The Lift Podcast

Why You Can’t Just “Stop” a Bad Habit

Why is breaking a habit so difficult — even when we really want to change?
In this episode, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the fascinating psychology of behavioural change, sharing personal stories of habits they’ve struggled with — from decades-long nail-picking to knuckle-cracking — and what finally helped shift them.
They explore why simply trying to “stop” a behaviour often backfires, how identity shapes our habits more than motivation does, and why context plays a powerful (and often overlooked) role in change. Drawing on psychological theories like the habit discontinuity hypothesis, they unpack how life transitions can create unique windows for transformation.
You’ll discover:
Why focusing on identity is more powerful than focusing on outcomes
How context quietly drives most of our behaviours
Why replacing a habit works better than resisting it
The cognitive irony that keeps unwanted behaviours alive
How understanding your brain makes change more achievable
Whether you're trying to quit a habit, build a better one, or simply understand yourself more deeply, this episode offers practical insight and a refreshing dose of honesty about how complex — and hopeful — human behaviour really is.
💬 And we’d love to hear from you: What habit have you successfully changed?
 
Get in touch: contact@theliftproject.global
Find out more: www.theliftproject.global 
 
#BehaviorChange #HabitChange #BreakBadHabits #PsychologyPodcast #IdentityShift #PersonalGrowth #HabitScience #LifestyleMedicine #SelfImprovement #MindsetMatters #BehavioralPsychology #HealthyHabits

The 1% Rule for Health: Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference

What if improving your health didn’t require a total life overhaul?
In this energising conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore why small, consistent changes are one of the most powerful (and underrated) ways to improve your health, happiness, and long-term wellbeing. Drawing parallels between financial investing and lifestyle habits, they reveal how tiny daily “deposits” in your health compound over time — just like money in the bank.
From the surprising impact of losing just one kilogram to the ripple effects of moving your body a little more each day, this episode breaks down how momentum beats motivation and why commitment to small steps creates real, lasting change.
They also unpack the science of behavioural nudges — simple tweaks in your environment that quietly steer you toward healthier choices without relying on willpower alone. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just tired of “all-or-nothing” health advice, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: you don’t need big changes to get big results — you just need to start.
 
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
 
#SmallStepsBigWins #HealthyHabits #LifestyleMedicine #BehaviorChange #WellbeingJourney #HealthPodcast #TinyHabits #PersonalGrowth #BetterHealth #HabitBuilding #SustainableChange #MindsetMatters

What’s Changed in Nutrition Advice? Dietary Guidelines Explained

What do the new dietary guidelines really mean for everyday eating?
In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the latest dietary guidelines for Americans, exploring how modern nutrition advice is shifting—and what actually matters for long-term health. Drawing on personal preferences, clinical insight, and real-world practicality, they discuss how to eat well without becoming overwhelmed or extreme.
The conversation covers the growing emphasis on protein and fibre, the role of vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats, and why real food remains the foundation of a healthy diet. They also explore how these guidelines apply to vegetarian and vegan diets, the challenges of modern food environments, and why moderation—especially with alcohol and ultra-processed foods—is key.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why the new dietary guidelines mark a shift in nutrition thinking • The importance of prioritising protein at every meal • Why most people fall short on fibre—and how to fix it • Where dairy fits in (and what to do if you don’t enjoy it) • Why vegetables and fruit should be eaten throughout the day • The hidden impact of processed foods, added sugars, and sweetened drinks • How moderation supports sustainable, lifelong health
If you’re confused by conflicting nutrition advice or just want a clear, realistic approach to eating well, this episode cuts through the noise and brings the focus back to what truly supports health.
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
 
#NutritionPodcast #DietaryGuidelines #HealthyEating #RealFood #LifestyleMedicine #ProteinAndFibre #WellbeingPodcast #NutritionAdvice #HealthyHabits #BalancedDiet #FoodAndHealth #ModerationNotPerfection

Is Doing More Making You Less Healthy?

In this episode, Darren and Simon dive into the heart of lifestyle medicine, exploring how we balance the core pillars of health—nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress—in real life. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and a bit of humour, they unpack what it truly means to find your own sense of “enough.”
From the joy of ocean swims and the therapeutic burn of a good workout to the surprising downsides of oversleeping and overeating, Darren and Simon highlight how self-awareness and moderation shape long-term wellbeing. They explore why health looks different for every individual and why striving for perfection often gets in the way of living well.
This conversation encourages listeners to tune into their bodies, experiment with what works for them, and embrace the idea that optimal health isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.
 
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
 
#LifestyleMedicine #HealthyLiving #WellbeingPodcast #HolisticHealth #Moderation #SleepHealth #NutritionTips #StressManagement #MovementMatters #BalanceNotPerfection #SelfAwareness #HealthForLife

Jet Lag Explained: How to Travel Smarter and Feel Better

In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the science of jet lag, exploring why rapid travel across time zones disrupts our sleep, energy, mood, and overall well-being. They dive into the role of circadian rhythms, why flying east is often harder than flying west, and how light exposure, meal timing, hydration, and movement can make or break your adjustment to a new time zone.
The conversation also highlights the psychological side of travel and why personalised strategies matter—because no two travellers respond the same way.
Whether you travel for work, holidays, or family, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help you arrive feeling more human and less jet-lagged.
 
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
 
#JetLag #TravelWellbeing #CircadianRhythm #SleepHealth #HealthyTravel #LifestyleMedicine #TravelTips #BodyClock #LongHaulTravel #WellbeingPodcast #SleepScience #ModernLife

Enough Already: The Cure for Overwhelm and Overconsumption

In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon dive deep into one of life’s biggest questions: What is enough?Exploring the powerful link between human health and the health of our planet, they unpack the root causes of chronic disease, the hidden costs of endless economic growth, and the human tendency to constantly want more.
The conversation challenges modern ideals of success and invites listeners to consider how moderation, community, and self-examination can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. They discuss why behavioral change goes far beyond willpower — it requires understanding our deeper motivations, reconnecting with others, and recognising our place in a much larger ecosystem.
Whether you're interested in lifestyle medicine, sustainability, or simply living with more intention, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring perspective on how taking care of ourselves begins with redefining “enough.”
Key Takeaways
The “five whys” technique uncovers root causes of health and behaviour issues.
Economic growth can have hidden negative impacts on personal and planetary health.
Human and environmental health are deeply interconnected.
The desire for “more” often leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and ecological strain.
Moderation is essential for wellbeing and long-term health.
Community and social connection act as powerful protective factors.
Behaviour change requires understanding our true motivations.
Asking “What is enough?” can transform our choices and our health.
Personal growth begins with honest self-reflection.
 
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 

AI and the Loneliness Epidemic: Are We More Connected or More Alone?

Despite being more digitally connected than ever, rates of loneliness, isolation, and emotional disconnection are soaring. In this thought-provoking conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the growing loneliness epidemic—and the surprising ways artificial intelligence might both contribute to the problem and be part of the solution.
They discuss how AI companions, chatbots, and digital assistants are increasingly being used to fill emotional voids, and what that means for our mental health, empathy, and ability to form real human connections. The conversation also explores the ethical implications of human-AI relationships, the psychology of connection, and how our emotional responses—such as frustration or gratitude—can actually influence AI’s performance.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Loneliness is now one of the most pressing public health issues of our time
AI interactions may soothe short-term isolation—but risk deepening disconnection
Emotional expression (even frustration) can influence AI responses
Building relationships with AI raises ethical and emotional questions
Digital empathy may shape the future of human connection
True belonging still depends on authentic, human-to-human connection
This episode invites you to reflect on how we use technology to connect, comfort, and communicate—and what it means for the future of human relationships, mental health, and society.
 
Want to find out more? Head to www.theliftproject.global 
Got questions for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you contact@thepodcast.global  
 
#ArtificialIntelligence  #AIandEthics  #HumanAIInteraction  #TechPodcast  #AIBehavior #EmotionalIntelligence  #FutureOfAI  #MindsetMatters  #DigitalWellbeing #TheLiftProject

Why Traditional Goal Setting Fails (and What to Do Instead)

What if the problem isn’t you—it’s the way we set goals?
In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren unpack the complexities of behaviour change and goal setting, exploring why so many of us struggle to sustain motivation and how we can approach goals in a healthier, more flexible way. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of unmet goals, the science of self-efficacy, and the pitfalls of traditional “all-or-nothing” thinking. Instead of rigid targets, they advocate for open goals that foster curiosity, self-understanding, and genuine growth.
Key takeaways: ✅ Goals are powerful tools—but only when they’re meaningful and flexible✅ Self-efficacy is the secret ingredient behind lasting change ✅ Boom-and-bust thinking often leads to burnout and disengagement ✅ Failure can be one of our greatest teachers ✅ Open and observational goals help cultivate self-awareness ✅ Curiosity and experimentation make change more sustainable
Whether you’re chasing health improvements, personal growth, or renewed motivation, this episode will help you set goals that work for you—not against you.
 
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
 
#BehaviorChange #GoalSetting #SelfEfficacy #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #MotivationPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast #ResilienceTools #TheLiftProject

The Parachute Principle: Simple Lessons for Lasting Lifestyle Change

What do parachutes have to do with health? In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon unpack the parachute metaphor to explore the challenges, creativity, and courage needed to make lifestyle medicine work in the real world. They discuss why evidence alone isn’t enough—change only happens when we deploy what we know. From the size of interventions and the importance of maintenance, to the power of small, meaningful actions, this conversation dives deep into how we can transform theory into sustainable, life-changing habits.
 
Key takeaways:
🪂 Why evidence for parachutes (and lifestyle medicine) isn’t always straightforward
🪂 How to identify the smallest meaningful intervention for real impact
🪂 Why regular maintenance keeps lifestyle changes effective
🪂 The importance of action, flexibility, and personal resources in achieving health goals
🪂 Why creativity and advocacy are vital for implementing lifestyle medicine
 
Whether you’re a clinician, health coach, or simply passionate about preventive health, this episode will inspire you to stop packing and start deploying your parachute—because knowledge without action won’t get you far.
 
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
 
#LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast #BehaviorChange #PreventiveHealth #SustainableHealth #WellbeingJourney #HealthInnovation #MindsetMatters #HealthyHabits #TheLiftProject

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

Back by popular demand! This fan-favourite episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with regret and decision-making.
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