Happy & Free Podcast

I wrote recently about how I was able to help my son - who races go-karts - overcome a physical and mental slump. He dug deep and went on to win a championship. This whole episode got us thinking about some parallels between what was happening out on the track and what takes place in life. That's the focus of this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan. What do you have to learn from karts zooming around a road course? Listen up.

We recently took in the Boston Marathon. It’s an amazing thing to watch elite runners slice through miles like a knife in hot butter without breaking a sweat. However, the majority of the runners seemed to be grinding out every single step. As we watched, there was some much that mirrored everyday life. On this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with Val and Dan, learn how running can improve your life without strapping on tennis shoes.

A Bed & Breakfast still conjures up warm feelings of the past, long before chain hotels, when people checked in for more than a room. They wanted something that felt a bit like home and local tales and treats from the innkeeper. Tucked in big cities and scattered across the countryside, B&B's still beckon travelers from near and far. We met one innkeeper in the suburbs of Boston who makes the beds, pours the tea, and serves up a healthy dose of conversation.  You'll hear her stories on this edition of Happy & Free with Val and Dan.

Your mind is a powerful thing. You can imagine great things and make them happen. You can also worry about things and end up going down a dark hole. What if you were to spend more time focusing on the positive? How would it revolutionize your life? That is what we're talking about on this edition of our podcast, Happy & Free with Val and Dan. There is so much to distract us, but if we learn to focus in the right direction and zoom in on the positive, it could make a big difference.

Plants are great for the environment. They produce oxygen and can even purify the air in your home. Beyond those benefits, there are plenty of similarities between plants and your life. On this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, learn how to treat your life like a plant and see how it grows in spectacular ways.  

We plan for our financial future by putting aside money in a 401k or an IRA. Maybe it's a pension or equity in your big house that you plan to one day cash out. But have you taken a moment to plan for your overall future? That's what we're talking about on this edition of our podcast, Happy &  Free with Val and Dan. We'll walk you through a checklist on what you should examine as you make your plans for the future – from your passions and needs to your legacy. You don't want to miss it. Listen, learn, and share.

Some people excuse a little white lie; others boldly tell untruths. In some cases, it's about brushing off a nuisance, but others take to lying as a way to deceive, to polish an image, or to move ahead in careers. On this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, we'll tackle the old art of lying. Did you know that 60% of us can't go 10 minutes without telling a lie? Listen, learn, and stop lying.

Falling in love is easy. Living in love is much more difficult. We all make quick and emotional decisions, and then wake up in a relationship that doesn’t quite fit. It’s like a pair of really nice shoes that are a half size off. In this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, follow an interesting story about a shopping spree at a bargain store, an expensive pair of shoes, and lessons that may help to strengthen your relationship or make sure you go into your next one with eyes wide open.

  This is the time of year when we start getting all those tax related forms, so we can begin getting our papers in order. April is still a ways off, but it's never too early to start planning for what to do when the check arrives in the mail. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll get paid. But before you mentally spend your check, listen to this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan as we unpack some tips that could help you use your refund to put your financial house in order.

We all breathe without thinking about it, but there’s a special kind of breathing that can help you deal with some of life’s everyday problems. For example: stress. You can let it tear you apart from the inside out or you can take some deep breaths with a little rhythm and feel the remarkable difference. Listen to this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with Val and Dan, and breathe along with us as we test some methods that instantly made us feel a little better.

Everywhere we turn, someone is talking about what they don’t like. Politics and government are at the top of the list. The shift in Washington has led to a lot of uncertainty and some people have taken to the streets in an effort to be heard. We don’t typically dip our toes into political waters, but on this edition of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, we wade out just a bit to find some answers and dish out some advice.

It works for young kids. Why shouldn’t it do the same for adults? We’re talking about taking a power nap. Kids don’t like sitting still and aren’t fond of being forced to take a nap in the middle of the day. But there are benefits. In some countries, naps are built into the day. Why should we be on board too? On this edition of our podcast, we’re talking about the power of a power nap. Tips from experts say it may reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease.

It’s the one day of the week that always seems to get a bad rap. Monday! While everyone seems to celebrate Friday and the beginning of a nice weekend, the other end of getting back to work and the real world is often met with a grunt. Why are Mondays so much of a downer? That’s what we’ll kick around on this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with Val and Dan. Maybe our discussion will help pick you up on your next Monday morning.

At one time or another, someone in your family will ask for a loan. It may be just a few dollars or a lot more. Giving loans to family members or close friends can be tricky. First of all, it can lead to odd moments when the loan isn’t repaid in a timely manner or at all. While some may put their foot down, others make a habit of it. How can you learn to say no? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan. We’ll share some of our personal experiences and how we were able to put the brakes on repeat offenders.

The presidential inauguration takes place this week and Washington will be all abuzz as President Donald Trump officially takes over 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We thought it would be a good time to go down memory lane to see how past presidents have inspired with courage and proved that no matter where you come from anything is possible. In this episode of our podcast, we interview Jim Lumley. He’s a pilot who has a healthy obsession with presidential history and believes every child should be given the opportunity to fall in love with history too.

We did a podcast last year about the benefits of looking in the rearview mirror. You can learn from mistakes and make course corrections. But in this episode, we're looking at burying the past. Forgetting about those things that didn't go right in 2016. Maybe it was a bad relationship, a job, or a move. You can keep stressing about those mistakes or you can focus on the road ahead. Which will it be for you? Listen to our podcast and hear what one woman is doing to turn past mistakes into ashes.

Did you do it yet? Are you thinking about it? Have you given up trying? What we're talking about is making and of course keeping New Year’s resolutions. They typically have something to do with fitness, relationships, or work, but people set all kinds of goals. Some succeed, but often others come up short, Just because it may not have worked out in the past doesn't mean you should stop trying. On our podcast this week, hear how we've done on our resolutions, why we like making them, and what our goals are for this year.

It’s the end of a year that saw friends and families divided over politics. There used to be a civil discussion, but 2016 was different. People hit the “unfriend” button and brothers and sisters stopped talking to each other. The holidays is the magnet that draws all of these differences into one room. How can the noise of the past be muted? One way is with food around the dinner table. On this podcast, Amanda Varnell, owner of Dish T’Pass Cooking School, Catering Company and Café, takes us into the kitchen of conversation. Relax, eat and then push talk.

How can you put the real spirit of Thanksgiving back into the holiday? Take a moment to jot down some things that you are thankful for. It doesn’t have to be long. It’s a good exercise around this time of year as the calendar forces us all to focus on Thanksgiving. It does get a bit commercial, and turkeys have a hard time with it, but in all seriousness, being in the spirit of this holiday every day of the year can have a positive impact on your life. Listen to our podcast and hear what makes us thankful and how focusing on those things influences our outlook on life.

Preparing for retirement is scary – but it doesn’t have to be. Here is saving for retirement made simple.  When you think about saving for retirement, what comes to mind? Is it a piggy bank? A 401k? A great pension plan? It can all seem so confusing and, frankly, not as interesting if you are a young person just getting started in your career. But that is exactly when you should be paying close attention. Check out our podcast this week as we try to take some of the confusion out of saving for retirement. You can start small, but in the end, it all adds up.

Each stage of raising a child can present its own set of challenges, but the dreaded teen years can be especially difficult. There are so many changes going on inside and so many pressures on the outside. On our podcast, this week we'll help parents navigate these trying waters and have some fun along the way.

There is a lot of evil in the world, and children often see the worst of it. Is it possible to push back against the trials our children face in just a single day? It may sound like a tired phrase: “kids are our future.” But it’s true, and in too many places in this country and around the world, they aren’t being treated with the respect they deserve. Some are being discarded and abused. Others are raised in poverty with very little chance of getting a good education. There are small signs of hope on the horizon and we want to celebrate that as well as invite you to be part of the solution by joining Heart Beings, the emotional intelligence organization Six Seconds, and Crowdrise in a fundraising campaign. Listen to our podcast and learn about great organizations that are making a difference in the lives of children everywhere.  Universal Children’s Day – November 20th “By resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.” -United Nations

Here are a few personalized and unconventional tips for success.    There are plenty of books, online resources, and seminars that offer up a buffet of keys to success. Some promise an overnight rocket ride to the top, while others offer shortcuts to make the climb easier.   There are no perfect answers because we are all bit different, but on this week’s podcast, we explore a few steps that have worked for us and others.   It never hurts to dream big.

Couples don’t always get along – but are you doing something small that’s ruining your relationship? Find out what it is, and what you can do about it.     There are little things that can grind away at relationships. It could just end up being an accepted annoyance, or it could fester and grow into something significant.   What is it that you do that drives your significant other crazy? Are you aware of its impact? Do you care? Let’s assume that you answered ‘YES’ to the last question; the next step is figuring out what to do about it.   That’s the focus of our podcast as we share some experiences and tips to snuff out those little things that drive your partner crazy.

Are you one of those people who shows up late to everything? If so, why? Does it have to do with power, risk, or organization? Whatever bucket you fall into, you’ve got to listen to this week’s podcast. It’s admission time as we bare our souls to make a point. We also come up with some solutions that will not only help you, but help get us back in line. Better late than never is NOT better.

The recent breakup of Hollywood super couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stirred up talk yet AGAIN about celebrities and commitment. Why do we care?  What puts many of these high profile unions at risk? And are there any good examples of lasting love in Hollywood? On our podcast this week, we’re joined by our Heart Beings Hollywood contributor Deborah Zara Kobylt to talk about relationships, commitment, and what all couples should know before taking the plunge.

Can you lose fat without diet or exercise, but just by changing your actions? That statement may not sound politically correct, but it’s the way one entrepreneur has drawn attention to a problem he has been fighting – obesity. “Stop Acting Fat” is the name of his organization and it screams from the front of his T-shirt. Obesity is a major health problem despite countless diets, a sea of fitness centers, and a general health craze sweeping the US. So what is this campaign offering that others aren’t? Check out our podcast this week as we interview Duke Richman. “We have abandoned the purpose of food and eating for the pleasure of food and eating. This action has severely compromised our health and is the primary cause of overweight and obesity.” — Duke D.R.S. Richman

Things from the past should stay in the past, right? But how can inviting your past into your future help your life and actions now?  We hear so much about forgetting the past. “Put the past behind you” a coach once said after a tough loss. We like – or frankly need – to forget pain, loss, and disappointment. However, there are times when looking back can help us move forward. It has a way of motivating or clarifying things. Listen to our podcast this week, and then look in the rearview mirror.

Being positive is hard; but here’s a roadmap that makes it second nature. It isn’t easy to be a constant state of happiness, but some amazing things can happen if you spend more time working on being positive than looking at what is going wrong. Positivity in the workplace has proven to be a key factor in a successful employee. And guess what? Positivity has been linked to longevity. That should be enough to get you to click and listen to our podcast this week. We aren’t making any promises, but you may get the roadmap that will put you on the right path to being a little more positive.

You want a break from life, but do you even know how? Here is the secret for truly taking a breather. Summer is now in the rearview mirror, but if you were like us, you had the chance to escape for a vacation or took time off for a staycation. Either way, jumping off the daily treadmill of life has countless benefit. Take that a step further: what if you were able to completely unplug? What if you could leave your phone and emails behind? Well, one of us did that this summer, and in this podcast, we’ll break down the secrets of unplugging and how it may help you have a less stressful life now that you are back to work.

Should movies go in a different direction, and should celebrities help fight diseases and the stigma surrounding them? Charlie Sheen told the world that he is HIV positive. Now he wants other stars who are also infected to step forward. His goal is to get rid of the stigma around the disease. On our podcast this week, we talk about the facts behind his big push, plus turn our attention to another issue in Hollywood: violence on the big screen.  With all the bad stuff happening across the country and around the world, is it time again for producers to dial it back just a bit? Should they pay more attention to the current mood of fear and anxiety?

What’s the last concert you attended? Do you attend musical events frequently? Well listen up; dancing around at a concert will not just lead to sweat and perhaps ringing ears, but it could make you much happier in life. What about the performers? And what are we to make of this positive information? We’ll answer all of those question in podcast this week. “The findings revealed that engaging with music by dancing or attending musical events was associated with higher Subjective Wellbeing (SWB) than for those who did not engage with music in these forms.” – Psychology of Music Journals

TV supposedly isn’t good for you – but there’s a lot to be learned from the Tiny House concept that can change your daily living. How many of you can’t get enough of those Tiny House shows on cable television and online? It’s all the rage. Couples and families are shedding the spacious comforts of a large house and choosing to live in much smaller square footage. We’re talking 200 to 300 square feet! As people get caught up in the designs, this simpler way of life is stirring debate about our needs vs. our wants. On our podcast this week, hear how Tiny House-ing your life could free you up to follow your passions or live a stress-free life. Are you tired of chasing a bigger and better everything? Then this podcast is for you.

Whether it’s a painful break or just a bump in the road, sometimes you need to hit reset on a relationship. How can you do it successfully, and healthily?   Isn’t the honeymoon period such a sweet time in a relationship?  You date, you fall in love, and everything is so special. Flowers arrive at unexpected moments. Weekends are filled with candlelight dinners.   However, both time and changes in life often throw a wrench in every love story.   What happens when you are forced to hit the reset button?   On our podcast this week, get some healthy advice that comes straight out of our personal journals.

Are you ready to fight back against the fear that world events bring?   It seems no place is safe. Violent acts are happening all around the world, and in this ever connected society, we find out about it with great detail immediately.   This is all fueling a lot of fear. Are you one of those people afraid of what could happen next in your neighborhood or on your next trip overseas?   Listen to our podcast this week as we offer up some ways to overcome your biggest fears and live Happy and Free.

We give to the children of the world to make their lives better – but these children are giving back.   It turns out everyone in the world is not selfish. People with very little income and those with billions in the bank are donating their time and money to make sure that great causes are funded.   Philanthropy is a big word that is often linked to the wealthy or to something that grown-ups do.   But, in fact, kids are big givers too. It has moved well beyond the lemonade stand.   On our podcast this week, we focus on a company that is making it easy for kids to launch campaigns with t-shirts, and not only raise awareness but also tens of thousands of dollars.   We interview Andrew Moss, the president of Booster.com.   T-shirts have been his life.  Now the business has become his passion for the cause.

Who says you need a gym to get in shape or make yourself feel better? With these techniques, the world is your exercise machine. This is the season where the things that are covered up in winter are exposed in the summer sun. No sweaters or long sleeve shirts to help you fib that you’re still on that exercise routine. Some people can’t afford gym memberships or, if they can, have a difficult time just showing up. We want to give you a helping hand. On our podcast this week, we’ll reveal some tips that might help you stay in shape by making the world your gym.

Hate is a powerful word. We throw it around when talking about a movie that bombed or a restaurant that served up an unpleasant meal. But look around the world or right down the street and the more troubling meaning of hate is taking lives and destroying communities. It almost seems as if people and groups are seeking out reasons to hate or nurturing long held beliefs that divide us. On this podcast we’ll dig deep to the heart of hatred and talk about what we can do to get rid of it.

A child being diagnosed with cancer does not inspire hope – not for themselves, and not for others. But this family is flipping the script, and turning a tragic situation into a tool for hope.   No parent ever wants to hear the diagnosis that their child has cancer. It was shocking for the Garcia family.  At first they shut down, but it wasn’t long before they decided to not only fight for themselves, but for kids and parents all around the world.   The result? The Richi Foundation.   On this podcast, we sit down with the president and co-founder of the organization, Ricardo Garcia.  He opens up about his most vulnerable moments and why he’s on a mission to create smiles and bright futures for young patients.   The Mission: To ensure that all children who suffer from cancer have the best prognosis and quality of life.   The Richi Childhood Cancer Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Richi Childhood Cancer Foundation funds various childhood cancer research initiatives through the Richi Research Project and the Richi House Project, which funds programs to help alleviate the physical, emotional, and social strain that childhood cancer puts on patients and their families. We have international projects too: The Richi Fellows and the Richi Foundation Brain Tumor Clinic.   http://www.richifoundation.org/eng#home

You know which ones we’re talking about… Hearing “most embarrassing moments ever” probably conjures up a few horrible memories for you, but what if there was a way to forget about them? What if there was a way to make them a good memory? There’s no way to adequately describe the feeling of sticking your foot in your mouth or making a big, embarrassing blunder. It has happened to all of us. When it does, the immediate reaction is to crawl into a very deep hole and never see daylight again. These moments can be humbling.  Think of some A-list celebrities who have been brought back to earth, if only for a moment, by either clothing malfunctions on stage or the wrong words uttered from their lips. Every time we think about our most embarrassing moments, we cringe. Did we really do that? On our podcast this week, hear what we did, how it sometimes still haunts us, and what we are doing to deal with those embarrassing moments of yesteryear.

What no doubt comes immediately to mind is the flood of refugees coming from countries like Syria.   That is certainly part of issue, but seeking and giving refuge can happen all around us.   On our podcast this week, we sit down with Heart Beings friend Joshua Freedman, CEO and co-founder of 6 Seconds – The Emotional Intelligence Network.   What is EQ? We’ll educate you on harnessing your emotions, and with World Refugee Day this week, we’ll also focus on how people around the world and right next door are finding ways to give refuge in small and significant ways.   Six Seconds   Six Seconds is a global network supporting people to create positive change - everywhere, all the time. We teach the skills of emotional intelligence to fill the "missing link" needed for people to become more aware, intentional, and purposeful so individuals, teams, organizations, families, schools, and communities flourish.

A low-wage job doesn’t mean a low-level future, especially not for your children. This man has proven that it’s not the paycheck that makes the difference. Fred Vautour never attended college; neither did his wife. He has worked for years as a janitor. But all five of his children now have degrees from elite Boston College. They got in, succeeded, and graduated one after the other. That education is worth about $700,000 and Vautour paid for it all. Well, sort of. As we celebrate Father’s day on our podcast, hear the story of this remarkable man who cleans things for a living with a smile on his face and pride in his heart. Don’t ever say “no, I can’t” again.

Do you know what “zen” really is? “Zen” is making a revival, and in the modern age, it’s taking on more dimensions than its hippie origins. The urban dictionary describes Zen as a: “total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind.” It goes on to say that: “Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.” What can zen do for you?  In this podcast, we’ll help you feel a little “zenny” (a word we invented) as we discuss a wonderful book: Zen and the Art of Happiness. The author’s experiences will lead to some good insights. In one example, he discusses how zen most likely saved his life. Book Review: In Zen and the Art of Happiness, you will learn how to think and feel, so that what you think and feel creates happiness and vibrancy in your life, rather than gloominess or depression. You'll learn how to adapt to life's inevitable changes, how to deal with stress in a healthy way, and how to nurture a mindful happiness in your daily life.

Every day we are bombarded with a hefty dose of negative news. Plane crashes, terrorist attacks, and murders rule the headlines.   Consuming so much negative news is not good for your health. In fact, some studies prove that there’s great power in positive, uplifting stories.   Don’t agree? Listen to our podcast as we break it all down and give you plenty of reasons to spend more time on Heart Beings- erm, we mean, watching or reading things that will either make you feel good or result in personal growth.

What is R-E-S-P-E-C-T?  It is spelled out, belted out, by the great Aretha Franklin in that old but still fresh hit. We throw that word around a lot, but often times don’t treat each other with much respect especially in the workplace. On our podcast, we put respect in the spotlight. What can you do as a boss or a co-worker to show respect on the job? We’ll give you some tips to answer the question: “What is respect?" And as a bonus, give you a reason to add an old tune to your playlist.

Who needs complicated guidebooks when you could change your life for the better with five steps? Learn how today. If you’ve been making excuses or struggling to figure out the best way to live longer and healthier, then search no more. This podcast could change your life for good. It’s as simple as The Big Five. Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, our friend and partner, realized that a complicated formula often scared people away from making progress, so he has broken it down to Five Simple Things You Can Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life. In this podcast, we sat down with Dr. Chopra to discuss and digest his new book. Grab your coffee, some vitamin D and nuts, then play and share our show. “The Big Five could very well change your life for the better with very little effort.” - Deepak Chopra

How many times have you felt like throwing in the towel? It may be a difficult relationship or a job – one that was once great, but has quickly gone south. Whatever the challenge, it’s human nature to give up. What if you were to take a step back, put together a checklist, and think before you jump? That’s what we’ll help you do in this week’s podcast. We’ll share our experiences of regrets and what helped to motivate us to plow on. We’re not saying this is easy, but it might be worth a try. Also check out this poem:   Never Give Up! Reach inside! Give it all you got! As long as you’re alive you can keep on trying! Never give up! Discover how strong you are! Don’t let anyone or anything bring you down! Instead be someone who lifts others up by not giving up, and inspiring others with all you’ve achieved! NEVER GIVE UP! -Karen Salmansohn-

Nobody wants to hear a doctor say the C-word. Cancer.  Evenhighly curable forms of the disease can instill fear ina patient. There's so much uncertainty and so manyquestions. People handle adversity in so many different ways. What would beyour reaction? On this podcast, we interview a man who faced the medical giantswith courage. His response will help you deal with adversity oreven a scary diagnosis.  Listen, be inspired, and share this podcast.

Not everybody can run a marathon. After all, it takes grit and months of training to survive 26.2 miles.   But at the very least, we should all try to be like a marathon runner; setting a high goal and accomplishing it.   That's what we're talking about on our podcast this week.   One of us has been in a couple of marathons so this advice comes from a place of experience.   They’re useful tips that you can start trying right now; and who knows, you just might be inspired to strap on some shoes and test your limits.