THE Longevity Hack No One is Talking About

Michael Boyle discusses a longevity hack related to the brain's survival mode and the most common reason why people are "pooped and confused." He emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting trauma while avoiding the extremes of denial and over-emphasis. Boyle explains how the brain stores trauma memories, leading to constant triggers and energy drain. He suggests a practical, methodical approach that is not talk therapy-based to clear these triggers and enhance thriving. Boyle also introduces the concept of "joy as activism," advocating for proactive engagement and positive energy to transform survival mode into a more resourceful state, benefiting personal well-being and societal impact.

Outline

Introduction and Podcast Purpose

• Speaker 1 introduces himself as Michael Boyle and welcomes listeners to the Boyling Point podcast.
• The podcast aims to help the community hardwire courage, resilience, contribution, and joy.
• Michael encourages listeners to join the Joyful Excellence Mastermind Community for more support and tools.
• He mentions other resources like the free newsletter, blogs, books, and the 30-day reset program available on the Together Academy website.

New Microphone and Longevity Hack Introduction

• Michael shares that he is using a new microphone, gifted by his wife, a professional musician.
• He introduces the topic of the episode: a longevity hack related to trauma.
• Michael begins by discussing a conversation with his brother about trauma and its prevalence in today's society.
• He emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting trauma while also acknowledging the dangers of considering trauma as unresolvable.

Science Disclaimer and Trauma Discussion

• Michael provides a science disclaimer, acknowledging the complexity of the brain and the limitations of simplified explanations.
• He discusses the challenges of using scientific terms symbolically and the potential for dogmatic thinking in science.
• Michael shares his belief that science is constantly evolving and that current knowledge will often be outdated in the future.
• He transitions to discussing the extremes of trauma, including denial and the tendency to stay stuck in trauma symptoms.

Healing and Coping Mechanisms

• Michael emphasizes the importance of good coping tools and mechanisms but argues for the possibility of outgrowing trauma completely.
• He shares his experience as a trauma therapist, working with various types of trauma, including combat veterans and sexual abuse survivors.
• Michael asserts that it is possible to completely heal from trauma and thrive without any further negative symptoms.

State-Dependent Triggering and Survival Mode

• Michael explains how the brain stores memories related to trauma, making them easily triggerable.
• He describes the concept of state-dependent triggering, where small fragments of past experiences can trigger strong reactions in the present.
• Michael uses the example of a car accident to illustrate how seemingly insignificant details can trigger panic attacks years later.
• He discusses the constant activation of the survival mode, whether one identifies as have been "traumatized," and its impact on daily life, using traffic and household tasks as examples.

Longevity Hack: Clearing Trauma Fragments

• Michael introduces the longevity hack of clearing trauma fragments to free up energy and improve overall well-being.
• He compares the brain's storage of trauma to a cluttered office, emphasizing the need to clear out sticky notes and reminders.
• Michael explains the role of "thriving mode" in storing memories in a more organized and less triggerable manner.
• He discusses the importance of creating an environment where the nervous system can heal naturally through lifestyle choices and practices.

"Neural Sweep" and Sleep

• Michael explains the concept of the "neural sweep", a process that occurs during sleep and helps clear out fragments of unprocessed information. (Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.)
• He highlights the importance of consistent sleep routines to ensure the neural sweep occurs effectively.
• Michael discusses the impact of alcohol and irregular sleep schedules on the neural sweep and overall brain health.
• He emphasizes the benefits of getting deep sleep and entering REM sleep for the physiological resolution of trauma.

Joy as Activism

• Michael introduces the concept of joy as activism, encouraging listeners to engage in positive actions and maintain a resourceful state.
• He acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a positive outlook in times of perceived threat or trauma.
• Michael emphasizes the importance of consciously consuming media and using tools to transform survival mode into a more optimal state.
• He discusses the role of joyful activism in creating a positive impact on personal well-being and the world, while also acknowledging important distinctions about privilege and risk and how it is easier for some to embrace this approach than others. 

Tool for Heart-Focused Awareness

• Michael shares a simple tool from the Heart Math Institute to help listeners connect with their heart energy and improve well-being.
• He instructs listeners to place their hands over their heart and bring their attention to the sensations in the heart area.
• Michael suggests focusing on appreciation rather than gratitude to find genuine and sincere feelings of appreciation.
• He encourages listeners to think of someone else who could benefit from their positive energy and to send a wish for their thriving.

Conclusion and Invitation

• Michael wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of thriving to heal and the benefits of joyful activism.
• He invites listeners to reach out with questions, requests for topics, or invitations to speak at events.
• Michael expresses his commitment to helping others thrive and contribute positively to the world.
• He ends the episode with a reminder to choose love and a wish for listeners to thrive.