Living In The Moment: Identity, Division, and Daily Mental Health with Dr. Jack Rocco

This deeply personal episode finds Dr. Jack Rocco reflecting on a heavy week—September 11th’s echoes, public violence, and the rising emotional temperature online. Jack shares his adoption journey from his book “Recycled” and how discovering his true heritage later in life (British Pilgrim lineage and Black ancestry) shattered and then rebuilt his identity. He and Neil discuss how to hold multiple truths at once, resist being forced into camps, and protect your mental health by focusing on the present and the people right in front of you.

Key Topics Covered

Identity Reframed

Growing up Italian Catholic in Erie vs. later learning his biological lineage.

Why embracing the full picture—immigrant roots, pilgrim privilege, Black heritage—builds empathy and dissolves “us vs. them.”

The Cost of Division

Media clickbait and outrage cycles push us into opposing teams (race, gender, politics).

The human common ground: family, health, safety, finances, dignity.

Mental Health That Moves You Forward

Meditation and “single-instants” focus at the OR table: practical presence under pressure.

Leave shame and past scripts in the past; act today, plan modestly for tomorrow.

Gratitude, service, and self-care as daily anchors (your health is your wealth).

A-Political, Pro-Human

Neil’s stance as journalist and entrepreneur: listen to all sides, resist absolutism.

Control what you can (habits, health, learning); adapt to what you can’t.

A Better Venn Diagram

Expand the shared space among groups—move toward the middle with curiosity.

Seek understanding before judgment; choose conversation over condemnation.

Practical Takeaways

Live in the moment: The past is done; the future isn’t here—work the present.

Protect your inputs: Limit doomscrolling; avoid outrage loops.

Move your body, calm your mind: Exercise, sleep, nutrition, brief meditation reps.

Rewrite your story: You’re not stuck with old scripts—choose better actions today.

Find the human first: Ask what the other person fears, loves, and needs.

Mentioned

“Recycled” by Dr. Jack Rocco (adoption journey and identity reconstruction)

Connect with Dr. Jack Rocco / Ultimate Men’s Clinic

Website: TheUltimateMensClinic.com

Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts (virtual options available)