What if the most powerful drug you could take didn’t come from a prescription — and you already had access to it right now?

In this episode of Whole Again, Michael O’Brien explores the fascinating science and personal impact of placebos and nocebos — how our beliefs, expectations, and even lucky socks can change the way our bodies respond to challenges. You’ll learn why mindset isn’t just “positive thinking,” but a measurable force that shapes recovery, resilience, and well-being.

• Understand how the placebo effect works — and how to harness it for your healing
• Spot the “nocebo” patterns that might be quietly holding you back
• Discover why your personal rituals, symbols, and mantras matter more than skeptics think

Take a deep breathe and learn how to choose beliefs that boost your body’s healing potential and stop reinforcing the ones that hold you back.

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With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Ever feel like you’ve been doing the work to heal—but you’re still not seeing results?

In this short, powerful meditation, you’ll be reminded that your effort is building something, even if it’s not visible yet. Doubt is normal, but so is quiet momentum.

• Learn how to use your breath to release doubt and reclaim trust
• Anchor into one small success that proves you're showing up
• Feel motivated to keep going, even on hard or uncertain days

Take a deep breathe and reset your mindset and keep building your healing momentum—one breath at a time.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Is more free time really the key to happiness—or is it actually hurting your well-being?

In this rebroadcast of a fan-favorite episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Cassie Holmes, a UCLA researcher and author of Happier Hour, to challenge the myth that more time automatically leads to more happiness. Whether you feel overwhelmed by busyness or lost in retirement, this conversation offers science-backed insights to help you rethink how you spend your hours—and your life.

• Learn why too much free time can feel just as draining as too little, and how to find your personal "sweet spot"
• Discover how a simple time-tracking exercise can reveal the real sources of joy and drain in your day
• Gain practical tools to align your daily activities with what truly fulfills you—at work and at home

Take a deep breath and discover how to reclaim your time and transform your happiness—one intentional moment at a time.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Do your challenges leave you feeling stuck, drained, or frustrated — like you’re carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks you never asked for?

In this episode of Whole Again, Michael O’Brien shares a powerful mindset shift he discovered in his own recovery: turning problems into puzzles. This simple reframe can help you swap stress for curiosity, open the door to creative solutions, and bring more energy into every challenge — whether it’s a health setback or just the Sunday crossword.

• Learn how a puzzle mindset keeps you from getting stuck in all-or-nothing thinking
• Discover practical questions to spark curiosity and creativity when facing obstacles
• Find out how small wins (even in a crossword) can build momentum for bigger breakthroughs

Take a deep breath and learn how to reframe your struggles as puzzles — and unlock more resilience, curiosity, and wins in your daily life.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Do you ever feel like you have to fix everything right now? Like if you're not doing the next thing, you're falling behind?

In this calming microdose meditation, you’ll be invited to set that pressure down. Instead of racing ahead, this practice gently returns you to the present moment—where healing and clarity actually begin.

• Learn how to use breath to soothe your nervous system in under 5 minutes
• Release the urge to “do it all” and feel grounded in what’s real, right now
• Use a powerful mantra to help you stay present when your mind spirals ahead

Take a deep breathe and give yourself a break from what's next—and return to what’s now.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

What if heading toward the hardest part of life—your “rocks”—was the key to real momentum and peace?

Olympic gold medalist Joe Jacobi joins Michael to talk about how navigating literal whitewater rapids reveals the deeper truths about resilience, perfectionism, and starting again. Whether you’re in recovery, midlife transition, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation offers a new way to look at growth—by embracing the current rather than fighting it.

• Discover why start lines are more important than finish lines, especially when beginning again
• Learn the power of “course correction” and why adapting beats perfection every time
• Find out how to create your own version of peak performance—especially in midlife

Take a deep breath and discover how to release perfection, embrace the current, and find your own flow with Olympic-level insight and heart.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, you can’t stay consistent — and that every setback drags you further into feeling stuck?

In this episode of Whole Again, Michael O’Brien shares the simple yet powerful “Gold, Silver, Bronze” framework he used during his recovery from injury and trauma. Whether you’re rebuilding your strength after a setback or simply trying to stay on track with daily habits, this approach helps you sidestep the exhausting all-or-nothing trap and finally create steady forward momentum.

• Discover how to redefine success so you win every single day
• Learn to replace perfectionism with possibility and self-compassion
• See how small, consistent actions build trust in yourself and spark lasting change

Press play now to learn the medal framework that will help you get unstuck, celebrate small wins, and create ripples of change in your life.

Ever wish you could just hit reset on your thoughts, your energy, or your mood—like a soft reboot for your soul?

This calming microdose meditation gives you just that. Using the familiar keyboard keys—Control, Alt, Delete—you’ll be guided through a gentle, visual breathwork experience to release what no longer serves you, shift your mindset, and return to yourself more grounded than before.

• Learn a meditative reset technique you can use anytime, anywhere
• Let go of the illusion of control and embrace gentle clarity
• Visualize yourself clearing mental and emotional clutter in just a few breaths

Take a deep breath and experience a peaceful, purposeful mental reset that’s just a breath—and three keys—away.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.