Mighty Pursuit Podcast

Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka: Why The Smartest Scientists Believe in UFOs

Few questions are more important to our existence than UFOs. If something nonhuman is among us, then everything we think we know about the world gets turned upside down.
Some dismiss it all as fantasy, shaped by decades of sci-fi. Others swallow conspiracies whole. But the middle road  that rejects both gullibility and cynicism is almost never walked. 
That’s the road where we hold nuance, examine the evidence with academic rigor, and ask what it means for our lives.
So here are the facts, all on public record. A network of the world’s brightest scientists has been studying this in silence. And in 2021, the Pentagon admitted what millions already suspected: UFOs are real. 
Between 2023 and 2024, U.S. authorities received 757 UFO reports, 21 of which remain unexplained and under further investigation. Taken together, the picture that emerges isn’t just strange. It’s destabilizing.
And to explore this subject without sliding into conspiracy, we turned to Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka. A professor at the University of North Carolina, Diana has become the preeminent scholar on UFOs. 
Her two books are now essential texts. She has gained access to secret societies of scientists, interviewed those who claim direct encounters, and earned trust in spaces few are ever allowed.
In this episode, we explore:1) All the different camps of very smart people that are investigating UFOs2) The three things that make up the UFO phenomena3) What it means for the nature of reality and how we live
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:31 - The Secret Society of Scientists Studying UFOs19:09 - The Government Has Studied UFOs for 75 Years34:16 - How UFOs Defy Physics46:31 - Phoenix Lights & Mass Sightings56:43 - Dr. Pasulka’s Visit To A Crash Site1:11:12 - David Grusch’s Testimony to Congress1:18:40 - What Happens in Close UFO Encounters1:30:47 - Paranormal Aftereffects of UFOs1:55:46 - Connections with God, NDEs & Consciousness2:07:37 - UFOs are Not Aliens?2:14:16 - How Lives Change After UFO Encounters
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwpasulka/X: https://x.com/dwpasulkaBooks: https://amzn.to/3Vvv3Gk
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

35-Year Sex Therapist: Why So Many Couples End Up Sexless — And How to Avoid It

How do you have great sex over a lifetime, especially in the context of a long-term relationship?
For many of us, it feels impossible. Passion that once came effortlessly fades into routine. Responsibilities pile up. One day you realize it’s been months (maybe longer) since you last touched each other.
It’s no wonder that nearly half the population is questioning whether monogamy really works, and up to 75% of couples report sexual boredom in long-term relationships.
That’s why we turned to Dr. Stephen Snyder. He’s a physician, psychiatrist, and sex therapist who has spent more than 35 years in practice, working with over 2,500 individuals and couples. He wrote the bestselling book Love Worth Making, a work many in the field consider essential reading.
Across decades, he’s become regarded as a legend in the field of sex, and highly respected amongst his peers. And what he’s observed is surprising: desire in the bedroom often thrives on dynamics that seem to be at odds with what we want outside the bedroom.
Initiation, pursuit, and gendered roles are powerful erotic forces, especially for women who even identify as feminists. The gap between what people think should turn them on, and what actually does, has become one of the biggest sources of sexual confusion in our time.
In this episode, we explore:1) Why passion feels effortless at the beginning but harder to sustain over time2) The unspoken “rules” of great sex that Dr. Snyder has seen again and again3) Why gendered dynamics are a hidden source of both frustration and longing4) How initiation, pursuit, and desire shape erotic connection across decades
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:55 - A Tale of Two Stories18:08 - We’re in A Sex Recession27:32 - Is Monogamy Outdated?45:25 - Why Do We Cheat?59:35 - Women Want To Be Desired1:10:04 - Submissive Men1:16:22 - Men & Women Are Different Biologically1:25:18 - When Women Reject Men1:38:13 - Most Sex Lasts A Few Minutes?1:45:38 - Sexual Fantasies1:58:12 - The Basic Ground Rules of Sex
Love Worth Making:https://amzn.to/47G1o4o
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Dr. Hillary McBride: Religious Trauma Is Real — And It’s Everywhere

What happens when God becomes a trigger word?
The very thing that was supposed to give you existential answers now feels like a source of pain. Maybe this is your story: you try to pray but the words won’t come out. You walk past a church and your body reacts before your mind does. You see a religious leader on TV and your brain flashes to harm caused by people like them.
Even thinking about religion makes you angry. And now you find yourself questioning everything you were taught to believe.
Spiritual trauma is everywhere. Over the last 15 years, millions have left organized religion. At best, they tasted what they saw and didn’t like it. At worst, it left them traumatized.
This isn’t rare. It’s a mainstream problem with existential consequences. And recent studies show at least 27% of the population suffers from it.
Dr. Hillary McBride is one of the pioneers in this space. She holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, one of the world’s top research institutions. And her new book, Holy Hurt, is a groundbreaking exploration of into spiritual and religious trauma.
In this episode, we explore:1) What spiritual trauma is, and how it hides in plain sight2) How spiritual bypassing, control and weaponization of sacred texts are common features that lead to spiritual trauma 3) The emotional cost of religious compliance — from abusive marriages to shame around sexuality4) How trauma reshapes your ability to trust your longings and connect with the divine without fear5) What healing actually looks like — in your nervous system, your community, and your relationship with God (or whatever name still feels safe)
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Hillary McBride Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillaryliannamcbride/Books: https://hillarylmcbride.com/books/
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

A Pastor & Divorce Lawyer Debate Religion

Marriage is one of the most debated topics in our culture right now. 
And seven months ago, we brought together two people often seen on opposite sides of the equation — a pastor and a divorce lawyer.
That full conversation has now been viewed over 400,000 times, with many people calling it one of the most compelling discussions they’ve ever seen.
But even after two and a half hours, there was still more to say. Hard questions left unanswered, and tensions we didn’t fully explore.
Which is why we’re back for Part Two. And whether or not you saw Part One, this conversation stands on its own.
We challenge each other’s assumptions, lean into the tensions, and ask the questions that were left off the table last time. And by the end, you may see both marriage and spirituality in a whole new light.
Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:47 - Reflections on Faith & Spirituality 32:35 - Is a Spiritual Core Necessary for a Good Marriage?1:33:32 - Is Divorce Wrong?2:06:05 -  Can Nuance Save Marriages?2:18:49 - The Line of Behavior We Should Accept2:29:59 - Monogamy, Cheating & Polyamory2:53:54 - The Value of Sticking It Out with Someone
Part 1 of Divorce Lawyer vs. Pastor:https://youtu.be/rvzMFvL0CHI
Carl Lentz Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carllentz/Lights On Podcast: https://shorturl.at/jn28W
James Sexton Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycdivorcelawyer/X: https://x.com/nycdivorcelaw
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Dr. Brad Schoenfeld: How Resistance Training Can Save Your Life

In the early 1990s, a group of nursing home residents in Boston were living what everyone assumed would be their final chapter.
At 90 years old, most were frail. Some couldn’t even stand on their own.Then came an idea that seemed absurd: put them on a workout regimen.
Eight weeks later, the decline of old age had been reversed in ways no one thought possible. This study laid the foundation for everything we’ve come to know about muscle and aging.
And yet three decades later, most of us still don’t realize how much muscle determines the length and quality of our lives. It's one of the most overlooked parts of the health and longevity conversation.
Because starting at age 30, every single one of us begins developing a disease we don’t even know we have: sarcopenia. It’s the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that leads to all sorts of health problems.
But research shows it can be slowed (and even reversed) in as little as 60 minutes per week with resistance training.
And that's why we sat down with Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, who some have called the GOAT of muscle science.
 As one of the most cited exercise scientists alive, he helps us map out exactly how to put all of this into practice.
Together, we explore:— The 1990 study that shocked the scientific community— How muscle and resistance training impacts many other facets of health— The biggest myths holding people back from building muscle— And how to create a routine that works for your schedule, budget, and gender
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:12 - The Study That Reversed Aging In 90-Year-Olds3:46 - The Importance of Muscle in Longevity8:43 - Why Don’t Doctors Talk About Muscle?15:50 - The Disease No One Knows They Have18:41 - Unhealthy Bodies In The Media25:35 - Are Aesthetics & Health At Odds?28:24 - Having Low Body Fat Is Unhealthy31:43 - Long-Term Effects of PEDs36:45 - Is Walking Enough for Exercise?43:32 - Do We Really Need 10,000 Steps A Day?46:43 - You Can’t Out-exercise A Bad Diet51:40 - What Is Resistance Training?56:49 - Overdoing It In The Gym1:00:33 - Training For Men vs. Women1:03:56 - Working Around Your Schedule1:11:31 - The Importance of Form in Workouts1:20:03 - You Must Increase In Weight Over Time1:23:34 - The Importance of Recovery
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Brad Schoenfeld Links:https://www.instagram.com/bradschoenfeldphd/
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

A Plastic Surgeon & Psychologist Debate Body Image

We’re at a crossroads with the body image conversation.
“Love yourself” was the mantra of the 2010s. But today, many of the same voices who preached that message are turning to Ozempic, cosmetic procedures, and other forms of body modification.
So what’s really happening and where do we go from here?
In this episode, we sit down with psychologist Dr. Hillary McBride and plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov — two people often seen as opposites in the body image conversation.
Dr. McBride is one of most trusted voices in the body image space today. She’s written three bestselling books on body image and embodiment, runs a full-time clinical practice, and was praised by The New York Times for a “thoughtful, curious, and deeply empathetic” approach.
Dr. Linkov is one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgeons in the world. Based in New York City, he runs a premier practice and has built a global following of over 1 million subscribers through his radically transparent YouTube channel.
And if you’re trying to make sense of this moment, these are the voices you want in the room. Because no one is closer to the ground than they are.
We talk about:1) What’s driving the reversal of body positivity2) The mentality that Ozempic & plastic surgery are "wise investments"3) The rise of self-objectification and using your body as your product4) The erasure of aging in our society5) How to make decisions about your body you won't regret
Whether you’re considering a procedure, have body shame or just trying to understand how beauty culture is shaping your life, this episode is foundational.
Chapters:0:00 - Trailer1:54 - Intro4:13 - What’s Happening Right Now?17:34 - Is Plastic Surgery A Wise Investment?43:37 - The Rise of Self-Objectification1:10:04 - The Erasure of Aging In Society1:29:50 - What Are We Really After?1:36:53 - Is Ozempic Or Plastic Surgery A Solution?1:48:30 - Are Before-And-After Pictures A Problem?1:58:39 - A Need For Transparency About Procedures2:06:05 - Closing Thoughts
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Gary Linkov Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgarynycYouTube:  @drgarylinkov  
Dr. Hillary McBride Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillaryliannamcbride/Books: https://hillarylmcbride.com/books/
Visit our Body Image Hub:https://mightypursuit.com/body-image
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Harvard Neuroscientist: A.I. Is Reprogramming Your Brain — But It’s Nothing Like Social Media

Nothing is going to impact your career more than AI. But what you’re about to hear could make or break whether it actually helps you or quietly destroys the very things that make you unique.
Right now, two camps are forming, and both are pulling you in the wrong direction. One group is avoiding AI entirely, convinced it’ll dilute their talent. The other is using it constantly, outsourcing their thinking in the name of speed. But that shortcut is not neutral.
It’s eroding your creativity and originality. And over the long term, it will negatively impact your brain and your career.
That’s why we sat down with Dr. Srini Pillay, a Harvard neuroscientist, former faculty at Harvard Medical School, and one of the only voices exploring AI through the lens of brain science, creativity, and purpose.
You could argue that neuroscientists are the most qualified people to talk about AI, because they deeply understand the technology and what it’s doing to the brain.
In this episode, we explore what makes the human brain fundamentally different from AI and how to use tools like ChatGPT in a way that protects your mind and unlocks it's superpowers. If you want to build a resilient career in the age of AI, this conversation is foundational.
Chapters:0:00 - Intro3:37 - The Average Person Is Diluting Their Brain with A.I.12:56 - The Cost of Avoiding A.I. Completely29:19 - The Man Who Proposed to His Own ChatGPT37:08 - Does A.I. Destroy Your Originality?49:04 - The Unique Parts of The Human Brain54:57 - Consciousness & Your Calling1:02:18 - You Need To Use A.I. As A Co-Pilot1:09:40 - A.I. Is The Greatest Thing To Happen To Entrepreneurs1:15:09 - You Must Use A.I. To Learn1:19:31 - Are We Giving A.I. Too Much Power?1:32:01 - To The Person Scared Of Losing Their Job1:44:14 - What Happens If We Get A.I. Right
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Srini Pillay Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsrinipillay/Tinker, Dabble, Doodle Try: https://amzn.to/4kSuiRN
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Dr. Ramani Durvasula: Everyone’s Calling It Narcissism — And It’s Getting Dangerous

Ten years ago, the word “narcissist” exploded into the mainstream. For many, it was a breakthrough, finally putting language to toxic dynamics that had gone unnamed for years. But over time, that same word has been overused, misused, and weaponized — turning real pain into white noise.
In this episode, we sit down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Ramani Durvasula for what can only be described as a masterclass on abusive relationships — and the nuance we desperately need to navigate them. With millions of followers, three bestselling books, and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Ramani helps us get clear on what narcissism actually is and what it’s absolutely not. 
We talk about how to assess the true pulse of your relationship — whether you’re in something toxic, or just stuck in unhealthy patterns. And we unpack what it takes to build a strong, grounded relationship moving forward — rooted in clarity, self-respect, and emotional safety.
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:28 - The Story of Carlos & Adam7:02 - How The Narcissism Conversation Went Off-Track17:28 - Gaslighting vs. Lying22:29 - The Danger of (Misapplying) Gray-Rocking26:58 - Appropriately Setting Boundaries35:28 - We Set The Bar Way Too Low In Relationships 41:14 - Hyper-vigilance of Wrongdoing in Relationships54:59 - What is Narcissism, Actually? 59:52 - Does Everyone Have Narcissistic Tendencies?1:09:45 - Love Bombing in The Early Stages of Relationships1:17:33 - Identifying Green Flags in Another Person1:22:39 - Why People Stay In Abusive Relationships1:32:00 - Can An (Actual) Narcissist Change?1:38:28 - The Role of Childhood Abuse In Becoming A Narcissist 1:44:41 - Narcissistic Abuse & Relational Trauma Are One1:50:56 - Trauma Can Heal in Healthy Community1:57:06 - The Role of Forgiveness2:08:13 - The Future Of This Conversation
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Ramani Durvasula Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorramani/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9Qixc77KhCo88E5muxUjmA It's Not You (Dr. Ramani's Latest Book): https://amzn.to/46E51aj
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Psychotherapist Terri Cole: How the Fear of Conflict Is Destroying Your Relationships

Most of us were never taught how to handle conflict. We were taught to avoid it, suppress it, smile through it — or explode once we’ve had enough. And over time, that avoidance doesn’t just cost us peace. It chips away at our relationships, our health, and even our identity.
In this episode, we sit down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Terri Cole to explore why conflict feels so hard — and how to start handling it with more clarity, courage, and self-respect.
With over 500,000 followers and decades of experience working with clients across the spectrum — from CEOs to couples to everyday people — Terri shares a roadmap for navigating difficult conversations without betraying yourself in the process.
We talk about boundary ruptures, emotional codependency, unspoken expectations, and the quiet resentment that builds when we’re not clear. Whether you’re someone who avoids conflict or someone who leans in too hard, this conversation offers real tools for doing it differently.
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:39 - Avoiding Conflict Is The Default 10:06 - The Cult of Nice13:31 - Emotional Warfare19:52 - Social Learning Theory29:30 - Female Friendships, Gossip & Conflict39:59 - Pressure To Do Things You Don’t Want To46:02 - Conflict in Romantic Relationships 51:14 - The Workplace & Power Dynamics1:00:50 - The Link Between Stress & Disease1:11:07 - The Goal of Addressing Conflict1:13:42 - Effective Communication 1011:21:04 - Setting Boundaries in Dating1:35:42 - Toxic Conversation Starters1:42:46 - Rigid Boundaries1:48:01 - What Life Looks Like After Addressing Conflict
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Terri Cole Links:Boundary Bootcamp: https://www.terricole.com/boundarybootcamp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OC1zN27enpTA_eNWB7dKw
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Legendary Harvard Scientist On The Study That Reversed Aging | Dr. Ellen Langer

In 1979, a group of elderly men walked into a retreat center. One week later, they walked out stronger, faster — even biologically younger. 
There was no medication. No surgery. The only thing that changed was the way they saw themselves.
That study launched one of the most groundbreaking research careers in psychology — and it changed how we understand aging, illness, limitations, and the possibilities that are available to all of us.
Dr. Ellen Langer is a Harvard psychologist, the first tenured woman in Harvard’s psych department, and one of the most cited scientists in her field.
She’s widely recognized as the GOAT of mindfulness research — not the meditation kind, but a radically different approach rooted in active noticing and the restoration of personal agency.
In this episode, we explore:— The now-famous Counterclockwise Study that challenged aging itself— How our mindset shapes everything from stress to disease outcomes— The quiet ways we limit ourselves through language, labels, and expectation— And what happens when we stop blindly trusting “the facts” — and start trusting what we feel
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:49 - Sponsor (Magic Mind)3:52 - The Counterclockwise Study7:42 - We Live In Mental Prisons14:43 - The Definition of Mindlessness17:30 - Are We Making Ourselves Sick?28:42 - Our Perception of Getting Older36:35 - Stress is the Biggest Killer45:56 - Dealing With Mental Health Issues54:20 - Is There a Negativity Bias In The Brain?58:49 - Labeling Theory1:06:22 - Dealing with Relational Conflict1:15:19 - Are Emotions Choices?1:25:16 - Social Comparison1:32:52 - Do Mind-shifts Get Easier?1:42:53 - Feeling Like You’re Behind1:54:21 - Dr. Langer’s Greatest Challenge
Get 50% off your first month subscription at Magic Mind:https://magicmind.com/mighty50 (use code MIGHTY50)
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Dr. Ellen Langer Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenjlanger/The Mindful Body (Book): https://amzn.to/4ke6nf5
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com