In this episode, I zoom out and offer some context for why being human feels so hard right now.

Before we get into tools, habits, or deeper self-study, I think it helps to understand the environment the human nervous system actually evolved for — and how different it is from the one we’re living in today.

This episode is about evolutionary mismatch:

the gap between ancient bodies and modern life.

In this episode, I talk about:

• What humans evolved for — and what we didn’t
• Why modern life quietly overwhelms the nervous system
• How stress used to complete its cycle, and why it often doesn’t now
• Why movement, rest, and connection aren’t “self-care” — they’re biological inputs
• Why understanding context reduces shame and self-blame
• How this framework sets the foundation for everything that comes next

This week’s tiny practice

Shake it off.

20–30 seconds of gentle shaking to help your body release stored stress.

It adds up.

Founders Lab — Early Access

This podcast is the public side of the Self Study Lab.

There’s also a guided version where we go deeper — with structure, practices, and real support for applying this to daily life.

The Founders Lab opens soon.

If you want to be part of the first group, join the early access list here:

👉 https://egostrength.net/

Disclaimer

The Self Study Lab Podcast is for education and personal growth.

It isn’t therapy and does not replace working with a licensed mental health provider.

In this first episode, I share the story behind the Lab — where it began, why I created it, and the gap I kept seeing after thousands of hours sitting with clients.

If you’ve ever felt like:

• you “should” know yourself better by now,
• you understand your patterns but can’t seem to change them,
• therapy has been helpful but you’re still missing something,
• or you’re overwhelmed by all the information out there and want one grounded place to return to…

…you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Growing up as an anxious kid in the 80s
• Why insight alone doesn’t create change
• How our biology shapes our behavior more than we think
• The gap between therapy and real-life practice
• Why I built the Self Study Lab
• The power of tiny, 1% shifts
• A simple nervous system practice you can use this week

This week’s tiny practice

Try a longer exhale than inhale.

It takes 30 seconds, and it sends a small signal of safety to your nervous system.

If you feel on edge at any point this week, pause and practice this gentle shift.

It adds up.

Founders Lab — Early Access

This podcast is the public side of the Self Study Lab, but there’s also a guided version where we go deeper with structure, tools, and real support.

The Founders Lab opens soon.

If you want to be part of the first group, join the early access list here:

👉 https://egostrength.net/

Disclaimer

The Self Study Lab Podcast is for education and personal growth.

It isn’t therapy and does not replace working with a licensed mental health provider.