Ted in Your Head

Do we go into another body? Do we turn into an insect or animal? Do we go to heaven or hell? Maybe nothing happens at all…we’re just, you know, dead. In this episode of the Ted in Your Head podcast, Ted raises the age old question of what happens when we die. This is a very uncomfortable topic for many. But there might be a better question to ask: What happens while we live? tedinyourhead.com

Approximately 61% to 66% of American adults experience recurring gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and reflux, according to studies from the National Institutes of Health. What many people don’t realize is that negative emotions such as anxiety, worry, anger and stress can aggravate symptoms of gut issues. This is due to what is called the gut-brain axis. This is the human body’s two-way communication network between the gut and the brain. Can hypnosis help your gut issues? Yes! In this episode of the Ted in Your Head podcast, Ted discusses the use of hypnotherapy for easing symptoms of gut issues such as IBS, SIBO, GERD and Crohn’s Disease. If you are struggling with gut issues, you owe it to yourself to check out this episode. tedinyourhead.com

It seems that more and more people are not content just to have a “job”. In previous generations, you were lucky just having a job, whether you liked it or not. However, today, with so many more choices to make a living, a path of enjoyable and meaningful work is something that we can strive for. In this episode, Ted talks about the difficulties he experienced on his journey to becoming a hypnotherapist, the commitment he had to make to see it through, and the shift in thinking that made the difference between struggle and ease. If you’re struggling to find your path, perhaps this episode with give you some hope and inspiration. tedinyourhead.com

Research has shown that having a consistent morning routine is essential to a happy, healthy and successful life. But what if you’re not a “morning person"? It doesn’t have to be hard or involve getting up super early. Psychologists have identified a few important activities that can help start your day with the right mindset and intention. Doing just one or two of these things can make a difference. In this episode of the Ted in Your Head podcast, Ted shares just a few simple but impactful habits that you can develop with ease. Learn to start the day in a most excellent way and check out this episode. tedinyourhead.com

Six years ago Ted released Part 1 and Part 2 of the Ted in Your Head podcast episodes “Turning 60, What I’ve Learned.” Apparently, he’s still learning! Now, 6 years later, here is “66 Years Old: 12 Things I’ve Learned.” Maybe you’ve learned these things too. If so, reminders are always good. If not, these 12 things might be helpful. Whether you’re 26 or 96, you’re sure to get something valuable from this episode. tedinyourhead.com

Catastrophizing is a mental habit where your thoughts immediately jump to the worst-possible outcome. Instead of using your wonderful imagination to create what you want, you use it to magnify danger in your mind until it feels real and like it’s really going to happen. This can become a very bad habit and can be quite disruptive to your peace of mind and ability to feel in control. It’s also not a good strategy for attracting into our lives the things we do want. How do we stop the tendency to look into the future and see bad things happening (even though they’re unlikely to happen)? In this episode Ted offers some concrete, actionable ways to interrupt these patterns and reduce the emotional impact of fearful thinking. If you are scaring yourself with visions of a frightful future, you owe it to yourself to check out this episode. tedinyourhead.com

There is a high level of political anxiety in our country. According the American Psychological Association, 77% of Americans cite the future of our country as a significant source of stress. The 24/7 news cycle, social media and extreme political polarization are major causes. Uncertainty, rapid and overwhelming change, and distressing current events can cause us to obsessively check our devices for news updates, keeping us stuck in an anxiety loop. However, we can be well informed and active without being paralyzed with fear. In this episode, Ted give 7 practical steps that will help you feel centered, grounded and safe while continuing to be well informed. If you are having trouble managing the overwhelming amount of information coming your way, listen or watch this episode. tedinyourhead.com

It’s a fact and there’s plenty of research to support it: Being generous makes you happy. If you want to be happier, give to others. It doesn’t need to involve money. Giving of your time and effort in the service of others feels good. However, research has shown that being generous or donating money, even if you don’t have much, has measurable financial benefits. Want to be happier? Listen to this episode and make it a point to give more. Don’t be surprised if you get more than just greater happiness. tedinyourhead.com

On the day of the winter solstice, ( December 21st), humans from ancient times observed the natural movement from the dark to the light and have celebrated it in many different ways. It’s symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings, as the sun begins its conquest over the cold and darkness of winter. Light is the universal symbol for the light of spiritual awareness. The promise that light will return reminds us that we can reconnect with the light within us and shine the light of awareness on our inner darkness. As humans have done through the ages, we hope to go inside and conquer this darkness, so we can shine again, and even brighter. tedinyourhead.com

I played Charlie Brown in my grade school production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. The next year, I was the Grinch that Stole Christmas. Back then, I was a lot like both of those characters: melancholy, cynical, and not enjoying the holidays. Do you get the holiday blues? Check out this episode where I share how I let them go one Christmas under a clear blue desert sky. tedinyourhead.com

Have you ever had acupuncture? I had my first acupuncture treatment in high school. I was so impressed with the results that I’ve been getting acupuncture ever since. That’s why I was so excited to have Amir Nowrouz as my guest on the Ted in Your Head podcast. Amir is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Massage Therapist. In this interview we discuss how acupuncture works, how it can help you, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the use of herbs for health and wellbeing. I am a client of Amir so I can tell you that he is really good at what he does. If you have ever been curious about acupuncture, check out this interesting episode! tedinyour head.com

In the 90’s, while I was going through a very difficult time, someone shared with me a list of things I could do to make things better. That list was so helpful to me I’ve kept it for over 25 years. In this episode I’m sharing it with you. It might be helpful if you’re going through a hard time. It might be helpful if you’re not. Check it out. tedinyourhead.com

According to the National Institutes for Health, most women are completely uninformed or only had some knowledge of the menopause before the age of 40. Yet, this is a stage of life that impacts both women and the men in their lives. One study found that 73% of women blame menopause for their marriage breakdown. In this episode, I have an informative, uninhibited and honest discussion about this life transition with Sandra Villafan, a Professional Certified Coach. Sandra is finishing her Master’s in Public Health and is writing her thesis on the subject of menopause. This is a must-listen for any women who feel that they are on the journey of perimenopause/menopause and want to know more. This should also be listened to by the men in their lives. Please share this episode with those you feel may benefit from this information. tedinyourhead.com

Scary witches, goblins, ghosts and ghouls! It’s Halloween time! But you know what’s really scary? CHANGE! Not only that, but it can be hard because there is always a dark side of change and that’s the scary part. Change is scary because a large part of our mind does not want to change. In this episode, I talk about the meaning of Halloween and uses the dark part of the year as a metaphor for the scary part of change. Listen to this episode so that you can take off that mask you’ve been wearing for so long and let everyone see the true vision of who you can be. tedinyourhead.com

Scary witches, goblins, ghosts and ghouls! It’s Halloween time! But you know what’s really scary? CHANGE! Not only that, but it can be hard because there is always a dark side of change and that’s the scary part. Change is scary because a large part of our mind does not want to change. In this episode, I talk about the meaning of Halloween and uses the dark part of the year as a metaphor for the scary part of change. Listen to this episode so that you can take off that mask you’ve been wearing for so long and let everyone see the true vision of who you can be. tedinyourhead.com

Extreme gratitude is being grateful for everything you can possibly be grateful for. Gratitude is important because it enhances mental and physical well-being. Gratitude makes relationships better. Gratitude promotes a more positive outlook on life. Gratitude can improve mental health by reducing stress and increasing happiness. Gratitude can improve physical health through better sleep and a stronger immune system. Imagine what Extreme Gratitude can do for you! In this episode, Ted shares three simple and powerful steps to begin to have all the benefits of extreme gratitude. A life of gratitude is only one thought away. tedinyourhead.com

Has it been pointed out to you that you apologize too much? Do you feel that asking for what you need or want is an imposition on others? Do you feel that you need to justify your existence? It’s possible to find ourselves with the feeling that we need to apologize for who we are because we feel bad about ourselves. It’s possible for some people to get to the point where they feel they need to apologize just for being alive. And that’s a sad state of affairs. In this powerful episode, Ted discusses how to cultivate the most powerful belief: I Belong Here. It’s good that I’m alive. It’s ok that I’m not perfect. It’s ok that I make mistakes. I DON’T NEED TO APOLOGIZE FOR BEING HUMAN. Each of us has been given the gift of life and all that comes with living. Yet so often, we fail to see the beauty within us and within out us. Need a shot of inspiration? Check out this awesome episode of the Ted in Your Head Podcast. tedinyourhead.com

There is mass hypnosis happening now due to the widespread consumption of social media, the prevalence of social media addiction, and the blurring of lines between social media and news information. The concept of social media hypnosis refers to the trance-like state induced by social media platforms. Just like traditional print and television advertising, this state can be used to bypass conscious thought for marketing, influence and for manipulation. This can often lead to negative outcomes like addiction, anxiety, and depression by engaging the subconscious mind and its negative patterns of worry, fear, anger and even rage. In this episode, Ted discusses how social media and the inclination of the majority of people in the US to get news from social media is creating mass hypnosis resulting in further division and mental health risks on a nationwide scale. This is an episode you do not want to miss. TedinYourHead.com

Ted discusses the work of Dr. Peter A. Levine, the developer of Somatic Experiencing, as well as the healing that is available when we allow ourselves to be in our bodies in an intentional and present way. There is a great source of wisdom and intelligence for us in our human bodies. If we can connect with and be present to our bodies, we can get information and guidance that can help us not only let go of emotional wounds but guide us in our journey through life. Ted also talks about he helps his clients to release trauma, pain and anxiety his practice by helping his clients re-connect or re-inhabit their bodies in a healing and powerful way. If you have trauma, pain or anxiety, or are interested in the power of the mind body connection, check out this episode! TedinYourHead.com

Life transitions when we are young are fun! We are hopeful, optimistic and energetic. Life transitions when we get older are more difficult, especially the unexpected or unwanted ones. What can we do when the waters of change get rough? How can we navigate life transitions that are difficult, overwhelming, or painful. The fact is that we are designed for these transitions, difficult as they may be. In the episode, Ted shares his own life transition and offers some thoughts as to how we can find our way through the storm and find calmer waters. TedinYourHead.com

We all have a pretty good idea of what we need to be doing to be happy and healthy. And we probably have some behaviors that we know we should stop. In this post, Ted gives you 43 things you should stop doing now. You already know some of them! Check it out. TedinYourHead.com

Out of My Head: July Recap - Dogs, Summer, and Bare feet - Episode 482 Ted in Your Head Podcast Here we are in the dog days of summer...wait…why do we call it that? What’s so great about walking barefoot in the grass? What did the Ted in Your Head episodes in July talk about? These question and more are answered in this episode. TedinYourHead.com

Why should you try hypnotherapy? What will it do for you? Is it safe? How does it work? Is there any risk? For a modality that is so powerful and effective, it’s unfortunate that so many people have so many misperceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy. In this episode, Ted explains clearly and simply why hypnotherapy is something you should try. Whether you want to quit smoking, be more confident, let go of bad habits or just take a break from stress or manage anxiety, hypnotherapy can be effective and powerful. Check it out or share with someone you think might benefit. TedinYourHead.com

Ted reads another chapter from his book The Ultimate Guide to Letting Go of Negative and Fear and Loving Life. (available on Amazon.com) Are you trying to get motivated? It’s not going to happen. Motivation is not something you get. Ted tells the funny story of how he figured that out as well as what it takes to be motivated. Check out this episode for the fundamental necessities to cultivate energy and motivation. TedinYourHead.com

In this episode, Ted reads a chapter from his book The Ultimate Guide to Letting Go of Negative and Fear and Loving Life. (available on Amazon.com) Who are the Mental Mischief Makers? Negativity, Resignation, Cynicism, and Despair to name a few. Once you let them into the house of your mind, they are hard to get rid of and will create trouble while keeping you from your goals, dreams, and desires. Chance are they are already in your house! Time to throw them out and make room for Possibility, Hope and Courage! Ted gives some ideas on how to do that. TedinYourHead.com

In this episode, Ted recaps the Ted in Your Head Podcast episodes for June 2025. He also discusses various observations, obstacles, and obsessions that are in his head that you might identify with. TedinYourHead.com

Are you super productive and proud of it? Do people tell you that you are always busy doing something? Great! However, when you stop, slow down, or pause, do you feel anxiety, fear, or guilt? If so, you may have a hidden fear of slowing down or relaxing. There is a term called Hurry Sickness, which is the feeling of being constantly rushed and stressed. There is also such a thing called Doing Addiction: always needing to be doing something. These are just two reasons why you might feel anxious, guilty and have great resistance to pausing, stopping, resting or relaxing. There are others. In this episode, Ted talks about a fear that you might not even know you have. This fear can control you, push you, and create overwhelm, fatigue and illness. If there is something telling you that if you pause, relax or take time off it might create a catastrophe, then take the time to check out this podcast episode. TedinYourHead.com

You must check out this fascinating and illuminating conversation with Rohini Walker, British-Indian writer and devoted practitioner of soul-body liberation. Rohini moved to the desert of Joshua Tree, California with her husband from London, England in 2013 and began a creative journey of writing, mentoring, and consulting. Rohini co-founded the arts and cultural print periodical Luna Arcana, with Martin Mancha (Ted’s cousin) Ted was inspired to have Rohini as a guest because of her article titled “Committing to Digestion in the Information Age.” In this article from her newsletter Letters from Luna, Rohini discusses the over-consumption of information that has become addictive and normalized. Like going from one all-you-can-eat buffet to another without allowing anything to digest, this incessant consumption of news and social media keeps us distracted, anxious, and uncomfortable in our bodies with “hot heads and cold bellies.” Drawing from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other indigenous wisdom traditions, Rohini shares how she works with her clients to have greater connection with one’s body as well as to the natural world, allowing us to cultivate “Cool heads and warm bellies”. This episode is guaranteed to give you some things to think about. TedinYourHead.com

Life can be so stressful and so overwhelming, that we might seek to become…numb. There are so many ways that we can numb ourselves to the challenges of life. When this becomes a habit through the various ways available to us, then we can find ourselves stuck, stagnating, hiding out and disengaged from life. In this episode, Ted discusses the wisdom he got from an old Pink Floyd song, and how that is a warning to us all when we want to hide out and numb ourselves to our own lives. TedinYourHead.com

Interview with Dr. Dar Radfar, Board Certified Sleep Apnea Authority Did you know if you're not treated for moderate to severe Sleep Apnea you could lose 12-15 years off your life? Also, a new study from the University of Wisconsin revealed that there is a 5 times higher risk of cancer of any kind if Sleep Apnea is left untreated! In this episode, Ted talks with Dr. Dar Radfar (Dr. Rad) about sleep apnea, its symptoms, causes, and the impact it can have on your physical and mental health. Dr. Rad also discusses home testing for sleep apnea, and different treatment options. If you know that you are not sleeping well, are waking up with a dry mouth, have been told that you snore, and are experiencing drowsiness and a foggy mind during the day, you may have symptoms of sleep apnea. Check out this episode for valuable information and resources that could make a huge difference in your life! TedinYourHead.com

Being alive is a matter of life and death. Life happens daily but death only happens once. However, we tend to avoid the subject of our own mortality, yet, what can be more personal to us? We can’t have a life without a death. In this episode, Ted reflects on the subject of life and death and discusses the questions: Why should we be mindful of death? How can death awareness add to our life? Why do we sometimes carry such existential fear of non-existance? How can we not be afraid of death, our own or that of those we love? Check out this podcast and feel free to comment or review. TedinYourHead.com

In this episode, Ted discusses the desire to take his podcast in a new direction after almost 10 years of the Ted in Your Head Podcast. How to overcome anxiety, how to be more confident, how to let go of worry, these are good topics that Ted have been addressing but now he is asking the question: “How can we live life in a way that allows us to feel excited, inspired, energized and confident in the face of so many changes and challenges? How do we not only avoid falling into negativity and overwhelm, but more importantly, who do we need to be to maintain positivity and keep moving forward? TedinYourHead.com

It’s been said that for many, fear of public speaking is a fear worse than death. However, in today's business environment, chances are you will be required to give reports or presentations to colleagues or clients. Or, you may be asked to give a toast, or speak at a wedding or funeral. As with all fears, fear of public speaking is learned, and what is learned can be unlearned. Nobody is born a good public speaker. The good news is that you can learn to overcome the fear response and speak comfortably and effectively. In this episode, Ted gives the top 10 tips for overcoming the fear of public speaking. Even if you can speak in public but want to do better and feel more comfortable, check out the helpful information in this episode. TedinYourHead.com

If you have the sneaky feeling that you are holding yourself back from taking the actions that lead to success, then there is a good chance you are engaging in self-sabotage. While some self-sabotage behaviors are easy to see, some are subconscious and therefore, hidden. In this episode of the Ted in Your Head Podcast, Ted describes the behaviors and thought processes that can point to your own self sabotage. Once you are aware of them, you can begin to address them and let them go, creating a path to success and accomplishment. TedinYourHead.com

In this episode, Ted answers a question sent in by a Ted in Your Head listener: “I’m having a hard time waking up in the morning. I feel like there’s nothing to look forward to. How can I go about finding something in my life that’s worth waking up for?” Great question: Why get out of bed if it’s only going to be “the same ole same ole…”? Only you can answer that question. The good news is that we all have the ability to create ourselves anew and find passion or passions that move us out of bed and into engagement with the world. Ted discusses some practical actions you can take right away to begin to give yourself a bigger and better reason to get up in the morning. TedinYourHead.com

Does it seem like a lot of people around you are freaking out? Anxious about money, the economy, politics and the future? Is it even possible to maintain a peaceful vibe in the midst of all this anxiety? Yes, it is possible and, in this episode, Ted talks about how to maintain a sense of calm and peace when it seems as if anxiety is like a wave threatening to overwhelm you. See what Ted has to say as he works himself to maintain his peaceful vibe yet still stay informed and taking care of business. TedinYourHead.com

We know that life is not fair. We know that things don’t always go as planned. Yet in spite of knowing this, when things don’t go our way we get angry, frustrated, and upset. That’s ok, these are normal reactions unless our negative emotions overwhelm us, shut us down or create greater problems for us such as self-blaming, shaming and not feeling adequate. How do we keep from pulling our hair out when our expectations for what we want or need are not met? In this episode, Ted talks about how we can approach those times when life is not predictable or fair. While acknowledging that no one likes when things go wrong, this episode provides some thought provoking ideas that you can implement right away that can make it easier to deal with the unplanned, unexpected and unwanted circumstances of life. TedinYourHead.com

I wanted to take some time today to talk to those of you who might be feeling anxious, insecure, and overwhelmed after the recent wildfires here in Los Angeles. I know many of you are dealing with loss, uncertainty, or just the emotional aftermath of everything that’s happened. It's a lot to process. I also want to speak to anyone out there that has gone through anything like this, whether it’s a natural disaster or some other catastrophic experience. I have to be honest with you, I almost hesitate to speak about this. I personally can’t imagine what it would be like to lose your home, your business, or even worse, someone you love—whether that's a friend, a family member, or a pet. These kinds of disasters—whether it’s fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, or anything else—can be incredibly devastating. They can leave you feeling like the ground has disappeared from underneath you. It can feel like everything is happening way too fast, and you're struggling to keep up with it all. But here's the thing: even if you haven’t lost your home or business, the emotional weight of this disaster can still be very real. Just the idea of having to evacuate, or seeing the devastation on the news, can trigger anxiety. It’s hard to watch people go through something so massively destructive, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed just by witnessing it all either in person or over the media. You might feel like you want to help, but you’re also dealing with your own emotions. And that’s okay. It’s also ok to take care of you first. I wanted to speak today because I want to offer what I can to support emotional healing. There are many resources online for things like insurance help, finding aid, and getting your life back to some sense of normalcy, but today I want to focus on how to begin to heal emotionally from something so catastrophic. TedinYourHead.com

Ted has turned 65 years old and is reminiscing about his life: choices made, opportunities gained and lost, good times and bad times, trying to figure out Medicare… In this episode, Ted reveals 8 essential and valuable things that he would tell his 25-year-old self if he could with the understanding that his 25-year-old self may not listen… Perhaps someone you know might benefit from hearing this? Check out this interesting and thoughtful episode dedicated to that young, skinny 25 year old and all young people everywhere. TedinYourHead.com

It’s Friday the 10th as I record write and four major fires are burning across Los Angeles County. My family and I are safe, the closest fire to where we live is the Eaton Fire burning in the hills above Altadena, just north of Pasadena. However, the air is thick with smoke and ash. My office is in South Pasadena and many of my clients and associates live in the Pasadena area. Tragically, I know personally many people that have lost their homes in the fire. Tuesday, January 7, started with news media warnings of a “life threating” windstorm predicted to be the strongest wind event since 2011. The predictions came true with wind gusts reaching 80 to 100 mph in some areas. Those of us who live in Southern California expect wildfires in the winter, when the dry Santa Ana winds blow. However, the severity of this wind event, coupled with the fact that we’ve have no significant rainfall this winter, created conditions ripe for these devastating wildfires. Check out this episode of the Ted in Your Head podcast. TedinYourHead.com

Peace on Earth, goodwill to all is what you hear this time of year, but truth be told, it’s sad to see the level of division, distrust and anger in our country today, not to mention the strife we see in the world at large. In the news, on social media, in print, there is anger, condemnation, and blame. Where is the peace? Where is the goodwill? It starts in only one place: your heart. In this episode, Ted shares a sense of hope he received from some high school students and the message they conveyed in their song. TedinYourHead.com

Life is short and done too soon. You think you have all the time in the world, but you don’t. While you worry about the future and wish for the past, the river of your life flows through you unnoticed. Memento Mori is Latin for Remember You Will Die. Does that depress you? Scare you? If we can move past our fear of this inescapable fact, we can see life in front of us as precious, magnificent and something to be lived fully and mindfully. In this episode, Ted discusses how the fact of our mortality can keep us awake and present to life happening here, now, in all its glory and brevity. TedinYourHead.com

You've seen them out there. In line at the supermarket. In the car beside you on the freeway. Behind the counter at the store. Looking back at you from the mirror. Zombies! When you're a Zombie you're walking around but you're essentially walking in your sleep. You're dead to anything other than your incessant mind chatter. Life becomes boring and routine and you find yourself walking around saying “Brains! Brains! I need brains!” In this episode, Ted discusses the tendency many of us have to go into a Zombie-like trance when we become overwhelmed. He also shares some important things you can do to keep from becoming like the walking dead. If you find yourself often walking around asking yourself, “How did I get here?” then listen to this amusing but helpful podcast episode

You have a Voice in your head. You probably know this. If you don’t, you should. You might be thinking: “What voice? What is he talking about? I don’t have a voice. Maybe he has a voice in his head, but I certainly do not have one in mine!” Well, that’s what I’m talking about. It’s OK, we all have a voice in our head. The question is: What is that voice doing for you? Is it encouraging or discouraging? Is it positive or negative? Is it really your voice or the voice of someone else? In this episode, Ted discusses the consequences of our inner voice, or self-talk, how to see it for what it is, be aware of how it impacts us, and how to begin to change it. If the voice in your head is telling you that this episode doesn’t pertain to you, then don’t listen to the voice, listen to this episode instead. TedinYourHead.com

In this episode of the Ted in Your Head podcast, Ted interviews Paul J. Hermelin, who is a certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner. Paul teaches people how to manage their stress by “tapping” on select acupoints located on the hands, face and upper body, which send electrical impulses through the nervous system to the part of the brain that regulates the body’s stress response. Paul also applies clinical EFT, which combines elements of acupressure, CBT, and exposure therapy, for those clients who want to reduce the intensity of strong, negative emotions or troubling thoughts related to unpleasant memories or difficult moments from their past. If you aren’t familiar with EFT or even if you are, and you want to take a deep dive into it with an expert, Paul Hermelin is your guy. TedinYourHead.com

It’s sad that many people are really struggling with various life challenges but, are not open to talking to anybody about it. They’re simply not open to therapy for one reason or another. The idea of going to see a therapist or hypnotherapist is difficult for many people. However, just like most people can benefit from a regular program of physical exercise, most people can benefit from psychotherapy, hypnotherapy or any time of counseling from a trusted provider. TedinYourHead.com