Curious AF

#23 How to Retrain Your Brain for Peak Performance and Lasting Change with George Haymaker III

• Luke Biermann • Episode 23

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What if the key to transforming your life lies in understanding the most powerful organ you have, your brain?

In this episode, Luke sits down with George Haymaker, entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and neuroscience educator, to unpack how the brain shapes our habits, addictions, and ultimately, our ability to change.

George shares his raw and powerful story of battling severe addiction, 50 pain pills a day and two bottles of vodka, before turning his life around through recovery and a deep dive into neuroscience. Today, he helps others rewire their brains to overcome destructive patterns, find alignment with their values, and unlock higher levels of performance and wellbeing.

This conversation is not just about addiction, it’s about identity, stress, motivation, and learning how to partner with your brain to live the life you actually want.

Key Takeaways: 

  • George’s rock-bottom moment and why recovery became his turning point
  • Why the brain is like a muscle, and how it can be retrained
  • The neuroscience of addiction: dopamine, cravings, and tolerance
  • Stress vs. chronic stress: learning to regulate your nervous system
  • The four heavy hitters for brain performance: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness
  • Why identity and values are critical for long-term transformation
  • How to build motivation that actually sticks

Guest Bio: 

George Haymaker is a neuroscience educator and performance coach who helps professionals unlock the full potential of their brains. After overcoming a powerful battle with addiction, George dedicated his life to understanding how the brain really works, and how to train it for higher capacity, sharper focus, and sustainable self-leadership.

Through his work, George teaches clients how to rewire unhelpful patterns, manage stress effectively, and build the mental infrastructure for lifelong performance. He works with growth-minded professionals and leaders who want more than surface-level tips, those ready to expand their mental bandwidth, improve clarity, and align their daily actions with their deepest values.

Resources & Links:

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast