RockneCAST

Last year, after she asked me to do a lawyer wellness presentation, a friend recommended a book The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It sat on my bookshelf for about a year. I finally decided to tackle it. And I am glad that I did.Kishimi and Koga are students of Arthur Adler, an early 20th century psychiatrist and contemporary of Sigmund Freud. Adler differed from Freud in significant respects about how to cure malaise or psychological trauma, especially childhood related trauma upon which Freud focused so heavilyIn a format of a Socratic dialogue, Courage outlines how Aldler's theories differed from Freud and more importantly, how you can utilize Adler's philosophy to live a more purpose driven and happier life.In this episode, we'll focus on central themes of the book:1. Adler's insight that all problems arise from social relations;2. His definition of happiness - contributing to others.3. His three concepts of happiness: a. Self acceptance of limitations and embracing strengths; b. Cultivating strong "horizontal relationships" with friends based upon unconditional confidence; and c. Soaking up the process in the here and now rather than only the end result. I cover these concepts in some detail, but if you really want to soak up the book's wisdom, you need to buy the book!This was a great book!

In this episode, I review the book Masters of Uncertainty - The Navy Seal Way to Turn Stress into Success for You and Your Team by Rich Diviney.If you think about it, stress is one of the most powerful assets and liabilities in each one of our lives. It can cause us to focus and be the best version of ourselves. Left unfocused or uncontrolled, it can devastate us or even lead to premature death. In the military, panic is not an option. Panic rarely serves us well, but that is precisely what happens if we cannot control our stress. Acute stress leads to panic. By definition, the military knows that they are putting their men and women in acutely stressful situations. So they have developed a series of techniques to allow there troops to be as calm and as possible to achieve the mission.Diviney shares what he learned in his SEAL training, outlining a series of concrete steps to turn negative stress into an asset to achieve your mission.In this episode, we focus on one part of the book relating to controlling your response in the midst of uncertain and unexpected events.We cover: duration, pathway, and outcome DPO); what is known and controllable in unexpected events; and breathwork to immediately calm the mind when an unexpected event occurs.This is book short; however, its impact is powerful. It has the potential to change your life.Control your stress. Turn it an asset. Optimize the result. Just like the Navy SEALS do. This was a good book!!

In this episode, I outline the joys of intentional ideation, i.e. intentionally setting aside quiet time to sit and just think. It's not rumination though. The goal is to intentionally set aisde quiet time so that you can think, your mind wander to tap the power of the subconscious. The pen makes all of the difference. This will allow you to capture those ideas as they pop up.That's what life is all about... making the abstract concrete, manifesting and bringing into form all of the powerful ideas resting within the subconscious. We all have these amazing ideas down there. The purpose of the intentional ideation is to make those ideas come to life.We'll also formally define ideation, the concept of an "idea", and how the Taoist philosophy book of wisdom, The I-Ching, describes the creative.This was a fun one to do.The audio quality on this episode kind of sucks, but I wanted to get this one out!!

Shalom, that beautiful Hebrew word meaning peace. But its meaning is much deeper than simple absence of conflict. It's more active and intentional than that.As I learned from a sermon last year, Shalom is a earned harmony, resulting from the intentional resolution of difficult conflicts in our personal, professional and spiritual lives.One thing is certain: you will not gain shalom by avoiding conflict.This has taken a lifetime for me to figure out with significant consequences flowing from that avoidance.Here's the thing about conflict. We don't do it because its uncomfortable and we fear the consequences of daylighting the conflict? What will happen if we raise this as an issue?Here's what I've learned. Whether you address it or not, the thing you fear will happen, whether you raise the conflict or not, but if you don't do it earlier, the thing you fear will be 10 times worse. Being proactive early means you have a chance to solve it while the conflict is manageable. So just do it. Address it now or face the consequences later. In the early stages, you at least have a chance to heal it rather facing a much worse problem later on. If you are a conflict avoider like I am, I offer some suggestions based upon the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau. This episode is important. These are all critical skills that we must learn to develop!!

I woke up this morning with a feeling of peace, an emotion that I have not experienced much lately. One word popped into my head... gratitude. And I thought about all of the people who showed me unconditional love these last several weeks.With gratitude to everyone single one of you who shared your presence with me and showed me unconditional love. This episode is dedicated to all of you.Rockne

Can too much wellness be a bad thing?Yes, even wellness can turn into badness. Like everything else, wellness has its limits. Of course, well practices like exercise, meditation, prayer, journaling, and eating well can be essential to transform you into the best version of you. And no, I am not asserting that you should start smoking cigarettes and eating potato chips.Make sure that your paying attention to you intention. Who's it all for?Because life is not just about you. It's about the people that you love and care about. Sometimes, too much wellness blinds us to our loved one's suffering hiding in plain sight. Make sure that, in focusing on your wellness journey, you're putting as much time in your loved one's wellness as you are on your own.With gratitude to all you who frequently tune in.

Have you ever thought about the difference between persistence and perseverance? Through the lens of the American Stoic, Ryan Holiday, we'll focus on how he distinguishes the two concepts. This episode bookends my previous episode on US Grant.

In this episode, I dive into the stories of resilience and grit that shape true greatness. Today, we're talking about Ulysses S. Grant—not for his battlefield victories, his presidency, or his legendary autobiography, but for his unshakable spirit in the face of life's toughest blows. Grant faced countless valleys, yet his indomitable will carried him through. In this episode, we'll explore Grant's response to the pressure cooker of Shiloh, where his vision, courage, and determination turned the tide. We'll also reflect on the ultimate valley-walking wisdom from Psalm 23:1-4. L

I recently met with my cousin Tom at Klunder's Cafe. As we talked, Jelly Roll's song “I Am Not Okay” came on, a track I hadn't heard before but instantly connected with. Its raw message—that it's okay to not be okay during tough times, yet hope assures us things will be alright—struck a deep chord. I'm grateful for the wisdom and connection found in that moment with Tom. It's ok to not be ok, but soon its going to be alright.

While preparing for our discussion on Stoic encouragement, I came across two profound sentences from Marcus Aurelius that could truly transform your life. They emphasize the art of listening—truly understanding and connecting with the person you're engaging with. This approach serves as a powerful framework for healing, fostering empathy, and building deeper relationships. Though just two sentences, their wisdom has the potential to be life-changing.

In this episode, we explore the concept of Stoic encouragement, focusing on the practice of seeking inspiration from individuals who visibly embody the virtues we aspire to cultivate. We'll discuss specific virtues and highlight remarkable figures who exemplify them, such as Weston Noble, Jay Shetty, and Ulysses S. Grant. I truly enjoyed putting this episode together, and I'm excited to dive deeper into how these role models can guide us toward personal growth and resilience. Join us as we reflect on their lessons and how they inspire us to live with purpose and virtue.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring interview with Sarah Updegraff Murray! Sarah shares her transformative journey from a life-altering fall to becoming a beacon of creativity in Northeast Iowa. She recounts the creation of her Facebook page, Hope is a Strategy, and the powerful lessons she's shared there. We reflect on our shared connection to Luther College's Nordic Choir and discuss what's next for Sarah. Her first book is on the horizon, and I can't wait to see it come to life. Deep gratitude to Sarah and her husband, Steve, for making this interview possible.

In this first of two episodes on Sarah Updegraff Murray, I explore the profound lessons of courage I've learned from her remarkable example. Next episode, we'll hear directly from Sarah in an interview. Last spring, Sarah slipped on black ice, sustaining a spinal injury that led to paralysis. Here, I reflect on her inspiring embodiment of virtue: courage in action.We'll discuss Victor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and a Marcus Aurelius quote about finding encouragement. I'll also share our connection through Nordic Choir at Luther College. Sarah's story is one of inspiration. Her Facebook page, Hope is a Strategy, could just as fittingly be called Hope is a Choice. Unable to change what happened, Sarah chose to respond with hope. Grateful that she shared her time with me. This was one of the best interviews that I have done on the RockneCast!

Dr. Joe Dispenza's Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself just earned a spot on my Top 10 list of life-changing books. The title feels a bit harsh—suggesting we need to "break" ourselves—but the content is transformative. It's about becoming your best self by confronting the negative patterns that hold you back. Dispenza shows how aligning mind, body, and spirit creates a seamless, vibrant state of being. However, he focuses on the pitfalls of chronic negative emotions, driven by our hardwired survival instincts. While these instincts are vital for protection, when they're constantly triggered, they trap us in stress and prevent us from thriving. This book hit home for me recently, guiding me back to a relaxed, purpose-driven, and creative mindset.

Yesterday, I felt off—my body was running the show, dragging my mind and spirit down with it. So, I took charge and tackled the garage fridge, that forgotten box of expired jars and sticky goo. Just like that fridge, the goo in your soul doesn't clean itself. Healing demands action and intention. Drawing from Dr. Joe Dispenza's Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, we'll explore why letting the body lead the mind and spirit stalls you out, and how prioritizing mind, body, and spirit in harmony sets you free. We'll dive into actionable steps to get there. Every action compounds, chipping away at unresolved feelings that hold you back. Clear the inner goo and clutter, restore your mind, and heal your body. It's time to clean your garage fridge—inner peace is waiting.

In this episode of the RockneCast, I dive into Rule 8 from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos—and wow, did it hit home. The rule? Tell the Truth, or at Least Don't Lie. Here's my confession: I'm a liar (and you might be too). But not in the obvious way, like saying one thing while knowing the opposite is true. On pages 214 and 215, Peterson unpacks a deeper kind of lie—the one where we betray our authentic selves. It's those moments of quiet desperation when we hide our deepest fears from the people we love most, on the issues that matter most. This failure to be real creates an undercurrent that silently erodes our relationships. In this episode, we'll explore insights from Kierkegaard, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and Carl Jung—all packed into just two pages of this incredible book. Man, I wish I'd read this sooner! Join me as we unpack the power of truth and the cost of failing to express our authentic self.

It's been over five years since I launched the RockneCast, and what a journey it's been! So much has unfolded since those early days. In this episode, I dive into the why behind the RockneCast. Spoiler alert: it's not about money, fame, ego, or validation. Instead, it's about uncovering the hidden challenges and opportunities that life throws at us—those moments you can either dodge or embrace. I've stumbled plenty along the way, but I've also picked up a few hard-earned lessons that ring true for me and, I believe, will resonate with you too. Join me as we explore the deeper purpose driving this podcast and the insights that can help us all navigate the unseen paths ahead.

I am about halfway through Jordan Peterson's book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Rule 6 really resonated with me:Set Your House in Perfect Order Before You Criticize the World.I have seriously violated this rule at various times in my life. I share the consequences of failing to follow the rule; identify the ways Stoicism helped improve this area and outline my ongoing efforts to put this rule into practice. Life is a practice. There is no end outcome where we can rest on having arrived. Everything requires ongoing diligence, attention and self-examination when we fall short. Peterson's book helps us to live life as it is. Grateful that he put this out into the world.

In this episode, I review Breath by James Nestor. It has definitely entered my Top 10 list of life changing books.You might think you know how to breathe—after all, it's what keeps us alive—but chances are, you're doing it wrong. The way you breathe impacts how you sleep, exercise, meditate, and maintain energy throughout the day. This book dives into ancient breathwork techniques, introduces unconventional "pulmonauts," and offers practical tips for optimal breathing to calm your mind, uplift your spirit, and boost energy for getting things done. I also share my experience from a one-week experiment of taping my mouth shut while sleeping—a practice I've now made permanent—and recommend a powerful breathwork technique: coherent breathing. For a deeper dive, you need to buy this book!

Whoa, Psalm 30 rivals Psalm 23 for its transformative power. It's a beacon of life changing light. In this episode, we dive into Psalm 30:4-12, unpacking why these verses pulse with life-giving energy. They remind us that despair can turn to joy, mourning to dancing, and darkness to divine light through faith and gratitude. We'll explore how the psalmist's raw honesty about suffering, paired with triumphant praise for deliverance, offers a roadmap for navigating life's lows with resilience. Let Psalm 30 illuminate your path, transforming your perspective with every step.

The Tao of John Middlekauff shines through in his podcast, where his superpower—raw, unfiltered authenticity—makes him a joy to listen to. It boils down to one thing: He speaks his truth. John seamlessly translates his inner thoughts into his outer takes, delivering insights with zero pretense. This authenticity captivates listeners, builds trust, and keeps it real—no BS, just straight talk.We'll also explore why people erect their own barriers, hesitate to share their inner selves, and the risks of keeping it all locked inside. Embrace the Tao of John Middlekauff and let his fearless authenticity inspire you to live more openly in your own life.

Last night, I was moved by two profound sentences: "The way out is in. Go home to yourself." These words, shared by Thich Nhat Hanh in his lecture "Breathe as a Free Person, Walk as a Free Person," carry timeless wisdom. In this episode of The RockneCast, we dive into the transformative power of mastering your inner world through meditation and mindfulness. Discover a powerful guided meditation led by Thich Nhat Hanh and explore a real-life application of returning to your true self.With infinite gratitude to the revered bodhisattva, Thich Nhat Hanh, for his enduring teachings radiating from his incandescent soul.

Welcome to a special Sunday edition of The RockneCast! Today, June 29, 2025, I had a lightbulb moment while navigating a tough conversation with my mom. The revelation? We're both avoidants! Doubling down, I then realized... So is my dad!! We're avoidants.Don't be like me. Avoid avoidance.This hit me hard. So many personal and professional challenges linger because I sidestep them, hoping they'll magically resolve. Spoiler: they don't. In this episode, I dive into why we avoid tough issues, unpack how I became an avoidant, and share a practical approach to confront problems head-on.The good news is that this state of being an avoidant is not set in stone. You can address it. It's a skill that can be learned and practiced just like any other skill. I am taking my first steps down that path. Join me for this eye-opening episode, and here's to a fantastic 4th of July week ahead!

Has a book ever reshaped your entire perspective on what you want from life?Robert Fritz's The Path of Least Resistance might sound unassuming, but its insights will revolutionize how you view your past and sharpen your focus for the future. In this episode, I dive into one core idea from the book: the contrast between a reactive, problem-solving mindset and a visionary, creative approach.This isn't another tired formula for “creative solutions.” Fritz offers a clear, practical blueprint to design a life aligned with your deepest vision. A friend recommended this book four years ago, claiming it changed their life. I bought it, only to let it gather dust in a stack of books. Recently, while tidying my room, I rediscovered it—and I'm so glad I did. It's one of the most powerful books I've ever read, rivaling or even surpassing Atomic Habits for its transformative impact.

Recently reread Ryan Holiday's book, "The Obstacle is the Way." In that book, Holiday outlines the power of transforming those ass kicking life events into triumph. It is all you can do. Love what has happened and learn from it. It all comes down from one powerful quote from Marcus Aurelius.See things for what the are.Do what we canEndure and bear what we mustWhat blocked the path is now the pathWhat once impeded action advances action.The Obstacle is the Way.I also include a pithy quote by Nassim Taleb outlining his version of Stoicism.

This is the second episode on the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The book is only 140 pages, but it contains some of the most powerful wisdom on the human condition that I have read.His most powerful insight? Trauma wounds, how they happen, how to identify the source, what happens if left unaddressed, and most importantly, how to heal them. Trauma arises from emotional poison involuntarily injected into our psyche. The poison is injected through words, actions, or deeds, but in most healthy relationships through spiteful words. If unhealed, that emotional poison will manifest in resentment, leading to anger. Deep unresolved anger makes any relationship impossible, leading to unwanted ruptures.To heal the infected wound arising from the poisonous bite, you must release the poison. Ruiz identifies the only way: forgiving the transgressor, even though they may not deserve it, to protect our own wellbeing. Holding onto that poison makes healing the wound almost impossible.This book is one of the most powerful books that I have ever read. It takes two to three hours to read, but its life changing wisdom has the power to heal and transform your relationships.

Just read a tiny, but mighty book by Don Luis Miguel called the Four Agreements. The four agreements are simple in formulation, but powerful in application. They are:1) Be impeccable with your word2) Don't take it personally3) Don't make assumptions4) Always do your bestThese four principles are easy to state, but difficult to apply in the hurly burly of life. Many adverse outcomes flow from the failure to adhere to these principles. Following these principles provides the bedrock for personal transformation and growth.It's not only about keeping positive agreements. It's also about breaking negative agreements too, those agreements that we unwittingly make that keep holding us back. They act as a kind of albatross keeping us from being the best version of ourselves. He teaches us how, by taking little action steps to break the agreement. Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate. Don't explicate.Loved this book!

When was the last time that you read Proverbs? I mean really read it? If you haven't read it for a while, read it. If you're going through a difficult time or need discernment, that book is waiting right there, full of life changing guidance and power.This episode focuses on Chapter 8, a call to wisdom.It will power the lighthouse of your soul.

As many RockneCast listeners know, U.S. Grant is one of my all time heroes. And it's not because of his many victories in life... Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Vickburg, saving the Union, serving two terms as president of the United States. There are many traits that make me admire U.S. Grant, but one trait in particular stands out: his absolute iron will to keep on going no matter the odds or how difficult the obstacle. This episode is an exploration of that indomitable will to keep... on... going... no matter what. We will focus on June of 1961 when U.S. Grant sought to serve his country and faced of the most hopeless times of his life. In spite of that low, we will see how and why he transformed that low into becoming one of the most legendary figures in United States history.

This one verse may change the course of your life, no matter where you are right now.It rivals even Proverbs 13:12 for its life changing power.In this episode, I explain why...

Happy Father's Day! We're focusing on Jesus' stepdad, the carpenter named Joseph. For this episode, I will be covering Matthew 1:18-25, which describes the time between Joseph learning of Mary pregnancy until the Holy Spirit assured him that the pregnancy was divine.Have you ever considered the time period, i.e. between Joseph learning the "bad news" of Mary's pregnancy until the Holy Spirit told him the truth? What must have gone through Joseph's mind? How long did this time period last? Why did the Holy Spirit let him know before the pregnancy as opposed to after? This episode covers all of those questions. Gratitude to Joseph, the greatest step-dad of all time.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a luminous soul, the type of soul who radiates goodness and light even when his physical body is no longer present.His book, The Heart of Buddha's Teaching, is not just a book. It's a practice manual for living in good times and bad, allowing us to live in the present moment.These last couple of weeks have not been an easy one for me. At times, the pain has cut so deep that it has touched every cell in my body. But, through luminous souls like Thich, I now have to come to give thanks for the pain. It has deepened my soul, opened new pathways of understanding, and provided fuel to let my light shine.I have so much gratitude that Thich shared his powerful life force through his enlightened teaching of the Buddha.This episode covers the power of Thich Nhat Hanh to transform your suffering into peace, joy, and understanding. I'll also share a lecture of his that calmed me in the middle of the night. Finally, you will learn the health benefits of gratitude (it's not just for John Tesh) and a simple tip to begin your gratitude practice.

This episode focuses on the point of all: healing so you can be the best version of you to serve the people that you love. But to truly heal after a significant life event, healing only comes after you stop what your doing; calm yourself; rest; and finally heal.This episode also explores the why of healing; what healing shouldn't; and some practical tips on how to heal.

The power, renewal and growth that comes from resting, the final step before healing.This is the third in a four part series inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's book The Heart of Buddha's Teaching.

This the second in a four part series on reversing the rampaging horses of our mind with techniques outlined by Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. I also identify a breathing technique to calm the mind that I learned from my man crush Andrew Huberman, cyclic sighing, both the why, and how.

Have you ever felt like you're on a runaway stagecoach? Running fast, running strong, but not really knowing where you are going. I know I certainly have except I am one of the horse, galloping hard, but not know precisely where. In situations like this, Zen Buddhist Monk Thick Nhat Hanh, advises the best thing you can do is to simply stop, preventing further mistakes while running strong and allowing space to heal.This episode explores the power of stopping from five minutes to five days to five months, depending upon your circumstance.This episode is the first in a four part series on Chapter Six of Hanh's introduction to Zen Buddhism, The Heart of Buddha's Teaching - Transforming Suffering Into Peace, Joy, and Liberation. The next three will focus on calming, resting, healing.

In this episode, we will primarily explore Robert F Kennedy's favorite poet, Aeschylus, whom he quoted in his extemporaneous encomium upon learning that Martin Luther King Jr. had been murdered by an assassin. "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart until in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."No one wants to suffer. Not a single person embraces deep emotional pain, the kind that strikes to the vibrational core of the soul. It shakes you. It rattles you. It humbles you. It can even destroy you. Unless you realize...That suffering, the very same kind that rattles us to a cellular level, also draws us nearer to the divine, opening up a channel directly to the Holy Spirit.We'll dive deep into the Aeschylus's belief that "suffering alone" is our greatest teacher, making it essential to any authentic transformation.On this path, I'll share the glory and light in suffering through Romans 5:3-5.For now, I have experienced enough "glory", but I have learned so much from this path that I am on. I hope my experience will illuminate any darkness that you may be experiencing. "Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5.

In this episode, we explore the concept of hugr. According to Neil Price, author of the viking history book Ash and Helm, it roughly translates as "soul", but it's even deeper than that. Hugr is the "absolute essence of you, free from all artifice or surface affect." It embodies personality, temperament, and character. This episode explores the importance of aligning the inner soul with the outer world. Remove the shell. Be you.

This about about diving deep into your greatest fears lying in the Shadow. Confront What You Fear. There is no other choice. Confrontation fears does not ensure a successful outcome. Avoidance of your fears guarantees failure, only resulting in a delayed manifestation of your worst fears.In this episode, we explore how Luke Skywalker obtained the power of the Force by confronting and experiencing his greatest fear. It is not one of the ways to solve your greatest challenges. It is. The Way. Only those that have confronted their Dark Side can be trusted with the power of the Force.

Wasn't going to do a podcast this morning, but came across a timely passage from Reuben Youngdahl's daily devotional for June 2. It just made a real impact on me. So I am sharing it with you...

Hey, podcast listeners! I just dove into an incredible 1987 biography on Ronald Reagan by Garry Wills, hands-down one of the best I've read about him. This isn't just a timeline of Reagan's life—it's like stepping through a time portal into his world, feeling what shaped him. Unlike most Reagan bios that zoom in on his presidency, this one focuses more on what made Reagan, well, Reagan: his boyhood, the Disciples of Christ Church, the political sparks at Eureka College, and his early broadcasting days in Des Moines. In this episode, I'm unpacking two fascinating slices of his story—his lifesaving heroics at Lowell Park on the Rock River and the Black Hawk War's role in the settlement of Dixon and Davenport, where Reagan lived. Trust me, this one's a gem!

In this episode, we'll cover the first Judgment set forth in The Creative, the first chapter in the ancient book of wisdom, the I Ching.The Judgment"The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance."This episode addresses those words.The translator, Richard Wilhelm, concluded his introduction with: "May the same joy in pure wisdom be the part of those read the translation as was mine while I worked on it."The Book of Changes is just that: pure joy. Similarly, may you experience the joy in listening to this podcast as I had in producing this episode.

Just finished "The Explorer's Gene" by Alex Hutchinson. Hutchinson is a classic polymath, holding a PhD in Physics and masters in journalism. He is also an accomplishing runner and adept, having written NY Times best selling book called "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance." The Explorer's Gene is about the power of exploring the unknown, breaking routines, and embracing the risks and rewards of exploration. In this episode, we cover how: 1. Hutchinson differs from James Clear, identifying the virtues and vices of too much routine, especially when it comes at the expense of exploration; 2. Novelty seeking;3. Nassim Taleb and small bet/big reward exploration;4. Traveling like a flaneur;5. Exploration of the unknown versus exploitation of the known.

Just had a dream about wolves. So I thought I'd do a podcast on wolves. In this episode, we explore "wolf energy" through books, legends, and Wheels of Time, the hit Amazon fantasy series.We'll also cover former NBA coach Phil Jackson, his wolf pack quote, Rudyard Kipling, and the Old Norse word for wolf.Carl Jung and Robert Bly also make an appearance.I finish with two books that I want to read Beowulf and Prose Edda.Embrace your wolf energy.

I finally finished Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. First published in 1990, it has now become a classic in the field of positive psychology. You're probably aware of the punchline of the book: flow is the Goldilocks zone between excessive stress and anxiety and boredom. It involves optimal difficulty suited to a skill set. But the book is more than the punchline. It covers flow in all aspects of life and more importantly, how to "flow". Csikszentmihalyi also identifies the perils of not being into the flow and the purpose of flow.I loved this book. I am glad that I finally read it. It should be on everyone's bookshelf. I'll probably read it again. This episode covers just two small vignettes and lessons from the Taoist scholar Chuang Tzu. Get into the flow!!

Two words, "Don't Judge". Could an entire philosophy arise from two words? This episode explores the connection between Andy Reid's success and those two words. I thought about those words after rereading Shannon Lee book about her father's philosophy in her book, Be Water, My Friend. She outlined the Parable of the Empty Cup, a story that Lee frequently used to illustrate the power of keeping an open mind and being open to the unexpected. As I read that parable, two words came to mind, "Don't Judge", a two word philosophy that Andy Reid uses to guide his approach to coaching and teaching. This episode explores the synchronistic philosophy connecting these two amazing men.

Just finished Iron John - A Book about Men by Robert Bly. It's book for men of all ages. Every man and woman should read it. Men need to read it to uncover what it means to be a man. Women need to read it to understand the men in their lives: fathers, sons, brothers, and spouses. Bly explores Deep Masculinity through legend of Iron John, a story from the Brothers Grimm. In this episode, I share how I learned about Robert Bly, and why I read it. I also share a passage on Law to Legends. This is the book that you have to read and reread. I... Absolutely... Loved... It!! Bly has left us countless and timeless pieces of wisdom and a whole host of authors to explore. This should be on every man's shelf.

Just in Chicago for a week, and I learned about the Ginger and Turmeric Latte at the Oud's Coffee House. In this episode I cover the health benefits of ginger and turmeric. I explore why antioxidants are so important and the perils of oxidative stress. Finally, I will tell you how to make a Ginger and Turmeric Lattes!

This entire episode is about "The!" , the downside of excessive simplicity. Instead, we should strive for Goldilocks Complexity, the minimal number of steps to achieve a particular result. I started thinking about this topic after reading Ben Guttman's excellent book Simply Put - Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them. I loved this book. It is right up there with James Clear's book Atomic Habits.But... simplicity has a downside. In this episode, I explore optimal simplicity, identify too much simplicity and too much complexity. Goldilocks Complexity.This is a quadratic formula: y=−ax2+bxIn this episode, I explore The Brutalist, Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, Bears Coach Ben Johnson, and simplicity optimization.

If you think about it, nearly our entirely education is predicated about discerning what's true and what's false. I started thinking about this with the uptick in "conspiracy theories" and their relation to the pending release of JFK, RFK and MLK files. As I have followed those stories, the question arose:Does this even really matter to me?We need to marshal our energies to focus our true/false journeys. We only have so much time, energy and resources.This episode is about an approach to focus and optimate our true/false journeys.I know it sounds boring, but for whatever reason, this question fascinates me. In fact, I think its key to become the best version of you.

Did Jeffrey Epstein die by murder or suicide? In this episode, I argue that we should use Bayesian statistics to frame the debate. Indeed, we should use this approach to frame most "conspiracy theories". Most such theories are derided as compelling storytellers weaving half truths to fit their narrative.Bayes offers a more analytical approach.1. Make an educated guess about the probability of an event occurring. The likelihood of Epstein dying by suicide.2. Identify authenticated clues that support that hypothesis.3. Assess the odds of each clue happening independently, i.e. jail cameras not working, hyoid bone being broken, both guards falling asleep.4. Then calculate odds of those happening together.5. Perform calculation and then update original probability estimate based upon the probability those clues happening.Using Bayes with a "little" help from Grok, I identify the odds of murder versus suicide.I also identify ways that you should attack this analysis and not just my use of Grok.This approach should be used more frequently as we try to resolve debates surrounding "conspiracies". I don't even really like that word. We're really trying to assess whether Event x was caused by y or z.