Don’t Count Your Calories

Building Confidence: Insights and Personal Journeys

This episode explores the theme of confidence, how it can be developed, and its impact on individuals and relationships. The speakers share personal stories about their own confidence levels and influences, drawing from their upbringing, the role of their friends, family's confidence levels, and involvement in public-facing professions. The conversation delves into the difference between confidence and arrogance, the role of criticism and positive reinforcement from friends, and the effects of social media on self-esteem. They offer tips for building confidence, such as self-reflection and placing value on criticism from those you respect and aspire to be like, rather than from negative or unsupportive sources.
 
00:00 Opening Remarks and the Importance of Confidence
00:46 The Role of Friendship in Building Confidence
02:18 Influence of Family on Confidence
03:27 Personal Journeys to Confidence
13:49 The Impact of Confidence in Relationships and Social Media
16:44 Distinguishing Confidence from Arrogance
18:22 Practical Tips for Building Confidence
21:33 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

The Truth Behind Cheating & Body Counts

Why do people cheat? Is it emotional, physical, or something more? Join us in Episode 11 as we delve deep into the reasons behind cheating from both men's and women's perspectives. We discuss everything from the impact of friends and societal norms to the intricacies of feminism and the significance of body count in today's dating world. This unguarded conversation aims to explore the multifaceted reasons behind infidelity and how it reflects on our relationships and self-worth. Plus, we chat about feminism, owning your body, and how it's unfair that guys and girls are judged differently for their pasts. It's all about how the world's changing and how that changes what we do.

Cultural Crossroads: American vs. Albanian Parenting

In this episode of "Don't Count Your Calories," hosts Edison and Lex share their personal milestones, including a recent engagement in Thailand and hint at more exciting news. They dive into a comparative discussion on American and Albanian (and broadly, Western vs. non-Western) parenting styles, reflecting on the differences in familial expectations, financial independence, and the societal pressures placed on children from a young age. The conversation spans a range of experiences, from the dynamics of living at home and allowances to culinary traditions and the importance of family connections. This episode not only celebrates their achievements but also offers a deep dive into how cultural backgrounds shape parenting and, ultimately, individual perspectives on life and responsibility.

Unpacking the American Dream

In this thought-provoking episode, Edison and Lex Rise dive deep into the structure of American society, exploring how the traditional path from education to employment doesn't always set one up for success. From the pitfalls of student loans to the lack of real-life skills taught in schools, they share personal insights and question the effectiveness of a system that seems to prioritize debt over education. Join them as they discuss the importance of financial literacy, the myth of the American Dream, and how to prepare the next generation for the realities of life.

Reframing Intelligence: Unlearning for Growth

In this episode of "Don't Count Your Calories," Edison and Lex Rise embark on a thought-provoking journey to redefine what intelligence truly means in today's world. They delve into the essence of understanding, empathy, and the ability to adapt one's beliefs in the face of new information. The couple shares insights into how social media shapes our perceptions and the importance of distinguishing genuine knowledge from repeated social media narratives. This conversation is a candid exploration of the power of unlearning to relearn, highlighting the value of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in personal growth and relationships

New Beginnings: Our NYC to Dubai Adventure and Personal Growth

In episode 7 of "Don't Count Your Calories," hosts Edison and Lex Rise discuss various aspects of their lives, focusing on personal growth and their decision to move from New York City to Dubai. They reflect on changes they've made in themselves and provide updates on their personal development journeys. Edison has been focusing on improving his fitness and time management, while Lex Rise praises his progress. They also discuss their decision to pursue the "75 Hard" program, which involves strict dietary and exercise regimens. They share their insights on leaving a major city, the benefits of exploring new horizons, and their perspective on the United States from an international vantage point. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of taking chances in life, seeking new experiences, and finding growth through

Mastering Mornings: The Key to Effective Time Management

In their extensive conversation, Lex Rise and Edison discuss a range of topics related to time management and personal development. They stress the significance of having a morning routine to start the day effectively and set the stage for productivity. Edison advises Lex Rise to wake up earlier for better control over her day, highlighting the benefits of conscious planning. They also advocate for setting weekly goals to maintain consistency in achieving them, rather than relying solely on yearly objectives. They emphasize the importance of managing personal time efficiently, as it's crucial for reaching one's personal goals. Furthermore, they caution against squandering time on social media and encourage making productive use of free time. Their conversation concludes with a commitment to improving time management and optimizing their daily routines.

Growing Together: Secrets of a Lasting Relationship

In this episode of the "Don't Count Your Calories" podcast, hosts Alexa and Edison explore the hallmarks of a healthy, enduring relationship. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, they stress the importance of continual growth and evolution within partnerships. The hosts emphasize that both individuals in a relationship should be committed to personal development, allowing them to grow together harmoniously. They advocate for open communication and tackling issues head-on rather than avoiding them. Amid the challenges and misconceptions surrounding modern relationships, Alexa and Edison underscore the need for consistent investment in time and effort, emphasizing that a successful relationship should be viewed as a unit, not just a collection of individual needs. This episode serves as a reminder that fostering a strong and lasting relationship requires understanding, growth, and unwavering commitment.

Single and Reflective: The Journey After a Breakup

In this episode of "Don't Count Your Calories" (Episode 4), hosts Edison and Alexa discuss the topic of how long one should remain single after a breakup. They delve into the different perspectives of men and women when it comes to post-breakup relationships and emphasize the importance of taking time to grieve, reflect, and learn from past relationships. They also touch on the pitfalls of rebound relationships and the need to avoid comparing new partners to old ones. Overall, they stress the significance of self-reflection and communication in navigating the transition from one relationship to the next.

Beyond the Surface: The Challenges of Modern Dating

In this episode of "Don't Count Your Calories," the hosts, Edison and Lex Rise, discuss the concept of dating down, where individuals date someone less attractive in the hope of a better relationship. They explore how this approach can backfire and lead to self-esteem issues. The hosts touch on the challenges of modern dating, including the emphasis on materialistic values, and offer advice on being genuine and focusing on personal growth and trajectory rather than just financial status in the dating world.