In this episode of Resilience Redefined, Michael Ostrolenk sits down with Dr. Jenny Wade — consciousness researcher, author, and expert in extraordinary human capacities — to explore how ancient warrior rituals and modern neuroscience reveal the mind’s incredible power to transcend pain and fear.

From Norse battle trances to fire walking ceremonies, Dr. Wade unpacks how humans have long used ritual, rhythm, and focus to enter altered states that unlock strength, courage, and resilience far beyond the ordinary. Together, they discuss the psychology behind “going berserk,” the spiritual lessons hidden in pain, and how these same principles apply to modern life, leadership, and healing.

This episode will challenge your assumptions about the limits of the human body — and remind you that resilience begins in the mind.

Key Takeaways

• Altered states of consciousness can expand human capacity and resilience.
• Warrior rituals used rhythm, pain, and trance to overcome fear.
• Practices like fire walking demonstrate the power of belief and focus over pain.
• Modern neuroscience validates what ancient traditions already knew — the mind can rewire the body’s limits.
• Group rituals and synchronized movement foster deep trust and courage in teams.
• Resilience isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about transforming it into power.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Mind Over Matter

04:20 – The Science of Altered States

08:55 – Warrior Trance and the Norse Berserkers

15:10 – Fire Walking: The Psychology of Pain and Focus

20:40 – Ritual, Rhythm, and Resilience

28:15 – Modern Applications of Ancient Practices

33:50 – Expanding Human Potential