219 | Dr. Richard Blake: The Truth About Breathwork & Self-Development That Actually Works

In the first episode of the new RUNGA Radio, Joseph Anew introduces Dr. Richard Blake as the podcast’s new co-host. Richard—a PhD in Psychology, former Men’s Health model, and expert in Conscious Connected Breathwork—shares his personal journey through fitness, mental health struggles, psychedelics, and ultimately, breathwork as the missing link to real transformation.

Too many people are chasing the next biohack, the next breakthrough, the next psychedelic retreat—only to find themselves stuck in the same patterns. This episode challenges the status quo, offering a raw, honest look at what actually creates lasting change.

This episode covers:

Conscious Connected Breathwork – Richard shares insights from his PhD research, revealing how this style of breathwork downregulates the prefrontal cortex, allowing deep-seated emotions to surface for true processing. He explains why breathwork has effects comparable to psilocybin and why it may be the most accessible and sustainable tool for transformation.

Why Most Self-Development Doesn’t Work – From CrossFit to psychedelics to therapy, Richard has tested countless approaches to health and healing. He and Joseph discuss why so many self-development modalities fall short, the risks of self-obsession, and how to break free from the cycle of seeking without integrating.

The Real Goal of Optimization – Self-improvement is not just about feeling better or performing better—it’s about becoming a stable, reliable force in the world. Richard shares why true transformation isn’t just about personal growth but about building resilience and showing up for others.

Breaking the Cycle of Fitness and Mental Health Struggles – Richard opens up about how his early fitness obsession—driven by the belief that a Men’s Health cover would bring happiness—ultimately led to years of disordered eating and depression. He and Joseph explore how the wellness industry often reinforces unhealthy cycles under the guise of optimization.

The Missing Link Between Biohacking and Real Change – Many people dive into biohacking as a quick fix, but without the right foundation, the results rarely last. Richard and Joseph discuss why breathwork, community, and intentionality are the key to making sustainable changes rather than endlessly chasing the next breakthrough.

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