Self Help Podcasts with Mike and Mary

The Power of Being Unimpressed
When you stop being impressed by the wrong things, you start building the right ones.

In a world obsessed with hype, trends, and public opinion, is it possible to keep a clear head and think for yourself? In this episode, we explore the underrated superpower of being unimpressed. Drawing from ancient Stoic philosophy, modern psychology, and real-world examples, from social media frenzies to financia...

Epictetus vs. Instagram: Why Detachment Is a Superpower
Are your moods tied to likes, comments, or someone else's highlight reel? In this episode, we dive deep into the ancient wisdom of Epictetus and the Stoic philosophy of detachment and why it's more relevant than ever in today's hyperconnected, comparison-driven Instagram world.

Blending timeless Stoic insights with modern psychology, we unpack how platforms like ...

You’re Not Your Thoughts — How to Create Mental Distance
Ever feel like your own mind is your worst enemy? In this episode, we explore the powerful idea that you are not your thoughts, you’re the observer behind them. Drawing from ancient Stoic wisdom, modern psychology, and everyday life, we’ll unpack why we so often get trapped in our inner narratives and how to step back for clarity and peace of mind.

You’ll learn practical t...

"Personality Isn’t Permanent: Why You’re Not Stuck Being You"

Description:
Think you're destined to be the same person forever? Think again. In this episode, we dive into the liberating truth that personality is not permanent and you’re not stuck being who you’ve always been.

Drawing from ancient Stoic wisdom and cutting-edge psychology, we explore why change is not only possible, it’s inevitable. We’ll break down th...

In a world where everyone seems desperate to be right, what if not winning was actually the real win?

In this episode, we break down the difference between ego surrender, apathy, and true inner confidence. Drawing from ancient philosophy, modern psychology, and real-life examples, we explore why the need to “win” every conversation often does more harm than good—and how letting go can lead to deeper peace, stronger relationships, an...

Ever feel like your boss is a walking disaster in a button-up shirt? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this episode, we dive deep into the ancient wisdom of Stoicism and modern psychological research to teach you how to stay calm, focused, and unfazed even when chaos rains from above.

Learn how to keep your cool when your boss flips out over fonts, assigns last-minute projects like clockwork, or generally leaves ...

You’ve heard “ego is the enemy” — but what if that’s only half the truth? What if the real threat to your potential isn’t just arrogance… but also the silent killer called self-doubt?

In this episode, we’re throwing punches at both sides of the self-sabotage spectrum — because while one voice says “You’re the best, you don’t need help,” the other whispers “You’re not good enough, so why try?” Both are lies. And both will ruin your l...

Not all progress shouts. Some of it whispers.

In this episode, we uncover the quiet, often overlooked wins that slowly—but powerfully—transform your life. Drawing on Stoic philosophy and modern psychological research, we explore how small habits, subtle mindset shifts, and daily inner victories shape who you become far more than external milestones.

Learn how:

• Marcus Aurelius and modern psychologists agree on the power of consiste...

You set goals. You make plans. You get motivated.
And then… you crash. Again.
Why?

In this episode, we explore the hidden forces behind self-sabotage—why we stand in our own way, even when we desperately want to grow. Drawing on ancient Stoic philosophy and modern psychology, we dig into the root causes of self-sabotage like fear, perfectionism, procrastination, and emotional overreaction.

You’ll learn:

• What Marcus Aurelius ...

Ever wonder how to stay calm, grounded, and principled when arguments flare up? In this episode, we dive deep into the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy to uncover how you can handle disagreements without losing your cool—or your character.

From ancient minds like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca to modern-day examples like Admiral James Stockdale, we break down how Stoicism helps you:

• Master your emotions during conflict

• ...

What if real freedom has nothing to do with laws, borders, or politics—and everything to do with your mind?

In this Independence Day episode, we dive deep into the Stoic idea that true liberty isn’t granted—it’s earned from within. Drawing from the wisdom of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, along with modern psychological research, we explore the powerful difference between external freedom and internal freedom—and why master...

What if the secret to modern love was buried in ancient wisdom? In this episode, we explore what philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, Confucius, and the Buddha had to say about love, virtue, and human connection—and how their insights apply to today’s dating world. From dating apps and hookup culture to ghosting and emotional burnout, we break down how timeless ideas about character, intention, and companionship can help us ...

Ever feel like you're one step away from success, or one step from a breakdown? In this episode, we dive deep into the science and psychology behind burnout vs. breakthrough—two very different outcomes that can feel eerily similar in the moment.

Learn how to spot the early warning signs, what your brain and body are really telling you when you're overwhelmed, and how to make the right call in real time: push through or pause and rec...

Ever wish you could hit “pause” before saying or doing something you regret? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the science, psychology, and real-world power of pausing, and why your most reactive moments might be keeping you stuck.

From Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl’s wisdom to cutting-edge neuroscience, you’ll learn why the space between stimulus and response is where your true growth happens. Discover how react...

Ever hit a wall where even the simplest tasks feel impossible? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack exactly what to do when motivation vanishes — whether it's in your work, health, relationships, or personal goals.

Designed for anyone in their 30s, 40s, or 50s who's juggling real life and real stress, this episode shares practical, real-world strategies to reignite your drive. We’ll break down why motivation disappears, what...

What if the only thing holding you back… is what you believe about yourself? In this episode, we’re breaking down the myth of a fixed mindset and showing you how to unlock your brain’s full potential. From the science of neuroplasticity to the simple power of the word “yet,” you’ll learn practical tools to rewire your thinking, embrace failure, and finally stop labeling yourself as “not good enough.” Whether you’re trying to level ...