Episodes

6 days ago
6 days ago
Back by popular demand!This fan-favourite episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building better habits and making lasting lifestyle changes.
Join Darren and Simon Matthews as they break down the psychology of motivation, explore the science of behaviour change, and share practical strategies for habit formation that actually work. You’ll learn how your environment, social circles, and core values all shape the choices you make—and how to use them to your advantage.
Whether you're starting fresh or stuck in a rut, this conversation will help you take the next step toward sustainable well-being.
Topics Covered:
The psychology of motivation
Environmental triggers and habit loops
Goal-setting and self-efficacy
Social influences on behaviour
Connecting habits to core values
Who This Episode is For:
Anyone working on personal growth
Health professionals and coaches
Listeners interested in behaviour science
Fans of practical wellness advice
#HabitChange #MotivationMatters #LifestyleMedicine #HealthHabits #SelfImprovement #BehaviourChange #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #WellbeingPodcast #HealthyLivingTips

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Why do we sometimes feel a surge of energy just when we’re ready to give up?
In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the concept of the second wind—the physical and psychological boost that helps us push through fatigue, whether in endurance sports or everyday life. They share personal experiences, explore the science behind energy depletion and recovery, and discuss how resilience and mindset impact our ability to bounce back.
You’ll also hear how The Lift Project supports people in building mental strength and motivation through challenging times.
🎧 Tune in to discover:
What triggers a second wind
How to stay motivated through behavioral change
Tools for building resilience and momentum
The connection between physical fatigue and mental well-being
Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, tired, or ready to give up—this conversation offers fresh insights and practical inspiration.
#LifestyleMedicine #MentalWellbeing #SecondWind #ResilienceTools #BehaviorChange #TheLiftProject #HealthPodcast #MindsetMatters #BounceBack #EnergyBoost

Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
🤔 What makes an idea truly powerful? In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren Morton delve into the origins of big ideas, their path to gaining traction, and why some transform the world while others fade away.
From positive psychology and mental wellbeing to the groundbreaking rise of lifestyle medicine, this conversation unpacks:
💡 How innovation shapes our lives and health
💡 The science behind idea diffusion (with fascinating historical examples)
💡 Why being open to new ideas is critical for personal growth and societal change
💡 The future of healthcare through the lens of evidence-based wellbeing practices Ideal for individuals passionate about health innovation, personal development, and the transformative power of mindset in shaping our world.
🧠 Be inspired to think differently—and act on the ideas that matter.
#LifestyleMedicine #PositivePsychology #MentalWellbeing #HealthInnovation #GrowthMindset #PreventativeHealth #WellnessRevolution #NewIdeas #MindBodyMedicine #WellbeingPodcast #FutureOfHealthcare #WholePersonHealth

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Why Sleep Might Be the Most Important Habit of All
In this episode, Simon and Darren explore the powerful connection between sleep, learning, and behaviour change.
They explain how sleep—especially deep sleep and REM sleep—plays a vital role in memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and your ability to create and maintain healthy habits.
If you’ve ever struggled to stick to a new routine or wondered why change feels so hard, this conversation reveals how improving your sleep could be the missing piece.
💡 In this episode:
How sleep affects your brain’s ability to learn and grow
Why deep and REM sleep are essential for emotional health
The science behind sleep and behaviour change
Why sleep is a foundational tool for building healthy habits
Practical insights for better rest and better results
Follow the show for more insights on health, behaviour, and how to live well—every day.
#SleepScience #HealthyHabits #BehaviorChange #SleepAndLearning #REMsleep #DeepSleep #EmotionalWellbeing #MemoryAndSleep #BrainHealth #LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast #BetterSleep #MentalHealthMatters #HabitChange #WellnessJourney

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
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

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
🎙️ 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

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
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

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
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

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
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

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
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.