• AoE #30 - Transcending Ambivalence and Aligning Motivation
    Jan 1 2025

    🎙️Episode 30: Transcending Ambivalence and Aligning Motivation (New Year 2025) 🎧Welcome to Episode 30 of Agents of Everything. In this New Year's Day 2025 special we dive head first into the natural human struggle with conflicting desires and motivations. Join me as we explore the art and craft of balancing creativity and productivity, and aligning our differing fears and desires. We discuss the nature of human motivation and discover how the concept of "parts" or "agencies"(referencing AI researcher Marvin Minsky) can help us live at the level of ‘higher choice’. Discover how to transcending ambivalence, avoiding dysfunction from dominating ‘parts’, and the begin your journey of aligning your inner motivations with your higher values. Whether you're setting new goals for the year or seeking harmony within your priorities, my hope is this will offer you valuable perspectives to guide you on your path to personal mastery.

    As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).

    All the very best

    James Tripp

    🔍 AI Timestamps:

    00:00 Discussing motivation and promoting an audiobook release.

    07:09 Ambivalence arises from conflicting motivations.

    12:25 Balancing conflicting desires requires skilled decision-making.

    18:29 Multiple internal parts collaborate for various functions.

    22:35 Brains evolved for simplicity, modern life complex.

    29:21 One focused intent takes precedence in execution.

    33:46 Cravings persist despite new healthier habits.

    40:31 Reflect on desires to understand personal motivations.

    45:37 Procrastination desires peace, but balance is crucial.

    51:42 Seeking strength through self-hypnosis, not indulgence.

    54:44 Embrace non-judgmental awareness for self-discovery.

    01:03:05 Focus attention for increased productivity, avoid distractions.

    01:06:52 Live event recordings forced productivity despite resistance.

    01:13:05 Welcome questions, conversation, mastery, deeper understanding.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • AoE #29 - Shamanics, Hypnotics, Neuroscience and Change with Melissa Tiers
    Nov 4 2024

    🎙️Episode 29: Shamanics, Hypnotics, Neuroscience & Change with Melissa Tiers 🎧

    Welcome to episode 29 of Agents of Everything. For this episode I (James Tripp) am joined by integrative hypnotist Melissa Tiers for a revealing conversation through which explore the realms of shamanism, hypnotics, and neuroscience, exploring how these diverse areas intersect with the art of change.

    (The image of me on the poster is the one we are laughing about at the front end of the podcast!).

    This is a conversation (as opposed to an interview) so we are both sharing our philosophies on equipping clients with tools for self-improvement, teaching them to manage emotions, and influencing their minds in creative ways. We also reflect on the legacy of Milton Erickson, improvisation in therapy, and the evolving understanding of change creation. The episode unfolds themes of personal growth, the playful side of professional self-identification, and the power of being present in the moment.

    Beyond hypnosis And changework the conversation ranges from managing dreams through lucid dreaming to the improvisational nature of life, and we hope that the resulting tapestry of ideas challenges conventional frameworks and encourages curiosity.Join us as we explore the intersection of performance, therapy, and the profound impact of staying open to new experiences and methodologies on the path of personal transformation.Also please do give the episode a ❤️ if you appreciate it!

    Melissa Tiers ‘Fix Your S**t’ Live in London (7th December 2024)

    🔍 Episode Contents:

    00:00 Hypnotist specializing in transformative change work.

    08:39 Dynamic systems involve perpetuating and transformative patterns.

    11:14 James thinks multilayeredly; others' dialogues influence perception.

    20:24 Train well before giving materials for review.

    22:29 Critique of evidence based’ hypnosis and change work

    29:36 Therapies differ superficially, core unchanged universally.

    35:36 Autobiographical self: Memory-based self-perception stories.

    40:32 McGilchrist's book profoundly changed James’ consciousness.

    42:36 Loss of certainty arising from neuroscientific learnings

    49:53 Books, technology and learning.

    57:38 Auto-trancework and self-hypnosis.

    58:41 Experience and knowledge shape self-hypnosis capabilities.

    01:07:13 NLP techniques training internal competencies through experiences.

    01:09:25 Teaching self-hypnosis subtly acquires unconscious skills.

    01:17:53 Trepidation about the mysterious ‘Chapter 13’.

    01:23:42 Ericksonian language and individuality.

    01:29:36 Fixing procrastination through intensive breakthrough sessions.

    01:34:26 Training builds confidence for real-world learning interactions.

    01:37:28 Transformational work unites practitioners with personal growth.

    01:44:15 Melissa’s ‘Fix Your Shot’ UK workshop.

    01:48:08 Recurring obstacle dream resolved by lucid dreaming.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 50 mins
  • AoE #28 - Creativity, Changework and Life with Bill O'Hanlon
    Aug 10 2024
    🎙️Episode 28: Creativity, Changework and Life with Bill O'Hanlon 🎧In this episode I am in conversation with the magnificent Bill O'Hanlon. Bill is amongst tother things a songwriter, a retired psychotherapist (of some note), author of over 40 books and expert analyst of the work of Milton H. Erickson. Together here we embark on a journey through themes of therapy, hypnosis, music composition, and the profound impact of embracing creativity and uncertainty in both ones professional and personal lives.Our conversation spans various topics, ranging from the philosophical aspects of Ericksonian hypnosis to the importance of flexibility and improvisation in coaching, therapy and changework. Bill also shares his experiences as a professional songwriter……and emphasizes the spiritual and creative aspects of his work, comparing it to poetry and underlining the absence of formulas in his approach to changework. Beyond this we also explore the challenges of writing books and the discipline required to overcome procrastination and perfectionism… and so much more!More about Bill at: https://www.billohanlon.org/🔍 Episode Contents:Topic: Changework: Philosophy and Appraoch- Danger of therapists assuming expertise and knowing what's deeply hidden to the client- Value of humility and uncertainty in therapeutic approaches- Comparison of strategic versus formulaic approaches to therapy- Importance of dialogue and serendipity in therapy/changework- Questioning ‘diagnostic labeling’- Distinction between diagnostic and dialogic approaches- Co-creation and responsiveness in dealing with complex systems- Impact of Milton Erickson's approach to the unconscious mindTopic: Creativity, Motivation and Changework- Bill O'Hanlon's four energies concept - blissed, blessed, pissed, and dissed- Driven to change the world due to dissatisfaction with the status quo- Comparison of change work to poetry and the importance of creative engagement- Importance of personalization and improvisation in therapy- The role of creativity in change work- The role of motivation in change workTopic: Hypnosis- Use of permissive language and passive voice in hypnosis- Emphasis on permissive and non-controlling language in hypnosis- Philosophical and experiential aspects of Ericksonian hypnosis- Impact of immersion in the philosophy of Erickson on overall approach to life- The healing value of permissive, inclusive hypnosis and permission giving- Some thoughts on NLPTopic: Creativity, Books, Music and Songwriting- The creative and spiritual aspect of Bill O'Hanlon's songwriting- Importance of putting creative work out into the world- Overcoming procrastination and perfectionism in creative endeavors- Balance between enjoying the creative process and strategically pursuing opportunities- Challenges of writing books compared to other creative endeavors- Devotion to writing influenced by passion for communication and positive change- The challenging process of writing a book and overcoming procrastinationTopic: Personal Growth and Life Philosophy- The significance of collaboration and co-creation in therapy and creative endeavors- Importance of embracing both yin and yang in life- Finding a balance between extremes in life- Influence of past experiences on making positive changes in the world- Steven Gilligan and embodiment of Ericksonian spirit- Rossi and EricksonTopic: Production of Creative WorkSub-topics:- Bill O'Hanlon's journey of getting his songs recorded and out into the world- Balancing enjoying the creative process with strategic pursuit of opportunities- Importance of overcoming procrastination and perfectionism in creative work- Discipline and motivation to write and create music- Overcoming perfectionism and procrastination in writing and creative work- Impact of contracts with deadlines and payments on motivation to writeAs always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • AoE #27 - History, Progress and Personal Change with Dr. Paul J Leslie
    Jul 9 2024

    🎙️Episode 27: History, Progress and Personal Change with Dr. Paul J Leslie 🎧

    In this episode of Agents of Everything, renowned psychotherapist, author, and educator Dr. Paul J Leslie joins me for an insightful conversation on history, progress, and personal change. As we explore the impact of the internet on parenting, the importance of achieving balance in handling technology and media consumption, and the need for general semantics education and critical thinking you may find yourself gaining valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the modern world! Beyond the above, we also dive into the art of changework, the significance of authenticity and being true to oneself as a facilitator of the process, and the evolving landscape of psychology and personal development. With a focus on fostering open-hearted and present interactions and embracing growth and learning, we invite you - as you listen and beyond - to see possibilities, take action, and move toward positive outcomes.

    🔍 Episode Contents:

    00:00 Introduction

    07:00 Interest in people led to history and psychology.

    14:15 Finding peace in life's cyclical nature and passing on the baton.

    17:25 Human and personal history are cyclical cycles and Korzybski’s ‘time binding’

    21:24 Finding balance and positivity in life.

    28:24 Teach general semantics, embrace diversity, and critical thinking.

    32:14 Internet shapes rich, complex world with biases.

    36:40 The psychotherapy marketplace pushes certain approaches (evidence base vs creativity).

    41:08 Working with people over ‘diagnosis’.

    48:15 Trashy TV and empathy.

    52:50 Dialogic changework approach fosters co-creation and exchange.

    59:14 Martial arts training and trauma-informed therapy.

    01:04:00 Teaching aliveness and co-creativity in therapy.

    01:12:43 Importance of character, relationship and energy in interactions.

    01:15:00 Individuality and unique ability.

    01:21:42 Client's experiences are mystical and valuable.

    01:23:10 Importance of being authentic and present in interactions.

    As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).

    All the very best

    James Tripp



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 27 mins
  • AoE #26 - How to Choose When the Path Ahead is Unclear
    Jun 20 2024

    🎙️Episode 26: How to Choose When the Path Ahead is Unclear 🎧

    In this episode we explored the myth of the correct decision and how it paralyzes us. Life is about engaging with the dynamic, unfolding world. It's not about getting it right, but about moving forward with adaptive responsiveness. By embracing the philosophy of "no big deal," we can free ourselves from the burden of excess importance and learn to create with the world brings. Whether in impro theatre, hypnosis or life, the key is to engage and act, accepting that mistakes are a natural part of the process.

    🔍 Episode Contents:

    Primary Topic: The Myth of the Correct Decision

    * Analysis paralysis and prevarication due to the belief in a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ decision

    * The bind of trying to make a ‘correct’ decision when the consequences can only be known only after an actual choice (decision + action) is made

    * The influence of internal judgments and the subjective nature of deciding between right and wrong choices

    * The adoption of an ineffective strategy driven by the myth of the correct decision instead of fluid adaptation

    Primary Topic: The Deeper Presuppositions

    * Attachment to avoiding ‘mistakes’

    * The debilitating mental habit of assigning excess importance to decision-making

    * Learning to handle anything that comes one's way and creating with whatever life presents

    Primary Topic: Living with the Philosophy of "No Big Deal"

    * Relating to life as a correction of one mistake into the next

    * Letting go of the concept of perfection

    * The toxic nature of regret

    Primary Topic: The Ability to Improvise

    * The illuminating parallels between life and the craft of impro theater

    * “Never block an offer"

    * The removal of judgment and the acceptance of and creation with every circumstance

    Primary Topic: Choice as Connected to Action

    * The distinction between ‘decision’ and ‘choice’

    * Emphasizing the dynamic nature of ‘choosing’

    * The recognition of infinite choice within finite circumstances

    * The importance of Adaptiveness

    Primary Topic: Creating with the Unfolding

    * Unpacking the methodology of engaging with the unfolding process

    * The generative choice of counting victories and discounting defeats

    * Applying principles of engaging and creating with unfolding circumstances in hypnosis

    So let's stride forward, embrace the unknown, count our victories and create with what comes up!As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).

    All the very best

    James Tripp



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • AoE #25 - Financial Freedom and Self Expression with James Lavers
    Jun 15 2024
    🎙️Episode 25: Financial Freedom and Self Expression with James Lavers 🎧Welcome back to Agents of Everything. In this episode I am in conversation with James ‘No.Guru’ Lavers. James is the guy who saved my financial bacon back in the 2008 global financial crisis, through his business (though James doesn't look at it that way), impact and creation mentoring.In this rich conversation James shares his wisdom on topics such as developing money making skills, engineering paydays, the path of the public figure versus the private figure, working with Tony Robbins and Bob Proctor, facing criticism, realising goals, creative expression in the market place and so much more. (FULL CONTENT BREAKDOWN BELOW).You can find James Lavers online at no.guruAs always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you do and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself as a creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp🔍 Episode Contents:Primary Topic: Intelligence, Lay Skills and Academic Work* Lavers reflects on the idea that some become experts in certain modalities (such as NLP) showcasing intelligence without doing the academic work* Flaunting expertise as a path to feeling intelligentPrimary Topic: Inner Work for Practitioners* James Tripp discusses the importance of practitioners doing inner work to improve their craft and overcome personal patterns hindering their success* Tripp discusses his experience of facing pushback and criticism when entering the hypnosis field and the personal growth that came from it* Lavers highlights the value of facing scrutiny and criticism in honing one's ideas and productsPrimary Topic: Financial Independence and Entrepreneurship* Lavers and Tripp discuss the impact of developing the ability to ‘engineer paydays’ * The drivers of freedom and independence from working for others* Tripp shares his experience of initially doing Hypnosis Without Trance and growing his business (under the mentorship of Lavers)* Discussion on making money from serving ‘unknown audiences’ and the importance of understanding modern buying and selling dynamics* Being a Public Figure Vs Private Figure, including the trade-offs and expectation sets of each choice.* The importance of realistic expectations relating to each choicePrimary Topic: Self-Expression and Creativity* James Lavers and James Tripp discuss the importance of selling an idea, adapting to market demands, and the need for artists to have income-generating skills while maintaining artistic integrity* Importance of selling an idea and artistic integrity* Cocreation, testing ideas with the market before fully developing them* Reflections on the origins of Hypnosis Without Trance* Embracing uncertainty and the role of surprise in the creative process* Fear of death, releasing the excess importance placed on others' opinions, and embracing risk as a part of lifePrimary Topic: Values and Meaning* Emphasizing the significance of valuing and acknowledging what one has in life and creating from a place of passion rather than just for monetary gain* Reflections on choices in life, suffering as part of the journey, and the importance of embracing the role that one has in lifePrimary Topic: Career Trajectory and Public Figure Status* The demands of being a public figure, making choices in life, and accepting both positive and negative aspects* The career trajectories of successful individuals, transitioning from private to public figures, and being known for knowing things* The impact of life's challenges and discomfort on growth and meaningPrimary Topic: Importance of Serendipity and Action Taking in Creation* The value of small, practical tools and the power of following personal dreams and intuitions* The concept of finding one's purpose and having a direction of travel, and the idea that creation reveals itselfPrimary Topic: Deeper Fears - Personal Anecdotes and Reflections* Reflecting on experiences of receiving harsh emails, addressing academic underachievement and fear of being seen as stupid, and accepting and owning perceived flawsPrimary Topic: Unpredicted Success and Belief in Destiny* The unexpected success of Hypnosis Without Trance* Lavers' shares his thoughts on destiny* How James Lavers' came to work with Tony Robbins, years after Robbins’ audiotape set cured his blushingPrimary Topic: Market Changes and Fear of Being Unlikable* Reflecting on the changing landscape of the industry* Resistance coming from fears of being unlikable and stupidPrimary Topic: Value of Inner Work and Overcoming Criticisms* Victor Frankel's distinction between passive and active life, and the value of addressing and owning fears* Tripp talks about almost quitting due to personal attacks ...
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 22 mins
  • AoE #24 - Are Your Problems Real or Just In Your Head?
    Jun 12 2024
    🎙️Episode 24: Are Your Problems Real or Just In Your Head? 🎧Welcome to another episode of Agents of Everything: the podcast that delves into the complexities of the mind, human interaction, and the challenges we face in our daily lives. In today's we explore this most important of questions: "Are your problems real or just in your head?"Join me in unravelling the feedback loop between the mind and the body, discuss real-life case studies, and dissect how our perceptions shape our reality. From helping military veterans transition to civilian life to navigating personal and familial challenges, we'll venture into the depths of the human mindset and the influence it has on the world around us. Get ready to gain a new perspective as we navigate the complex terrain of human experience and the role of the mind in shaping our reality.As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).All the very bestJames Tripp🔍 Episode Contents:Primary Topic: Understanding the Feedback Loop Between Body and Mind- The case of a client with a meniscal tear who ended up disabled due to avoiding rehab for fear of pain.- The importance of recognizing the role of mindset versus external circumstances in problems and guiding individuals towards making necessary changes.- The work with military veterans for a Rock to Recovery organization transitioning to civilian life, often with a diagnosis of PTSD.Primary Topic: Shifting Mindset and Taking Action to Change Circumstances- The importance of choosing how to relate to situations, such as dealing with anti-English sentiment in Scotland.- Using conversational hypnosis approaches to encourage mindset shifts and finding peace.- The case study of a client who felt misunderstood and misrepresented by his siblings and changing his mindset to find peace.Primary Topic: The Role of Mind in Psychosocial Problems- Distinguishing between diagnosing issues in mechanical systems like a car versus the complexity of diagnosing problems in the human body.- How thinking plays a part in psychosocial issues and changing thinking impacting engagement and feedback loops in social systems.Primary Topic: Problems are Real or Just in the Mind- The distinction between problems that exist externally and those that are mind-made or influenced by thinking.- The challenge of helping people shift their mindsets about external problems that require a different perspective.- Examples of individuals experiencing a positive shift in their mindset to improve their situations.Primary Topic: Influence of Mind and Perception on Problems- The "sucker's game" where people see the problem as external and get stuck in unchangeable situations.- Cognitive bias like "how I see it is how it is" and "what I see is all there is" limiting people from considering new perspectives and options.- The mind's perception and response to a situation contributing to how that situation unfolds.Primary Topic: External Problems and the Role of Mind- The distinction between the physical world and the psychosocial world, emphasizing the role of mind and human interactions in the latter.- Understanding how one relates to a problem influences the solutions chosen and the experience of engaging with those solutions.- Paranoia as an example of a problem that is 100% mind-made, with the mind creating a reality that may not fully align with actual events.⌛ Timestamps:00:00 Addressing human problems, not broader societal issues.09:07 Supporting veterans and civilians through music therapy.11:55 Helping people get unstuck for a better future.20:08 Interacting with values and needs determines problem.22:36 Husband paranoid about wife's activities, escalates conflict.28:52 Defending fear but wants to get rid of it.32:32 Anti-English sentiment in Scotland, varying degrees.39:23 Conflict over solution causes sleepless nights.43:51 Finding peace by changing perspective and actions.53:06 Misinterpreting pain led to physical and mental decline.54:21 Rehab after surgery influenced by problem formulation.01:00:32 Cases study - financial and health challenges (zero hours contract).01:06:29 Problems persist due to perceptual sets.01:10:04 Adapting to changing global economic conditions, market. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • AoE #23 - Understand You Control Nothing, But Influence Everything
    May 28 2024

    🎙️Episode 23: Understand You Control Nothing, But Influence Everything! 🎧Welcome to episode 23 of Agents of Everything, where we explore the intricate balance of control and influence in life's complex systems. In this episode, we shine a light on how neurolinguistic programming (NLP) can help us navigate the complexities of the 21st century. From understanding systems to embracing emergent phenomena, we make our way into dynamic interplay of interdependent elements that shape our reality. Join me in unpacking the nature of influence and control, the unpredictability of complex systems, and the art of achieving desired outcomes in the vast network of our interconnected world.

    🔍 Episode Contents:

    00:00 The focus is on achieving positive outcomes.

    05:57 Predictable, interrelated parts create controllable, unified system.

    07:46 Systems are hierarchical and interrelated, forming wholes.

    10:47 Driving is in our control until it's not.

    14:18 Car parts are non-adaptive, complex systems adaptive.

    19:58 Emergent behavior in ant colonies and riots.

    22:57 Neurolinguistic programming and complexity in control systems.

    26:11 Financial system can be nonlinear and unpredictable.

    28:01 Navigating complex systems to influence desired outcomes.

    32:46 Receiving inputs but giving opposite results, influence in systems.

    36:22 Dialogic approach focuses on creating difference in real-time.

    38:32 Understanding sports dynamics, training, and influence.

    44:42 Control butterfly effects and steer towards goal.

    45:53 Closing unusual episode, invite questions and interaction.

    As always, I hope you get much goodness from this episode of Agents of Everything - if you so and would like to deepen your engagement, please consider joining the Agents of Everything Nexus - a Live monthly open frame mentoring call plus ongoing license to ask me anything plus access to the nexus resource library (over 270 sessions on creating yourself creator of a life that you love).

    All the very best

    James Tripp



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamestripp.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins