What does wellbeing look like when it involves walking barefoot across hot coals, smashing wooden boards with your hand, and standing on broken glass? In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel returns from one of the more… physically memorable retreats of her life, slightly singed in spirit and with a fresh appreciation for just how powerful the human mind can be when fear is no longer in charge.
Joined by Susan, the pair dive into the growing trend of extreme personal development experiences — from fire walking and glass walking to primal endurance challenges that promise transformation through confrontation with fear. Are these rituals profound breakthroughs that rewire our nervous system and expand our sense of what’s possible? Or are they simply very well-branded spectacles that look more like a health and safety violation than a path to self-growth?
Together, Rachel and Susan explore the psychology behind fear-based challenges, the science of focus and belief, and why pushing beyond perceived limits can sometimes unlock unexpected confidence, clarity and resilience. The conversation gently questions where courage ends and performative wellness begins — and whether you need to flirt with mild terror to reconnect with your inner strength.
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This episode is an honest, entertaining reflection on modern wellbeing culture, the allure of extreme experiences, and the timeless human desire to test ourselves at the edge of our comfort zones. Expect laughter, mild disbelief, and a thoughtful look at how empowerment doesn’t always come wrapped in calm breathing and herbal tea.
If you’ve ever been curious about fire walking retreats, extreme self-development practices, or the psychology of fear and courage, this episode offers a grounded, humorous perspective — with a strong recommendation not to attempt any of it in your own back garden.
Listen to Episode 16: Fire, Glass & Mild Terror
Available now on all major podcast platforms.
