Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success

Episodes

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  Humanity’s Biggest Problem Almost No One Is Focusing On 04.11.2026 31m

  What if the biggest challenge facing humanity isn’t climate change, politics, or the economy… but something almost no major institution is even trying to solve?Governments, banks, religions, and corporations shape our world — yet stress keeps rising, suicide rates climb, physical wellbeing declines, financial pressure intensifies, mental health problems grow, and divorce rates increase.Beneath all of it, what most of us actually want is simple:a sense of inner peace, a feeling of freedom, and a deep sense of happiness and joy.In this episode of Mental Fitness: The Gateway to Success, we dig into what’s really driving these trends and the one area we urgently need to focus on if we want to turn the tide.If you’ve ever felt like something fundamental is missing in how we approach life and success, this conversation is for you.Listen now and share it with someone who needs to hear it.#MentalFitness #InnerPeace #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #HumanPotential
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  Engineer to Accountant to Hypnotherapist: Pratiqk Jaani’s Journey of Breaking Free 28.10.2026 1h 15m

  Pratiqk Jaani, founder of the Dhrasti Method and author of Dhrasti! The Perception, shares his powerful journey of moving from India to the UK at 18 and confronting deep cultural conditioning.We explore how unconscious cultural programming becomes visible when you step into a new culture — and how Pratiqk not only navigated that challenge but freed himself to live a life aligned with his true nature.His path took him from working as a waiter, to becoming an accountant, building his own accountancy firm, and eventually training as a hypnotherapist — integrating everything into the work he does today.Books that heavily influenced him:• No More Mr. Nice Guy – Robert Glover• The Way of the Superior Man – David DeidaCheck out Pratiqk’s book Dhrasti! The Perception and the Dhrasti Method at:🌐 www.dhrastimethod.comConnect with Pratiqk Jaani on LinkedIn or through his website.Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success?Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness
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  The Three Things That Matter Most in My Life: Freedom, Peace of Mind and Happiness 21.10.2026 37m

  Freedom, peace of mind and happiness is what we are all looking for.How we go about it varies greatly.From one extreme: To go and live in a monasteryTo the other extreme: Become mega richHint: Neither will work!After more than 40 years of personal exploration and over 30 years of coaching others, I’ve come to see that the answer may be very different from what we’ve been led to believe.What if you could experience more freedom without escaping your responsibilities, more peace of mind without eliminating life’s challenges, and more happiness without waiting for everything to be perfect?If these questions resonate with you, tune in and see what might be possible in your own life.Want to explore how you could experience more freedom, peace of mind and happiness? Book a complimentary brief chat with me here:https://calendly.com/mikalnz/get-to-know-each-otherHere’s to more life out of life - and more business out of business!
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  From Going Blind as a Teenager to Discovering Her Gifts – Laura Bratton’s Inspiring Story 14.10.2026 1h 2m

  It is hard to imagine the trauma and grief of slowly losing your sight while navigating the already challenging years of being a teenager.In this episode of Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success, I sit down with Laura Bratton to hear her powerful story — from intense mental pain, denial, and low mental fitness to a profound transformation. She discovered her true gifts and elevated her mental fitness to an entirely new level.One of the key turning points Laura shares is the moment she gave herself permission to grieve the loss of her sight.My favorite quote from her story:“It’s not about perfection — but progress.”One of the biggest takeaways is the life-changing power of gratitude — a practice Laura continues to this day.Discover more about Laura, including her book ‘Harnessing Courage: Overcome Adversity with Grit and Gratitude’, at her website:https://www.laurabratton.comConnect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bratton-speaking/Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success?Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness
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  I Studied Health for 15 years... then threw it all out 07.10.2026 41m

  I Studied Health for 15 Years… Then Threw It All Out1. Your body wants to be healthy.2. It already knows exactly what it needs.3. And your level of Mental Fitness has a direct impact on whether it gets there.In this episode of Mental Fitness: The Gateway to Success, we explore the natural intelligence of the body, what interferes with physical health, and how Mental Fitness sits at the centre of lasting wellbeing.We look at:•  Why your body is designed for health•  What actually gets in the way•  The powerful link between Mental Fitness and physical wellbeing•  How this shows up in business leadership•  And what we’re really after: freedom, inner peace and happinessI also share my personal 15-year journey studying physical health — and how everything shifted the moment I threw it all out the window.Want support with your health and wellbeing? Get in touch: coach@mikal.nz
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  Chronic Stress to Wellness Coach: Melissa Lewis-Duarte's story 30.09.2026 1h 7m

  Mental fitness, resilience, accountability and gratitude, all ingredients in Melissa Lewis-Duarte's inspiring life story she shares with me in this episode of Mental Fitness The Gateway to Success podcast.She calls chronic stress the ‘Silent Destroyer’, because for her, like so many others, the chronic stress is sitting quietly in the background causing more damage than most people realise at the time, and often don't realise until severe damage is done.She openly talks about her tendencies towards being a high achiever and a perfectionist and although these can be great qualities, they often turn against us and become a source of chronic stress.So, how did Melissa discover all this and transformed into a Health and Wellness Coach?Well… you’ll have to listen/watch this episode to find out.Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessThe book Melissa mentions in our conversation is:Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind by Judson Brewer MD PhDConnect with Melissa here: https://workingoncalm.com/https://www.instagram.com/workingoncalm/https://www.facebook.com/workingoncalm/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-lewis-duarte-phd-nbc-hwc-40bba55/
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  When Did You Last Retreat to Expand? | Recorded Live from My Business Retreat 23.09.2026 29m

  When did you last take time away specifically to work 'on' your business or career instead of just 'in' it?I just did — and this episode was recorded right there, in the middle of my retreat.In this conversation I share (straight from the retreat) why and how I deliberately step away from the daily grind. It’s one of the most powerful ways I get myself unstuck, reconnect to the bigger picture, and grow my mental fitness around what truly matters to me: Freedom, Fulfilment and Inner Peace.This isn’t a “do it my way” episode.  It’s an invitation for you to design your version of retreating so you can return with deeper clarity and renewed focus.I also share two exciting new things:- My current favourite book (you’ll have to listen to find out which one)- Our brand-new purpose-built retreat space — The Sanctuary — which is now open for bookings.Find out more about The Sanctuary, aliveness coaching for women, men and couples, and everything else we’re creating at:  www.fycoaching.nzSo… when are you treating yourself to a retreat to create deeper clarity and re-focus on what really matters?Want any personal assistance with creating your own retreat or come on a guided retreat with me, email me to coach@mikal.nz
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  Jon Hacker - The Uphill Battle of a Young Entrepreneur 16.09.2026 57m

  It's tough enough being an entrepreneur.Having a genius idea has its own challenges.Being young doesn't make it any easier.Add in weird and thinking you can do it all on your own, and you're got a real headache.Then, top it off with a lack of high mental fitness and you enter the realm of Impossible.In a nutshell, that's my guest in this podcast episode, Jon Hacker, founder of NeurGear and ZenBud.Jon opens up about his journey as a young entrepreneur who had to learn a bunch of lessons really quick to create the success he has achieved today.We also talk about:Trust and RespectPassionThe upside to being weirdand where the grass is really greenerWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessTo learn more about Jon Hacker and ZenBud, check out his website here: https://zenbud.health/Jon’s socials: @zenbudhealth @jon_t_hackerConnect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hacker/#mentalfitness #entrepreneur #youngentrepreneur
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  Double Trouble - Stop it! 09.09.2026 31m

  Lower mental fitness does not create more trouble in your life and business.But, it creates more Double Trouble.In this episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to success, we dive into the more subtle and unconscious trouble we crate on top of the trouble we already have.We can't avoid trouble.But, we can avoid double trouble through the awareness of it.In this podcast episode, you will learn:  How and why we create double trouble  Where to focus to reduce and eliminate it  The beautiful foundation that drives all thisThe book I briefly mention is the Quick Fix to Any Problem. Available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6Y2ME4Want to speed up your own journey of getting rid of double trouble?Message me or email: coach@mikal.nz#MentalFitness #Freedom #Happiness
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  From stroke induced business life to wood turning with Chip Scholz 02.09.2026 1h 2m

  A high flying business life with all the trimmings came to an abrupt stop for Chip Scholz. A stroke and having to relearn how to move, to speak and to read changed everything.In our podcast conversation, Chip shares how wood turning helped him recover and re-invent himself to health, writing books and becoming an executive coach.We talk about the role of mental fitness in it all and the importance of staying curious, present and patient.Chip also introduces us to the green character from the 1950s: Gumby and the term Semper Gumby which is about staying flexible in business.And here the books that Chip refers to:Being Wrong by Kathryn Schultz,From Strength to Strength by Arthur C BrooksThe Second Mountain by David Brooks.  Check out Chip’s own books on Amazon:Every Dog Has Its Day  https://a.co/d/0huQdkPESmall Decisions, Big Shifts  https://a.co/d/06TwM9qtFor more on Chip Scholz and to connect:FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChippturnsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipscholz/Website: https://www.scholzandassociates.comWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness#MentalFitness #PersonalGrowth #Freedom
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  How mental fitness helps with mental health issues 26.08.2026 36m

  In this episode of Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success, we dive into where and how mental fitness relates to mental health.I share my personal view on the way the term ‘Mental Health' is used these days.And I share a very personal story of my biggest mental health issue - depression - and how I rid myself of it using mental fitness.I dive into the role the mind plays in mental health issues and why - to me - mental fitness is critically important in dealing with those issues.If you want to explore this in more depth with me, email me at coach@mikal.nz#MentalFitness #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
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  Corporate ‘kick ass’ to meditation teacher - Katharine Chestnut’s raw story 19.08.2026 1h 2m

  In this episode, I sit down with Katharine Chestnut for the raw, reflective and inspiring story of her life, from corporate ‘kick ass’ to meditation facilitator via an abusive marriage, motherhood and burnout.Although this conversation with Katharine is of value to anyone, I feel it speaks in particular to women in business.Topics we cover:Regrets... putting them it right placeEmotions... using them for what they are made forMeditation Snacking... the way forwardMental Fitness... the key role it plays in both ups and downs Check out Katharine's books and other valuable services she provides here: https://katharinechestnut.com/Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drumbabe/Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send me a message on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness
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  Meditation Snacking: Grow Your Mental Fitness the Easy Way 12.08.2026 38m

  In this episode I share something I’ve had a lot of success with — both personally and as a coach: Meditation Snacking.I walk through my 30+ year meditation journey and the simple shift that changed everything for me.We explore:• What meditation really is• The essence and true purpose of it• Why most people believe it’s good for them… yet still don’t do it• How surprisingly easy and quick it can bePlus, as always, we look at how this ties directly into mental fitness — and why it delivers a powerful double benefit.If you’d like personal guidance with meditation snacking, get in touch: coach@mikal.nz
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  Near Death, Long COVID & 12 Books: Holly Porter on Mental Fitness, Purpose & Redefining Success 05.08.2026 1h 3m

  In this inspiring episode of Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success, I sit down with Holly Porter — serial entrepreneur, mum, author of 12 books, Long COVID survivor, and someone who has lived through a near-death experience.Holly shares how extreme adversity completely reshaped the way she lives and leads. We dig into:How to stay centered when life and business feel overwhelmingly busyThe quiet power of purpose (even when you don’t fully know what it is yet)A healthier, more sustainable definition of successWhere mental fitness fits into leadership, parenting, and building a meaningful lifeFinding inner peace, joy, and happiness — while also facing the hard, messy parts we usually avoidHolly is refreshingly honest about both the breakthroughs and the struggles. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating high pressure, recovery, or the desire to build a life and business that actually feels good.🔗 Holly’s latest passion project: https://internationalretreatassociation.com/📚 Her books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XC3LCFM💼 Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyporterWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success?Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness#MentalFitness #Leadership #Purpose #Entrepreneurship #NearDeathExperience #LongCOVID #PersonalGrowth
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  Turning the Five Dysfunctions of a Team into Strengths with Mental Fitness 29.07.2026 37m

  In this episode we dive into The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and explore how a lack of mental fitness fuels every one of those dysfunctions.You’ll discover how growing mental fitness — in both the team and the team leader — transforms those same dysfunctions into powerful strengths that drive real success and the outcomes you actually want.This episode builds directly on Episode 50, where we explored the importance of building great team cultures.Missed it? Catch it here: https://youtu.be/-Sd1aNoGYRYThe practical field guide I mention (packed with tools for working with the dysfunctions) is:Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.Got specific questions or want to explore how this applies to your team? Email us at info@mikal.nz — we’d love to hear from you.#TeamCulture #MentalFitness #Leadership #FiveDysfunctions #PatrickLencioni #TeamPerformance
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  Becoming yourself, Steve Barton's journey to freedom and Mental Fitness 22.07.2026 1h 2m

  As we head into the 2nd inning (year 2) of this podcast, we start with a very different and candid guest episode with Steve Barton.We get into the deeper stuff - the deeper essence of being a human being - while still operating in the world of running a business, being married and growing a family.Steve shares openly - and humourishly - about his journey of ups and downs, massively growing a business, discovering the F word and how that changed everything.And, of course, we relate all that to mental fitness and how it impacts outcomes.In our conversation, Steve guides me through a powerful process he calls “The GAME of TEN”. Here the steps:I am TenI'm doing the best that I can with the awareness I haveI'm always right with the awareness I haveI am enoughI do enoughI have enoughLike most of my guests, Steve and I met on PodMatch, the dating app for podcasters and guests. If you - or someone you know - want to be a guest on this podcast, connect with me on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessTo learn more about Steve Barton and access the book he wrote with his son, here the details:Book Link:https://www.amazon.com/Father-Son-Aha-Moment-Happiness/dp/B09QP3KDBKThe Father The Son and The AHA Moment"Tools For Helping You and Your Child develop a path To Happiness."Website: www.stevebartoncoaching.comLInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/service-marketplace/projects/15194679164/
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  Building Elite Team Cultures: Mental Fitness, Change & Leadership 15.07.2026 36m

  In this episode, I share a powerful real-world example from a conversation I had with a CEO just a few hours before recording — diving deep into what it actually takes to create and grow exceptional team cultures.We explore how mental fitness plays a crucial role across every stage of cultural change, whether you’re operating at a small scale or transforming a large organization. I break down the natural resistance to change that every leader faces and, more importantly, where to focus your energy to overcome it.Whether you lead a great team, a good one, an average one, or one that’s struggling — the fundamental key to improvement remains the same. This episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.If you’re a leader ready to elevate your team culture and want to explore this personally in your own context, email me at coach@mikal.nz and we’ll set up a conversation.
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  Lessons from the Diamond: Mental Fitness with Award-Winning Coach Tim Neiman 08.07.2026 1h 2m

  From the baseball diamond to the stage and the mic, Tim Neiman has spent a lifetime mastering leadership, resilience, and mental toughness.In this episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success, I sit down with award-winning baseball coach, speaker, author and podcaster Tim Neiman to explore how the lessons learned on the field directly translate to mental fitness and success in life.We dive deep into:How not to talk to umpires (and why emotional control matters)Making tough decisions with playersThe evolution of maturing as a coach over decadesAn unexpected health scare that changed everythingConnecting all of it back to mental fitness and personal growthTim also shares the inspiring story behind his own podcast, Straight Lines Podcast, and why staying aligned with your principles is everything. (I was honored to be a guest on his show just last week!)Whether you’re a coach, athlete, leader, or someone working on your own mental game, this conversation is packed with insights and wisdom to ponder and implement.Connect with Tim Neiman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-neimanWebsite and Podcast: https://coachtimneiman.com/🎙️ Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success? Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness👉 Watch Tim’s episode with Mikal on his Straight Lines Podcast here: https://youtu.be/1Ar0B1aERIs?si=WgBW-AQ14GdThSn3
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  Seek to Understand Before Being Understood - in Life & Leadership | 1-Year Anniversary 01.07.2026 38m

  Thank you for an incredible first year! 🎉 In this special 1-year anniversary episode, I celebrate you — our listeners — and share one of the most transformative principles I live by and teach as a coach:“Always seek to understand before seeking to be understood.”I dive deep into why this simple yet profound phrase is so powerful in both personal and professional life. From navigating challenging family conversations (where I find it hardest to apply) to its critical role in social interactions and the workplace, this mindset shifts everything.I also explore how it separates great leadership from mere management, and I connect it to my favorite coaching analogy: the GPS — you must first know your starting point before you can guide anyone effectively.Whether you’re a leader, parent, partner, or someone who wants to improve your relationships and communication, this episode will give you practical insights you can apply immediately.If this phrase or episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Thank you for being part of this journey — here’s to Year 2!If you want to explore this in a more personal way, email me at coach@mikal.nz.
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  From Car Crashes to Crystal Clarity: Alan Lazaros on Aligned Success 24.06.2026 45m

  In this educational episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success, my guest, Alan Lazaros, opens up about the dramatic turning points that transformed his life and business.Alan shares the critical difference between his early success — which lacked deeper alignment — and the serious wake-up call that finally brought everything into focus. He reveals the three life-altering events that changed everything, including two major car accidents, as well as the pivotal moment he realized he was gifted — a realization that completely redefined how he approaches life and business.To wrap up, Alan delivers three practical gems everyone can apply immediately to elevate their own success:Habit TrackingWho Do You AdmireTaking The High RoadWhether you’re navigating setbacks, searching for alignment, or looking to level up your mindset and results, this conversation is filled with raw honesty, resilience, and actionable wisdom.Connect with Alan Lazaros:Facebook: www.facebook.com/alan.lazarosInstagram: @alazaros88LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllcYouTube: @NextLevelUniversityWebsite: nextleveluniverse.comWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success? Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch → podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps us bring more inspiring stories to you!New episode every week.