Ep 116. Unlock True Freedom: How Self-Regulation Rewires Your Brain and Breaks You Free from Social Conditioning

The Illusion of Freedom: How Conditioning Controls You (And How to Break Free)

Are you truly free—or just following invisible scripts written by your environment?
Self-regulation isn’t just about discipline—it’s the key to breaking out of unconscious habits shaped by your upbringing, culture, and even your brain chemistry.

According to pioneers like Albert Bandura and B.F. Skinner, we’re conditioned from birth to conform to families, groups, and societal norms. We adopt patterns and behaviors that feel "natural"—but only because they've been reinforced over time. The brain favors what's familiar, while new behaviors require more neurological effort and cognitive energy.

Through the science of behavioral reinforcement—both specific and global—we’re either unconsciously strengthening or extinguishing habits every single day. Most of us don't even realize it.

But here’s the truth: Freedom isn’t the absence of rules—it's the conscious choice to create your own.

When you learn how and where conditioning occurs—both internally (thoughts, emotions) and externally (family, social pressure)—you take back control. That awareness is the first step toward real freedom: the power to become who you choose to be, rather than who you were shaped to be. Take care, walk in Freedom and power. Walk well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 115. Why Slowing Down is the Secret Weapon for High Performance & Mental Clarity

In a world obsessed with hustle culture, speed, and instant results, it's easy to believe that faster is always better. From survival instincts to corporate boardrooms, speed is seen as the ultimate competitive edge. The faster we move, the more successful we assume we'll become. But what if the opposite is true?

What if slowing down is the real power move?

Practices like Tai Chi Chuan teach us the wisdom of moving slowly with intention. This ancient principle reveals a deep truth: deliberate slowness doesn't mean falling behind—it means rising with clarity, focus, and excellence.

When life or work doesn't move at the breakneck speed we expect, we feel stress, anxiety, and burnout. We demand fast results, fast progress, fast everything. But this constant push actually limits our growth. Slowness, on the other hand, unlocks mastery.

True skill-building—whether in your career, your personal development, or physical training—requires patience. It demands attention to detail, consistency, and presence. Slow, deliberate effort fosters long-term growth, deeper understanding, and sustainable success. Speed may get you there quickly, but slowness ensures you arrive with greatness.

This is more than a mindset—it's a method. It’s not about stopping. It’s about moving with purpose. If you must hurry... hurry slowly and walk well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 114. What Hidden Roles Control Your Mind? The Psychology Behind Our Darkest Decisions

Why do good people do bad things? It’s not always about morality—it’s about identity. Specifically, the unconscious roles we play every day: parent, leader, employee, follower, rebel. These roles aren't just titles—they’re invisible cages shaping our decisions, behaviors, and beliefs.

🎭 In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the hidden psychology behind social roles—and how they quietly influence our most ethical (and unethical) choices.

From the Stanford Prison Experiment to Milgram’s shocking obedience studies, history proves one thing: Ordinary people can do unthinkable things when they surrender to authority, groupthink, or institutional roles.

🔥 You’ll Learn:

• The difference between folkways, mores, and social norms
• How role identity can override your moral compass
• Why diffusion of responsibility leads to dangerous choices
• How to recognize when a role no longer aligns with your true self
• Simple mindset shifts to reclaim personal freedom and ethical power

This episode dives deep into behavioral psychology, moral philosophy, and social influence—giving you tools to live with greater self-awareness, autonomy, and inner strength.

🔎 Whether you're a leader, parent, activist, or simply human, this is the truth you can’t afford to ignore.

🎯 Perfect for Fans of:

• The Psychology of Evil by Philip Zimbardo
• Hidden Brain podcast
• The Diary of a CEO
• The Huberman Lab
• Jordan Peterson
• Simon Sinek
• Brené Brown

🔔 LISTEN NOW:

👉 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Google Podcasts
🎙 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into the human psyche, decision-making, and the invisible forces shaping your life. Take care and walk well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 113.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 112. Attention in our electronic age is considered the new currency of commerce and influence of the global human masses and we are moving unerringly in the direction of growing electronic interface and dependence that is quickly going beyond what roboticists in the 1970's feared when first positing of the uncanny valley. The crevasse has become a crack on the sidewalk and we have willingly crossed it with little concern for the consequences of growing dependence. Attention however is a human currency of validation and given social worth and value to people and their behaviors that are socially acceptable and in line with our personal values as well as the larger community values. However, in the current political climate and in the past we have seen a trend of legacy media attention on the negative side of human nature and the fomenting of anger, irritability and acting out based on distorted shared political ideals. We are being fed the negatives of national and global tribalism that is distilled to the ugliness of us versus them while throwing out the most generative values of tribal village and that is tolerance, acceptance, kindness and nurturing and care of our neighbors not filtered through their differing beliefs. Let us use our attention in the direction of all the things that are doing well. I encourage you to make your everyday walk an authentic extension of your attention as a currency of kindness. Take care and walk well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 111. How to Find Inner Stillness in the Chaos of Modern Life: A Meditation Practice That Transforms Stress into Strength

In both ancient wisdom and our hyper-connected modern world, one truth remains unchanged: stress and chaos are constants. But what if the key to mastering them lies not in escaping—but in embracing stillness within them?

The late Kung Fu and meditation teacher James Patrick Lacy introduced a powerful principle known as “Stillness in the Midst of Chaos.” This isn’t just a poetic idea—it’s a daily mental health and mindfulness practice that teaches you to access peace in even your most stressful moments.

In today’s world of nonstop notifications, rising anxiety, and emotional burnout, learning to drop into micro-moments of meditation throughout your day could be the secret to transforming stress before it takes a toll on your mind and body.

✅ Whether you’re navigating high-pressure work environments
✅ Coping with personal or emotional overwhelm
✅ Or just seeking a grounded life in a loud world...

Practicing embodied stillness helps build emotional resilience, self-regulation, and a real sense of inner control. You don’t need hours of silence—you need a few intentional seconds to return to your center.

Start today. Practice the power of stillness under pressure, and you'll carry calm through every storm life throws at you.

👉 Breathe. Reset. Realign.
👉 Walk steady, stay grounded, live well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 110. Unlocking True Willpower: Why Mental Endurance Is Fueled by Blood Sugar and Cognitive Energy

The concept of willpower is often misunderstood and overstated. Contrary to popular belief, willpower is not a fixed trait—it’s a dynamic biological and cognitive process that hinges on two key factors: cognitive decision-making and glucose availability in the brain.

When we talk about self-control or discipline, we’re really talking about the brain's ability to maintain focus and regulate behavior in real-time. This process—known as self-regulation—requires a steady supply of mental energy, much of which is derived from blood glucose.

Our Ego and self-image also play a significant role in how we exert influence and interact socially. These aren't abstract traits; they're active cognitive functions that burn energy and affect our mental stamina. When we feel "ego-depleted" or mentally exhausted, it's often a sign that we've used up the fuel needed to manage these processes effectively.

This depletion is a major reason why mental endurance can falter during challenges, high-stakes problem solving, or prolonged stress. True willpower, then, is not just about grit—it's about energy management and mental clarity.

If we want to build real self-discipline, we need to understand how neurobiology, nutrition, and psychological conditioning intersect. Willpower isn't magic—it's a mechanism. And like any high-performing system, it needs the right fuel to function.

➡️ Understand your biology.
➡️ Train your focus.
➡️ Fuel your brain.
Understand deeply. Will powerfully. Walk well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support

Ep 109. Discover the 5 Hidden Powers That Shape Influence, Leadership, and Success

From ancient empires to today’s digital age, power has always been the silent force behind human behavior, leadership, and global transformation. But power isn’t always loud or aggressive. In fact, the most effective types of power are often subtle, non-confrontational, and deeply transformational.

In this episode, we uncover the five essential types of power that determine how we influence others, lead teams, build relationships, and create real change in the world:

• Reward Power – Influence through incentives and benefits.
• Coercive Power – Control through consequences and discipline.
• Expert Power – Authority rooted in knowledge, skill, or wisdom.
• Legitimate Power – Influence through role, position, or title.
• Referent Power – Power driven by trust, admiration, and connection.

Whether you're leading a business, building a brand, managing a team, or navigating personal relationships, these power dynamics are at play — and understanding them can be your secret weapon.

We each gravitate toward certain types of power based on our personality, values, and roles in life — be it at work, in friendships, or at home. The key isn't just in gaining power, but in using it wisely, ethically. Learn how to identify your personal power style, master influence without manipulation, and unlock your leadership potential.

Take care and walk well.

Hey folks, let me know what you think about the Running Man Podcast. Let me know where you're from and how you are doing in your little part of the world!

Support the show

intro outro music for episodes 1 through 111 done by Jonathan Dominguez Rogue musician. He can be found on youtube at Lazyman2303.

New musical intro and outro music created by Ed Fernandez guitarist extraordinaire. To get in contact with Ed please send me an email at runningmangetskillsproject@gamil,com and I will forward him the contact.

Donations are not expected but most certainly appreciated. Any funds will go toward further development of the podcast for equipment as we we grow the podcast. Many thanks in advance.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216464/support