Dennis Rox

"Am I a good friend, and what does it mean to be a good friend?"

In this episode, the hosts delve into the complex dynamics of friendship and self-examination. Mike raises concerns about his role as a good friend, questioning whether self-criticism and internal doubt are justified. The conversation touches on themes like consistency of character, mutual respect, and the true nature of friendship. Through various discussion...

Why do we act the way we do in pursuit of connection?

Buckle up for a no-holds-barred dive into the messy world of dating, rejection, and self-discovery with Harris, Eldar, Toliy, and Mike. What starts as a quest to “get girls” spirals into a raw, hilarious, and gut-punching look at why we hide our true selves. From barstool blunders to manic sleepless nights, Harris lays it all bare—his struggles with confidence, meds, and the pres...

Why do the closest people in our lives hurt us the most?

In this candid and emotionally charged episode, Harris opens up about his struggles with familial expectations, particularly his fraught relationship with his stepdad, who pressures him to abandon his current job for something more financially secure. The crew dives deep into the dynamics of seeking validation, the pain inflicted by loved ones, and the journey toward self-actu...

What’s it take to keep going when your mind screams “quit”?

In this Dennis Rox episode, Mike, Eldar, Toliy, and Harris tackle perseverance—from rock climbing grit to sales call grind. Mike shares a raw tale of battling a red trail, pushing past mental exhaustion to grab that last grip. Harris ties it to SEALs swimming the Hudson, wondering why his sales “drown proofing” hasn’t clicked. Eldar flips the script: Are we sabotaging succe...

How do small actions contribute to achieving success?

On this week's episode, the hosts delve into the complex notion of success, exploring how personal definitions of success can vary widely and often clash with societal or familial expectations. Through an engaging and candid discussion, they tackle questions about staying optimistic amidst setbacks, handling skepticism from loved ones, and redefining goals to fit a more pers...

How does self validation tie into faith?

In this thought-provoking episode, the group explores the reasons behind the credibility of the Bible and delves into the concept of truth through various lenses including religion, philosophy, and personal experiences. Josh shares why he finds the Bible accurate and reliable, pointing to its historical consistency and moral teachings. Eldar introduces Socrates' view on truth and challen...

Can power of collective happiness override personal desires?

In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of group dynamics and personal responsibility through the lens of a planned casino trip. They delve into the ethics of gambling, financial responsibility, and the impact of individual actions on collective success. Through a series of confrontations and discussions, the group explores how past experiences and personal min...

What role does ego play in our lives and how can we manage it? 

In this week's episode, the conversation centers around the ego as a preservation mechanism that protects us from facing harsh realities. The hosts discuss how ego is tied to trauma and how it can be tricked into facilitating learning by introducing social embarrassment. They explore the nature of ego through anecdotes, examples, and questioning its existence. The ...

How can someone change their life if they’re unhappy with where they are?

In this week's episode, the hosts discuss the importance of changing perceptions and mindset for personal growth, featuring Eldar's cousin Tolis as a special guest. They explore how holding on to wrong perceptions can hinder one's progress in life, emphasizing the need for true understanding of causality and action. Tolis shares his struggles wi...

What drives us to chase revenge—and does it ever truly satisfy?

In this electrifying episode, Mike, Toliy, and Eldar dive deep into the messy psychology of revenge, sparked by heartbreak, societal pressures, and the ego’s relentless need to prove itself. From breakup-fueled “glow-ups” to battling outdated norms, they unravel how the quest for vengeance often masks a refusal to face ourselves. Expect raw stories, unexpected detours—l...

What is the link between daily stress at home and memory lapses during training? 

In this episode, the hosts and guests delve deep into the challenges faced by Harris, a struggling salesman, who grapples with work pressures and external stressors. They discuss how his home environment affects his ability to retain and apply critical feedback in sales, and explore concepts like mental resilience, life's tests, and effective comm...

Can understanding the true nature of rock bottom help in personal growth?

On this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the concept of 'hitting rock bottom' and challenge its conventional understanding. They discuss the critical role of humility, the illusion of immediate recovery, and the necessity of sustained effort and learning for genuine personal growth. Through examining societal perceptions, personal anec...

Is taking a stance in life the path to self esteem?

This week's episode delves into the journey of building self-esteem by taking stances and learning from mistakes. The hosts discuss the importance of confronting personal truths, the consequences of indecision, and the impact of avoiding criticism. They explore personal anecdotes, including Mike's struggle with self-esteem and Tom's journey in accepting his...

Why do we let people get into our heads?

In this episode, the hosts delve into the topic of external influences and their impact on our lives. They discuss how negative external factors often exploit existing insecurities, leading to frustration and poor decisions. The conversation explores the concept of critically assessing advice, distinguishing between good and bad influences, and understanding the importance of proper communica...

What happens when you speak the hard truth to someone resistant to change?

In this episode, the hosts explore the dynamics of truth-telling, ego, and humility through personal anecdotes and philosophical discussions. They delve into why speaking the truth often meets resistance, particularly when it challenges deeply held beliefs and ego-driven behaviors. They humorously illustrate how ignorance can lead to misunderstandi...

How is it that someone can be in an abusive relationship, where they are mistreated all the time, and when asked why they don’t leave, their response is, 'Oh, well, he loves me'?

In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of toxic relationships, exploring why people get into them, why they stay, and how they can ultimately break free. They discuss self-awareness, the role of ego, and the importance of...

How do personal and work-life dynamics impact one's ability to maintain relationships and achieve personal growth?

In episode of Dennis Rox, Eldar and Mike dive into a compelling conversation with guest Harris about his experiences working as the night lead for wheelchair assistance at an airport. Harris offers vivid insights into the logistical challenges and teamwork required to manage flight arrivals and ensure whe...

How can individuals understand and overcome their fears to lead more fulfilling lives?

In episode 146 of the Dennis Rox podcast, hosts Eldar, Toliy, and Mike, along with their guest Harris, tackle the profound subject of fear and its impact on personal growth and decision-making. They explore various dimensions of fear, from day-to-day anxieties to deep-seated phobias, and emphasize the importance of understanding and conf...