Catching The Octopus Podcast

S2E32 – The Hidden Sexism in Everyday Language: How Words Shape Gender Bias

S2E30 – Your Brain Is Lying to You: Why Repetition Changes Your Beliefs

S2E30 – Your Brain Is Lying to You: Why Repetition Changes Your Beliefs Everything you repeatedly pay attention to is quietly shaping who you become. Your thoughts, beliefs, emotions and even your personality are being influenced more than you probably realise. In this episode, we explore the fascinating psychology behind repetition, attention, algorithms and subconscious programming and why your brain often mistakes familiarity for truth. Following on from our previous discussion about representation, we dive deeper into why repeated messages have such incredible power. From neuroscience and psychology to emotional contagion and spiritual teachings, you'll discover how your attention literally rewires your brain. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why your brain prefers familiarity over truth ✔️ The Illusion of Truth Effect explained ✔️ How the Reticular Activating System filters your reality ✔️ Why "neurons that fire together wire together" changes your life ✔️ How algorithms influence your beliefs and emotional state ✔️ What emotional contagion is and why communities matter ✔️ How cognitive dissonance keeps people defending harmful beliefs ✔️ Why your self-talk creates subconscious programming ✔️ The connection between neuroscience, Buddhism and energy psychology ✔️ Practical ways to consciously choose what you feed your mind This episode also explores teachings shared by Master Choa Kok Sui, including the principle that energy follows thought, alongside psychological concepts such as neuroplasticity, cognitive dissonance and the Illusion of Truth Effect. Whether you're interested in psychology, neuroscience, personal growth, mindfulness or understanding how social media influences behaviour, this episode offers practical insights that can help you become more intentional about where your attention goes. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who would benefit from understanding how their thoughts shape their reality. #Psychology #Neuroscience #Mindset #PersonalDevelopment #SubconsciousMind #SelfAwareness #MentalHealth #EmotionalIntelligence #Mindfulness #Algorithms #CriticalThinking #Neuroplasticity #Attention #Energy #CatchingTheOctopusPodcast Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E31 – The Secret to Speaking with Confidence (It's NOT Confidence First) with Helen von Dadelszen

S2E31 – The Secret to Speaking with Confidence (It's NOT Confidence First) with Helen von Dadelszen Want to speak with confidence but keep waiting until you "feel ready"? The truth is confidence doesn't come first, it comes after courageous action. If public speaking, presentations, meetings or speaking up at work make you anxious, this conversation could completely change how you think about confidence. In this episode of Catching the Octopus, I sit down with communication coach, speaker and author Helen von Dadelszen to explore why even highly capable people struggle to use their voice and how anyone can become a more confident communicator. Rather than waiting for fear to disappear, Helen explains why courage comes first, how our brain interprets nervousness, and the practical techniques that help us communicate with authenticity and impact. Whether you're preparing for a presentation, leading a team, interviewing for a job or simply wanting to express yourself more confidently, this episode is packed with practical insights you can start using immediately. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why confidence is built through action—not before it ✔️ How to overcome the fear of public speaking ✔️ Why your nervous system isn't working against you ✔️ Practical breathing techniques to calm presentation anxiety ✔️ How to turn nervous energy into confidence ✔️ Why authenticity is more powerful than perfection ✔️ The role of body language, voice and breathing in communication ✔️ How to read your audience and adapt in the moment ✔️ Why self-talk has such a powerful influence on confidence ✔️ Small courageous actions that build lasting confidence #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Confidence #Leadership #PresentationSkills Guest: Helen von Dadelszen Helen is a communication coach, vocal trainer and speaker who helps people stop waiting to feel ready and start speaking with more confidence, steadiness and authenticity. Based in Switzerland and working internationally, she supports professionals through high-stakes moments such as presentations, interviews, pitches and leadership communication. Her work brings together voice, body, breath and courageous action to help people reconnect with themselves and express what they really want to say. Links to connect with Helen: Website: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/ Book: https://courageousaction.ch/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E29 – How Representation Shapes Society (And Why We're Normalising the Wrong People)

S2E29 – How Representation Shapes Society (And Why We're Normalising the Wrong People) Representation isn't just about diversity, it's about who we choose to celebrate, reward and normalise. Every person we platform sends a message about what success, leadership and power should look like. But what happens when those people model hate, misinformation, racism or violence? In this episode of Catching the Octopus, we explore the hidden psychology behind representation, social learning and why the people we elevate influence far more than we realise. Drawing on psychology, social behaviour and real-world examples, this episode examines how children and adults learn from what they repeatedly see, why algorithms amplify outrage over kindness, and how repeated exposure can slowly shift what society accepts as "normal." In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why representation shapes our beliefs and expectations ✔️ How children learn through observation and modelling ✔️ The psychology behind social learning theory ✔️ Why positive representation creates possibility and inclusion ✔️ How social media algorithms reward outrage over truth ✔️ The difference between representation and amplification ✔️ Why misinformation spreads so easily online ✔️ The "spiral of silence" and why good people stop speaking up ✔️ How politics, media and celebrity culture influence social norms ✔️ Practical ways to become more intentional with your attention This conversation isn't about telling people what to think. It's about encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and asking an important question: What kind of society are we helping to represent? If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who enjoys conversations about psychology, human behaviour and creating a kinder world. #RepresentationMatters #Psychology #HumanBehaviour #SocialPsychology #CriticalThinking #SocialMedia #Algorithms #Misinformation #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #SocialLearning #Kindness #MediaLiteracy #Podcast #CatchingTheOctopus #BehaviourChange #PsychologyPodcast Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E28 – The Five Virtues Explained: Build the Character to Transform Your Life

S2E28 – The Five Virtues Explained: Build the Character to Transform Your Life What if becoming a better person wasn't about being perfect, but about developing the right qualities? In this episode, we explore the Five Virtues, as taught by Master Choa Kok Sui, founder of Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga, and discover how these timeless principles can help you cultivate compassion, integrity, self-mastery and emotional resilience while reducing suffering in everyday life. Building on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the Five Virtues provide a practical framework for developing the character traits needed to live with greater purpose, balance and inner peace. Rather than simply telling us what to do, they help us become the kind of person who naturally makes wiser choices. The Eightfold Path tells us what to practise. The Five Virtues tell us who we are becoming as we practise it. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ What the Five Virtues are and why they matter ✔️ How they complement the Noble Eightfold Path ✔️ Why loving kindness begins with both yourself and others ✔️ The deeper meaning of generosity beyond money and possessions ✔️ How accurate perception helps overcome limiting beliefs and distorted thinking ✔️ Why consistency is more powerful than motivation ✔️ How moderation creates balance instead of burnout ✔️ Practical ways to embody these virtues in your relationships, work and daily life Whether you're interested in Pranic Healing, Buddhism, mindfulness, psychology, emotional healing, spirituality, subconscious beliefs or personal development, this episode offers practical insights to help you become the best version of yourself. 🎙️ Catching the Octopus explores psychology, subconscious beliefs, leadership, spirituality, emotional healing, and the hidden patterns influencing our lives. #FiveVirtues #PranicHealing #MasterChoaKokSui #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #Mindfulness #SpiritualGrowth #EmotionalHealing #SelfAwareness #InnerPeace #CharacterDevelopment #SubconsciousMind #SelfMastery #CatchingTheOctopus Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E27 – The Secret to Ending Suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path Explained

S2E27 – The Secret to Ending Suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path Explained Why do we keep suffering, even when we know what we should do? In this episode, we explore the Noble Eightfold Path, one of Buddhism's most practical teachings, and discover how this 2,500-year-old framework can help reduce suffering, develop emotional resilience, and create greater peace in everyday life. The Noble Eightfold Path isn't a checklist or eight steps to complete in order. Instead, it is an integrated way of living that develops wisdom, ethical behaviour, mindfulness and mental discipline. Surprisingly, many of these ancient teachings closely align with modern psychology, subconscious healing and personal growth. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ What the Noble Eightfold Path actually is ✔️ Why it isn't a step-by-step process ✔️ The three foundations: Wisdom, Ethical Conduct and Mental Discipline ✔️ The meaning of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration ✔️ How your beliefs and perceptions influence your experience of suffering ✔️ Why changing your thoughts, feelings and behaviours can transform your life ✔️ The importance of finding the "Middle Path" instead of living in extremes ✔️ How these ancient teachings can be applied in modern life, relationships and personal growth Whether you're interested in Buddhism, mindfulness, psychology, emotional healing, spirituality, subconscious beliefs or personal development, this episode offers practical insights that you can begin applying immediately. 🎙️ Catching the Octopus explores psychology, subconscious beliefs, leadership, spirituality, emotional healing, and the hidden patterns influencing our lives. #NobleEightfoldPath #Buddhism #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #SelfAwareness #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #Meditation #Resilience #AncientWisdom #SelfDevelopment #CatchingTheOctopus Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E26 – How to End Unnecessary Suffering: The Four Noble Truths

S2E26 – How to End Unnecessary Suffering: The Four Noble Truths Why do we suffer, even when life seems to be going well? In this episode, we explore the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and how this 2,500-year-old wisdom can help reduce stress, let go of attachment, and create lasting inner peace. The Four Noble Truths, the foundational teachings of Buddhism, remains remarkably relevant to modern psychology, emotional healing, and personal development. Rather than viewing suffering as something to fear, these teachings offer a practical framework for understanding why we experience emotional pain, how attachment keeps us stuck, and how we can begin letting go to create greater peace and freedom. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ What the Four Noble Truths actually mean ✔️ The difference between pain and suffering ✔️ How attachment creates emotional distress ✔️ Why acceptance is not the same as giving up ✔️ How modern psychology mirrors ancient Buddhist wisdom ✔️ The connection between childhood beliefs, attachment and emotional healing ✔️ Why gratitude and mindset help reduce suffering ✔️ A preview of the Eightfold Path and how it leads to lasting wellbeing Whether you're interested in Buddhism, mindfulness, psychology, personal growth, emotional resilience, or healing from difficult life experiences, this episode offers practical insights you can begin applying immediately. 🎙️ Catching the Octopus explores psychology, subconscious beliefs, leadership, spirituality, emotional healing, and the hidden patterns influencing our lives. #FourNobleTruths #Buddhism #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #MentalHealth #SelfAwareness #Healing #EmotionalHealing #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #Mindset #Acceptance #Attachment #CatchingTheOctopus Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E25 – Are You Absorbing Other People's Energy? How to Protect Yourself

S2E25 – Are You Absorbing Other People's Energy? How to Protect Yourself Ever leave a conversation feeling exhausted, heavy, or emotionally drained? In this episode, I share practical and spiritual techniques to protect your energy, cut unhealthy energetic connections, and reclaim your personal power. In this episode of Catching the Octopus, I explore energetic protection, emotional boundaries, and practical techniques you can use to stop absorbing negativity from the people around you. We discuss why reacting to negative energy can strengthen energetic connections, how to create healthy boundaries, and simple visualisation techniques such as protection bubbles, cord cutting, grounding, and energetic cleansing. You'll learn: ✔️ Why "not accepting the gift" of negativity is your first line of defence ✔️ How energetic connections can form through conflict, gossip, and rumination ✔️ Simple energetic protection techniques you can use daily ✔️ Cord-cutting visualisation exercises for emotional release ✔️ Grounding and nature-based practices for restoring balance ✔️ The difference between external energy influences and self-sabotage ✔️ How intuition and body awareness can guide your decision-making Whether you're highly sensitive, interested in spirituality, energy healing, personal growth, or simply looking for ways to feel more grounded and empowered, this episode offers practical insights to help you protect your wellbeing. 🎙️ Catching the Octopus explores psychology, subconscious beliefs, personal growth, leadership, healing, and the hidden influences shaping our lives. #EnergyProtection #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #EnergyHealing #CordCutting #Intuition #Mindset #SelfAwareness #EmotionalBoundaries #Grounding #Spirituality #HealingJourney #CatchingTheOctopus Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E24 – The Truth About Witchcraft Nobody Talks About: Modern Magic Explained with Maritza Schafer

S2E24 – The Truth About Witchcraft Nobody Talks About: Modern Magic Explained with Maritza Schafer What if everything you've been taught about witchcraft is wrong? In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with transformation coach and lifelong witch Maritza Schafer to explore the real meaning of witchcraft, energy work, magic, tarot, intention setting, and spiritual practice in the modern world. Far from the stereotypes portrayed in popular culture, we discuss how ancient wisdom traditions, mindfulness, energy awareness, and personal empowerment can help people navigate stress, uncertainty, burnout, and major life transitions. We also explore: ✅ The historical origins of witch persecution ✅ Why powerful healers were feared ✅ The connection between spirituality and personal freedom ✅ How energy work actually works ✅ Tarot, divination and intuition explained ✅ Practical grounding and protection techniques ✅ Why many people hide their spiritual beliefs at work ✅ The ethics of magic and intention setting ✅ How to stay grounded during times of uncertainty and change Whether you're deeply spiritual, curious about witchcraft, interested in energy healing, or simply looking for practical ways to create positive change in your life, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and practical tools you can begin using immediately. #Witchcraft #Spirituality #EnergyHealing #Tarot #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Transformation #Consciousness #SelfDevelopment #Podcast Connect with Maritza Schafer Website - https://brujaschool.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maritza.a.schafer Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maritza.a.schafer/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@maritza.a.schafer Maritza is a lifelong witch, transformation coach, and the founder of Bruja School. She created the Liberation Magic Method, which is a practical system for spiritual and personal transformation, where you can learn to work real magic and make your life the most powerful spell you'll ever cast. Born and raised in Chile in a family of witches, Maritza learned to work with power, energy, and truth as elements of an integrated system from very early on. Magic wasn't something she discovered later in life, it was the air that she grew up in. She was raised a bruja, the kind for whom magic is simply part of how life works. Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile

S2E23 – The Red Flags Were Always There: Why We Ignore What People Show Us

S2E23 – The Red Flags Were Always There: Why We Ignore What People Show Us Have you ever looked back on a relationship and realised the red flags were there all along? In this episode of Catching the Octopus, Niomi explores the psychology of projection, why we often see people through the lens of our own values, and how bonding can blind us to the reality of who someone is. Whether it's a romantic relationship, friendship, family connection, or workplace relationship, many of us create stories about people that don't match their actual behaviour. We see potential instead of reality, make excuses for behaviour that hurts us, and ignore signs that something isn't aligned. Niomi shares personal insights from her own healing journey, including overcoming abandonment wounds, people-pleasing patterns, and the need for external validation. She discusses: ✅ Why we project our values onto others ✅ How manipulation and unhealthy dynamics develop gradually ✅ The difference between seeing potential and seeing reality ✅ Why self-love and self-worth are essential for healthy relationships ✅ How abandonment and rejection wounds affect our choices ✅ The psychology behind people-pleasing and over-giving ✅ Why boundaries feel difficult when you're deeply bonded to someone ✅ How to recognise relationships that are no longer aligned ✅ The role of self-inquiry in personal growth and healing ✅ Moving from external blame to personal empowerment This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: "Why didn't I see the signs?" "Why do I keep attracting the same type of person?" "How do I stop abandoning myself to keep others happy?" If you're interested in psychology, relationships, self-awareness, personal development, emotional healing, subconscious patterns, spirituality, or authentic living, this conversation will give you plenty to reflect on. 🎧 Listen now and start seeing people, and yourself, more clearly. #Psychology #Relationships #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #PeoplePleasing #EmotionalHealing #SelfAwareness #CatchingTheOctopus #NiomiHurley Hosted by Niomi Hurley , a human behaviour researcher and clinical hypnotherapist who integrates psychology with energy-informed healing approaches. With experience in corporate environments and individual practice, and through her work at Get Up and Grow Consulting, Niomi works with organisations and individuals to build capacity by addressing the behavioural, emotional, and subconscious factors that influence wellbeing and performance. Niomi Hurley (Host) Contact Details: Niomi Hurley Email Niomi Hurley LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Website Get Up and Grow Consulting LinkedIn Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Facebook Profile Get Up and Grow Consulting Instagram Profile