Beyond The Back Paddock with Paul Taylor

After a few weeks off the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is back with an amazing guest. Paul Taylor. Paul and I have bumped into each other on a number of occasions at Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff events where he has been presenting. Every time I have heard Paul's presentation it has challenged my thinking. A former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer and former Research Professor at the University of San Francisco,Paul is an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and Neuroscientist who is currently completing a PhD in Applied Psychology, where he is developing and testing resilience strategies with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group. A Podcast host, published Author and TV presenter through his program Body and Brain Overhaul, he was twice voted Australian Fitness Industry presenter of the year. Paul has a proven track record in leadership, management and dealing in high-pressure situations, through his former roles as an Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and a Helicopter Search-And-Rescue Crew Member with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and has undergone rigorous Combat Survival and Resistance-to-Interrogation Training. Paul doesn’t just talk about resilience - he lives it. Enjoy listening to Episode 23 of the podcast by subscribing and downloading it at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au  

Takeaways:

• Paul Taylor's decision to join the armed forces was influenced by a moment in India and a desire for discipline in his life.
• The military provided Paul with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, but transitioning to civilian life can be challenging, especially in terms of finding a new identity.
• Paul's experience in the military and his passion for helping others led him to become an educator and speaker, focusing on behavior change and helping people become better versions of themselves.
• He is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology and working with the Australian military on resilience and peak performance. Building stress fitness and resilience requires implementing strategies and tools.
• Hormesis is the concept that sublethal exposure to stressors can induce stress resistance.
• Recovery and balance are crucial in managing stress.
• Focusing on what is within our control and finding the silver lining in difficult situations can help build resilience.
• Character development is important for personal growth and well-being.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Shared Wisdom 02:28 The Impact of a Moment in India 05:06 Joining the Armed Forces and Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life 09:16 Helicopter Search and Rescue 12:24 Camaraderie and Loss of Identity 21:18 Pursuing a PhD in Psychology and Working with the Australian Military 22:11 Moving Beyond Resilience: Stress Fitness 24:02 Building Stress Fitness and Resilience 26:17 The Power of Sublethal Stressors 29:09 Hormesis: Building Strength through Stress 32:31 Focusing on What is Within Our Control 35:16 Finding the Silver Lining in Difficult Situations 45:28 Character Development: A Path to Personal Growth