PDPW Podcasts

Tom Thibodeau shares a word he recently learned: Neuroaesthetics. This word or term explores how the brain perceives beauty and art, combining neuroscience with aesthetics. As we hear from Tom, beauty enhances all of our lives!

Tom Thibodeau teaches servant leadership at Viterbo University and discusses three important terms that we often take for granted in our daily vocabulary: Thankfulness, Gratitude and Appreciation.

Our life is like a garden: some diversity, yet so much to be harvested. As we hear from servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau, if we're going to grow a great garden, we first have to create the proper environment. 

Reverence helps us navigate the terrain of our lives. Reverence keeps us in check with our daily rituals to help us make sense of the world. As we hear from Tom Thibodeau, without reverence, our rituals our empty.

The perception in our society is we value freedom and independence over other virtues like kindness. While kindness can appear to be a sign of weakness, genuine kindness is not weak. Kindess considers others first and takes strength in character by requiring integrity, patience and above all self-sacrifice.  Dr. Richard Kyte, Director Endowed Professor, Servant Leadership at Viterbo University shares how small acts of kindness can be very powerful. 

It is never too early or too late to embrace a noble purpose. As we hear from servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau, you never know how the good you do today will impact the lives of others tomorrow.    

At a time when our nation is facing an epidemic of loneliness, when communities are suffering from loss of trust, low levels of engagement, despair, and political polarization, what if the answer to many of our problems lies in a simple idea? What if we just need to pay attention to the places where we find ourselves? Dr. Richard Kyte, Director Endowed Professor, Servant Leadership at Viterbo University shares more on this week's PDP Podcast.   

Tom Thibodeau is fresh off attending another successful Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference in Madison. He returns to the podcast to share his wonderful experience visiting with dairy producers and industry professionals from all over the world.  

We welcome a new contributor to the PDP Podcast, Dr. Richard Kyte! Richard is Director of the D. B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin where he teaches a variety of courses dealing with ethical issues in business, health care, law, politics, and the environment. He has published and lectured widely on topics related to justice, forgiveness, virtue, and the meaning of life. You can learn more about Rick on his personal website.  This week, Dr. Kyte shares finding your third place. At a time when our nation is facing an epidemic of loneliness and political polarization, what if the answer to many of our problems lies in a simple idea? What if we just need to pay attention to the places where we find ourselves?

This week's podcast shines the light on volunteering. Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau reminds us the importance of being a volunteer. Volunteers show up to offer their time, talent, energy and resources. A big salute to everyone who volunteers!  

There a lot of events happening today that we have no control over, but we can control our response. Tom Thibodeau is back with stories and tips on why it's important to focus on what we can control in our lives. 

Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau shares his insights on what it takes to be a servant leader. 

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone, but as we hear from servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau, every day should be Valentine's Day!

It is the month of Valentines. This week Tom Thibodeau helps us understand the act of living a life with purpose and passion.  

Tom Thibodeau returns on the PDP Podcast to honor those in the life of farming; the lives of people who work the land.  As we hear from Tom, farming is an act of servant leadership. It is a heritage and legacy that connects one generation to the next in an effort to feed the world.

E+R=O means ​Event + Response = Outcome. There are many different types of mindsets a person can choose. Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau explains the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset by using the E+R=O method.   

Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau joins us to remember a man widely regarded as one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood under the voice of moral authority. He preached for non violence and peace. He preached for understanding and compassion. He was steadfast in believing we are all God's children; that everybody is worthy of dignity and respect. He was articulate, thoughtful and his words still ring with us today. 

Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance returns to the PDP Podcast to share a conversation he had with a special friend on the importance of being positively outrageous.  

What are you putting on your agenda this year to add to your bag of skill sets? Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance returns to the PDP Podcast to discuss three areas that can help us be more effective in all aspects of our life. Your head, heart and hands. 

Happy New Year! This is a time for friends and family. A time for reflection and a time for new beginnings. Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau reflects on how he has changed his thoughts and beliefs through the years compared to the perspective he believed once back in the day.

The holidays are a time for family and friends; but is also a great time to check in on your mental health! Jeff Ditzenberger shares why this important topic is difficult to focus on but is very necessary.  

The holidays bring us bright lights and presents under the tree, but this is also the time when depression and suicide rates increase. Jeff "Ditz" Ditzenberger is back with a special holiday message. Nearly 30 years ago, Ditz survived his own suicide attempt. In 2015, he founded TUGS to promote mental wellness in rural communities. Today, he is a certified mental health life coach and peer specialist in mental health and addiction recovery and is a qualified Question Persuade Refer (QPR) instructor. 

Jeff “Ditz” Ditzenberger has been a member of the agricultural community his entire life. A Navy veteran and former corn and soybean farmer, he brings a vast array of life and professional experiences to his work.  Nearly 30 years ago, Ditz survived his own suicide attempt. In 2015, he founded TUGS to promote mental wellness in rural communities. TUGS (Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting) is a community nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental wellness and ending the stigma around seeking help for suicidal ideation. Working directly with individuals and in partnership with other community groups, TUGS emphasizes peer connection and support — particularly for those who find it most difficult to accept and express their personal struggles and professional frustrations. It's Okay to not be Okay.

Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance shares how to be an Agent of Joy! Michael believes we all need a little education and encouragement to feel and be more joyful. 

Are you setting clear meaningful goals? Are you creating those mental alignments? Are you paying attention to those things that are self-sabotaging and where they come from? Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance shares a personal revelation about his physical health and strategic tips on aligning your subconscious thoughts with your goals. As Michael says, setting clear goals and certain targets wakes up your subconscious, creating mental alignment. There has to be harmony between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind.  

The importance of social and community participation cannot be overstated. Tom Thibodeau shares why joining a community serves as a solution for the overall well-being and sustainability of individuals. Being a part of you community fosters a sense of belonging, enhances personal well-being and is a place where we all should feel protected, respected and connected.  

This week's PDP Podcast, personal trainer, nutrition and accountability coach Morgan Ekovich explores the importance of what we put into our bodies and how to make healthier choices, starting today. Learn simple, practical steps for improving your nutrition, from understanding portion sizes to choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods. I'll break down where to start on your journey to better eating habits and why fueling your body with the right foods is crucial for both short-term energy and long-term health. Perfect for anyone looking to build a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.   EmpowerHer Wellness Podcast with Morgan Ekovich: https://empowerherwellness.buzzsprout.com   FREE Facebook Community for Support & Accountability: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getfitwithmecommunity   Connect & Ask Her Questions: https://www.getfitwithme-morganekovich.com/about    

In this episode, personal trainer, nutrition and accountability coach Morgan Ekovich dives into the far-reaching benefits of intentional movement beyond the physical. Learn how daily movement strengthens your body and boosts mental clarity, emotional well-being, and stress relief. I'll share practical ways to incorporate movement into your busy life, helping you improve overall health and balance. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just getting started, this episode will inspire you to embrace movement as a powerful tool for holistic wellness.

This podcast is perfect for anyone looking to break free from negative cycles and embrace a healthier, stronger version of your self.  Morgan Ekovich, owner of Get Fit with ME and host of the EmpowerHer Wellness podcast explores the transformative power of adopting a gain mindset for your health. Learn how shifting your focus from what you lack (gap mindset) to celebrating progress can boost your motivation and results. Morgan shares practical tips for reframing self-talk, highlighting how it impacts your wellness journey. Listen as we discover how to create lasting change through positive mindset shifts.

Tom Thibodeau is back with a special message about the American farmer. It is the farm economy that keeps this nation strong, and we praise every farmers' effort to provide the food and nutrition we need every day. 

What is your morning routine and how are you setting yourself up for daily success? Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance is back on the PDP podcast with more tools and ideas relating to our morning routines; and important steps to help us take on the day!   

Negotiation expert Linda Swindling is back to discuss the importance of preparation in managing unexpected situations in relationships or business scenarios. Linda shares the importance for active listening, seeking clarification, and verifying information to avoid assumptions and misunderstandings.

Linda Swindling discusses effective strategies for negotiating and feeling confident in your request. She encourages us to make big requests and practice asking outside of our comfort zone in safe situations, such as asking for an additional item at a restaurant or bargaining at a garage sale, whether positive or negative!  

Not getting what you really want can be very draining. As we hear from negotation expert Linda Swindling, you miss out when you don't ask! Listen as Linda shares how you are granted to ask permission to get what you really want.

Bruce Vincent shares the importance of why we should build bridges and relationships with people outside our industry.

Bruce Vincent returns to the PDP Podcast to share a glaring example of living in faith.

Bruce Vincent returns with an important message about why it is ok to be a dairy producer, a logger, or any job you grew up in, trained for and accepted as a career. 

Bruce Vincent returns to the PDP Podcast with a remarkable story of when he visited the White House and met President George W. Bush.

What are the solutions to the many problems we face today? Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau shares his insights.  

Bruce Vincent returns to share his perspective on the life-shattering events that took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. He emphasizes that the real strength of our nation lies in us, the people.

This week we welcome a new voice to the PDP Podcast. Meet Bruce Vincent, a third-generation logger from Libby, Montana, and co-owner of the community outreach firm Environomics. Learn more about Bruce at http://brucevincentspeaking.com/.  

This week's PDP Podcast is all about building releationships. As we hear from Tom Thibodeau, strong relationships focus on what matters most! Those who prioritize relationships plan their day around people - the people we see every single day.  

Summertime and the living is easy. We all have memories from past summers. Many families and individuals slow down and enjoy picnics, activities and family gatherings during the warm summer months. This week's podcast, servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau reflects on what it is like to have an exceptional summer! 

Turning on the news can be a negative experience. As we hear in this week's PDP Podcast, servant leadership trainier Tom Thibodeu shares some good news! Tom believes it is important to share the good more than the bad and provides some insight to kick off another week in our lives. 

Stories capture the essence and spirit of all that we know. This week's podcast, servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau shares the importance of listening to someone when they share a story. Becasuse to forget what has happened to us is to forget our own humanity. 

People are often driven to have more stuff in their lives. Whether it is material items or learning a new talent, these desires can lead to a self-serving mindset. As we hear from PDP's Shelly O' Leary, the act of kindness can bring you more gifts that can ever be imagined and could even save a life!

Tom Thibodeau is an ambassador of goodness and has been teaching servant leadership for decades. This week's PDP Podcast, Tom shares his observations on the "special stuff" in our lives. 

The Brain needs beauty! This week's PDP Podcast, servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau shares how art should be a big part of our lives.

Human beings are social animals that love to communicate with each other. Social interaction is more important today than ever before. We underestimate how others want to share and talk, but yet we've built a culture where that doesn't happen! Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau shares the importance of listening and sharing stories. 

Routines are an important daily part of our lives because they give us structure. But what's really important are rituals - like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the beginning and end of life. Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau shares why these rituals can have so much impact by revealing who we really are.   

The recently completed Men's and Women's College Basketball Championships and Master's Golf Tournament was more than just competition and acheiving the win. As we hear from servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau, sports is also about respect, having a playful attitude and being a good sport!