Episodes

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn interviews Natalie and Sebastian Khoury, authors of 'The Worst Best Year,' a memoir detailing their journey through Sebastian's battle with cancer. The conversation explores themes of growth, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of support networks, and the unique experiences of both mother and son during this challenging time. They discuss the emotional complexities of navigating relationships, the role of faith, and the profound sense of loneliness that can accompany illness, all while highlighting the significance of human connection and the joy of overcoming obstacles together. In this conversation, Bree Hurn and Sebastian discuss the emotional and academic journey of Sebastian through his cancer treatment. They reflect on the significance of achievements amidst adversity, the importance of journaling, and the motivation behind writing their book. The discussion highlights the themes of hope, strength, and perspective, as well as the importance of community support and advocacy for cancer awareness. Sebastian shares his future aspirations in oncology and the habits that have helped him maintain mental well-being, including the 'Sunday rule' for balancing work and rest.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Journey

    04:51 Growth and Strength in Adversity

    07:54 Navigating Relationships During Crisis

    10:54 Support Systems and Community

    14:07 Balancing Life and Health

    16:59 The Role of Faith and Resilience

    25:07 Faith and Survival Perspectives

    28:01 The Experience of Hospital Life

    29:09 Loss of Control During Treatment

    31:15 Loneliness in the Midst of Support

    33:43 The Emotional Highs and Lows of Treatment

    36:57 Ringing the Bell: A Symbol of Triumph

    39:31 The Journey of Writing a Book Together

    47:50 Exploring Perspectives and Awareness

    50:59 The Journey of Writing and Healing

    53:41 Post-Treatment Reflections and Emotional Healing

    56:29 Future Aspirations and Advocacy

    58:48 Habits for Mental Well-Being

    01:06:51 Advocacy and Community Support

    01:13:02 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    01:13:03 Strategies for Building Effective Habits

    Keywords

    cancer, resilience, memoir, family, support, growth, strength, human connection, faith, loneliness, cancer, resilience, emotional journey, advocacy, hope, strength, perspective, oncology, journaling, awareness

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn discusses the findings from the Harvard study of adult development, which has been ongoing since 1938. The conversation highlights eight key factors that contribute to happiness, including the importance of physical health, the dangers of loneliness, the impact of social media, the limits of money, the significance of quality relationships, the potential for introverts to thrive, the role of purpose in motivation, and the possibility of growing happiness at any age. Dr. Hurn encourages listeners to reflect on these findings and consider how they can implement changes in their own lives to enhance their happiness.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Happiness Research

    03:09 The Impact of Loneliness

    05:34 The Limits of Money

    06:40 Introverts Can Thrive

    07:38 Purpose and Motivation

    08:07 Growing Happiness at Any Age

    08:35 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    08:36 Strategies for Building Effective Habits

    Keywords

    happiness, research, physical health, loneliness, social media, relationships, introverts, purpose, motivation

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  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn speaks with Shane Gilchrist, a personal trainer and co-owner of 3E Fitness. They discuss the importance of gratitude, balancing emotions, and the role of mindset in fitness. Shane emphasizes the significance of community in fitness, the benefits of weight training versus cardio, and the crucial role of nutrition in achieving fitness goals. They also explore how to create sustainable habits, especially around New Year resolutions, and the importance of enjoyment in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    04:31 The Power of Gratitude

    07:28 Balancing Gratitude and Real Emotions

    10:23 Mindset and Habits in Fitness

    13:28 Finding Balance in Life

    16:49 The Importance of Exercise for Mental Health

    19:37 Creating a Welcoming Fitness Environment

    22:37 Weight Training vs. Cardio: What's More Important?

    35:56 The Importance of Weight Training

    37:53 Nutrition's Role in Fitness

    42:15 Tracking Nutrition for Success

    47:28 Setting Sustainable New Year Goals

    53:43 The Power of Community in Fitness

    01:03:04 Finding Enjoyment in Health and Fitness

    01:10:10 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    01:10:11 Strategies for Building Effective Habits

    Keywords

    habits, gratitude, fitness, nutrition, mindset, community, weight training, cardio, sustainable habits, new year resolutions

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn reflects on the significance of New Year's resolutions and introduces the concept of choosing a single word to guide one's intentions for the year. She shares her personal journey of selecting 'slow' as her word for 2025, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and presence in daily life. Bree encourages listeners to consider their own guiding words for the upcoming year, fostering a sense of accountability and community.

    Chapters

    00:00 New Year Reflections and Resolutions

    03:36 The Power of a Word for the Year

    06:57 Choosing 'Slow' for 2025

    07:04 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    07:05 Strategies for Building Effective Habits


    Keywords

    New Year, resolutions, habits, personal growth, mindfulness, word of the year, intention, self-improvement

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn discusses the concept of anti-goals, emphasizing the importance of identifying behaviors that hinder personal growth and productivity. She explores various anti-goals such as comparison, procrastination, and choosing comfort, and offers insights on how to overcome these challenges to lead a more fulfilling life. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their habits and make conscious choices that align with their higher selves.

    Chapters

    00:00 Embracing the Don't Do List

    00:48 Understanding Anti-Goals and Their Importance

    03:32 Embracing Imperfection: The Myth of Perfect Conditions

    04:30 Taking Action: Overcoming Inertia and Fear

    04:42 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

    05:12 The Power of Vulnerability in Personal Development

    05:37 The Dangers of Complaining

    06:33 Shifting Perspectives: From Negativity to Appreciation

    06:55 The Dangers of Comparison

    07:51 Embracing Gratitude for Personal Growth

    08:15 The Power of Persistence

    09:40 Confronting Procrastination: The Thief of Productivity

    11:21 Understanding Anti-Goals: The Don't Do List

    11:50 Overcoming Procrastination and Comfort Zones

    12:02 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    12:03 Strategies for Building Effective Habits


    Keywords

    anti-goals, productivity, habits, personal growth, mindset, procrastination, comparison, comfort zone, self-awareness, life balance

  • In this bonus episode of The Habit Nerd podcast, Bree Hurn shares a series of powerful morning mantras to help you set a positive tone for your day. These affirmations, inspired by Gabby Bernstein’s Super Attractor, are designed to cultivate clarity, gratitude, and intention each morning. Bree guides you through the mantras in a calm, supportive manner, encouraging you to breathe deeply, relax, and embrace the energy of the affirmations.

    If you’ve been looking for a simple yet impactful addition to your morning routine, this episode is the perfect tool to start your day with focus, inspiration, and joy.

    How to Use This Episode:

    - Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down.

    - Breathe deeply and close your eyes as Bree reads the affirmations.

    - Repeat the mantras silently or aloud and let them resonate.

    -Return to this episode each morning to ground yourself and embrace a positive mindset.

  • In this episode of the Habit Nerd podcast, Bree Hurn interviews Danny Kennedy, a fitness entrepreneur and mindset coach. They discuss the importance of intentional habits, morning routines, and the power of mindset in achieving personal growth. Danny shares his insights on removing limiting beliefs, identifying misaligned habits, and the journey of consistency in personal development. He emphasizes the significance of aligning one's lifestyle with their goals and the principles that set successful clients apart. The conversation also touches on managing multiple passions effectively and the value of vulnerability in personal growth.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:27 The Power of Intention

    07:53 Morning Routines and Systems

    13:42 Removing Misaligned Habits

    16:37 The Importance of Consistency

    22:45 Anticipation and Growth Mindset

    31:45 Embracing Vulnerability in Growth

    40:35 The Power of Long-Term Change

    54:18 Balancing Multiple Passions Effectively

    01:02:16 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    01:02:17 Strategies for Building Effective Habits


    Keywords

    Danny Kennedy, Habit Nerd, Fitness, Lifestyle, Mindset, Personal Development, Intentional Habits, Morning Routines, Growth, Consistency

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn explores the vital aspects of mental and emotional energy, focusing on stress management, the importance of sleep, exercise, gratitude, and setting boundaries. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being and provides practical tips for enhancing energy levels and overall health.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Mental and Emotional Energy

    02:06 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Energy

    04:30 The Power of Gratitude

    06:30 Grounding Techniques and Nature's Influence

    07:31 Decluttering for Emotional and Mental Clarity

    08:54 The Importance of Sleep for Energy Management

    10:17 The Importance of Exercise for Mental Health

    11:52 Managing Mental and Emotional Energy

    13:44 The Impact of Gossip on Personal Energy

    14:14 Protecting Your Energy from Negativity

    14:44 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

    15:58 Understanding Energy Dynamics

    16:47 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    16:48 Strategies for Building Effective Habits


    Keywords

    mental energy, emotional energy, stress management, sleep, exercise, gratitude, social media, boundaries, decluttering, energy management

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn discusses the critical role of energy in our daily lives, focusing on various aspects such as sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise. She shares her personal journey with chronic fatigue syndrome and emphasizes the importance of mindful consumption of caffeine and alcohol. The episode provides practical tips for enhancing physical energy and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Importance of Energy During the Holidays

    01:37 Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Personal Journey

    03:38 Strategies for Managing Energy and Well-being

    04:24 Introduction to Energy Management

    07:18 The Importance of Nutrition for Energy

    10:12 The Importance of Sleep for Well-Being

    11:05 The Power of Exercise for Energy

    12:05 Hydration and Nutrition for Energy

    14:57 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    14:58 Strategies for Building Effective Habits

    Keywords

    energy, habits, sleep, nutrition, hydration, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, chronic fatigue, wellness

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn discusses the significant impact of workspace on productivity and habits. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating one's work environment through the lens of environmental psychology, organizational psychology, and behavioral science. The conversation covers various elements of an effective workspace, including functional, sensory, social, and temporal aspects, and encourages listeners to reflect on their own workspaces to optimize productivity and align with their professional identities.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Habit Nerd and Its Mission

    00:48 New Chapter

    02:08 The Impact of Workspace on Work Habits

    02:51 The Four Elements of a Productive Workspace

    04:50 Evaluating Your Work Environment

    05:59 Creating Your Ideal Workspace

    06:24 Creating an Inspiring Workspace

    10:23 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    10:24 Strategies for Building Effective Habits


    Keywords

    workspace, productivity, habits, environmental psychology, organizational psychology, behavioral science, work environment, personal reflection, systems, identity

  • In this episode of Habit Nerd, Dr. Bree Hurn explores the switch cost effect, a phenomenon where switching tasks leads to significant loss of concentration and productivity. She discusses the impact of distractions, particularly from mobile phones, and offers practical strategies to minimize these interruptions. The episode emphasizes the importance of achieving a flow state for optimal work performance and provides actionable tips to help listeners enhance their focus and efficiency.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Habit Nerd and Its Mission

    00:48 Navigating Year-End Challenges

    00:48 Balancing Fun and Responsibilities

    01:10 The Importance of Habits in Identity Formation

    01:10 Overcoming Procrastination and Distractions

    01:35 The Distraction Dilemma

    03:49 Understanding the Switch Cost Effect

    03:49 Strategies to Minimize Distractions

    04:03 New Chapter

    06:20 Overcoming Mobile Phone Distractions

    10:04 Introduction to The Habit Nerd

    10:05 Strategies for Building Effective Habits


    Keywords

    switch cost effect, productivity, distractions, flow state, habits, efficiency, cognitive resources, decision fatigue, mobile phone addiction, work performance

  • On December 2nd, get ready to explore how your daily habits shape your identity and transform your life with The Habit Nerd.

    Join Dr. Bree, an educator and researcher, as she shares expert insights and practical systems to help you build habits for success, health, and efficiency.

    Let’s kickstart your journey to a remarkable life—see you soon, Habit Nerds!