This Is Why You Aren’t Happy: The Chimp Paradox Explained!

Begin Again with Davina McCall

FlightStory

Society & Culture, Self-improvement, Mental Health, Education, Health & Fitness

4.8 • 631 Ratings

🗓️ 10 July 2025

⏱️ 64 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of Begin Again, world-renowned psychiatrist and author of The Chimp Paradox, Professor Steve Peters, shares groundbreaking insights on managing our minds. With decades of experience working with elite athletes and professionals, Steve explains the Chimp Paradox theory, showing how understanding our "inner chimp" can transform mental and emotional well-being. Steve offers practical strategies to take control of our thoughts, behaviours, and decisions. Learn how to shift negative patterns, improve resilience, and make better choices for personal growth and performance. No matter your background, Steve’s advice helps you unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life. Packed with expert insights and real-world applications, this episode is essential for anyone looking to improve mental strength and well-being. 🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway? Follow me here: www.instagram.com/beginagain https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod Professor Steve Peters: Links: Short Courses - https://chimpmanagement.com/self-development/short-courses-with-prof-steve-peters/ website: https://chimpmanagement.com Socials: https://www.instagram.com/chimpmanagement_ltd?igsh=bHVsdGQxbHg1ZjFz (00:00) Intro (01:16) Origin of the 'Chimp System' & Chimp Paradox Explained (04:39) How 'The Machine' Hijacks Our Lives (06:19) The Amygdala & The First Success of the Chimp Model (08:12) How Steve's Book Changed the Game (08:41) Solving the Puzzle: Helping Others Find Success (09:24) Sports Therapy with Steven Gerrard & Chris Hoy (13:46) Unlocking the Power to Change from Within (17:04) Emotional Scars: Building Resilience in Children (21:04) The Role of Critical Parenting in Child Development (25:03) Navigating Strained Relationships and Making Tough Decisions (28:43) Understanding Your Brain: Living in Your 'Chimp Brain' (32:50) How the Brain Functions Like a Computer (34:56) Gremlins, Beliefs, & Behaviors: Understanding Their Impact (36:52) Life Experiences, Beliefs, and the Power of Reflection (39:56) Relationships, Suffering, & Emotional Growth (42:31) Rewiring Your Brain: Steps to Making Lasting Changes (46:06) Finding a Path Through the Jungle of Life (50:10) Steve's Workshops, Outreach, & Social Media Impact (55:14) Speaking to Your Inner Chimp: Practical Insights (01:01:18) Final Advice from Professor Steve Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	We have six major beliefs and behaviours that are destructive, and you don't know why you feel uneasy, you don't know why you're unhappy.
0:06.7	If we can learn to shift systems, we'll approach life very differently.
0:11.1	Really?
0:11.8	The chimp system. It's a survival mechanism, making decisions that are not rational.
0:16.2	The problem is a lot of people live in that all the time.
0:18.7	People say to me, have you got a chimp? And I keep saying, it's almost a gorilla.
0:22.8	So many people believe that they are stuck in a pattern, and you'll never escape it.
0:27.7	I was constantly in chimp brain.
0:30.1	So I stressed you in some way, and the chimp system lights up, and now you're very emotionally based.
0:35.4	And the problem is you're being hijacked.
0:37.3	So there's techniques of how to clear your brain
0:39.1	you have to try putting outside your head
0:41.0	all the problems because reality challenges
0:43.4	beliefs. Wow. And now
0:45.2	40 years are doing this. Everybody improves
0:47.7	and then you'll be the person you keep saying
0:49.6	I'd love to be. Always try and not
0:51.4	cry in this podcast. It's really hard.
0:54.4	The biggest problem I get with people listening is...
0:57.0	So, Professor Steve Peters, it's so nice to have you here with me today.
1:04.3	And I'd like to start with a question, actually, about...
1:09.7	First, thank you for invite me and call me steve right
	...

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