The Lift Podcast
Join Lifestyle Medicine expert Dr Darren Morton and psychologist Simon Matthews as they explore key topics about health and wellbeing. Learn amazing and practical tips to live your best life.
Episodes
In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the science of jet lag, exploring why rapid travel across time zones disrupts our sleep, energy, mood, and overall well-being. They dive into the role of circadian rhythms, why flying east is often harder than flying west, and how light exposure, meal timing, hydration, and movement can make or break your adjustment to a new time zone.
The conversation also highlights the psychological side ...
In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon dive deep into one of life’s biggest questions: What is enough? Exploring the powerful link between human health and the health of our planet, they unpack the root causes of chronic disease, the hidden costs of endless economic growth, and the human tendency to constantly want more.
The conversation challenges modern ideals of success and invites listeners to consider how moderati...
Despite being more digitally connected than ever, rates of loneliness, isolation, and emotional disconnection are soaring. In this thought-provoking conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the growing loneliness epidemic—and the surprising ways artificial intelligence might both contribute to the problem and be part of the solution.
They discuss how AI companions, chatbots, and digital assistants are increasingly being used...
What if the problem isn’t you—it’s the way we set goals?
In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren unpack the complexities of behaviour change and goal setting, exploring why so many of us struggle to sustain motivation and how we can approach goals in a healthier, more flexible way. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of unmet goals, the science of self-efficacy, and the pitfalls of traditional “all-or-nothin...
What do parachutes have to do with health? In this thought-provoking episode, Darren and Simon unpack the parachute metaphor to explore the challenges, creativity, and courage needed to make lifestyle medicine work in the real world. They discuss why evidence alone isn’t enough—change only happens when we deploy what we know. From the size of interventions and the importance of maintenance, to the power of small, meaningful actions...
Back by popular demand! This fan-favourite episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with regret and decision-making.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in a loop of "What if?" and "I should have…"? Regret is a universal emotion, but what if you could make choices with more confidence and less second-guessing? 🤔
In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the psychology of regret and decision-making, particularly in healthcare and ...
Why do people resist change—and how can clinicians respond more effectively?
In this insightful conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren explore the complex role of resistance in clinical practice, tracing its historical roots in psychology and reframing it as a valuable resource rather than a barrier. They discuss how autonomy, systemic influences, and patient motivations shape behaviour—and how curiosity can be a powerful tool for...
Light isn’t just about vision—it’s vital for your mental and physical health. In this eye-opening conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren delve into the fascinating science of light and its profound impact on overall well-being. From the mood-boosting power of natural sunlight to the surprising effects of blue, red, and artificial light, they unpack the latest research and share practical strategies for harnessing light to live a h...
In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the fascinating world of behavioural change, exploring how community activities—like fishing—can become powerful catalysts for responsible behaviour and social connection.
Through engaging stories and practical examples, they reveal:
☀️How environmental design and infrastructure influence the choices we make
☀️The psychology of nudging people towards better ha...
In this inspiring episode, Darren and Simon explore the powerful link between outdoor activity, social connection, and mental well-being. Through heartfelt personal stories—like Darren's son's upcoming adventure run and the phenomenal success of Coastrek, a charity walk empowering women—they dive deep into how movement, nature, and community work together to support mental health.
🎙️ Topics Covered:
• How physical activity in na...
In this engaging episode, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the powerful science of savouring—a key concept in positive psychology that can dramatically enhance your mental health, resilience, and overall happiness.
Learn how to:
😎 Harness anticipatory, in-the-moment, and reflective savouring
😎 Be more present and mindful in your daily life
😎 Turn ordinary moments into lasting emotional well-being
😎 Understand the research ...
Is being “book smart” enough? In this episode, Darren and Simon explore the true nature of intelligence—challenging the idea that IQ alone predicts success.
They dive into the science of emotional intelligence (EQ) and explain why it plays a far greater role in personal well-being, professional performance, and relationships. From the famous marshmallow test to everyday life skills like self-awareness, empathy, and delayed gratific...
Back by popular demand! This fan-favourite episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building better habits and making lasting lifestyle changes.
Join Darren and Simon Matthews as they break down the psychology of motivation, explore the science of behaviour change, and share practical strategies for habit formation that actually work. You’ll learn how your environment, social circles, and core values all shape the choice...
Why do we sometimes feel a surge of energy just when we’re ready to give up?
In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the concept of the second wind—the physical and psychological boost that helps us push through fatigue, whether in endurance sports or everyday life. They share personal experiences, explore the science behind energy depletion and recovery, and discuss how resilience and mindset impact our ability to bounce back.
Yo...
🤔 What makes an idea truly powerful? In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Matthews and Darren Morton delve into the origins of big ideas, their path to gaining traction, and why some transform the world while others fade away.
From positive psychology and mental wellbeing to the groundbreaking rise of lifestyle medicine, this conversation unpacks:
💡 How innovation shapes our lives and health
💡 The science behind idea diffu...
Why Sleep Might Be the Most Important Habit of All
In this episode, Simon and Darren explore the powerful connection between sleep, learning, and behaviour change.
They explain how sleep—especially deep sleep and REM sleep—plays a vital role in memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and your ability to create and maintain healthy habits.
If you’ve ever struggled to stick to a new routine or wondered why change feels so hard, t...
In this episode, Darren and Simon unpack the real reasons behind the chronic illness epidemic and explore what we can actually do to feel better.
They break down the science in a simple, relatable way—covering key concepts like metaflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in modern disease. You’ll also hear why traditional healthcare is shifting toward lifestyle medicine and personalised...
🎙️ Can Lifestyle Medicine Change Your Health?
In this episode, Darren and Simon dive into the power of lifestyle medicine and its role in preventing and even reversing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. They break down groundbreaking studies, including Dean Ornish’s research on heart disease reversal and the Diabetes Prevention Program’s proof that lifestyle changes work.
Beyond the science, they discuss the...
Do you ever find yourself stuck in a loop of "What if?" and "I should have…"? Regret is a universal emotion, but what if you could make choices with more confidence and less second-guessing? 🤔
In this episode, Simon and Darren unpack the psychology of regret and decision-making, particularly in healthcare and lifestyle medicine. They explore:
🔹 The three types of regret (Outcome, Process, and Option Regret) 🔹 How decision fatigu...
Life is full of challenges—loss, setbacks, and unexpected hurdles can shake us to the core. But what if the way we respond to adversity could transform our resilience and well-being? In this inspiring conversation, Simon Matthews and Darren dive into the science of lifestyle medicine and positive psychology, sharing personal stories of overcoming hardship through simple but powerful practices like gratitude, hope, movement, and soc...
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