I have a Made Up Mind to pursue clarity and confidence, even in this.
Examine the Mind. Rebuild the Life.
Each of our essays challenges assumptions, interrogates emotion, and restores proportion. This is thinking for adults — grounded, disciplined, and built for endurance.
When psychological terms expand too far, they lose their power. Discover why the casual labeling of others as narcissists flattens human complexity, reduces accountability, and ultimately harms both the accuser and the accused.
Psoriasis is more than skin deep. Explore the science of systemic inflammation, discover the latest 2026 treatment breakthroughs, and learn practical daily habits to reclaim your skin and your confidence.
In a culture that prizes flexibility, Christ calls for a settled soul. Explore why true discipleship requires counting the cost and moving from divided loyalty to the quiet stability of a made-up mind.
Is humans' capacity for kindness a fluke or a feature? Explore the evolutionary science, neural circuitry, and psychological discipline required to turn our biological potential for compassion into a purposeful way of living.
When recognition intensifies, the public’s version of you can become louder than your actual self. Explore the psychological discipline required to maintain identity coherence when the world prefers your persona over your personhood.
Stop confuses ambition with ego. This installment clarifies the vital boundaries between healthy self-interest, grounded confidence, and narcissistic fragility to help you protect your agency without the weight of misplaced labels.
Tired of being told your pain is "normal"? Dive into our comprehensive guide to endometriosis, covering everything from hidden symptoms to science-backed treatments and practical ways to reclaim your daily vitality.
Is Christianity a social identity or a way of life? Explore the difference between mere affiliation and the daily, transformative practice of following Christ through the lens of Scripture and psychology.
Compassion isn't just a feeling—it’s a disciplined response to suffering. Discover the psychological and biological framework that separates true compassion from empathy, enabling, and performative outrage in our modern world.
Is fame a total forfeiture of privacy? We dismantle the "they signed up for this" myth, exploring the vital boundaries between professional accountability, digital scale, and the right to a private life.
Is "narcissist" a diagnosis or a weapon? Explore how this clinical term became a cultural insult, why the shift feels so satisfying, and how reclaiming linguistic discipline protects both truth and accountability.
Unmask "The Great Imitator." This comprehensive guide explores the science of lupus, identifies key symptoms, and offers research-backed strategies to manage flares while prioritizing your mental and physical wellness.
Grief requires a "container" of privacy to heal. Explore how public visibility disrupts the biology of loss and why choosing silence is often the ultimate act of strength.
Stop weaponizing psychology. Learn to distinguish between temporary narcissistic traits, ingrained behavioral patterns, and clinical NPD to foster better relationships and a more disciplined mind.
Stop just "dealing" with the ache. Dive into the science of central sensitization and discover research-backed strategies to retrain your nervous system and reclaim a life of movement and joy.
Humanity evolved for small-group visibility, not algorithmic exposure. This deep dive examines the biological strain of constant scrutiny and how sustained recognition creates a measurable, physiological load on the modern nervous system.
Is the term "narcissism" losing its meaning? We explore the vital difference between clinical reality and cultural buzzwords, offering a disciplined framework for understanding personality patterns without the noise of moral judgment.
Ever wonder why "this is how it works" is such a powerful phrase? Explore the history of linguistic precedents and learn how to tell when tradition is being used to enlighten or manipulate.
Fame isn’t protection. Recognition isn’t care. This piece reframes visibility as exposure—and explores what being seen actually costs the human nervous system, identity, and sense of meaning.
Discover the truth about Tuberculosis in 2026. From recognizing subtle early signs to mastering modern treatments, this guide offers the research-backed tools and hope you need to breathe easy and stay empowered.
Words aren't just descriptions; they are psychological blueprints. Explore the history, science, and power of persuasive framing—and learn how to spot the "spin" in everything from politics to your daily feed.
Demystify the "electrical storm" of epilepsy. Explore research-backed insights into neurological impacts, modern treatment breakthroughs, and empowering daily habits designed to help you regain control and live a vibrant, intentional life.
Ever feel like "corporate-speak" is a second language? We’re pulling back the curtain on bureaucratic ambiguity—from its historical roots to why "further review is required" is the ultimate power move.
Stop settling for "tired." Explore the science behind sleep apnea, from its hidden physiological toll to actionable strategies for reclaiming your energy and protecting your long-term heart health.
Ever wonder why "law and order" messaging is so effective? Explore the history, psychology, and modern impact of appeals to stability, and learn to distinguish genuine safety from clever manipulation.
Discover the science behind the "flutter." This guide breaks down Atrial Fibrillation symptoms, modern treatments, and actionable lifestyle shifts to help you protect your heart and live a vibrant, empowered life.
Explore the history and psychology of "Nationalistic Framing." Learn how the phrase "for the good of the country" evolved from a revolutionary spark into a powerful modern tool for persuasion and social control.
Stop living in a fog. Explore the science of anemia, from hidden symptoms to restorative habits, and learn how to reclaim your vitality through research-backed insights and empowering daily changes.
Discover how "soft language" shapes our world. From protecting feelings to political "doublespeak," we explore the history of euphemisms and how to stay sharp when the truth gets blurry.
Don’t let the "silent thief" steal your sunset. Discover the latest in optic nerve protection, from innovative 2026 treatments to simple daily habits that empower you to stay ahead of glaucoma.
Where Thought Meets Conviction.
Conversations at the intersection of faith, reason, culture, and discipline — grounded in conviction, not chaos.
On the show today, I'm sharing the deeply personal story behind a surprise message I received last week from a former friend. It’s a powerful reflection on what happens when a friendship isn't fortified or true in test. We'll talk about a difficult call from last May, a failed attempt at reconciliation, and the final 'breakup text' that ultimately brought me an incredible gift: confidence, clarity, and assurance. Plus, we'll touch on the crisis of true friendship in our world today, and why every loss is a lesson when viewed through the lens of gratitude.
On the show today, we explore the immense power of a "North Star" in helping you achieve your biggest professional and personal goals. I will share three of my major goals for the year 2026, and reveal the two individuals I’ve zeroed in on as North Stars in my life: trailblazing executive Michael Leach (First-ever White House Chief Inclusion Officer) and Leila Hormozi (Founder and CEO of Acquisition.com, who is scaling toward $1B).
On the show today, I share the full, personal story of joining a church community—only to be suddenly and unceremoniously exiled after questioning the pastor’s commitment to principle over political gain. From being presented as a "God-send" ministry leader to being cut off via an intermediary, hear the full account of the leader who thought they could play politics with the Gospel. I break down the ironies, the receipts, and why the "veneer of principle obfuscating the reality of politics" is all too common in today's church. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, disheartened, or ashamed because you've been rejected or mistreated by church leadership, this is for you. Plus, learn how to give thanks with your life, not just your lips, and why You Can't Block God.
Happy Monday and Happy New Year (it's not too late to say that)! On today's episode, I want to reflect on a sort of loosely-formed goal from 2025 that ultimately was dead on arrival, and I want to explain why. Also, I want to do some light housekeeping in a segment I'm calling "How to Deal With Liars."
A few months ago, I got on the show and announced that I’m launching a new min series called “This is War”. As I thought about it yesterday and today, it got a lot clearer. Welcome to the 92nd episode of the Think on These Things podcast.
I've been offline mostly for the last few days, and last week was The Week of Difficult Conversations. If I'm completely honest with you, life is pretty hard, but I'm going to tell you why I'm not crashing out.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU discusses the concept of beauty from a more holistic perspective, shares their experience and understanding of the term, and encourages others to see how beauty exists and can be embraced both in and around them.
I want to talk today about something that is really (really, really) important. We all go through hardship. We all go through good times. We all go through bad times. We all go through happy and sad. But there is a marked difference between good and evil.
Happy Monday, and welcome to episode 86 of The Think on These Things podcast! Today's episode is going to be brief, but there are three things I want to talk about in today's episode: Manifestos; A Response to Death (particularly, the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk); and The Power of Friendship.
Today, we're doing something that's NEVER been done before on the Think on These Things podcast – we're starting a miniseries, and the title of that series is inspired by a bunch of stuff that's been going on in both my personal life as well as in the world. And it perfectly encapsulates some of the things I want to talk about very specifically. The title of this miniseries "This is War".
The Think on These Things podcast returns + Made Up Mind turns two. This episode is about the psychological phenomenon of parent-child estrangement, and how to navigate trauma + resentment.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about the relationship between challenge and growth in our lives, and calls out the key element that determines our ability to leverage the challenges we face and make the most of them.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reflects on the importance of willingness, and talks about its role in successfully building new habits and making the most of new year’s resolutions.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU sheds light on the essential elements in developing self-awareness and leading an intentional, purpose-driven life. They also share some important announcements for what’s ahead in 2024.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU exposes the utility of awareness when it comes to our weaknesses, how people in society are largely conditioned to neglect their individual weaknesses and how the challenges we face as individuals are often related to our own negligence.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about the importance of perceiving and understanding personal strengths. They also share practical tips on creating space to reflect on the year behind and prepare for the year ahead.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explains why it is important to value others—even when we disagree with them and even when we deeply despise their words or actions.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU breaks down what it takes to confidently make decisions that are aligned with our purpose as individuals.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explores the utility of human life stories in depth. They share how ups and downs, and even regular moments can be used to further the construct of a meaningful life.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU provides context to the ways in which we perceive and define beauty within ourselves.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU sheds light on the role of self-awareness in purpose-driven living, as well as what is (and what is not) needed in order to know who we are.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about how we can discover what we are capable of in life. They also illustrate the importance of our willingness in the process of achieving our goals and/or building momentum towards them.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reveals how we discover and engage a willingness to move forward in life, even when enduring hardship, in the context of interpersonal relationships.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU speaks on the accessible and essential nature of the four quadrants of emotional intelligence, and how exercising the powers that are available to help us lead purpose-driven lives can produce and/perpetuate gratitude and success.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explores the need for boundaries and why it is important to understand how and which ones to use in the context of our relationships with ourselves and with others.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explains the utility and imperative nature of understanding and embracing the concept that when we share love with others, it is the same love we are sharing with ourselves.
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU conveys the concept that when we choose to share love with others, we gain the power to navigate conflicts within the context of our relationships with more mindfulness, clarity and confidence.
Tools for a Made Up Mind.
Guided journals, reflection systems, and structured exercises designed to strengthen discipline, focus, and purposeful living.
A structured reflection resource designed to strengthen discipline, focus, emotional steadiness, and long-term intentional living.
A structured self-assessment designed to help you understand where your attention goes, identify distraction patterns, reduce cognitive overload, and protect what matters most. This is not a productivity planner. It is a diagnostic clarity tool for sustainable focus.
A 30-page guided workbook reframing discipline as sustainable, identity-based structure — without exhaustion, intensity, or self-criticism.
A structured daily reflection tool designed to help you begin with clarity, interrupt distraction midday, and close the day with intention. Not a planner. Not a productivity system. A steady, psychologically grounded reset that supports discipline, focus, and purposeful living.
A structured support guide for emotionally heavy days. Designed to protect discipline, clarity, and identity when energy is limited. Hard Days Pack helps you stabilize, reduce overwhelm, and maintain small, meaningful action without pressure or hype.