Episodes

  • How Grounding REVERSES The Hidden Damage Of Modern Life with Frazer Clacherty

    How Grounding REVERSES The Hidden Damage Of Modern Life with Frazer Clacherty
    Oct 6 2026

    Today on Eyes Wide Open, Fraser Clacherty, former professional cyclist and founder/CEO of Down to Ground, joins Nick Thompson to expose how grounding directly impacts sleep, inflammation, and nervous system regulation.

    Modern life has engineered total comfort, trapping millions of people inside climate-controlled rooms, glued to blue-light screens, and insulated by synthetic rubber soles.

    We are repeatedly conditioned to believe that chronic fatigue, systemic inflammation, restless nights, and elevated cortisol are inevitable consequences of getting older or working hard.

    However, disconnecting our physical bodies from the natural electrical charge of the earth is creating an unprecedented biological breakdown.

    We examine the real science behind conductive connection, why traditional silver-fiber sheets fail after routine washing, why convenience-first habits matter, and how grounded footwear and pet mats offer practical solutions to reclaim your biology in an indoor world.


    In this episode, you will learn:

    ✅ Why grounding connects the body to natural free electrons to help neutralize inflammation
    ✅ How a carbon-infused grounding mattress cover solves the durability flaws of silver-fiber sheets
    ✅ The biological mechanisms linking overnight earthing to improved sleep and balanced cortisol
    ✅ How modern rubber-soled footwear and indoor living disrupt human circadian rhythm
    ✅ Why cushioned grounded shoes provide a wearable, realistic alternative to barefoot footwear
    ✅ How pet grounding mats help older animals manage joint stiffness and chronic inflammation
    ✅ Practical, low-friction holistic health habits everyday people can start using immediately

    Chapters:

    0:00 - The Modern Indoor Health Trap
    0:44 - From Childhood Cafe Dreams to Pro Cycling
    4:36 - Leaving Elite Sport and Facing Career Burnout
    7:44 - The Science Behind Grounding and Free Electrons
    10:42 - How Electrical Grounding and Home Outlets Actually Work
    13:08 - Synthetic Shoes and the Modern Disconnection Crisis
    16:19 - Why Carbon-Infused Covers Beat Silver-Thread Bedding
    18:48 - Sleep Quality, Nervous System Regulation, and Cortisol
    23:03 - The Power of Low-Friction Daily Wellness Habits
    27:19 - Developing Grounded Sneakers Over Barefoot Shoes
    32:22 - Animal Joint Health and Pet Grounding Mat Science
    43:13 - The Future of Practical Health at Down to Ground

    About Guest:

    Fraser Clacherty is a former professional cyclist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Down to Ground. Driven by his own recovery journey and extensive grounding research, Fraser builds durable, carbon-infused conductive products designed to make natural earth connection practical and seamless for modern indoor living.


    Our Mission:

    Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.




    Find Frazer Clacherty here:

    Website: https://downtoground.co/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@down_to_ground?
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/down.to.ground
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@down.to.ground
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frazer-clacherty-68318a19a/

    Find Nick Thompson here:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
    UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
    Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

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    51 mins
  • HOW to Spot RED Flags Before a Toxic Relationship Starts with Dave McLachlan

    HOW to Spot RED Flags Before a Toxic Relationship Starts with Dave McLachlan
    Sep 29 2026
    How to Spot Red Flags Before a Toxic Relationship Starts Toxic relationship red flags can be easy to miss when you're dating. In this conversation, relationship coach Dave McLaclin reveals the dating red flags, compatibility issues, and warning signs you should recognize before committing. How do you know if someone is truly right for you—and when should you walk away? Dave explains the "Worthy Method" and how to evaluate a potential partner before a relationship becomes painful. On this episode of Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson, Dave McLaclin—relationship coach, screenwriter, bestselling author, and creator of the Worthy Method—shares his approach to identifying relationship compatibility and stopping unhealthy relationships before they begin. We discuss: • Toxic relationship red flags and why people often ignore them • Dating mistakes that can lead to painful relationships • How chemistry and the honeymoon phase can cloud judgment • How to recognize whether someone is actually compatible with you • Why trust, stability, compatibility, and communication matter • When to walk away from a dating situation • Why people stay in relationships that aren't working • How past experiences and emotional attachment affect dating decisions • The "Worthy Method" and its approach to evaluating relationships • Why creating your own relationship standards can change how you date Dave also explains how he developed the Worthy Method, an AI-assisted framework based around defining what you actually want in a partner, evaluating compatibility, and recognizing patterns before committing. The conversation also explores dating apps, dating fatigue, relationship failure, emotional responsibility, healthy boundaries, and what it means to choose a partner while keeping your eyes wide open. Listen to more episodes of Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson. Subscribe for conversations about relationships, mental health, holistic wellness, culture, free speech, and other stigmatized societal issues. About our Guest Dave McLachlan is an ICF-certified relationship coach, screenwriter, and author of Is He Worthy? Using Red Flags to Find Your Perfect Match. Drawing from personal life transitions and deep behavioral insights, Dave developed "The Worthy Method," an objective assessment framework designed to help individuals evaluate compatibility, identify red flags early, and build emotionally healthy partnerships. Our Mission Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing. Chapters: 0:00 - The Childhood Dream of Being an Artist & Pro Wrestling 5:45 - Navigating Heartbreak, Family Court, and Motivation for Change 10:15 - Dating App Fatigue and the Modern Culture Divide 15:30 - The Illusion of Endless Options & Love is Blind Lessons 20:45 - Trust, Lust, and Laughter: Defining Non-Negotiables 25:35 - Why We Ignore Red Flags and Rationalize Bad Behavior 30:15 - Breaking Up Responsibly: Ending the Breadcrumb Trap 35:00 - Men's Mental Health and Communicating Vulnerability 44:10 - Using Data to Stop Settling and Protect Your Heart 50:15 - Life After Reality TV: Rebuilding Identity and Healing 56:30 - Reality TV Incompatibility vs. Real-World Marriage Habits 1:04:30 - Accessing The Worthy Method Assessment & Closing Advice Find Dave McLachlan here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/is_he_worthy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@is.he.worthy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isheworthy Website: https://www.isheworthy.com/ [CODE: BLIND for free trial) 'Is He Worthy' book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GRMKPDYQ Find Nick Thompson here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • How Undercover Investigators Find Trafficked Children | Human Trafficking Investigation with Matt Parker

    How Undercover Investigators Find Trafficked Children | Human Trafficking Investigation with Matt Parker
    Sep 22 2026

    How Undercover Investigators Find Trafficked Children | Human Trafficking Investigation with Matt Parker

    How do undercover investigators find trafficked children? Matt Parker shares how human trafficking investigations uncover victims, gather intelligence, and help law enforcement intervene.

    From his first undercover investigation in Thailand to The Exodus Road, this is the story of how human trafficking investigations work from the inside.

    In this episode of Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson, Matt Parker shares his journey from running a children's home in Thailand to becoming an undercover investigator working to expose human trafficking.

    We discuss:

    • How human trafficking recruitment can begin with false promises of employment
    • What Matt discovered during his first undercover investigation in Bangkok
    • How undercover investigators gather intelligence from trafficking environments
    • Why victims can become isolated from their families and communities
    • The challenges investigators face when working with law enforcement
    • How The Exodus Road developed from those early investigations
    • The role of digital investigations and technology in modern trafficking cases
    • The psychological impact of repeatedly witnessing traumatic situations
    • Why trauma recovery and mental wellness matter for investigators and first responders
    • How Matt learned to seek professional help and develop healthier coping skills

    Matt Parker is the co-founder of The Exodus Road, an organization focused on combating human trafficking through prevention, intervention, and aftercare.

    Learn more about The Exodus Road:
    theexodusroad.com

    Chapters:

    0:00 - Childhood Dreams, Aviation, and Foundational Discipline
    3:48 - Running a Thai Children's Home & Discovering the Border Pipelines
    8:15 - The First Tip: How Matt Parker Stepped Behind the Curtain
    13:30 - Being Deputized: The Realities of Undercover Verification
    18:45 - The Reality of Global Sex Trafficking Investigations & Systemic Exploitation
    24:10 - Founding The Exodus Road: Scaling Rescues to Over 6,500 Survivors
    29:20 - Digital Forensics: Unlocking Critical Evidence from Mobile Devices
    34:05 - The Sneak Attack of Secondary Trauma & Unhealthy Coping
    40:15 - Choosing Healing: Breaking Pride and Entering Intensive Therapy
    45:50 - Becoming a Safe Harbor: Emotional Wellness as Personal Duty
    51:10 - Nick Thompson on Lifelong Healing, Routine, and Self-Acceptance
    56:20 - How to Support The Exodus Road and Protect Digital Safety


    About Guest

    Matt Parker is the co-founder and Chief Investigative Officer of The Exodus Road, a leading global counter-human trafficking nonprofit operating across more than 20 countries. Having served nearly a decade as CEO, Matt has led frontline undercover operations, trained international law enforcement, and facilitated over 6,500 survivor rescues while actively advocating for trauma recovery and mental wellness.


    Our Mission

    Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.


    Find Matt Parker here:

    Website: https://theexodusroad.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexodusroad/


    Find Nick Thompson here:

    Nick's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
    UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
    UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
    Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

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    55 mins
  • 9/11 Inside Job? A Combat Veteran Examines the Evidence with Korey Rowe

    9/11 Inside Job? A Combat Veteran Examines the Evidence with Korey Rowe
    Sep 11 2026
    Was 9/11 an Inside Job? A Combat Veteran Examines the Evidence with Korey Rowe Was 9/11 an inside job? Combat veteran Korey Rowe examines the evidence, government warnings, intelligence failures, WTC 7, Loose Change, and the unanswered questions surrounding September 11. Rather than reducing the story to a simple conspiracy claim, this conversation examines what is documented, what remains disputed, and what we can learn from 9/11. 9/11 evidence, 9/11 investigation, WTC 7, Loose Change, Korey Rowe, 9/11 unanswered questions, government accountability, Iraq War In this episode of Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson, Nick sits down with Korey Row, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and later became the creator and producer of the documentary Loose Change and author of The Soldier That Left: The Untold Story of Loose Change. The conversation explores 9/11, the Iraq War, government warnings, intelligence failures, unanswered questions, media narratives, accountability, and the long-term impact of war. Korey shares his personal journey from joining the Army before 9/11 to being deployed to Afghanistan, later serving in Iraq, questioning the intelligence behind the Iraq invasion, going AWOL, and eventually working with Dylan Avery on Loose Change. The conversation also examines: • What Korey experienced after 9/11 • Why his perspective changed during the Iraq War • Government warnings before 9/11 • Intelligence and accountability after 9/11 • Why the phrase "inside job" may be too simplistic • The unanswered questions surrounding 9/11 • Building 7 and the continuing debate surrounding the official explanation • The history and impact of Loose Change • How media narratives shape public opinion • Political polarization and confirmation bias • Free speech and censorship • What society can learn from 9/11 • Education, critical thinking and teaching the next generation • The lessons Korey believes we should carry forward Korey argues that the important question is not simply whether someone accepts a particular 9/11 theory, but whether people are willing to examine the available record, documented failures and unanswered questions. He also discusses the broader lesson he took from the experience: that ordinary people can influence major conversations when they have enough passion, persistence and conviction. This episode is a conversation about 9/11, war, government accountability, media, critical thinking and the importance of asking difficult questions. Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself. Our Guest Korey Rowe is a US Army combat veteran of the 101st Airborne Division, serving tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He is an entrepreneur, author, and the filmmaker behind the historic documentary Loose Change. His new memoir, The Soldier That Left: The Untold Story of Loose Change, chronicles his military journey, the anti-war movement, and institutional deception. Our Mission Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing. Chapters: 0:00 - Twenty-Five Years After 9/11: Reflections on Truth 3:06 - Saying Yes to Everything: The Rebuilding Journey 7:00 - Stepping Back and Empowering Others in Business 11:26 - Enlisting Pre-9/11 and Deploying to Afghanistan 16:22 - The Shift to Iraq and Questioning the War 21:58 - Stop-Loss, Moral Conviction, and Going AWOL 27:22 - Producing Loose Change While Traveling the Country 32:23 - Political Polarization, Distraction, and Media Narratives 38:00 - Educational Reform and Teaching Future Generations 47:06 - Examining the Documented Record: WTC 7 and Loose Change 54:21 - Systemic Ineptitude, Public Trust, and Corporate Governance 1:07:35 - Seeing Each Other as Human Beings First Find Korey Rowe here: Website: www.KoreyRowe.com The Soldier That Left Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2K8B8QL?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Watch the documentary: www.LooseChange911.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KoreyRowe Additional Links: www.OtsegoMedia.com www.DoshaFarms.com www.FilmOtsego.org Find Nick Thompson here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • The Truth About Feeling "Not Enough"

    The Truth About Feeling "Not Enough"
    Sep 8 2026
    The Truth About Feeling "Not Enough" Why do you feel like you're not enough? In this conversation, we explore self-worth, the inner critic, imposter syndrome, negative self-talk, emotional healing, and how to change the beliefs that keep you stuck. Isabelle Kiara explains how the "I'm not enough" belief develops, how childhood experiences shape the way we speak to ourselves, and how small shifts in perspective can help us build confidence, emotional resilience, and a more nourishing relationship with ourselves. In this episode of Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson, Nick talks with Isabelle Kiara, intuitive guide, energy activation coach, creator of the Nourish App, and bestselling author. Together they explore what it means to truly nourish yourself beyond food and how the beliefs we carry about ourselves can influence our relationships, confidence, goals, emotions, and everyday decisions. We talk about: • Why so many people feel like they are "not enough" • How the inner critic affects confidence and self-worth • Imposter syndrome and the fear of not being good enough • How childhood experiences can shape our self-talk • Why we can become overly critical of ourselves • Emotional healing and emotional resilience • How to stop spiraling after difficult experiences • Using small steps to build confidence and momentum • Why setbacks don't necessarily mean failure • Changing your relationship with food and emotional eating • Comfort food and childhood associations • Learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions • Self-compassion and becoming kinder to yourself • Nourishing yourself mentally, emotionally and spiritually Chapters: 0:00 - The Consciousness of Nourishment 1:35 - Welcoming Back Isabel Chiara 2:39 - Finding Joy and Grounding Through Latin Dance 4:17 - Childhood Conditioning and High Sensitivity 9:11 - Stepping into Visibility and Expanding Your Container 15:15 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome One Step at a Time 18:31 - Shifting Thought Patterns: Expectations vs. Reality 20:58 - The Power of the Pivot: Reframing Setbacks 25:06 - The Nourish Movement and Healing "I'm Not Enough" 30:56 - Daily "Up Leveling" to Reclaim Personal Power 36:58 - Transforming Your Relationship with Food and Self-Talk 46:43 - Finding Peace with Your Past and Moving Forward 54:22 - Nick's Big Next Step: Podcasting, Pivots, and Self-Advocacy Guest Bio: Isabel Chiara is an intuitive guide, energy activation coach, and the creator of the Nourish app. She is a three-time best-selling author of Bod Behavior, Eat Your Words, and Nourish, specializing in guiding individuals toward self-trust, emotional resilience, and breaking limiting subconscious beliefs. Our Mission: Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing. Find Isabel Chiara here: FREE MONTH Nourish App: https://isabel-chiara.com/podcast-gift/ Website: https://isabel-chiara.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isabel.chiari.50 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourish_isabelchiara/ Books: https://isabel-chiara.com/books/ Nourish App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nourish-by-isabel-chiara/id6475375053 Find Nick Thompson here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Why Chicago Small Businesses Are Being Crushed And How We Fix It w/ Laura Yepez

    Why Chicago Small Businesses Are Being Crushed And How We Fix It w/ Laura Yepez
    Sep 1 2026

    Why Is Chicago So Expensive? The Local Politics Behind It

    Why is Chicago getting so expensive? Nick Thompson sits down with Chicago small-business owner and First Ward alderwoman candidate Laura Yepz to unpack the rising cost of living, housing, taxes, small businesses and the local politics behind it.

    Why is Chicago getting so expensive? In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, Nick Thompson sits down with Chicago small-business owner and First Ward alderwoman candidate Laura Yepz to discuss the rising cost of living, local politics, small-business struggles, housing, taxes, inflation, Chicago Public Schools, and what local government can actually do for residents.

    Laura shares her experience running the Wicker Park Inn, supporting Chicago's small-business community, navigating COVID-era challenges, and deciding to run for alderwoman after becoming frustrated with the lack of local representation.

    Nick and Laura also discuss why local politics matter, how Chicago residents are being squeezed by rising costs, why small businesses are struggling, the changing Chicago neighborhood landscape, the importance of elected school boards, work-life balance, AI and the future of work, and why people are increasingly questioning the traditional American Dream.

    Topics discussed:
    Chicago politics, Chicago cost of living, local government, alderman elections, First Ward Chicago, small businesses, housing affordability, rent increases, inflation, property taxes, Chicago Public Schools, jobs, AI and employment, community leadership, and the future of Chicago.

    🎙️ Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson explores mental health, holistic wellness, culture, free speech, politics, and stigmatized societal issues—all to help us show up in the world with our eyes wide open.


    Chapters

    0:00 - The Reality of Working Multiple Jobs Just to Exist
    2:21 - Meet Laura Yepez: Small Business Owner and 1st Ward Candidate
    5:36 - Why Small Businesses Rally: COVID Fallout & Lack of City Support
    9:32 - The Rising Cost of Existing and Doing Business in Chicago
    11:11 - What Does an Alderperson Actually Do for Your Community?
    14:59 - Taking on an Incumbent: Why Local Representation Must Change
    19:49 - Redefining Authentic Leadership Through Service and Mentorship
    22:33 - The Modern Urban Affordability & Housing Crisis
    26:00 - Property Taxes, Rent Hikes, and the New Elected School Board
    33:26 - The Broken American Dream: Corporate Layoffs and Surviving the Squeeze
    47:10 - Contrasting the 1st Ward Race: Advocacy, Identity, & Small Business Focus
    54:50 - The Ground Game: Door-Knocking, Petitions, and Upcoming Election Deadlines
    1:00:35 - Nick Thompson on Moving Past Reality TV & Staying Authentic

    About Guest

    Laura Yepez is a longtime Chicago resident, community advocate, 1st Ward Democratic Committeewoman, and the owner of the historic Wicker Park Inn for over 22 years. With a deep background in entrepreneurship, local chambers of commerce, and local school councils, she is running for 1st Ward Alderwoman to bring responsive, constituent-focused leadership and small-business advocacy to City Hall.


    Our Mission

    Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.


    Find Laura Yepez here:

    Website: https://www.yepezforchicago.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yepezforchicago/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yepezforchicago_/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yepezforchicago
    Stay at the Wicker Park Inn: https://www.wickerparkinn.com/

    Find Nick Thompson here:


    Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
    UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
    UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
    Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • How to Heal From Trauma: Rewire Your Brain & Break the Cycle

    How to Heal From Trauma: Rewire Your Brain & Break the Cycle
    Aug 25 2026

    How to Heal From Trauma: Rewire Your Brain & Break the Cycle

    How do you heal from trauma and break the patterns that keep you stuck? Lawrence C. Harris shares how therapy, journaling, movement, and mindset helped him rebuild his mental health and rewire the way he thinks.

    How do you heal from trauma and break the patterns that keep you stuck? Lawrence C. Harris shares how therapy, journaling, movement and mindset helped him rebuild his mental health and rewire the way he thinks.

    In this powerful conversation, Lawrence C. Harris opens up about his experience with childhood trauma, abuse, bullying, complex PTSD, mental health struggles and the process of rebuilding his life.

    Lawrence explains what it felt like to carry trauma without understanding what was happening, how therapy helped him recognize his patterns, and why healing ultimately required him to take responsibility for the work he needed to do himself.

    We also discuss:
    Healing from trauma and complex PTSD
    Childhood trauma and mental health
    How the inner critic affects self-worth
    Journaling as a tool for self-awareness
    Rewiring negative thought patterns
    Building momentum through small daily actions
    How exercise can support mental wellbeing
    Social media, dopamine and attention
    Learning to think for yourself
    Breaking destructive cycles
    Finding a reason and purpose to keep moving forward
    Mental health support for teenagers and young adults
    Why lived experience can create powerful connections with others

    Lawrence also shares a powerful perspective on his inner critic, the role of journaling, and how learning to question the beliefs you've been taught can help you develop a stronger sense of identity.

    Subscribe to Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson for more conversations about mental health, wellness, culture, free speech and the ideas that help us show up in the world with our eyes wide open.

    Guest Bio

    Lawrence C. Harris is a 20-year-old youth empowerment speaker, author, and mental health advocate who transforms his lived experience with autism and complex PTSD into actionable wisdom. Through his speaking engagements and books, he helps teenagers build mental resilience, rewire their inner critics, and reclaim agency over their futures.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocate Lawrence C. Harris
    01:20 Escaping Childhood Trauma and the Path to Healing
    02:29 The Journey to Becoming a Youth Empowerment Speaker
    05:47 Navigating Teenage Years with Autism and Complex PTSD
    11:39 Understanding the Invisible Weight of Complex PTSD
    16:45 Overcoming Your Inner Critic and Brainwashing Yourself
    20:11 The Science of Neuroplasticity and Trauma Recovery
    24:22 Building Momentum with Non-Negotiable Daily Routines
    33:34 Earning Trust and Inspiring Youth Empowerment Motivation
    39:09 Breaking the Cycle of Suck and Finding Your Why
    44:27 Escaping the Social Media Dopamine Trap
    48:43 Why Journaling for Mental Health Unlocks Free Thinking
    57:47 Reality TV Mental Health and Parasocial Relationships


    Find Lawrence Harris here:

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempowers
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-harris-8b0177324/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencecempowers
    Website: https://www.lawrencecharris.com/

    Find Nick Thompson here:

    Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
    UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
    UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
    Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Stem Cell Therapy Explained: What Stem Cells & Peptides Actually Do - Dr. Joy Kong

    Stem Cell Therapy Explained: What Stem Cells & Peptides Actually Do - Dr. Joy Kong
    Aug 12 2026

    Stem Cell Therapy Explained: What Stem Cells & Peptides Actually Do - Dr. Joy Kong

    What does stem cell therapy actually do? Dr. Joy Kong explains stem cells, regenerative medicine, peptides, brain health, joint repair, inflammation, and the science behind cellular regeneration.

    In this conversation, we explore stem cell therapy, peptide therapy, functional medicine, longevity, and why regenerative medicine is becoming a major area of medical research.

    We explore stem cells explained simply, uncover exactly what are peptides, and reveal how stem cell therapy targets the root cause of aging and disease. It is time to reclaim your longevity and stop outsourcing your health.


    In this episode, you will learn:


    ✅ What are stem cells and peptides explained simply for longevity and health.
    ✅ How stem cell therapy applications work to signal existing cells to regenerate
    ✅ How Dr. Joy Kong integrates Chinese medicine and modern stem cell science to root causes of illness.
    ✅ Why holistic health approaches and calming inflammation are essential for stem cell therapy anti aging benefits.
    ✅ The truth why mainstream medical system stigmatizes regenerative medicine and holistic health.
    ✅ The realities of stem cell research including navigating treatments like stem cell therapy Mexico.
    ✅ What to consider when seeking peptides and evidence-based regenerative medicine.


    Our Guest

    Dr. Joy Kong, M.D. is a UCLA-trained, triple board-certified physician and global leader in regenerative medicine. As the founder of Chara Health and president of the American Academy of Integrative Cell Therapy, she specializes in advanced stem cell therapy and clinical peptide protocols to combat chronic disease and maximize longevity.

    Our Mission

    Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

    Chapters:


    0:00 - The Journey of Medicine East Meets West
    13:32 - Holistic Approaches to Mental Health
    16:29 - Nutrition and Lifestyle for Brain Health
    19:16 - Stem Cells Explained Nature's Repair Mechanism
    22:07 - The Legal Landscape of Stem Cell Therapy
    24:54 - Integrating Chinese Medicine and Modern Science
    38:10 - Dr Joy Kong on the Awakening to Stem Cell Therapy
    41:27 - Why Mainstream Medicine Lacks Intellectual Curiosity
    43:45 - Empowering Patients Against the Medical System
    45:14 - The Evolution of Regenerative Medicine
    46:22 - Top Use Cases for Stem Cell Therapy
    49:09 - The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy Anti-Aging
    51:50 - What Are Peptides Explained Simply

    Find Dr. Joy Kong here:

    Website: https://joykongmd.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-kong-md-4b8627123/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyKongMD


    Find Nick Thompson here:


    Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
    UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
    UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
    Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

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    1 hr and 3 mins