Weaponized Belonging, Pandemic Trauma, Social Media Anxiety & Reclaiming Your Autonomy | Mark Groves

WATCH THE FULL-LENGTH EPISODE HERE ON YOUTUBE! 

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Groves, human connection specialist and founder of Create the Love, for a candid look at how our digital world is reshaping emotional and physical health.

We discuss how propaganda during the pandemic weaponized belonging and shame, leaving deep nervous system imprints that still affect our relationships today. Mark explains how social media mirrors toxic relationship patterns - eroding our sense of self and driving anxiety, inflammation, and addiction.

He also shares how a six-month social media break changed his glucose levels, sleep, and mental clarity, offering a roadmap for anyone ready to rebuild autonomy and peace in the age of algorithms.

This is a conversation about reclaiming agency - in your relationships, your attention, and your health.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

•  The pandemic’s psychological toll and how propaganda weaponized belonging
• How language (“Do the right thing,” “Don’t kill grandma”) was designed to manipulate behavior
• The impact of fear, shame, and conformity on nervous system health
• Healing social disconnection and chronic stress as root causes of inflammation and disease
• How social media mimics an abusive relationship - and how to break the cycle
• The link between belonging, cortisol, and blood sugar dysregulation
• The six-month digital detox that changed Mark’s biochemistry and mental clarity
• Rebuilding choice and autonomy in a world of algorithmic control
• Parenting, boundaries, and creating safety for the next generation
• How to reenter social media with intention and balance

Products Mentioned:

• BodyBio Phosphatidylcholine - for cell membrane support
• Light Phone - minimalist secondary phone for digital detox
• Minimal Phone - distraction-free smartphone alternative
• Books:
  • Liberated Love by Mark Groves
  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt & Greg Lukianoff

Episode Resources & Sponsors:

• Visit gruns.co and use code WILLCOLE at checkout for up to 52% off your first order.
• Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/WILLCOLE.
• Grab the Pu’er Bundle and unlock 20% off for life, plus a complimentary gift. Explore their full line of living teas and wellness essentials at Piquelife.com/willcole.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole