What is the meaning of life if the universe refuses to answer?

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, we explore The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus’ philosophy of the absurd, and the tension between our desire for purpose and the silence of the universe. Why do we wake up asking “Is this it?” even after reaching major milestones? Why does achievement never fully satisfy?

We break down Camus’ interpretation of Sisyphus, the man condemned to push a boulder up a mountain for eternity, and uncover the deeper psychological truth behind the myth. We also connect Camus’ ideas to Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, modern neuroscience on dopamine and motivation, and the concept of ownership in daily life.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The absurd and why life feels repetitive

• Why meaning is found in the act, not the outcome

• The difference between hope and freedom

• Revolt, passion, and radical ownership

• How to dissolve existential anxiety without escaping into illusion

If you have ever felt stuck, burned out, or questioning whether your daily effort matters, this episode offers a powerful reframing. The purpose of life may not be something you discover. It may be something you practice.

Engage deeply. Push your rock. Choose your mountain.

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, we sit down with Gary Watson, a longtime friend with a story that spans addiction, recovery, reinvention, and an unexpected new chapter: opening a collectibles and trading card shop built around community.

Gary shares how he went from early substance use and heroin addiction to nearly 20 years of sobriety, and the pivotal moment when he chose a different path. We talk about what it means to feel again after years of numbing, why many people cope before emotions even show up (scrolling, drinking, overeating, avoidance), and how real growth often comes from learning to sit with discomfort rather than running from it.

From there, the conversation turns to passion and purpose. Gary explains the vision behind his shop, On The Level Collectors: a welcoming space for Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and more, where people can play, trade, hang out, and reconnect face-to-face. We explore why hobbies can be more than entertainment, they can be a lifeline, a social anchor, and a healthier outlet for stress.

If you are rebuilding your life, searching for direction, or trying to move from “avoiding” to actually engaging with life, this episode delivers real talk, hard-earned perspective, and a surprising amount of hope.

In this episode of the Simple Healthy Life podcast, we sit down with MJ's longtime coach, mentor, and friend, Ross Ickes, who was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. But this conversation is not about trophies, records, or accolades. It is about what happens to people when they are pushed, supported, challenged, and believed in over time.

We talk about wrestling as one of the most demanding sports there is and why its difficulty is precisely what makes it such a powerful teacher. From discipline and accountability to humility, effort, and resilience, wrestling offers lessons that extend far beyond the mat. We explore how great coaching is not about yelling, control, or ego, but about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to struggle and strong enough to grow.

This episode also dives into mentorship, identity, and long-term impact. We discuss why some coaches are remembered decades later, how leadership shows up in small moments like rides to practice or help with homework, and why success should be measured by the quality of people you help shape, not just the number of matches you win.

Whether you are an athlete, parent, coach, or someone interested in personal development, this conversation is a reminder that the hardest paths often create the strongest foundations and that real influence compounds quietly over time.