Nothing Can Touch You: Finding Peace Beyond Praise and Criticism

Nothing Can Touch You: Finding Peace Beyond Praise and Criticism

This episode sheds light on the personal battles against criticism, self-doubt and the emotional rollercoaster of other people’s moods. Todd Perelmuter talks about how easy it is to get hooked on praise from someone who can flip to harsh judgement the next minute, and how that dynamic can leave you anxious, exhausted and constantly on edge.

Drawing on a story from his own life about growing up around relentless negativity, Todd explains how many people end up believing they’re responsible for someone else’s outbursts. He suggests a surprising antidote: stop chasing praise as much as you stop fearing criticism. As he puts it, when you’re hooked on both, you’re just “on someone else’s rollercoaster” instead of living from your own steady centre.

You’ll hear how gratitude, presence and a softer view of yourself can act like a “bulletproof vest” against cruel words. Todd points out that insults only hurt when they land on a solid ego; when there’s less attachment to identity and more focus on kindness and compassion, those words pass straight through. Negative people become “teachers” rather than threats, showing you where your patience, peace and boundaries still need strengthening.

He also touches on neuroplasticity and how practices like meditation can literally reshape the brain, helping you respond differently to old triggers. Throughout, the tone stays gentle and practical, reminding you that it’s possible to care about others without letting their chaos dictate your inner state.

If you’ve ever felt dragged down by someone else’s moods or stuck replaying old criticisms in your head, this episode offers a calm, grounding perspective and a simple question: what if just being yourself, with genuine kindness, is already more than enough?