Breaking Free: Unlearning, Growth, and the Thousand Catalysts of Change

Explicit content warning

02/26/25 • 26 min

Change isn’t always sparked by a single life-altering event—it’s often a series of thousands of mini catalysts shaping us over time. In this episode of Shobukai Shift, we explore the journey of self-discovery, the process of unlearning societal conditioning, and the mental shifts required to break free from toxic narratives. How do we resist external pressures, embrace personal growth, and stay present in a world designed to distract us? Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways:

💡Change is often a slow, ongoing process, not a single dramatic moment.

💡The world is designed to distract and condition us—breaking free requires conscious effort.

💡Resentment can fuel short-term change, but sustainable growth comes from self-awareness.

💡Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword—it’s an essential tool for navigating life with clarity.

💡Unlearning toxic narratives is an ongoing journey, requiring self-compassion and persistence.

Compelling Quotes:

🎤"You are a freshly painted white room. Be wise about who you let into it."

🎤 "Using resentment as a catalyst can help you break out of your orbit, but you can't subsist on it long-term."

🎤"The world doesn’t want you to figure out who you are—because self-aware people are harder to manipulate."

🎤 "Cutting the cord from the matrix is a mental decision made hundreds of times a day."

🎤 "You're not broken. What you need isn’t outside of you—it’s already within."

Keywords

✅Personal growth ✅Self-Discovery ✅Breaking Societal Conditioning ✅ Mindfulness and Awareness ✅Overcoming Limiting Beliefs ✅Transformation ✅ Unlearning Toxic Narratives ✅Finding Purpose ✅Mental Resilience, ✅Spiritual growth

Disclaimer:

***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.***

Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub. Mixing Engineer: Dylan Yauch

Contact: Tell us how your transformation is going. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(631) 371-3240‬ and we may play it on a future episode.

Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

** Shobukai Shift is a MSA Production **

Key Takeaways:

💡Change is often a slow, ongoing process, not a single dramatic moment.

💡The world is designed to distract and condition us—breaking free requires conscious effort.

💡Resentment can fuel short-term change, but sustainable growth comes from self-awareness.

💡Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword—it’s an essential tool for navigating life with clarity.

💡Unlearning toxic narratives is an ongoing journey, requiring self-compassion and persistence.

Compelling Quotes:

🎤"You are a freshly painted white room. Be wise about who you let into it."

🎤 "Using resentment as a catalyst can help you break out of your orbit, but you can't subsist on it long-term."

🎤"The world doesn’t want you to figure out who you are—because self-aware people are harder to manipulate."

🎤 "Cutting the cord from the matrix is a mental decision made hundreds of times a day."

🎤 "You're not broken. What you need isn’t outside of you—it’s already within."

Keywords

Disclaimer:

Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub. Mixing Engineer: Dylan Yauch

Contact: Tell us how your transformation is going. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(631) 371-3240‬ and we may play it on a future episode.

Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

** Shobukai Shift is a MSA Production **

Previous Episode

Preposterously Audacious: A Dark Optimist's Guide to Changing the World with Dr. Ralph H. Groce III

In this conversation, Dr. Ralph H. Gross III, President, COO and author of We Have Nothing to Lose: A Dark Optimist's Call to Action, shares his journey from a bright child in Pittsburgh to a successful leader and author. He discusses the importance of ambition, resilience, and transformational change in both personal and professional contexts. Ralph emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to work collectively towards positive change in society. His insights on leadership, perseverance, and the power of community serve as a call to action for listeners to embrace their potential and contribute to a better world.

Takeaways

💡The importance of being accountable to your ambition by speaking your objectives into existence

💡Transformational change is necessary for personal and organizational growth.

💡Childhood experiences shape resilience and drive in adulthood.Leadership requires inspiring followership and being the best version of oneself

💡Perseverance is a key trait for overcoming challenges and achieving goals

💡Creating positive change starts with individual responsibility and action

💡Community impact is essential for addressing social inequalities.

💡Collective action is necessary to effect meaningful change in society.

💡Dark optimism can empower individuals to see possibilities in difficult times.

💡The journey of self-discovery and purpose is crucial for personal fulfillment.

Links

🌟We Have Nothing to Lose (by: Dr. Ralph H. Groce III)

🌟 Knowhere Art Gallery

🌟 Scroobius

Keywords

✅ Leadership ✅ Resilience ✅ Transformation ✅ Change ✅ Personal Growth ✅ Community Impact ✅ Dark Optimism ✅ Social Equity ✅ Perseverance ✅ Ambition 🙏 Ralph H. Groce III

Disclaimer:

Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub. Mixing Engineer: Dylan Yauch

Contact: Tell us how your transformation is going. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(631) 371-3240‬ and we may play it on a future episode.

Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

** Shobukai Shift is a MSA Production **

Next Episode

How a Sabbatical Led to a Life-Changing Transformation with Suzanne Roske

In this conversation, Mary Schaub interviews Suzanne Roske, founder and CEO of Vamonos Executive Coaching, discussing her journey of personal transformation, the writing of her book, and the importance of self-discovery. They explore themes of vulnerability, trust, and the challenges of making significant life changes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suzanne shares insights on the energy audit process, the cycles of renewal in life, and the work she does to help others figure out who they were always meant to be.

Key Takeaways:

💡Personal transformation often requires courage and vulnerability.

💡Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery.

💡Early work experiences can shape our relationship to work

💡Midlife reflections can lead to significant life changes.

💡Burnout can be a signal to reevaluate one's path.

💡COVID-19 prompted many to reassess their life choices.

💡Trusting others is essential for personal growth.

💡Acts of kindness can foster deeper connections.

💡Energy audits help identify what drains or energizes us.

💡Life transitions often follow cycles of renewal.

Quotes:

🎤"Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction" - Rumi (quoted by Suzanne)

🎤"Everyone is a single entity. You have one life. You generally are not one person when you walk into the office and another person when you get home."

🎤"If you start from your destination and you are one degree off on your path... in 60 miles, you will miss your intended destination by two miles."

🎤"A lot of times we try to make everybody a pink pony that wears a paper cone... I want everybody to be their shiny pink unicorn or whatever color unicorn self you want to be because that's when we all shine."

🎤"Withholding that request for help or that outreach really is a little bit selfish sometimes."

Keywords:

✅career change ✅sabbatical ✅executive coaching ✅personal transformation ✅ work-life balance ✅burnout recovery ✅life purpose ✅professional development

🙏 Thanks to: @suzanneroske, @vamonos-executive-coaching

Show Links:

🔥I Should Be Doing This: An Adult Gap Year

🔥Hudson Institute of Coaching

🔥Michael Hudson

Disclaimer:

Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub. Mixing Engineer: Dylan Yauch

Contact: Tell us how your transformation is going. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(631) 371-3240‬ and we may play it on a future episode.

Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

** Shobukai Shift is a MSA Production **