Maybe this is happening for you: On finding meaning in suffering | Axel Schura

The Proof with Simon Hill

Simon Hill

Nutrition, Health & Fitness, Self-improvement, Education

4.9 • 2.9K Ratings

🗓️ 3 November 2025

⏱️ 104 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

I’m joined by author and coach Axel Schura to explore how hardship can lead to transformation. Axel shares his story of stage four cancer and the mindset shifts that inspired his new book “Maybe This Is Happening For You, Not To You”. We discuss fear, recovery, and how to find strength and meaning when life feels uncertain. What We Cover Shifting from “why me” to “what now” Facing fear with curiosity and compassion Tools for anxiety and rebuilding confidence Lessons from Viktor Frankl and the Chinese farmer story The power of belief and responsibility in healing A moving reminder that even in our hardest moments, there is always the potential for growth and meaning. Connect with Axel on Instagram, where he shares insights on mindset, personal growth, and emotional resilience. You can also visit axelschura.com to learn more about his work and get his new book “Maybe This Is Happening For You, Not To You” at axelschura.com/maybe. For more of Axel’s content, including his podcast and YouTube channel, head to his Linktree. How Axel Shura Turned Pain Into Purpose After Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis (00:00) Confronting Death for the First Time (18:10) Reflecting on the Journey (25:11) Practical Advice for Dealing with Fear (41:03) Reframing Fear and Embracing Life (51:10) The Power of Feedback and Facing Judgment (55:34) Mini Risks and Overcoming Isolation (01:07:25) The Importance of Belief and Vision (01:12:30) The Chinese Farmer Story: Embracing Uncertainty (01:17:28) Radical Responsibility and Viktor Frankl's Influence (01:24:46) Concluding Thoughts and Reflections (01:29:49) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code LIVINGPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com. LMNT Stay hydrated with LMNT. Get a free Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavours with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/SIMON Find your favourite LMNT flavour, or share with a friend. And if you don’t like it? Full refund, no questions asked. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Today on The Proof, I'm welcoming back my good friend Axel Shura.
0:05.3	Axel's first time on the show was unforgettable.
0:08.3	He shared his story of being diagnosed with stage 4 Burkett lymphoma,
0:12.7	given just five days to live, and the remarkable journey that led him through treatment and recovery.
0:19.6	That first conversation was about the timeline of events, the diagnosis, the hospital
0:25.9	stay and the turning points.
0:29.4	This time our focus is different.
0:31.6	We dive into Axel's mindset and the philosophy that he's developed since that experience. We talk about neutrality, what it means to view life's events as neither good nor bad,
0:44.3	and how to hold that perspective while still feeling the full spectrum of human emotion.
0:50.3	We explore how Axel now thinks about past traumatic events and what it looks like to reframe
0:56.3	problems as challenges, even when life feels unbearable. If you've ever struggled to make sense of
1:03.4	hardship or wondered how to carry difficult experiences without letting them define you, this is a conversation
1:09.6	you simply won't want to miss.
1:12.8	Please enjoy.
1:17.8	I didn't get any tissues.
1:19.5	You didn't get any tissues?
1:20.6	No, so I might be using my job.
1:23.9	That's okay.
1:24.5	Well, maybe you won't.
1:25.8	I'm serious, though, this morning.
1:27.3	What was the name of that cafe that you sent me to?
1:30.2	Plant power.
	...

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