Pod #5 - Commitment Issues: Our Toxic Relationship with Resolutions

01/20/25 • 68 min

🎙️ Welcome to Filter Feeders 2025! 🎉🧠

www.filterfeeders.fyi

In this episode, Ollie and Vinny dive deep into the world of New Year's resolutions, exploring the psychology, science, and societal pressures behind this annual tradition. From the biological roots of change resistance to the commercialisation of self-improvement, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to understand why we make (and break) these yearly commitments.

Join them as they discuss practical strategies for setting realistic goals, navigating the minefield of toxic positivity, and harnessing the power of habit formation to create lasting change. With a healthy dose of humor and relatable anecdotes, this conversation will make you rethink your approach to personal growth and embrace the ups and downs of the journey.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

⏱️ [00:05:30] 📅 New Year, Same You? Examining the arbitrary nature of New Year's resolutions and the societal pressures that fuel them.
⏱️ [00:14:20] 🧠 The Science of Willpower: How our brains resist change and what we can do to overcome it.
⏱️ [00:28:45] 😊 The Trap of Toxic Positivity: Why embracing negative emotions is essential for personal growth and mental well-being.
⏱️ [00:42:10] 🎯 Micro-Resolutions and Habit Stacking: Practical strategies for setting achievable goals and building lasting habits.
⏱️ [00:52:12] 😅 Flops, Failures, and Small Triumphs: Vinny and Ollie (or not) share their own humorous attempts at change and learnings.

🔗 Delve Deeper:

🌐Reads, Feeds, and everything you need at filterfeeders.fyi.
📚 Atomic Habits by James Clear: A must-read for anyone looking to understand the science of habit formation and create lasting change.
🧐 The Filtration Station: Join the conversation on our Discord server and share your own stories, struggles, and successes.

💌 Keep Filtering Together!

🗣️ Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on the reads on filterfeeders.fyi.
📱 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for bonus content, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on upcoming episodes.

✨ If you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟review on your favorite podcast platform—it is literally the lifeline to keep us filtering! ✨

(...we are happy to return the favour, just tell us where!)

🗝️ Key Takeaway

New Year's resolutions are a double-edged sword—they can inspire us to strive for personal growth, but they can also set us up for disappointment and self-judgment. By understanding the science behind change, setting realistic goals, and embracing the journey (flops and all), we can create a more compassionate and sustainable approach to self-improvement. So, as you embark on your own resolutions this year, remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate the small victories, and keep filtering out the noise to find what truly matters.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to Filter Feeders 2025! 🎉🧠

www.filterfeeders.fyi

🎧 Episode Highlights:

⏱️ [00:05:30] 📅 New Year, Same You? Examining the arbitrary nature of New Year's resolutions and the societal pressures that fuel them.
⏱️ [00:14:20] 🧠 The Science of Willpower: How our brains resist change and what we can do to overcome it.
⏱️ [00:28:45] 😊 The Trap of Toxic Positivity: Why embracing negative emotions is essential for personal growth and mental well-being.
⏱️ [00:42:10] 🎯 Micro-Resolutions and Habit Stacking: Practical strategies for setting achievable goals and building lasting habits.
⏱️ [00:52:12] 😅 Flops, Failures, and Small Triumphs: Vinny and Ollie (or not) share their own humorous attempts at change and learnings.

🔗 Delve Deeper:

🌐Reads, Feeds, and everything you need at filterfeeders.fyi.
📚 Atomic Habits by James Clear: A must-read for anyone looking to understand the science of habit formation and create lasting change.
🧐 The Filtration Station: Join the conversation on our Discord server and share your own stories, struggles, and successes.

💌 Keep Filtering Together!

🗣️ Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on the reads on filterfeeders.fyi.
📱 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for bonus content, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on upcoming episodes.

✨ If you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟review on your favorite podcast platform—it is literally the lifeline to keep us filtering! ✨

(...we are happy to return the favour, just tell us where!)

🗝️ Key Takeaway

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Pod #4 - Behind the Buddha's Smile w/ Delson Armstrong

Welcome to this Captivating Episode of Filter Feeders! 🧘🏻‍♂️🧘🏿‍♂️🧘🏼‍♂️🧘🏾‍♀️🧘🏻🧘🏻‍♀️🧘‍♀️

What’s life really like for monks and in monasteries? Forget the romanticized visions of perfection—this episode invites you behind the serene façades as Ollie and Vinny welcome Delson Armstrong, an accomplished meditation teacher and author whose deep dive into the monastic world offers unparalleled insight. With humour, raw honesty, and Delson’s years of experience navigating both traditional Buddhism and modern spirituality, this conversation uncovers the hidden truths of Buddhist practice. From debunking meditation myths to examining how monasteries adapt (or clash) with the modern world, Delson helps redefine what it means to walk the path to enlightenment.

So settle in—whether you’re a 🧘‍♂️ mindfulness novice or a seasoned seeker 🕉️, there’s something here for anyone curious 🤔 about the reality behind the Buddha’s iconic smile 😊.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

⏱ [00:01:07] 😲 Breaking Down Enlightenment: Delson busts myths about what it means to spiritually awaken—can you have sex, relationships, and still find your inner Buddha?

⏱ [00:06:40] 🌓 The Shadows We Fear: How repressing life’s challenges under “toxic positivity” often leads to mental burnout and the courage it takes to face our darker selves.

⏱ [00:23:00] 📜 Buddhist Ethics in a Nutshell: Can spirituality adapt to a world of social media and capitalism? Ollie questions, Vinny ponders, Delson enlightens.

⏱ [00:37:50] 📱 Monks in the Digital Era: Delson elaborates on navigating 21st-century pressures—from social media to financial obligations—and whether modern monasticism can survive.

⏱ [00:52:12] 🕒 Too Busy to Be Mindful: How modern schedules clash with traditional practice—and ways to reclaim inner time.

🔗 Delve Deeper

✨ All things Delson Armstrong can be found at his site delsonarmstrong.com.
😱 Kill the Buddha! An exclusive article written by Delson for Filter Feeders Friends.
📝 Catch up with the latest newsletter and be reminded (not spammed) by subscribing to our site filterfeeders.fyi.

💌 Keep Filtering Together!

🗣️ Join the conversation at The Filtration Station, our Discord space for debates, memes, and mindfulness chat.
📨 Got a question or feedback? Write to us at [email protected].
📱 Links to our socials are available on the Filter Feeders site, plus updates and bonus musings.

And don’t forget to leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—Vinny’s mum awaits your thoughts.

🗝️🥡 Key Takeaway of the Week

Life behind the Buddha’s smile isn’t an Instagram filter—it’s real, complex, and incredibly human. Delson's stories and insights shed light on how modern spirituality can—and must—embrace those imperfections to grow.

So breathe deeply, question deeply, and keep seeking your own middle path.

Stay curious and, just maybe, a little mischievous. 😏

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Pod #6 - Dovetailing Equity with Enterprise: The Ins & Outs of Charities w/ Kirrily Graham

🎯 Ollie & Vinny team up with Kirrily Graham of Dovetail to uncover the truth about charities and giving 💰🔍

🌐 Reads, Feeds, and everything you need at filterfeeders.fyi.

In this episode, Ollie and Vinny sit down with Kirrily Graham—founder of Dovetail Social Enterprises—to unravel the complexities of the charity sector and show how businesses of all sizes can implement authentic social impact. From busting myths about overhead costs to demonstrating why cause alignment matters—and offering best practices for giving effectively—this conversation will reshape the way you approach philanthropy.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

[3:33–4:03] – 🔧 Accidental Purpose: Kirrily’s leap from power tools to non-profit leadership
[5:38–6:01] – 🏚 Small Charities Struggle: Thin teams, no marketing, and high donor demands
[10:35–11:05] – 🤯 Eye-Opening Stats: Why over 60,000 registered charities operate in Australia
[14:22–15:06] – 💡 Unexpected Charity Wins: Grassroots groups defying tiny budgets
[15:28–15:55] – 😆 Hilarious Donation Tales: Movember madness and unforgettable fundraisers
[18:01–18:26] – ❌ Overhead Myth: Why fixating on “admin costs” misses real impact
[33:54–34:23] – 🌱 Sustainable Giving: How monthly support and hands-on involvement go farther
[38:49–39:19] – 🏢 CSR for SMEs: Big social impact with smaller budgets—beyond PR
[52:03–52:50] – 🐨 Koala Costumes & Aussie Giving: Local donation drives and public engagement
[1:01:50–1:02:55] – 🚀 Parting Wisdom & Wrap-Up: A Confucius quote on “securing the good of others,” final insights, and comedic outtakes

🔗 Delve Deeper:

Dovetail Social Enterprises – Explore Kirrily’s approach to helping companies link social goals with genuine impact.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) – A hub to research organizational compliance and transparency in Australia.
Dan Pallotta’s TED Talk – The talk that changed Kirrily’s career.
"Uncharitable" Documentary – A deep dive into the flaws of nonprofit funding.

🗝 Key Takeaway

Authentic corporate giving isn’t about dumping a lump sum at year’s end—it’s about aligning your business ethos with causes that matter to your team and customers. Focus on a consistent, collaborative approach that measures tangible results rather than obsessing over “overhead” percentages. By integrating social impact into everyday operations, you’ll build goodwill, empower communities, and prove that doing good is also good business.

💌 Keep Filtering Together!

🗣 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected] or join the conversation on our Discord server.
📱 Follow us on Instagram for bonus content, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on upcoming episodes.