode 18

Join Darren and Simon for a thought-provoking conversation that dives into the surprising ways game theory shapes our everyday lives. Through the lens of the classic Prisoner’s Dilemma, they explore the delicate dance between cooperation and competition, revealing why kindness is a powerful opening move—but only when balanced with healthy boundaries. Learn why forgiveness is more than just a virtue and discover how our mindsets—scarcity or abundance—can influence everything from decision-making to our most meaningful relationships. This episode is packed with insights on how these principles can help us become more compassionate, resilient, and ultimately, better versions of ourselves.
 
Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global
To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global 

The Skinny on BMI: Myths, Realities, and Better Options | Episode 17

In this lively chat, Simon Matthews and Darren take a closer look at the Body Mass Index (BMI)—a number we all know but may not fully understand. They dig into the surprising history of BMI, why it’s not always a great fit for everyone, and how it can even mess with our minds! Then, they shift gears to the Body Roundness Index (BRI), a fresh alternative that considers body shape and waist size instead of just weight. Along the way, they explore why health is so much more than numbers and why we need to think beyond the scale to really understand our well-being.
 
Got questions or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global
 
To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global 

The Air We Breathe: Unseen Factors in Health and Obesity | Episode 16

In this engaging conversation, Darren and Simon explore the intriguing connections between altitude, carbon dioxide levels, and obesity, considering how environmental factors influence appetite and weight. The discussion dives into how there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health, highlighting the many pieces that come together in lifestyle medicine. Plus, it’s packed with practical tips listeners can use to boost their wellbeing every day. Got questions or a topic you'd like us to chat about? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@theliftproject.global To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit: www.theliftproject.global

Motivation Mastery: How to Build Habits That Stick | Episode 15

In this conversation, Darren and Simon Matthews delve into the complexities of behaviour change, discussing various theories, principles, and practical applications in lifestyle medicine. They explore the significance of motivation, the interaction between individuals and their environments, and the role of self-efficacy and goal-setting in facilitating lasting change. The discussion also highlights the importance of social connections and incentives in promoting healthy behaviours, ultimately emphasising that understanding and connecting with individuals' core values is essential for effective behaviour change.
 
Got questions? We'd love to hear from you:
podcast@theliftproject.global
 
To find out more about how you can boost your well-being, visit:
www.theliftproject.global