Former CIA Spy: How to Eliminate Self-Doubt, Build Confidence, and Protect Yourself in Today’s World

Former CIA Spy: How to Eliminate Self-Doubt, Build Confidence, and Protect Yourself in Today’s World

Today, a former spy and the former Chief of Disguise for the CIA is taking you inside the heart-pounding world of espionage and the secret life she lived working undercover for 30 years.  Jonna will share the tactics and strategies you need to read anyone and spot a liar, offer a powerful warning about the state of the world today, and give you practical wisdom to find courage and face life’s hardest moments. For decades, Jonna helped intelligence officers assume new identities, disappear in plain sight, and carry out high-risk operations.  Jonna created disguises convincing enough to fool the President of the United States and the Secret Service.  Together, Jonna and her late husband, Tony Mendez, co-authored the bestselling book Argo about the CIA operation he led - the true story that inspired the Academy Award-winning film Argo. But what makes this conversation so powerful is not just the spy stories.It is Jonna’s deeply personal reflection on courage, reinvention, trust, loss, and what it means to keep going when life feels scary or uncertain. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why courage does not come first and how confidence and preparation create it - How to stay calm under pressure  - What 30 years in the CIA taught Jonna about trusting your intuition - The signs that someone may be trying too hard to convince you of a lie - Why direct eye contact is not the lie detector most people think it is - How Jonna would change the smallest details to make someone disappear in plain sight - Why you are never starting over when you make a major change - How to stop underestimating yourself and aim higher - Why nothing meaningful is accomplished alone - How taking small steps can help you face problems that feel too big to solve Jonna will tell you that courage is not something you either have or you do not. It comes from knowing what to do, preparing yourself, and confronting the things that scare you. After today, you'll understand how to build confidence, trust yourself under pressure, and have the courage to reinvent your life…at any age. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-425/] for the podcast episode page.  If you liked this episode, listen to this one next: It’s Not Too Late: How to Transform Your Life at Any Moment [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-332/] Mel wants to add: * Try the 23g protein shot I drink every single morning [https://puregeniusprotein.com/MP] * Join 2 million readers loving my weekly newsletter - full of tips, tools, and inspiration [https://www.melrobbins.com/newsletter/] * The Let Them Theory: read the book everyone’s talking about [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401971369?tag=lnk0001-20&geniuslink=true] * Watch the episodes on YouTube [https://bit.ly/45OWCNr] * Connect with me on Instagram [https://bit.ly/3QfG8bb] * Follow the show’s Instagram for clips, behind the scenes, and more [https://bit.ly/49bg4GP] * Find some daily positivity on my TikTok [https://bit.ly/46Kpw2v] * Want zero ads? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free [https://siriusxm.supportingcast.fm/] * Disclaimer [https://www.melrobbins.com/disclaimer] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Exact Episode You Need to Hear Today if You Feel Overwhelmed, Stressed, or Stuck

Today's episode is a conversation you are going to want to revisit over and over and over. You are about to learn the skills nobody ever taught you, but you need now more than ever. It's hard to not feel exhausted and just overwhelmed in today's world. You are constantly being bombarded with bad news, followed up by worse news.  All of that while you still try and deal with the hurdles of just living a regular life. That is where today's guest, therapist Kier Gaines comes in. Mel absolutely adores this man and constantly seeks out his advice as a source of calm, ease, and understanding.  But it isn't just Mel. Across platforms, millions of people turn to Kier Gaines because he has a knack for turning complicated emotions you don't quite have the words for and explains them in a way that makes sense. He then gives you tools to come back to yourself so you don't get flooded in those emotions.  This is a conversation about how to handle life in today's chaotic world.  You’ll laugh, and you’ll probably tear up a little bit, but at the end you will feel the sense of calm that Kier is known for bringing, and you’ll be ready to show up differently in all of your relationships that matter most to you. In today's episode you will learn: -What to do when everything feels like too much -How to stop trying to control other people and finally find more peace -What to do when you're spiraling, overthinking, or about to lose your cool -Why you keep having the same arguments, and how to break the cycle -How to build confidence that doesn't depend on other people's approval -The simple mindset shifts that will help you feel more grounded, more present, and more in control of your life By the end of this episode you will have control of your emotions and be ready to stop letting them control you. You’ll walk away with tools you can start using today to show up in your life with more clarity, calm, and confidence.  For more resources related to today’s episode, click here [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-424/] for the podcast episode page.  If you liked this episode, listen to this one next: Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Maté on Trauma & How to Heal [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-274/] Mel wants to add:   * Try the 23g protein shot I drink every single morning [https://puregeniusprotein.com/MP] * Join 2 million readers loving my weekly newsletter - full of tips, tools, and inspiration [https://www.melrobbins.com/newsletter/] * The Let Them Theory: read the book everyone’s talking about [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401971369?tag=lnk0001-20&geniuslink=true] * Watch the episodes on YouTube [https://bit.ly/45OWCNr] * Connect with me on Instagram [https://bit.ly/3QfG8bb] * Follow the show’s Instagram for clips, behind the scenes, and more [https://bit.ly/49bg4GP] * Find some daily positivity on my TikTok [https://bit.ly/46Kpw2v] * Want zero ads? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free [https://siriusxm.supportingcast.fm/] * Disclaimer [https://www.melrobbins.com/disclaimer] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

World Leading Psychologist: How to Manifest Anything & Create the Life You Want

Today, you are going to learn the science of manifestation, visualization, and imagination - and the steps you can take to start creating the life you want. In this powerful episode, Mel sits down with Dr. Cassandra Vieten, PhD, a clinical psychologist, professor at UC San Diego, and one of the world’s leading researchers on imagination and consciousness. Dr. Vieten directs the Center for Human Imagination at UC San Diego, leads the Center for Mindfulness at UC San Diego’s Centers for Integrative Health, and her research has been cited more than 5,000 times. Together, Mel and Dr. Vieten unpack the science behind changing your mindset in order to change your life. You’ll discover how your mind shapes your reality and learn practical, research-backed techniques to shift your thinking and create new possibilities. In this episode, you’ll learn: -The difference between manifestation and magical thinking -How your imagination shapes your decisions, identity, and future -How to stop reacting to life and start intentionally creating it -How to use visualization even if you do not naturally see pictures in your mind -Why imagining the worst case keeps your body stuck in stress -How to meet your future self and use that vision to make better decisions today -How to break out of a “reality tunnel” and see possibilities you have been missing Dr. Vieten’s research is clear: Your imagination is not an escape from reality. It is one of the most powerful tools you have to change how you see your life, what you believe is possible, and what you do next. By the end of this episode, you will know how to get off autopilot, break free from the stories holding you back, and use imagination, visualization, and manifestation to start creating a more intentional and hopeful future. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-423/] for the podcast episode page.  If you liked this episode, listen to this one next: #1 Mindset Expert: Simple Mindset Shifts That Transform Your Body, Energy, & Life [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-353/] Mel wants to add:   * Try the 23g protein shot I drink every single morning [https://puregeniusprotein.com/MP] * Join 2 million readers loving my weekly newsletter - full of tips, tools, and inspiration [https://www.melrobbins.com/newsletter/] * The Let Them Theory: read the book everyone’s talking about [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401971369?tag=lnk0001-20&geniuslink=true] * Watch the episodes on YouTube [https://bit.ly/45OWCNr] * Connect with me on Instagram [https://bit.ly/3QfG8bb] * Follow the show’s Instagram for clips, behind the scenes, and more [https://bit.ly/49bg4GP] * Find some daily positivity on my TikTok [https://bit.ly/46Kpw2v] * Want zero ads? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free [https://siriusxm.supportingcast.fm/] * Disclaimer [https://www.melrobbins.com/disclaimer] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feel Better Fast: The 5 Things That Shift Your Mood Instantly

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or stressed, today’s episode will remind you that you are not stuck - and that you can shift how you feel right now. In this episode, Mel breaks down the top 5 feelings that more than half a million listeners shared that you're struggling with. For each one, you’ll get a simple, science-backed tool to help you feel better fast. Whether you’re going through burnout, navigating a transition, feeling overwhelmed, or just feeling a little “off,” this conversation is your invitation to check in with yourself, regain clarity, and feel better. Within it, you’ll hear tactical, powerful advice from four extraordinary experts. To make this impactful for you, Mel and her team went back through some of the most powerful conversations on The Mel Robbins Podcast and pulled together the exact tools - and the exact words - you need when your mind is spinning, your stress is high, and you’re giving your energy away to things that do not deserve it. You’ll learn from: -Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a world-renowned neuroscientist at New York University. -Dr. Martha Beck, one of the world’s most respected life coaches, a six-time New York Times bestselling author, and a Harvard-trained sociologist. -Dr. Adam Alter, a renowned researcher and professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business -Chelsea Handler, one of the most successful comedians of all time and the author of six consecutive #1 New York Times bestsellers. After today, you’ll know how to use a 10-minute walk, a cold shower, five minutes in nature, a mirror pep talk, and one powerful visualization exercise to shift your mood, clear your head, and feel like yourself again. This episode will help you reflect, reset, and reconnect with what matters. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-422/] for the podcast episode page.  If you liked this episode, listen to the full conversations with the experts Mel talked about today: Dr. Wendy Suzuki [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-218/] Dr. Adam Alter [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-172/] Chelsea Handler [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-313/] Dr. Martha Beck [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-256/] Mel wants to add:   * Try the 23g protein shot I drink every single morning [http://puregeniusprotein.com/MP] * Join 2 million readers loving my weekly newsletter - full of tips, tools, and inspiration [https://www.melrobbins.com/newsletter/] * The Let Them Theory: read the book everyone’s talking about [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401971369?tag=lnk0001-20&geniuslink=true] * Watch the episodes on YouTube [https://bit.ly/45OWCNr] * Connect with me on Instagram [https://bit.ly/3QfG8bb] * Follow the show’s Instagram for clips, behind the scenes, and more [https://bit.ly/49bg4GP] * Find some daily positivity on my TikTok [https://bit.ly/46Kpw2v] * Want zero ads? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free [https://siriusxm.supportingcast.fm/] * Disclaimer [https://www.melrobbins.com/disclaimer] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Organize Your Life & Home: The Simple System That Gives You More Time, Energy, & Control

This conversation will make your home and your life feel lighter and easier in the first 10 minutes.  Clutter is stealing your time, draining your energy, and you are about to learn the fast and simple way to take back your sanity.  Even better news: You do not need to spend an entire weekend to get organized.  You need a simple system that works for your real (and very busy) life.  Today, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the organizing experts behind The Home Edit, are here to help you clear the clutter, take back your space, and make your home feel easier to live in.  They are removing the shame from the entire process.  Clea and Joanna walk Mel through a live, 10-minute clear out of her junk drawer and prove that you can start small, spend zero dollars, and feel an immediate difference. In this episode, you’ll learn: -The 4-step method to edit, categorize, contain, and maintain any space -The 80/20 rule that makes every room or drawer feel organized -The 3 questions that make it simple to decide what to keep and what to throw out -The right place to start when your entire home feels overwhelming -Why you should never start organizing in with your closet -The one question that stops decision paralysis -Why your mess keeps coming back -How to create simple systems your family will follow -The daily drawer that makes mornings faster and less stressful This is not an episode about making your home look perfect. It’s reclaiming your time, your energy, your mental clarity, and your peace. By the time you finish listening, you’ll know exactly where to begin: one drawer, 10 minutes, and a few simple decisions that will make your life feel so much better. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-421/] for the podcast episode page.  If you liked the episode, check out this one next: Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-270/] Connect with Mel:     * Order Mel’s product, Pure Genius Protein [https://puregeniusprotein.com/MP] * Get Mel’s newsletter, packed with tools, coaching, and inspiration. [https://www.melrobbins.com/newsletter/] * Get Mel’s #1 bestselling book, The Let Them Theory [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401971369?tag=lnk0001-20&geniuslink=true] * Watch the episodes on YouTube [https://bit.ly/45OWCNr] * Follow Mel on Instagram  [https://bit.ly/3QfG8bb] * The Mel Robbins Podcast Instagram [https://bit.ly/49bg4GP] * Mel's TikTok  [https://bit.ly/46Kpw2v] * Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free [https://siriusxm.supportingcast.fm/] * Disclaimer [https://www.melrobbins.com/disclaimer] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.