When you realize you are not your thoughts, but the thinker of your thoughts, everything changes. That’s where true freedom begins.
– George Haymaker
In a world where most of our daily actions and decisions are governed by subconscious patterns, George Haymaker invites us to pause and ask a powerful question: who’s really in control—you or your brain? As a transformational guide and advocate for conscious living, George has made it his mission to help people understand how their minds work, why they get stuck, and how to retrain the brain for lasting change. With deep insights into neuroplasticity, the dopamine reward system, and the role of early childhood conditioning, he brings clarity to the invisible forces that shape our behavior.
In this illuminating interview, George sits down with Stacey Chillemi to share how people can move from autopilot to awareness, from self-sabotage to self-mastery. Through personal stories, client breakthroughs, and actionable strategies, he explores the journey of healing not as a straight line, but as a spiral of growth. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, emotional patterns, or just feeling stuck in life, George offers a powerful reminder: with the right tools and mindset, you can reclaim authorship over your life and start living consciously.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Absolutely. My story really begins with a long battle with substance abuse—alcohol and opioids, specifically. I went through rehab multiple times and kept relapsing, even though I genuinely wanted to change. For the longest time, I thought something was wrong with me, like I was fundamentally broken. But during my third stay in rehab, I had a major realization. It wasn’t that I was weak or flawed—it was that my brain had developed patterns that kept pulling me back into the same behavior loops. That’s what opened the door to neuroplasticity for me. I realized that if I could train my brain to operate one way, I could also retrain it to work in a better, healthier way. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help others do the same—to break free from their old programming and create lives they’re proud to live.
What led you to become so passionate about neuroplasticity and brain retraining? Why do you believe it’s such a powerful path to healing?
What drew me to this work is how rooted it is in both science and hope. When I first learned that our brains could literally rewire themselves through repeated thought and behavior, I was blown away. That meant I wasn’t stuck. None of us are. Neuroplasticity gives us back our power. It says, “You can change—if you give your brain a new blueprint.” That message is liberating. I saw it work in my own life, and I see it working in the lives of my clients every day. It’s powerful because it’s real, repeatable, and grounded in biology. No matter what someone has been through, their brain is capable of forming new patterns—and that’s the beginning of transformation.
Can you explain what the subconscious mind is and why understanding it matters so much?
The subconscious mind is essentially the powerhouse running the show behind the scenes. It controls about 95% of our thoughts, decisions, and habitual behaviors without us even realizing it. This programming is largely formed early in life, usually by around age seven, based on everything we see, hear, and experience. Because of that, much of what we do daily—our reactions, habits, and emotional responses—are actually rooted in patterns that were created long ago, often without our conscious choice or even awareness. This is why people can feel stuck or frustrated, as if they’re battling themselves. Understanding the subconscious is crucial because it shifts the perspective from self-blame to insight: it’s not the person who’s the problem but the old programming they’ve inherited. Once people grasp this, they can begin the work of rewiring those deep patterns and reclaiming conscious control over their lives.
The brain’s dopamine reward system is often linked to behavior and addiction. How does that tie into your work with clients?
Great question. Dopamine is a key chemical messenger in the brain that signals reward and motivates us to seek out things that feel good or relieve discomfort. It’s a natural part of our survival system, encouraging behaviors like eating or social connection. However, dopamine can also drive unhealthy habits and addictions—whether it’s substance use, compulsive social media scrolling, or emotional eating—because the brain starts craving quick dopamine hits to cope or feel pleasure. These dopamine “rewards” can hijack our behavior, making us chase temporary fixes that don’t provide lasting fulfillment. In my work, I help people become aware of how this system influences their impulses and choices. We then focus on retraining the brain by replacing those short-lived dopamine triggers with healthier, more sustainable sources of reward—things like creative expression, meaningful relationships, mindfulness practices, and purposeful action. This rewiring process helps people break free from harmful cycles and build lives that feel truly satisfying and grounded.
How do you define conscious living, and why is it a crucial element in retraining the brain?
To live consciously is to live with awareness and intention. It means becoming an observer of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—so you can make choices from a place of clarity, not old conditioning. Conscious living is essential to brain retraining because you can’t change what you’re not aware of. Most people live on autopilot, reacting to life based on past programming. But when you slow down, reflect, and ask, “Why did I respond that way?” or “Does this serve who I want to become?”—that’s when you begin to take your power back. Consciousness turns the lights on. Then, brain retraining gives you the tools to redesign the space.
What tools or practices do you recommend for rewiring negative patterns and building a healthier mind?
There’s a toolbox I recommend, and it’s based on consistency and repetition. First is visualization—seeing yourself already living the version of life you want. The brain doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality, so visualization activates those neural pathways. Then there’s affirmation work, which helps replace negative self-talk with empowering truths. Journaling is big too—it allows people to notice patterns, track growth, and release emotional weight. We also use breathwork and meditation to calm the nervous system and create space for new thoughts to land. And most importantly, we tie these practices into a daily structure. The brain changes through repetition, not random inspiration.
People often struggle with self-doubt. How do you help someone rebuild belief in themselves?
Belief is at the core of change. If someone doesn’t believe change is possible, they won’t follow through on the actions needed to make it happen. So we start with small, manageable wins. When people see even a tiny result from a new thought or habit, it builds momentum. We also look at the stories they’re telling themselves—like “I always fail” or “I’m not enough”—and where those stories originated. Then we challenge them, rewrite them, and anchor new narratives. With repetition, those new beliefs become more familiar than the old ones. Confidence isn’t built in a day—it’s built through showing up differently over time, and watching your reality begin to shift.
Some people are skeptical about inner work or think it’s too “woo-woo.” How do you address that?
I love that question because I used to be one of those people. I didn’t want to talk about feelings or mindset; I just wanted to fix what was broken. But here’s the thing: inner work is practical. It’s neuroscience. It’s habit change. It’s emotional regulation. When I show people the data behind brain retraining—how thoughts change brain structure, how stress hijacks the nervous system, how gratitude affects neurotransmitters—they realize this isn’t fluff. It’s biology. So I always invite people to try it for 30 days. Just give your brain something new and consistent, and observe the changes. You don’t have to believe in it upfront—just stay curious and let the results speak for themselves.
How do you help clients deal with fear and resistance when they’re starting this kind of work?
Fear is the brain trying to protect us from the unknown. Resistance is just an indicator that you’re brushing up against your comfort zone. That’s not a bad thing—it means you’re expanding. In our work, we normalize resistance and teach people how to move through it, not avoid it. We break goals down into small, safe steps so they’re doable. We also use nervous system regulation tools to help the body feel safe enough to change. Because without safety, the brain won’t let you grow. Change is uncomfortable, yes—but we can build a relationship with that discomfort and turn it into strength.
What role does our nervous system actually play in change and healing?
The nervous system is everything. It’s the bridge between mind and body. When your nervous system is dysregulated—meaning you’re constantly in fight, flight, or freeze—it’s nearly impossible to think clearly, feel safe, or take new actions. That’s why nervous system work is a foundation in my programs. We use tools like breathwork, somatic awareness, and grounding to calm the system. Once someone is in a regulated state, they’re able to access their higher thinking, make conscious choices, and integrate new behaviors. Healing isn’t just mental—it’s physical and emotional too. You have to work with the body, not just the brain.
Can you share a transformation story that really stuck with you?
Absolutely. I worked with a woman who had struggled with low self-worth, people-pleasing, and chronic anxiety. Through our work, she began identifying the roots of those patterns—mainly childhood messages about needing to earn love. She started using daily affirmations, nervous system work, and conscious boundary setting. Over time, her entire self-image shifted. She started speaking up for herself, saying no without guilt, and even launched her own coaching practice. The biggest win wasn’t the external success—it was how deeply she trusted herself. That’s the kind of shift that lasts a lifetime.
What advice would you give to someone who feels completely stuck and doesn’t know where to start?
Start small. Don’t try to overhaul your life in a day. Pick one practice—like writing a daily affirmation, doing two minutes of breathwork, or simply observing your thoughts without judgment. The goal is to build trust with yourself. When you consistently show up in one small way, you prove to your brain that you’re capable of change. That creates momentum. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. This work isn’t meant to be done in isolation. Find a mentor, a guide, or a community that supports your growth. Stuck isn’t permanent. It’s just a sign you need a new path—and that path begins with one step.
Many people expect healing or personal growth to be a straight path, but that’s often not the case. How would you describe the nature of healing, and what advice do you give to help people stay motivated when they face setbacks?
Healing isn’t linear or a straight line—it’s more like a spiral. You might find yourself facing the same challenge multiple times, but each time you do, you come at it with more insight and strength. Setbacks aren’t failures; they’re chances to learn more deeply and strengthen your tools for growth. I always remind people to expect resistance, frustration, and days when it feels like nothing is changing. That’s a normal part of the process. What matters most is not letting those tough moments stop you. If you keep showing up, practicing self-compassion, and staying committed, real change will happen. The brain is constantly learning and adapting—so don’t give up before you experience your breakthrough.
In your opinion, what’s the most underrated key to transformation?
Consistency. Everyone wants big change, but most aren’t willing to commit to the boring, daily reps that make it happen. Transformation isn’t about a massive breakthrough one day—it’s about choosing differently every day. The brain changes through repetition. Your nervous system learns safety through repetition. Your identity evolves through repetition. So I always remind people: the magic is in the mundane. It’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
My website, https://www.georgehaymaker.com, is a great place to start. It’s a treasure trove of insights into personal transformation, brain retraining, and the tools I use to help people create real change. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your growth, there’s something there for everyone. I also share updates, exclusive content, and inspiration on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgehaymaker. I’d love for readers to connect with me there and be part of a community committed to conscious living and meaningful transformation.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your insights today. This was truly powerful.
Thank you for having me. It’s been an honor to share what I’ve learned. I hope it inspires someone to believe in their capacity to change. Because once you understand how powerful your brain really is, you’ll never see yourself the same way again.
