The Growth Kit
Practical ways to live better, the podcast version.
Subscribe to the show:
Listen on Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch on YouTube.
Bonus: An Interview About Neurodiversity With The OT Butterfly & My Nephew Flynn
Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Growth Kit! Today's episode is brought to you by a very special guest, my 6-year-old nephew Flynn.
Flynn and my sister have been on quite a journey, learning and growing alongside Laura Petix, also known as the OT Butterfly. Laura is an occupational therapist specializing in the field of neurodiversity, and she's the author of the insightful book "A Kid's Book About Neurodiversity." Flynn himself falls under the umbrella of neurodiversity, and as the biggest fan of my MindBodyDad blog and this podcast, he had a great idea to interview Laura himself. So, without further ado, I present to you Flynn's interview with Laura Petix.
12 Ways To Lower Your Body Fat (Part 2)
Part 2 of the best tips to lower your body fat percentage.
12 Ways To Lower Your Body Fat (Part 1)
If you look at the top goals for people’s physical health, number one is typically fat loss, and justifiably so.
The goal of "losing weight," however, is a bit of a misnomer. For most people, the goal is more specifically to lose fat and to gain muscle, a trendy term called body composition.
I've written about how to build mass so today I'll discuss the other component of body recomposition: fat loss.
The purpose of having a healthy body fat percentage goes well beyond aesthetics. Excess body fat can increase the risk of health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. High levels of body fat can also lead to decreased mobility, increased joint pain, and decreased energy levels, among other negative effects. By contrast, maintaining a healthy body fat percentage can improve physical performance, enhance mental clarity and focus, and promote longevity.
Let’s dive in.
What Are The 4 Types Of Parenting Styles?
If you have a kid, you have a parenting style that fits into one of four boxes: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or uninvolved.
These styles date back to the 1960’s when the psychologist Diana Baumrind first identified three of them (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive), and then the psychologists Maccoby and Martin added a fourth style, neglectful or uninvolved parenting, in the 1980s.
Baumrind’s theory has been heavily researched and widely accepted and has helped to shape our understanding of the different ways in which parents can influence the development and well-being of our children.
Through this research, there is one style that stands above the rest: the authoritative parenting style. Time and time again, this style is linked to great parents based on the strong outcomes of their kids. The good news is that your parenting style isn’t fixed. While it will take effort to modify behaviors and maybe even your relationship with your kids, you have the opportunity to change.
Read the breakdown, identify your style, and strive to raise better kids.
How To Prevent & Reverse Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. This chronic neurodegenerative disease is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and judgment. It’s commonly held that there’s no effective way to treat or reverse Alzheimer's disease, but then comes this new approach.
In his book, The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age, Dr. Dale Bredesen offers a new approach to preventing and reversing Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Bredesen is a neurologist and neuroscientist who has been studying Alzheimer's disease for over 20 years. Using evidence-based research and anecdotal data from the patients he works with, he has developed a comprehensive yet individualized program that addresses the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, rather than just the symptoms. The program identifies 36 metabolic factors (micronutrients, diet, exercise, hormones, sleep, stress management, supplements, etc.) that help to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s.
What I like about this approach is that it’s functional, that is it addresses the root causes without using the bandaid approach. Since Alzheimer’s is progressive, a diagnosis tends to come well the disease has already made the brain its home and the onset of those early stages are often preceded by years and decades of poor, but preventable, health habits. The approach used in this book, therefore is a way to not only to treat and reverse Alzheimer’s but as a way to minimize the risk of cognitive decline and other health concerns as we age.
How To Make The Healthiest Cup Of Coffee
The Growth Kit goes very, very deep on how to make the healthiest cup of coffee. Coffee is generally very healthy but what is that cup you’re making in the morning is actually toxic? Here is how to make the healthiest cup of coffee without the toxins.
3 Takeaways From The 4 Hour Body By Tim Ferriss
The Growth Kit podcast dives into The 4-Hour Body. Tim Ferriss's journey from the groundbreaking success of 'The 4-Hour Workweek' to his ventures in podcasting and psychedelics at Johns Hopkins. Delve into the insights of 'The 4-Hour Body,' a comprehensive guide covering muscle gain, sleep, nutrition, and more. Discover three enduring lessons that continue to impact readers from Ferriss's influential book.
From Chaos to Calm: 16 Unique Tips For Parenting Toddlers
Raising toddlers is a rewarding yet challenging phase of parenting that often leaves caregivers searching for guidance and effective strategies. Toddlers are constantly exploring the world around them, asserting their independence, and developing their personalities. As a parent or caregiver, understanding the unique needs and behaviors of toddlers is essential to provide them with the support and guidance they require during this crucial stage of development.
In this podcast, I’ve compiled a list of practical tips for parenting toddlers. Some are simple (have snacks at the ready on trips), others require some effort (making a balance beam), and yet others are just adulting reminders (make that will).
What Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (& What To Do About It)
Learn all about shoulder impingement syndrome, a prevalent and often painful condition that can affect anyone. We'll dive into its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, helping you understand how to recognize this common shoulder issue. Discover effective strategies for preventing shoulder impingement and managing its symptoms, and find out how you can stay proactive in promoting your shoulder health. If you suspect you may have shoulder impingement, our article also provides insight into easy diagnostic tests and exercises that can help improve your condition. Don't let shoulder impingement hold you back; take control of your shoulder health today.
Shoulder impingement syndrome, or subacromial impingement, occurs when the shoulder structures are compressed, leading to pain and limited mobility. Understanding the anatomy and causes is crucial. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods for shoulder impingement, a condition that affects individuals of all ages. Get familiar with the diagnostic tests used to identify shoulder impingement and effective treatment options. Whether you're dealing with shoulder pain or looking to prevent it, our comprehensive guide provides valuable insights to help you maintain optimal shoulder health.
3 Takeaways From Think Again By Adam Grant
Three takeaways from Think Again by Adam Grant. Learn about the surprising impact of household conflict on kids, what the best negotiators do, and the case against valedictorians.
Things That Every Kid Should Learn In School
In the last 150 years, we've moved from horses to cars and landed on the moon, yet in schools, not much has changed. School curriculums should. Here are things every kid should learn that they probably aren't.
The Minimum Effective Dose Of Strength Training: Frequency, Volume, Intensity, Rest
What’s the minimum effective dose of strength training for health (and aesthetic) benefits? Here is the science-based protocol that breaks down the frequency, volume, intensity, and rest periods needed for lifting the minimum amount.
9 Ways To Be Healthier When You're In The Car
The average person spends about 18 days of the year in their car. That time can be spent listening to the formulaic complaining on sports radio while getting annoyed at the traffic around you, or it can be spent becoming healthier.
Yes, you can develop healthy car habits to not only manage stress and learn, but you can also become stronger while driving. Here are 9 ways to take advantage of that time spent on the commute.
Stop Telling Your Kids To Be Careful (& What To Do Instead)
Saying “be careful” sounds harmless but it may have a negative impact on your child’s development. Learn why this is a concern, the importance of kids experiencing risk according to science, and what to say instead of “be careful.”
8 Simple "Hacks" To Get Better Sleep
Unlock the secret to perfect sleep with our 8 essential behavior tactics. Discover the power of sleep and why it's vital for your well-being. From morning sunlight to grounding and smart nutrition choices, we've got you covered for a better night's rest. Improve your sleep behavior now!
10 Takeaways From Outlive By Peter Attia
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia is a comprehensive guide to living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. The book covers a wide range of topics, including diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and emotional health. Attia's approach is evidence-based and valuable, and he provides clear and concise practical takeaways on how to make changes that will improve your health and longevity.
7 Signs You’re An Emotionally Strong Person
Uncover the Indicators of Emotional Resilience: Embrace psychological flexibility, foster a growth mindset, establish robust boundaries, shoulder emotional responsibility, maintain a long-term perspective, validate yourself, and commemorate your progress. These cues are your guide to building resilience and gracefully overcoming life's hurdles.
What Is The Minimum Effective Dose Of Walking?
Of course, we know that walking is linked to various enhancements in biomarkers such as blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol, along with improved mood. Surprisingly, despite these benefits, the average American takes fewer than 4,000 daily steps. Through research, we can ascertain the minimum effective dose of walking needed to experience these health advantages. Here's a hint: it's not 10,000 steps.
What Is The Growth Kit?
I'm Brian Comly, a dad, husband, health and fitness enthusiast, and the founder of MindBodyDad.com.
I launched MindBodyDad in 2022 after realizing that I could combine my hobby of science-based self-experimentation and improvement with my love of teaching others. As a nerdy type who is always looking to find better solutions and improve upon different areas of my life, I realized that I could help way more than myself and my family as I dug through the science. Since then I've written on a range of topics that pique my interest including the Zone 2 training, baby-led weaning, seed oils, productivity strategies, baby reflexes, rucking, vision, behavior management strategies, sleep strategies, the benefits of weight lifting, takeaways from my favorite books, interviews with experts in a variety of fields, and lessons I've learned as an occupational therapist. Each of these articles provide practical nuggets of information meant to help you grow.
Now, I'm bringing each of those articles to you with the help of a voice AI. I created The Growth Kit podcast to continue providing practical strategies to improve your life, but now it’s coming through your ears instead of your eyes.
If you like the sound of this then please subscribe. Once you've listened to some episodes, please leave a review which will help spread the word about the podcast.
Enjoy!
What To Do Next
You can subscribe to the podcast on any of your favorite podcast streaming services.
You can also follow on Instagram @TheGroth_Kit
Subscribe To The Newsletter
Plus, get a free PDF with 78 ways to improve your health when you sign up.