Schooling Struggle

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.comRory Salzano joins the show to give the listeners a real time update on the doings of her life. In this episode she and Pete crack into a series of listener questions covering topics from recent lessons learned the hard way to finding one's authentic self. Then of course Pete can't refrain from finishing up with a quick convo about spending less money on fast food! It is very cool to see Rory grow and learn how to better navigate life's struggles as we continue to follow her personal journey. Enjoy!

Pete & Doug bring another episode featuring Micro-Habits: Small steps we can make consistently over time to yield a massive positive impact on ourselves.This time they discuss the detriments of processed sugar consumption and small changes one can make to eat a bit cleaner.The latest research on the negative impacts of processed sugar is staggering.

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.com

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.com

schoolingstrugglepodcast @gmail.comIn this episode Pete chats with Gene Soboleski, aka Big Zig, a hospice nurse, photographer, and passionate member of his community. They dive into the powerful lessons Zig has learned from working with people at the end of their life, exploring themes of self-awareness, living in the moment, and the importance of cherishing relationships. Zig opens up about how he balances his demanding nursing career with his love for photography, sharing the challenges and rewards of pursuing passions while juggling family and responsibilities. The conversation dives into how BigZig's photography has become more than just a hobby, but a fulfilling way to connect with the community, especially the kids, during their most pivotal moments. The episode also reflects on the importance of prioritizing passions and balancing the “must-dos” with the “can-dos” in life, encouraging listeners to chase what truly brings them joy. Tune in for a deep conversation on embracing life's struggles and finding meaning in the moments we have.

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.comIn this solo episode, Pete reflects on how, like a ship adjusting its sails, we can't control everything in life but can focus on what we can impact. Pete emphasizes the importance of steering away from negative influences, such as social drama, and avoiding failures by making mindful choices. He also discusses how consistency, rather than perfection, is key to progress in all aspects of life, including fitness, mindset, and nutrition. By focusing on small, consistent actions, we can create momentum and see progress, even if it's slow. The episode concludes with a reminder to keep moving forward with micro-habits and small steps to consistently move closer to the person each of us desires to be.

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.comAs sleep is the magic elixir for health and wellness, Doug and Pete dive into the habits we can instill to "land our plane" prior to bedtime in a way that yields effective and efficient sleep hygiene. They share the science behind these routines as well as their personal pre-bedtime triumphs and failures.Key Takeaways from Episode 120: Pre-Bedtime Micro Habits Digital Curfew: Avoid screens for 30 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality. Calming Rituals: Engage in relaxing activities like reading, journaling, or stretching. Darkness Matters: Keep your room dark and free of glowing screens for deeper sleep. Consistent Schedule: Stick to a regular sleep and wake time, even on weekends. White Noise & Podcasts: Use soothing sounds or a mellow podcast to help you drift off.

Some lessons can only learned by living them. Here, the guys chat about relationships. They each share one lesson they have learned the hard way throughout the course of their personal journeys interacting with spouses, friends, colleagues, teammates, and children. They touch on some practical strategies they now use to better navigate the relationships in their lives while recognizing and accepting change in themselves as well as the people they hold most dear.Sign up for our newsletter!schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.com

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.comWhy Water Matters:Water fuel's our bodily essential functions and keeps our brains sharp. Here, Pete & Doug dive into the importance of making hydration a "micro habit." What are micro habits? Our podcast defines them as tiny consistent actions that when repeated over time build momentum for longterm impact."In this episode the guys discuss the following:- How to start your day with water- What a healthy water intake level is for you- How to anchor water intake to other ingrained habits- How to track hydration intake- Other tips, tricks, and hacks they both use to enhance their water intake levels on a daily basis.

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.comChris Crawford joins Pete for a discussion on how tunnel vision toward "important" goals in his life has led to unexpected hardship and dependency. Chris talks about how being over-the-top goal oriented has its benefits yet stirs up some unpredictable repercussions down the road. His honesty and willingness to share on this episode is super authentic.

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.comWhat began as a passion project to share life lessons, mindset, and health insights has evolved into a more structured endeavor that requires increasing time and effort. Despite the challenges, Pete shares with his family of listeners that he has committed to growing the podcast by introducing new formats, such as micro-habits and actionable takeaways, to help listeners improve their lives one small step at a time. With the support of his friend Doug Anton, the podcast is set to expand with newsletters and more interaction with the audience, making this a shared community effort. Ultimately, the podcast is about progress, not comfort, and the host's determination to keep learning, growing, and connecting with others through shared experiences.

What if the key to managing life's challenges was something much smaller than we ever thought? In this episode, Pete brings back Doug Anton and Katie Hluchyj to talk about the little things they do every day to improve their health, mindset, and connections. Doug wrestles with staying present instead of always looking ahead, while Katie shares how learning to ski taught her to loosen her grip on life (literally). From food routines and sleep struggles to finding balance in a busy world, this conversation is packed with real-life challenges, simple strategies, and a few good laughs. Enjoy! Email: schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode Todd shares about the lessons and realizations he has recently learned through digging into multiple zones of mental and physical discomfort. We lead off discussing a recent murder in his neighborhood. Crazy! He then dives into his recent fast that wasn't so "fast," life as a sober human, and how that continues to manifest. Lastly he shares about his willingness to invest deeper into the most important relationships in his life and how that has been a struggle for decades.

Thomas Payton joins the show to share his story of both physical and mental growth following a catastrophic accident where he was tossed out of the back of a moving truck. Thomas digs into the rehab process following this incident as well as his personal mental journey to become a better citizen to both himself and his community. Throughout this episode, Thomas discusses his striving to "walk the walk" both physically and with his mindset.

As the calendar turns to 2025, Brian and Pete engage in a conversation that put the "FUN" in disfunction. They chat about the most important lessons they have learned in the past 365 days while sharing stories about their growth and shortcomings throughout the year that was 2024.

Todd, Brian, and Pete discuss what they have each learned and how they are applying the content from Michael Singer's, "The Untethered Soul." The guys cover a range of topics with regard to living with an open heart, overcoming the avoidance of pain, and how keeping death in the forefront of our minds can lead to a life of joy and fulfillment. Singer's book profoundly impacted each of the guys on this show and they are excited to talk about it!

Pete & Brian discuss the role that goal implementation plays in their lives. The each dig into how the setting and attainment of goals has both helped and hurt them in the past. The guys finish by sharing how they now use goals to better themselves including some of the specific strategies and tactics that have proven both productive and useful over the course of their lives.

Jalen Labonte joins Pete to chat about his need to make amends with those whom he burned bridges in his past. Jay shares his story through a discussion focusing on troubled times during his youth, navigating school with an autism disorder, and managing his raging anger. He covers getting removed from his home by the government then losing a close friend. As his backstory unfolds in this episode Jay focuses on how he has turned around his mindset and his life. He digs into how he now defines success and the value of be treated with love and respect. This is an open and honest account from a young man who continues to find his way in a world of trials and tribulations.

The guys take a pragmatic hard look at exactly what kindness really is. Pete, Todd, and Brian each bring a unique perspective to the conversation given their current roles in life and past experiences. Is there actually a difference between being kind and being nice? This is no "Polly Anna" approach toward discussing kindness.

Brian Fortier joins Pete to have a story-laden and light-hearted discussion about managing the small day-to-day frustrations that often consume human thoughts and emotions. The guys share humorous stories throughout the conversation while giving strategies they find helpful when faced with navigating the small, yet frustrating challenges of life.

Dr. Slammon joins the show for another insightful episode. Everyone has actions, reactions, and responses varying in intensity to outside stimuli. These actions are often referred to as "Triggers." This episode focuses on human triggers. How we manage and internalize our triggering thoughts and emotions has a profound impact on how we navigate life's struggles. Dr. Slammon breaks this content down into understandable terms for Pete, Todd, and the listeners. This is a powerful episode for anyone looking to better manage their emotional responses to uncomfortable occurrences. schoolingstruggle@gmail.com

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com "I feel like a mosquito in a nudist colony!" - Brian Fortier. Brian joins Pete to discuss the unique ways that humans remain motivated over time. How does this motivation reshape itself as one matures and changes their pursuits in life? The guys go on to each share their life experience in this mindset arena.

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Pete is joined by Todd and Brian to discuss the power of refraining. Pete shares some recent lifestyle changes he has committed to including his recent quitting his watching of any content on YouTube. He shares how his life has been impacted by this. The guys also cover some other topics including maintaining peace of mind when faced with stress and when to change (or not to change) our approach when interacting with others.

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Rory joins the show to share perspectives on breaking her preconceived expectations regarding her own life's structure. As she packs her bags to move 1,200 miles south, Rory openly shares about the "identity crises" she currently faces as the current state of her journey does not entirely line up with where she anticipated she would be at this stage of her life. We can always count on humble, authentic, and thought-provoking conversations whenever Rory jumps on the microphone!

Schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Joey Beggs joins the show to chat about all things life balance. He dives into the stress that accompanies trying to do multiple things at a high level. How do we please all of the most important people in our lives while still being available for ourselves? Joey shares openly about this challenge and the stress that is induced when it comes to the balancing act of life.

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Harper Robinson joins the show to discuss what she has learned in the past year about making sustainable lifestyle changes in the arenas of mindset and nutrition. In this light-hearted and engaging manner, Harper shares some powerful insights that she has recently learned about herself. These include her habits and the actions she can take that are within her circle of control. In addition, Harper openly shares about the challenges she faces during this season of her life.

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com 52 days ago Todd went alcohol free. In this special "Episode 100" he shares his recent realizations regarding 4 decades of alcohol dependency and the changes that have transpired in his life since putting down the bottles and cans of Bud Light and Crafts Brews. This turned out to be an incredibly enlightening conversation for Pete.

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Brian Fortier joins the show to share his insights on turning failures into successes throughout the journey of life. He also shares his favorite motivational poem, titled... "DON'T QUIT" When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,When the funds are low and the debts are high,And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,When care is pressing you down a bit,Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns,As every one of us sometimes learns,And many a fellow turns aboutWhen he might have won had he stuck it out.Don't give up though the pace seems slow –You may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer thanIt seems to a faint and faltering man;Often the struggler has given upWhen he might have captured the victor's cup;And he learned too late when the night came down,How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out –The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,And you never can tell how close you are,It might be near when it seems afar;So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit –It's when things seem worst that you must not quit. ~John Greenleaf Whittier --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com "Profe" Katie Hluchyj joins the show to share some great stories from her adventures about how chasing one's heart can lead to purpose & fulfillment. Katie dives into her thought process regarding the value of challenge and the worth of venturing outside of her comfort zone. Katie believes in the importance of human connection while pairing it with a mindset that allows her to go all in with both feet in what sets her heart on fire. Muchas Gracias Profe! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com As they surpass 10,000 downloads since creating episode one, the guys chat about what goes into the logistics of producing an episode as well as a myriad of other listener questions that have been submitted over the years. This episode finishes out with a question that each of the co-hosts has always wondered about the other but have not yet ventured to ask. It is a fun one (at least we think so) Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Brian Fortier joins the show to share what make his mindset practices tick. He shares stories from his past and how these experiences have influenced his approach to life today. His wisdom is infectious as he strives to teach those in his orbit what he has learned through the myriad of roles he has taken on throughout the course of his life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com The guys continue to dig into the "5 Pillars of Health." Pete shares how he implements small measurable goals when intending to improve upon aspects of each pillar in his life. Both of the guys discuss various measures and steps one can utilize to make progress in each of the 5 buckets: Mindset, Connection, Sleep, Exercise, Nutrition. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Rory S. joins the show for her 2nd episode on the mic. She chats with Pete in this "5x5" episode addressing topics such as life-long paradigm shifts, being called out recently, imaginary data stats after death, and the all important "Pineapple on Pizza" question. Rory is such a refreshing addition to the Schooling Struggle Team! We are so grateful to have her aboard. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Flowchart 1: https://u.cubeupload.com/demonlesondledon/FinFlowChartv43.jpg Flowchart 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/Bogleheads/s/1YuwQQRGzG Doug Anton drops by for his monthly contribution to chat about securing one's financial future with a step-by-step format using the flowcharts that are linked above. Lots of takeaways for anyone trying to get ahead financially! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com In this episode Pete pulls back the curtain on the mindset practices he has been sharing with the students in his classes. He and Todd cover a range of topics culminating in a mantra they coin as "Calm, Kind, & Curious." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com In this episode Pete and Todd share impediments from their own lives that prove as obstacles when striving to optimize nutrition, exercise, sleep, relationships and fostering a strong mindset. In addition, they spend a little extra time diving into the topic of equipping one's perspective as it pertain to "curiosity and judgement." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

Both Todd and Pete have recently engaged in endeavors that have surprised and challenged them. In this episode they share the detailed nuances of their specific experiences by digging into what they have learned as a result. Congrats to Todd for the safe and healthy delivery of his new grandchild! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Adam Justice joins the show to discuss navigating childhood trauma, focusing on what is most important in life, connecting with others, and accepting the fact that consistently persevering over the course of the long haul is critical to overcoming obstacles and experiencing a lifetime of purpose and fulfillment. Adam's wisdom is infectious! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com INPUTS: An investment in our physical, emotional, or cognitive well-being. We first learned of this term a number of years ago from Mat Fraser, 5 time fittest man on earth. In this solo episode, Pete shares his thoughts and perspectives regarding how he navigates the inputs in his life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

Pete comes to the realization that in order to maintain a healthy mindset he needs to make a few lifestyle changes - namely finding ways to chill out a bit. He discusses his plans and strategies on how he thinks he might accomplish this in an effort to yield a more sustainable mental approach to his day and his life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

Doug Anton makes his monthly visit to the show to discuss a topic he deeply enjoys digging into... Unconventional Wisdom. Among the topics discussed in this episode are recent lessons both Doug & Pete have learned regarding "once thought to be true" perspectives that have evolved with updated evidence. They cover health, financial credit, nutrition, sleep, and sound relationship advice! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com The guys discuss the impact of blood sugar levels and why humans feel like crap after consuming large amounts of glucose (sugar), specifically Pete's daughter. The conversation includes strategies we can use to mitigate against elevated blood sugar for both the long and short term. This is how we avoid the "pancake effect." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com The guys dig into a viral audio clip from the women's basketball team at Duke University. Head coach Kara Larson urges her charges to "Do Hard Better" during an impromptu speech at one of her team's practices. These words of motivation and inspiration can be taken and applied in many facets of life. Coach Larson declares that doing Hard Better is integral for pursuing any meaningful purpose in life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Doug Anton (officially now a regular contributor to the show) drops some knowledge on all that he has learned about the circumstances that dictate human decisions. On this episode he shares his perspective on the many aspects of "free will" that fascinate him. This content was both new and quite intriguing for Pete to explore in his conversation with Doug. Also…Listen and learn about how Doug used a lollipop to avoid the wrath of fast food! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstrugglepodcast@gmail.com This episode brings yet another 5X5 format: 5 Questions with 5(ish) minutes spent exploring answers. The guys dive into their irrational fears, recent screw-ups, hopes, skills they want to acquire, and new information they have recently learned. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle.com Pete dives into what he learned in 2023 regarding the 5 Pillars of Health: Mindset, Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, & Connections. He shares tactical strategies from each of these buckets that he is currently using to improve various aspects of his lifestyle. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com In this episode Todd opens up about his struggles and current mindset 6 months after being laid off from his decades-long career position in the tech world. He reveals his vulnerabilities as he continues to navigate how to provide financially while simultaneously seeking purpose in his work. He also shares his latest meditative discoveries about what he calls "Quality of Presence." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com The guys dive into 5 specific health benefits of patience. They discuss how and why patience yields a more healthy mind and body. In this episode both Todd and Pete reflect on areas of their own lives where they lack patience and how they strive to use patience to navigate struggles. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Doug Anton joins the show to discuss what he learned fromThinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist Daniel Kahneman. The book's main thesis is a differentiation between two modes of thought: "System 1" is fast, instinctive and emotional; "System 2" is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. The book delineates rational and non-rational motivations or triggers associated with each type of thinking process, and how they complement each other. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Todd's daughter Katelynn joins the show for this episode to dive into the topic of judgment. What role does judging ourselves or others play in our lives? Why do humans judge in the first place? What utility does judgement serve? How can we embrace a mindset that uses our judging tendencies to become better versions of ourselves? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message

Schoolingstruggle@gmail.com Pete's 8 year old daughter Lauren joins this episode to ask a series of questions that she has been pondering as of late. She asks her dad to dig into some past experiences and share some stories along the way! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peter-driscoll/message