Zero Fluff – Unfiltered Truth for Bold Minds

040. Be Your Own Biggest Fan (Because Here’s The Truth: No One Else Will) – Let go of false humility and claim the mic!

Is humility always a virtue—or can it hold you back? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s powerful article on why excessive modesty can be a subtle form of self-sabotage.
Dr. Huber questions whether constantly downplaying ourselves in the name of humility is truly admirable—or just a socially accepted way of staying stuck. Drawing from everyday life and historical examples, she shows that progress and fulfillment often require boldness, not self-erasure.
Rather than shrinking to fit, Dr. Huber invites us to treat life as a one-time opportunity—and to become our own biggest supporter.
Dave and Zoe discuss the line between confidence and arrogance, and why owning your light isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.
🎧 Listen now—and give yourself permission to take up space.
Read the full, original article here on Medium and discover Dr. Huber's coaching services on her website www.stefhuber.com.
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039. About Competition: The pointless race we’re all tired of running — with science!

Ever feel like you’re falling behind—without even knowing who you’re racing? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s article on the harmful effects of comparison, especially in competitive work environments.
Dr. Huber shares her own experience with envy and rivalry in the workplace to highlight the pointlessness of comparing ourselves to others. Everyone starts with different resources, paths, and challenges—so comparisons are rarely fair, and often damaging. She also cites research showing how competitive settings negatively impact mental health.
Instead, Dr. Huber encourages shifting focus inward: Measure your growth against who you were yesterday, not who someone else is today.
Dave and Zoe unpack why this mindset is so liberating, and how it can transform not just productivity, but well-being.
🎧 Listen now—and stop competing in a race that was never yours to run.
Read the full, original article here on Medium and discover Dr. Huber's coaching services on her website www.stefhuber.com.
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure quality and accuracy.

038. Turns Out, Knowing Yourself Saves You a Shitload of Time: Become your own Chief Strategy Officer and move from indecisiveness to clarity — once and for all

Tired of overthinking every big decision? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s article on how deep self-awareness can simplify even the most complex choices.
Dr. Huber argues that instead of starting from scratch with every life decision, we should invest in understanding our core self—including personality, values, and long-term goals. She recommends tools like the Big Five Inventory, CliftonStrengths, and shadow work exercises to build that internal clarity.
With this foundation, major decisions become clearer because they’re aligned with your unique identity and purpose. Dave and Zoe explore how creating a personal life strategy can help you stop second-guessing and start moving forward with confidence.
Tune in for a grounded discussion on decision-making, self-reflection, and the real meaning of clarity.
🎧 Listen now—and start making choices that truly fit you.
Read the full, original article here on Medium and discover Dr. Huber's coaching services on her website www.stefhuber.com.
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure quality and accuracy.

037. You’re Not Broken — You’re Just Living Someone Else’s Life: If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this really all there is?” — this is why you feel stuck (and how to fix it)

Are you living your own life—or someone else’s? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s article on why so many people feel lost—not because they lack direction, but because they’ve spent years following expectations instead of their authentic selves.
Dr. Huber explains how societal conditioning, especially between the ages of 15 and 40, can pull us away from who we truly are. She highlights a crucial turning point around 40—a moment where we either reclaim our authenticity or risk a lifetime of regret. To help navigate this, the article introduces a simple daily exercise: asking yourself whether you would choose to keep living your current life.
Dave and Zoe discuss why self-reflection is so uncomfortable, how small shifts can lead to realignment, and what it takes to break free from external pressures.
Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on identity, personal growth, and designing a life that truly feels like yours.
🎧 Listen now—and start choosing you.
Read the full, original article here on Medium and discover Dr. Huber's coaching services on her website www.stefhuber.com.
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure quality and accuracy.

036. Stop Optimizing the Wrong Things — The Hidden Reason Productivity Hacks Keep Failing You

Are productivity hacks really the answer, or are we running a marathon in Crocs? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s article on why most productivity tips don’t work—because they focus on advanced techniques before establishing a solid foundation.
Dr. Huber argues that true productivity starts with the basics: physical health, mental clarity, and fundamental skills. Without these, even the best hacks won’t stick. She also emphasizes the importance of clarifying goals and setting boundaries before layering on complex strategies.
Dave and Zoe discuss why so many people chase shortcuts instead of fixing foundational issues—and how small shifts in daily habits can create lasting efficiency.
Tune in for a practical conversation on sustainable productivity, avoiding common pitfalls, and getting real results.
🎧 Listen now—and start building a productivity system that actually works!
Read the full, original article here on Medium and discover Dr. Huber's coaching services on her website www.stefhuber.com.
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure quality and accuracy.

035. The People-Pleasing Trap: How Saying Yes Is Secretly Destroying You And Others

Are you putting everyone else’s needs above your own? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s 2025 article "The People-Pleasing Trap," which uncovers the hidden costs of constantly seeking harmony at the expense of personal boundaries.
Dr. Huber dives into the psychological roots of people-pleasing and how this behavior, often seen as kindness, can lead to exhaustion and resentment. Drawing on studies from PsychCentral, Psychology Today, and YouGov, she identifies common patterns and explains why so many struggle to say no. More importantly, she offers four actionable strategies to break free from the cycle and set healthier boundaries.
Dave and Zoe discuss why people-pleasing is so hard to unlearn, how social expectations reinforce it, and what it takes to reclaim your own needs.
Tune in for a conversation on self-worth, assertiveness, and the power of saying no.
🎧 Listen now—and start prioritizing yourself!
Read the full, original article here on Medium and discover Dr. Huber's coaching services on her website www.stefhuber.com. Claim your free 45 min. Intro Coaching Session today to set some boundaries!
Recommended books:
The Art of saying no by Damon Zahariades.
Not nice: Stop people pleasing, staying silent and feeling guilty by Aziz Gazipura.
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure quality and accuracy.

034. The 27-Hour Day: How I Reclaimed Time Without Compromising Sleep – Become The Master Of Your Own Time And Reset Your Rhythm

What if you could extend your day—without sacrificing rest? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s March 2025 article, "The 27-Hour Day," which details her experiment in restructuring time to make space for more fulfilling activities.
Dr. Huber shares her journey from unhealthy work habits to wasted free time—and how she finally found balance by adjusting her schedule to align with her natural sleep rhythm. By shifting her waking hours forward, she unlocked extra “conscious” time for creativity and deep work before the demands of the day set in.
Dave and Zoe discuss how small shifts in routine can create more meaningful hours, why traditional productivity hacks fall short, and how listeners can find their own optimal rhythm to reclaim lost time.
Tune in for insights on time management, energy alignment, and making the most of every hour.
🎧 Listen now—and start designing your ideal day!
Read the full, original article here on Medium.
Claim your free 45 minute Coaching Intro Session at www.stefhuber.com.
Dive deeper into the topic with these book recommendations by Dr. Stef Huber:
4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure accuracy and quality.

033. Are Your Values Truly Yours — or Just What Society Wants? A Step-By-Step Guide To Revealing What Really Drives You — Beyond Social Conditioning.

Are your values really yours—or just borrowed from society? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch dive into Dr. Stef Huber’s March 2025 article, which offers a step-by-step guide to identifying your true values—and filtering out the ones that don’t belong.
Dr. Huber challenges traditional value exercises, arguing that pre-made lists often lead to choosing socially desirable values rather than personal ones. Instead, she suggests starting with a blank page and using reflection questions to uncover what truly drives you. The article also introduces four key criteria to distinguish real from fake values—and explores why money and status often fall into the latter category.
Dave and Zoe discuss how redefining values can shift priorities, improve decision-making, and create a more authentic life.
Tune in to explore what really matters—and how to make sure your values are truly your own.
🎧 Listen now and start redefining your priorities!
Read the full, original article here on Medium.
Discover how Dr. Huber's can help you to thrive in life and live true to your values via her website www.stefhuber.com. 
Recommended reading: Authentic by Stephen Joseph
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure accuracy and quality.

032. From Overwhelmed to Blissful: The 10-Second Productivity Bliss Hack: How a tiny change in my schedule created instant joy and purpose

What if adding a single color to your calendar could change your life? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch explore Dr. Stef Huber’s Medium article on a simple yet powerful method to boost joy and purpose in everyday life.
Dr. Huber shares how she introduced "purple slots"—calendar entries dedicated to personal growth and long-term goals. What started as a weekly experiment became a daily ritual that holds as much weight as work commitments. And the best part? It only takes 10 seconds to implement.
Dave and Zoe discuss how small shifts in planning can lead to big changes in mindset, productivity, and fulfillment. Could a simple scheduling trick be the key to a more meaningful life?
Tune in to discover an effortless habit that helps you prioritize what truly matters.
🎧 Listen now—and start making space for what moves you!
Read the full, original article here on Medium and claim your free, 45 minute Intro Coaching Session to discover what a meaningful life looks like to you at www.stefhuber.com
Recommended read: Die with Zero – by Bill Perkins.
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure accuracy and quality.

031. The Secret to Irresistible Stories: Do You Dare to Write Like This? — The Hack Nobody on Medium Told Me About

What makes a story truly gripping? In this episode, Dave Flenagan and Zoe Hirsch dive into Dr. Stef Huber’s February 2025 article on the power of fearless writing—inspired by the film Luckiest Girl Alive.
Dr. Huber shares a simple yet bold writing tip she found missing on Medium: write as if no one will ever read it. By doing so, writers can tap into their raw, unfiltered truth and unlock their most compelling voice. But embracing this level of honesty comes with both fear and liberation.
Dave and Zoe discuss why vulnerability makes storytelling powerful, how fear of judgment holds writers back, and what happens when we stop censoring ourselves.
Tune in for insights on writing, creativity, and the courage to tell your real story.
🎧 Listen now—and start writing like no one’s watching!
Read the full, original article here on Medium and check Dr. Huber's website www.stefhuber.com for her coaching offering that is open to anyone striving for more – in life or work. 
This podcast contains AI-generated content that has been reviewed to ensure accuracy and quality.