From leading high-pressure corporate teams to surviving a stage 3 kidney tumour and a near-fatal obstruction, James discovered that resilience isn’t built through grind—it’s built through presence, coherence, and deep rest. His story is a grounded reminder that slowing down isn’t stepping back; it’s stepping into clarity, purpose, and real strength.
We dive into the practices that reshaped his life: Taoist energy cultivation, nourishing food, afternoon rest, boundaries that honour the nervous system, and the moment a vision quest cracked open the belief that he needed to “prove” his worth. We also explore psychedelics, ego aftershocks, parenting with presence, and why boredom is a doorway—not a problem.
If you’re navigating midlife, burnout, career transitions, or a health wake-up call, this conversation offers language, tools, and grounded wisdom to help you create impact without sacrificing your wellbeing.
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⏱️ Chapter Markers
0:00 – Rewriting Midlife For Women
0:22 – Meet James Brett And His Work
2:58 – Corporate Peak And Pressure
4:33 – Turning Dysfunction Into Coherence
5:12 – Burnout Signs And Body Disconnect
6:38 – COVID Slowdown And Deep Practice
7:45 – Psychedelics, Ego, And Aftershocks
10:24 – Family, Fear, And Forgiveness
12:24 – Diagnosis And The Kidney Ordeal
15:23 – Surgery, Near-Death, And Surrender
17:10 – Taoist Healing And Full Recovery
18:39 – Vision Quest And Worthiness
22:12 – From Performance To Presence
24:36 – Resting As Being And Deep Listening
27:17 – Boredom, Phones, And Presence At Home
29:10 – Service, Boundaries, And Energy
32:37 – Purpose, Gene Keys, And Sharing
35:14 – Wisdom Over Knowledge
38:24 – Small Acts, Big Ripples
41:15 – Invitation To Listen And Connect
43:23 – Closing And Support Links