The Antifragile Podcast

How Jenny Cavnar Became MLB’s First Woman Play-by-Play Voice in 25 Years

Jenny Cavnar is not just calling games; she's redefining them. As the first woman in over 25 years to do play-by-play for Major League Baseball, Jenny’s voice in the booth is changing the sound (and the face) of the sport. In this powerful and personal conversation, Jenny opens up about the professional grit and personal grace it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments. From growing up on the baseball field as the daughter of a coach, to navigating motherhood, marriage, and media scrutiny, Jenny walks us through what it really looks like to lead with courage and conviction. We explore the strategies that keep her grounded: from mental performance routines and visualization to family systems and faith. She shares how she handles online criticism, cultivates resilience, and chooses flexibility over perfection in every area of her life. This is a deep dive into what it takes to build a meaningful life while carrying both ambition and responsibility. Jenny’s journey is proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep saying yes to the next right thing. Listen in to learn:The inside story of her rise in MLB broadcasting Balancing career, motherhood, and a marriage across state lines Her mental performance tools: pre-game prep, visualization, post-game reflection The toll of online criticism and how she copes Why being a “woman in sports” is only part of her story Learning to do “one more thing” without burning out How faith, flexibility, and community are her real armor Follow us @theantifragileacademy Book a call today at www.theantifragileacademy.com

Antifragility with Paralympic Gold Medalist and Global Adventurer, Dr. Karen Darke

In this episode of the Antifragile Podcast, we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Karen Dark, a remarkable individual whose life story exemplifies the concept of antifragility. At just 21 years old, Karen was paralyzed from the waist down, but instead of allowing this life-altering event to define her, she embraced challenges that many would consider insurmountable.
Karen shared her recent adventure to Everest Base Camp, a journey that required immense mental fortitude and adaptability. We delved into her definition of anti-fragility, which she describes as the ability to grow and learn from challenges, ultimately emerging as a stronger version of oneself. She emphasized the importance of reflection and conscious choice in responding to life's difficulties.
Throughout our conversation, Karen recounted her various adventures, including cycling across the Himalayas, sea kayaking from Vancouver to Juneau, and crossing the Greenland ice cap. Each experience contributed to her resilience and understanding of her own capabilities. We explored the dual nature of challenges—those we choose and those that life presents to us—and how both can lead to personal growth.
Karen also discussed the significance of trust, both in herself and in the teams she works with during her expeditions. She highlighted the importance of meticulous preparation and mental rehearsal, sharing her unique process of creating spreadsheets to address potential fears and risks before embarking on new challenges.
As we wrapped up, Karen introduced her initiative, Quest 79, encouraging listeners to embark on their own personal quests to discover their inner strength and resilience. This episode is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the endless possibilities that arise when we choose to confront our fears and embrace the unknown.
Join us for this inspiring conversation with Dr. Karen Dark, and discover how you can cultivate your own anti-fragility in the face of life's challenges.
 
00:00:35 - Meet Dr. Karen Dark00:02:10 - Karen's Recent Adventure to Everest Base Camp00:03:16 - Defining Antifragility00:04:49 - Reflecting on Life's Challenges00:06:31 - Choosing Challenges vs. Facing Challenges00:08:02 - Building Resilience Through Experience00:09:10 - The Role of Trust in Team Dynamics00:12:03 - Surrendering Control in Extreme Situations00:14:57 - Navigating Vulnerability and Risk00:18:08 - Karen's Journey of Growth and Accomplishments00:25:13 - The Olympic Experience and Its Challenges00:27:37 - Lessons Learned from the Olympic Journey00:30:57 - The Importance of Preparation and Planning00:38:06 - The Spreadsheet Method for Managing Fear00:41:30 - Quest 79: Encouraging Others to Embrace Challenges00:45:07 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Karen

Antifragility and Rowing Across the Pacific Ocean, with Brendan Cusick

In this episode of the Antifragile Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Brendan, a remarkable individual who recently completed the World's Toughest Row, an ocean rowing race from Monterey, California, to Kauai, Hawaii. Brendan and his team, which included a member living with Parkinson's, not only made history by becoming the first four-man American team to cross the mid-Pacific but also raised an astounding $43 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Brendan shared insights into the intense physical and psychological challenges faced during the 41-day journey, including navigating severe storms and the mental hurdles that arose. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, vulnerability, and communication, highlighting how their mantra, "we did a thing, we did it together," encapsulated their collective spirit.
We explored the relational dynamics within the team, the significance of building a supportive community, and the lessons learned about mental fortitude and resilience. Brendan's experiences in high-altitude climbing and endurance sports provided a foundation for his approach to the ocean row, illustrating how past challenges prepared him for this monumental task.
The conversation also touched on the importance of incremental growth and the mindset shifts necessary to embrace discomfort and push personal limits. Brendan's reflections on the emotional impact of reaching the finish line and the profound takeaways from the experience served as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within us all.
Join us as we delve into Brendan's incredible journey, the essence of antifragility, and the transformative power of facing our fears together.

Overcoming Trauma and Building Antifragility with Corrina Stasik

In this episode, Dr. Nick and Dr. Adam sit down with Corrina Stasik, creator of the podcast "My True Crime Life" and personal coach. Corrina shares her incredible journey of resilience, healing, and transformation, drawing parallels between her life experiences and the Netflix series "Ozarks."
Join us as we explore:
-Corrina's childhood and the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on her adult life.
-The power of vulnerability and how sharing her story has empowered both herself and others.
-The importance of safety, connection, and self-esteem in the healing process.
-The role of therapy, meditation, and nature in her journey toward antifragility. -Moving from resilience and healing to antifragility and thriving
 
Corrina's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential for growth after trauma. Whether you're on your own healing journey or simply curious about the science of resilience, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to check out Karina's new podcast, "Uprising," where she focuses on transformation and moving forward past trauma.
 
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Big 5 Personality Traits & Antifragility

In this episode we get into the intricate relationship between personality traits and antifragility. Building on last week's discussion about the proactive personality, we aim to unpack the science of personality and its implications for developing greater mental fortitude and resilience.
We begin by addressing a common concern among listeners: the fear that lacking certain proactive personality traits might preclude them from becoming antifragile. We emphasize that personality is not a fixed trait but rather a malleable aspect of human behavior. Drawing on emerging literature, we discuss how personality can be shaped by various factors, including genetics, environmental influences, and significant life events. This foundational understanding sets the stage for our exploration of the Big Five personality traits and their potential connections to antifragility.
The episode is structured around the Big Five personality traits:
Openness to Experience: We discuss how individuals high in openness tend to exhibit intellectual curiosity and a willingness to embrace novelty. This trait is linked to antifragility through the lens of curiosity, which encourages individuals to seek out uncertainty and learn from diverse experiences.
Conscientiousness: We explore the importance of self-discipline and organizational skills in fostering antifragile behaviors. Conscientious individuals are better equipped to navigate challenges and maintain focus on their goals, which enhances their ability to thrive in uncertain environments.
Extraversion: While the connection between extraversion and antifragility is less direct, we consider how sociability and assertiveness can create opportunities for resilience. We highlight that introverted individuals can also cultivate antifragile behaviors through different means.
Agreeableness: This trait reflects compassion and cooperation. We discuss how high agreeableness can facilitate collaboration and social support, which are essential for navigating challenges and fostering growth.
Neuroticism: We examine the inverse relationship between neuroticism and antifragility. Individuals with lower levels of neuroticism tend to be more emotionally stable and resilient, allowing them to better cope with stress and uncertainty.
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding personality as a dynamic construct that can be developed over time. We also touch on the HEXACO model, which introduces a sixth dimension—honesty and humility—and discuss its potential relevance to anti-fragility.
 
00:01:40 - Exploring Personality Flexibility00:04:30 - Malleability of Personality Traits00:05:50 - The Big Five Personality Traits Overview00:06:00 - Openness to Experience00:10:40 - Curiosity and Anti-Fragility00:12:20 - Conscientiousness00:14:50 - Extraversion00:17:00 - Agreeableness00:18:30 - Neuroticism00:20:00 - Subjectivity of Stressors00:21:30 - Summary of Personality Traits and Anti-Fragility00:22:00 - Introduction to HEXACO Model00:24:00 - Honesty and Humility in Anti-Fragility00:26:30 - Philosophical Questions on Thriving and Morality00:27:00 - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The Proactive Personality and Antifragility

In this episode, hosts Dr. Holton and Dr. Wright discuss key insights from Brendan Markey-Towler's seminal 2018 paper on what he describes as the "proactive personality" and its relationship to antifragility.
 
Key takeaways include:
-What a proactive personality is
-The role of a growth mindset in fostering antifragility
-How a scientific approach to knowledge acquisition can enhance adaptability
-The significance of courage and distress tolerance in facing challenges This episode also connects these ideas to the Big Five personality traits, examining how openness, assertiveness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism relate to antifragility.
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The Limitations & Measurement of Antifragility

In this episode, we unpack why this topic isn’t getting the attention it deserves, discuss the potential dangers of misapplying antifragility, and explore recent research that provides practical measures for assessing it. Here are three key takeaways from our discussion: 1. Understanding the Misconceptions: One of the primary reasons anti-fragility isn’t widely discussed is due to its complexity and the common misunderstanding that it’s synonymous with resilience. While resilience is about bouncing back from adversity, anti-fragility is about thriving and growing stronger in the face of challenges. This nuanced distinction is crucial, especially in a world where many are focused on reducing stress rather than embracing it as a catalyst for growth. 2. The Sweet Spot of Stress: We explored the idea that there is a "sweet spot" for experiencing stressors. Too little stress can lead to stagnation, while too much can result in burnout and mental health issues. It’s essential to find the right balance, considering factors like intensity, duration, and the subjective experience of stress. This understanding can help individuals and organizations create environments that foster growth and resilience without crossing into harmful territory. 3. Practical Measures for Antifragility: We discussed two recent studies that provide valuable insights into measuring anti-fragility. One study developed a 12-item measure that assesses psychological anti-fragility, while another focused on anti-fragility in the workplace. These measures highlight the importance of embracing disorder and ambiguity as tools for growth, reinforcing the idea that anti-fragility is a distinct construct that can be cultivated and assessed. Subscribe for more episodes and resources on enhancing your mental and emotional well-being! For more ZERO COST resources on antifragility...
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Why Antifragility? Relevance and Potential Impact

In this episode, Dr. Nick and Dr. Adam walk through some of the rationale for why we should be deeply interested and invested in developing antifragility. Particularly in the contexts of parenting, coaching, and education. A few takeaways... (1) The Importance of Embracing Adversity In our discussion, we highlight the alarming trends in mental health among adolescents, particularly post-COVID. Research shows that young people who face moderate adversity often report better long-term mental health outcomes. Instead of shielding our children from all discomfort, we should be equipping them with the skills to navigate challenges. This approach not only fosters resilience but also encourages growth through adversity, aligning perfectly with the principles of anti-fragility. (2) The Need for a Balanced Perspective on Well-Being We emphasize that focusing solely on happiness and well-being is incomplete. While positive psychology has its merits, it often overlooks the value of unpleasant emotions and experiences. Our conversation underscores the necessity of developing a nuanced understanding of emotional health—one that recognizes the importance of both thriving and the ability to cope with life's inevitable challenges. This balanced perspective is crucial for parents, coaches, and educators who aim to support the young people in their lives. (3) Navigating the Digital Landscape With the rise of technology and social media, we discuss the implications for young people's mental health. While these platforms can offer connection and support, they also present challenges that require careful navigation. We reference Jonathan Haidt's work on the impact of smartphones and the importance of distress tolerance. Teaching young people to manage their digital consumption and develop discipline around their cravings is essential for fostering a healthy relationship with technology.

"Via Negativa" How to Remove What's Not Helpful

In this episode, we dig into the concept of "via negativa", a principle introduced by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, which emphasizes the importance of removing the negative rather than constantly adding new elements to improve our lives. Join us we explore: 1. The essence of via negativa and its connection to environmental mastery 2. The philosophy of optimization through subtraction 3. Key concepts such as simplicity, redundancy, and the idea that "less is more" 4. Practical strategies for identifying and removing negative influences in your life, including toxic relationships and unproductive habits 5. The importance of aligning your actions with your values to enhance well-being and performance Whether you're a high performer looking to optimize your life or simply seeking to thrive amidst chaos, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you master your environment and cultivate resilience. Don't forget to check out our previous episodes for more on antifragility, psychological flexibility, and thriving in challenging times. Subscribe for more episodes and resources on enhancing your mental and emotional well-being!

Intro to Antifragility Psychology: Nassim Taleb and the Psychological Research

In this episode, Dr. Nick Holton walks you through the overlapping worlds of antifragility and psychology research. Dr. Holton discusses the mission of the Antifragile Academy and how it aligns with Nassim Nicholas Taleb's original work on antifragility, but he also takes it a step further. Throughout the segment, Dr. Holton explores the six key themes of antifragility according to Taleb, but also how those show up in the psychological literature, including: the barbell approach, skin in the game, optionality, via negativa, trial and error, and awareness. These themes map over to well-being, resilience, and performance psychology, and we detail the ongoing research efforts at TAA to further understand and leverage antifragility on a psychological level. If you're interested in unlocking your full potential, developing mental fortitude, and thriving in the face of adversity, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on antifragility and its implications for human flourishing. Key Points: Understanding the synergy between anti-fragility and psychology Exploring the six key themes of anti-fragility Discussing ongoing research efforts at the Anti-Fragile Academy Unpacking the relevance of anti-fragility for human potential and well-being