The Purple Pawedcast

Today's show features Arnold Beekes and his story of overcoming the narratives that hold us back.  Arnold is an author, speaker, and Brain Fitness Trainer whose masterclasses help you uncondition your brain.  Arnold and I ponder topics as diverse as why it can be damaging to do as you're asked, why sporadic positive reinforcement may not overcome chronic negative reinforcement, and how technology can stifle critical thought.

REFERENCES:
Arnold Beekes’s Website:  https://braingym.fitness/
Follow Arnold on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnold.beekes
Follow Arnold on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@BrainGymFitness
Follow Arnold on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/arnold.beekes/
Follow Arnold on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastercoach
Follow Arnold on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoldbeekes/
--
Salvador Freixedo:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Freixedo
Roy Baumeister:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Baumeister
Losada Line:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_positivity_ratio

  • (00:00) - Opening credits
  • (00:37) - Show opening
  • (01:35) - Introducting Arnold Beekes
  • (02:28) - Doing exactly what you're told to do
  • (05:54) - The narrative vs the reality
  • (13:08) - Mitigating our loosh - negative energy
  • (18:05) - Critical positivity ratio: overcoming our patterns
  • (20:44) - Why is the world so unhappy?
  • (26:12) - Breaking out of the duality
  • (39:10) - Dealing with our flawed narratives
  • (43:36) - Technology as a menace to humanity
  • (49:43) - What we lack is critical thought
  • (52:07) - Brain Fitness: our complete cognitive faculty
  • (59:51) - How to find Arnold Beekes on the internet
  • (01:03:03) - Show closing
  • (01:04:20) - Closing credits
★ Support this podcast ★

Creators and Guests

Host
Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
Scientist, storyteller, and professional overthinker of all things identity. Also, I happen to be a transgender woman.

What is The Purple Pawedcast?

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).

Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.