Mighty Pursuit Podcast

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
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

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

Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden: I’ve Seen Hundreds Die — And This Life Isn’t the End

For most of history, conversations about death and the afterlife were left to religion and philosophy. But recent breakthroughs in neuroscience, hospice care, and consciousness research are bringing new evidence to the table.
And what they’re revealing will change everything. In this episode, hospice nurse and New York Times bestselling author Julie McFadden shares what she’s witnessed across hundreds of deaths — patterns so consistent they’re now cited in hospice textbooks: visions of deceased loved ones, a heightened awareness near death, and people choosing when they will die
Her perspective has reached millions online, helping reframe how we think about death — not as something to fear, but the continuation into potentially something much more beautiful.
We explore:1) What really happens in hospice care2) Why Alzheimer’s patients sometimes become lucid before death3) Whether consciousness originates in the brain — or passes through it4) How your view of death shapes what you chase, fear, and hold on to
If you’ve ever wondered what happens next — or how to live before it does — this episode brings together science and personal story like few things can.
Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:19 - The Death of Steve Jobs4:10 - Breakthroughs in Science & Conciousness12:26 - Enhanced Awareness As You’re Dying16:04 - 80% of People Experience Deathbed Phenomena19:29 - Deathbed Visions32:07 - Choosing When To Die41:07 - Terminal Lucidity & Alzheimer’s47:36 - The Death Stare & Death Reach52:51 - Julie’s Shared Death Experience1:01:01 - The Link Between Near-Death Studies & Hospice Care1:06:12 - The Biology of Dying1:13:04 - What Matters Most in Life1:16:40 - Dealing with Grief1:20:47 - Regrets of the Dying1:29:33 - Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues 1:35:23 - Longing To Go Home
Related Episodes:https://youtu.be/zXUpebtiLp8https://youtu.be/jDkH6SWvnJ4https://youtu.be/m-9o5aFAqrI
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Julie McFadden: Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulieTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulieYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hospicenursejulieNothing To Fear (Book): https://a.co/d/imBFpLb
Visit our Truth Hub:https://mightypursuit.com/truth
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

I Was Body Shamed In Front Of The Internet | Wrestling Star Deonna Purrazzo

As a 5x world champion, Deonna Purrazzo is one of the top professional wrestlers in the world.
But on January 13, 2024, everything shifted.
After a televised match aired nationally, a short video clip went viral—not because of her performance, but because of her appearance. Thousands of strangers flooded the internet with ruthless, body-shaming commentary.
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Deonna opens up about:– What it felt like to be publicly torn apart– The emotional aftermath of that moment– The viral tweet that became a cultural line in the sand
We explore what it means to exist in a profession—and a culture—that constantly critiques women’s bodies. From internalized shame to emotional resilience, from invisible scars to body image distortion, this episode holds nothing back.
And we ask the bigger question: What happens when society tells you to “love your body”… while demanding you change it?
This is not just a story about wrestling It’s a story about objectification, survival, and the courage it takes to be a light in a dark space.
Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:26 - Body Shamed in Front of Millions8:23 - The Fallout 17:02 - Commenting on People’s Bodies27:04 - How Negative Comments Shape Self-Worth36:33 - The Problem With “Just Love Your Body”46:58 - What Are We Chasing Through Beauty?50:07 - Being A Light In A Dark Space56:32 - Using Your Words For Good1:03:46 - Women Criticizing Other Women1:23:21 - The Highest Values of Our Society
Mighty Pursuit Links:Website: https://www.mightypursuit.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit
Deonna Purrazzo Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deonnapurrazzo/
Visit our Body Image Hub:https://mightypursuit.com/body-image
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Dr. Valter Longo: My Trials Show That Fasting Kills Cancer & Reverses Chronic Disease

Dr. Valter Longo was named by TIME Magazine as one of the 50 most influential people in health—and he's widely considered the world's leading authority on the science of fasting. What you're about to hear might completely rewire your understanding of the human body.
 
For decades, we’ve been told:*That going without food is dangerous.*That we constantly need fuel.*That hunger equals harm.
 
But Dr. Longo’s research tells a different story. Under the *right* conditions, fasting doesn’t weaken the body—it activates it. It triggers powerful internal systems of repair, regeneration, and resilience.
 
And the implications are staggering: From cancer to autoimmune disease to multiple sclerosis, this may be one of the biggest breakthrough interventions in modern medicine.
 
In this conversation, we explore:*The cutting-edge science behind fasting*How it supports healing on a cellular level*Why the healthcare system still resists it*Why his trials haven't gotten billions in funding*The difference between water fasting and the Fasting Mimicking Diet
 
CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro5:11 - The origins of Dr. Longo’s discoveries9:04 - What happens in the body during fasting15:08 - Autophagy recycles the “garbage” in your body18:00 - What happens in the first 7 days of fasting21:23 - Someone went 382 days without eating?27:12 - How fasting transforms how we look at the body32:12 - The dangers of fasting & muscle loss46:41 - Fasting for religious reasons48:45 - The Fasting Mimicking Diet55:26 - Dr. Longo's trials on fasting & cancer1:14:41 - Why hasn’t this gotten billions in funding?1:31:53 - Fasting, MS & benefits for all chronic diseases1:47:53 - Implementing fasting in your life
 
Get $255 off with Re-well's Foundations Program or Membership with code TIMETOHEAL at checkout:https://the-rewell.com/membership
 
Valter Longo Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_valterlongo/Fasting Cancer (book): https://amzn.to/44PVdt4
 
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

Ivy League Scientist Dr. Lisa Miller: Consciousness Does Not Come From The Brain

Dr. Lisa Miller is a psychologist and scientist from Columbia University, widely regarded as the leading authority on the science of spirituality. While science and spirituality are often seen as opposites, Dr. Miller’s groundbreaking research reveals that the two are deeply interconnected. 
 
Her work has shown that we are actually biologically hardwired for spirituality. So it’s no surprise her contributions have earned critical acclaim amongst fellow scientists and the media. In 2014, Dr. Miller’s TED Talk went viral, racking up 2.6 million views, where she demonstrated how spirituality can act as a protective shield against depression. Since then, her work has been featured by Big Think, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, and NBC. 
 
She’s also authored two bestselling books – The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain. 
 
In this episode, we dive deep into the research, exploring how science has proven our spiritual nature. Dr. Miller unpacks some really fascinating findings, including the role of synchronicity, the connection between spirituality and a sense of purpose, and why having something greater than yourself in life is essential. 
 
We also discuss practical ways to cultivate spiritual awareness—both individually and then with other people. The beauty is that whether you consider yourself spiritual or not, this episode will open your eyes and unlock an entirely new way of looking at life.
 
CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro1:59 - Silencing spirituality in public square5:14 - Breakthroughs in science12:20 - Spirituality is prescribed in our genetic code15:05 - Spirituality vs. religion18:00 - Addressing skeptics21:18 - Synchronicities25:36 - Trail angels32:22 - The spiritual brain, explained41:33 - The link between mental health & spirituality49:55 - Spirituality makes sense of suffering54:38 - Spirituality makes your brain healthier1:00:07 - Dr. Miller’s own mystical experience1:14:16 - Synchronicity studies & quantum mechanics1:18:12 - “Consciousness doesn’t come from the brain”1:22:46 - The two modes of awareness1:32:00 - Practices to cultivate a spiritual life1:37:21 - This study will blow your mind1:40:10 - Dr. Andrew Newberg’s breakthrough study1:42:05 - Addressing conflicts in faith traditions
 
Related Episodes:https://youtu.be/m-9o5aFAqrI?si=QwM0Vo6diwzLi_qt
 
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. Lisa Miller Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/YouTube: https://amzn.to/4dhiTIZ
 
Visit our Truth Hub: https://mightypursuit.com/truth
 
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Confessions of a Plastic Surgeon | Dr. Gary Linkov

In this episode, we're diving deep into society's obsession with beauty—and the surprising truth behind it.
Last year, Americans underwent over 25 million cosmetic procedures—a staggering 1,400% increase since 1997. With over 90% of people feeling dissatisfied with their appearance, clearly something deeper is happening.
To explore this, we sat down with Dr. Gary Linkov, a globally renowned plastic surgeon with over 1 million YouTube subscribers. Double board-certified and trained at Cornell and Columbia, Dr. Linkov is recognized by USA Today as one of the top cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons in the U.S., leading one of New York City's most respected practices.
In this candid conversation, Dr. Linkov shares unique insights into what's truly driving the surge in cosmetic procedures—whether it's personal expression, societal pressures, or deeper emotional struggles. We examine:
* Is beauty inherent or culturally shaped?* Why do modern beauty standards feel so overwhelming, and how are they affecting us?* Does plastic surgery genuinely solve our body image issues or just offer temporary relief?* The deeper connections between self-worth, acceptance, and our pursuit of beauty.
This episode isn't just about appearance—it's about understanding ourselves better. It might fundamentally shift how you view beauty, your self-image, and your place in the world.
CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro3:22 - Addressing taboo around plastic surgery7:53 - Are plastic surgeons profiting off insecurities?10:59 - Dr. Linkov’s personal journey with body image17:57 - Is beauty objective or subjective?23:23 - Chasing beauty trends28:04 - The unspoken rules of beauty32:22 - Plastic surgery must be “naturally unnatural”35:39 - People are getting facelifts at 20?!42:43 - Sometimes it’s a mental health issue44:56 - How can Megan Fox have body dysmorphia?47:07 - Will being beautiful actually make you happy?52:03 - The pressure to get surgery for Hollywood roles56:22 -  “People who are beautiful get treated better”1:01:08 - Women are at a disadvantage with body image1:03:58 - Most dangerous plastic surgeries1:08:46 - How far is too far with body modification?1:15:35 - Deciding whether to get plastic surgery
Get 20% off your first order of Magic Mind or 50% off the first month of subscription with code MIGHTY50 at checkout:https://magicmind.com/shop 
Related Episodes:https://youtu.be/IIThL9H6Ees?si=5kVnIsV3vCW5l23Mhttps://youtu.be/CVmpnx-yTro?si=TblESsUsYOlZLW-Dhttps://youtu.be/X70wKwSoOpA?si=y65pM42cCJMLwstt
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: https://www.youtube.com/@drgarylinkov
Visit our Body Image Hub:https://mightypursuit.com/body-image
For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com