Podcasts about Breathing

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself" - Deepak Chopra Gratitude: Acceptance. I'm so thankful to those who accept me for who I am. Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If there's something unique YOU are grateful for, let me know and I'll share it on an upcoming episode. Simply visit TheDailyRefresh.com and click the word 'Gratitude e' in the Nav bar!

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "People who don't take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year. People who do take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year." - Peter Drucker Gratitude: Stars. As The Killers sing: "Stars are like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun." How beautiful! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're interested in launching your very own Podcast, visit FreePodcastCourse.com/ and this completely free training will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know! So visit FreePodcastCourse.com.

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2026.03.11 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24487/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "It is not abstinence from pleasures that is best, but mastery over them without being worsted. " - Aristippus Gratitude: Seasons. Spring, summer, winter, fall -- love 'em all! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're ready to master productivity, discipline and focus in 100 days, visit TheMasteryJournal.com and you'll have the step by step guidance to do just that. Use promo code 'refresh' as a thank you for listening to The Daily Refresh.

(00:00:00) Opening (00:00:43) Midweek BONUS Stupidity (01:08:15) Insane Week In Review (01:21:26) Genius Awards (01:30:39) Closing An old married couple in the thick of the North Central Pennsylvania woods got into the thick of an argument that degraded into the old skillet treatment. Casual Friday now means you can wear your sweatpantsuit from Fruit of the Loom to work and still look like you're trendy. The kids are now trying to become a fire-breathing moron with isopropyl alcohol and a lighter.In this Midweek BONUS Episode...PA Couple Charged For Hitting Each Other With Frying PanManager At A TX Whataburger Beat Unruly Customer With A Trash CanBurger King Will Use AI to Check if Employees Say ‘Please' and ‘Thank You'Farmer Banned From McDonald's After Using Drive-Thru in Horse and WagonMcDonald's CEO Viral After Awkward Big Arch Burger Taste Test—Trolled By Burger King's CEO?Psychotic Roommates? A Guy Was Caught Spraying An Unknown Substance on FoodMan Tries to Kill Sister With Crossbow Over House TemperatureHow DRUNK Do You Have To Be...To Be Caught Snoozing While Your SUV is Crawling at 4-MPH on InterstateKentucky A Woman Tries Paying Someone's Bail with Movie MoneyJoke Post From Tampa International Airport Backfires About Banning Pajamas, CrocsDrivers Receiving Wrong Toll Bills Due to New Pennsylvania Plate DesignFruit of the Loom Has Created a Sweatpant...Formal SuitMissing FL Man Found Over a Week Later Trapped in Shoulder-Deep MudPA Prof Was Naked From The Waist Down Teaching Online CoursesThe Top Airports to Test Out The "Airport Theory"Man Stole $10,000 Worth Of Trading Cards From Stores By Using Taco Seasoning PacketsImpatient FL Man Tried To Move Parked Ambulance That Was In His WayMarathon Runner Hogs Bathroom During 11-Hour Flight To Get In His StepsHey! Kids! Nothing Good Can Come From Trying The 'Fire-Breathing' Social Media TrendMost Americans Can't Find Iran On A MapGA Sheriff Busted For DUI Had Been Drinking “Four Loko” Since 6amThe most recent current events bring you up to date with all the latest stupidity and the weekly Genius Awards will introduce you to our new "winners" of the stupendous stupidity!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/insane-erik-lane-s-stupid-world--6486112/support.Real-time updates and story links are found on the TELEGRAM Channel at: https://t.me/InsaneErikLane  (Theme song courtesy of Randy Stonehill, ”It's A Great Big Stupid World”. Copyright ©1992 Stonehillian Music/Word Music/Twitchin' Vibes Music/ASCAP) Order your copy on the Wonderama CD from Amazon!This episode includes AI-generated content.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "If you're always thinking about possibility, you'll find it. You'll always be creating your future." – Sir Ken Robinson Gratitude: Health. I'm a pretty healthy girl and I'm so, so, SO happy about that. Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you want to take your life to the next level, check out my Free Training; 3 Hours to your big idea. In just 3 hours, you'll have THE BIG idea that you can go all in on, and the best part, the entire training is free! Visit YourBigIdea.io to start today!

This is one of those episodes you may need to listen to twice.In this conversation, Miles Witt Boyer and Jared Mark Fincher sit down with photographer, artist, and creative entrepreneur Jeremy Cowart. Jeremy is the founder of the Help Portrait movement, which has provided free portraits to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, and he has spent years pushing the boundaries of what photography can look like through experimentation, technology, and empathy.But this episode is bigger than photography.It is about curiosity.It is about courage.It is about what happens when an artist refuses to stop learning.Jeremy shares how he moves between photography, fine art, AI, augmented reality, humanitarian storytelling, and wildly experimental creative processes without losing his sense of purpose. He talks about why experimentation matters, why so many creatives stop learning too early, and how staying curious has opened unexpected doors in both commercial and personal work.We also talk about his latest project, If You're Breathing, a powerful concept built around using art and storytelling to help people in extreme financial need. It is one of the most honest and inspiring conversations we have had on the podcast.If you are a photographer, artist, or creative entrepreneur trying to stay inspired in a changing industry, this episode will challenge the way you think about your work.And in the Aftercast, Jeremy breaks down the process he uses to filter, test, and pursue new ideas.What we cover:Who Jeremy Cowart is and why his work mattersWhy curiosity is one of the most important traits a creative can haveHow experimentation shapes Jeremy's processThe connection between empathy and meaningful artWhat Jeremy sees in the future of photography and AIWhy creative risk is still worth takingHow personal projects can lead to powerful commercial opportunitiesThe heart behind If You're BreathingAbout Jeremy:Jeremy Cowart is an internationally recognized photographer, artist, and creative entrepreneur. He is the founder of Help Portrait and is known for blending photography, technology, and humanitarian storytelling in ways that consistently push creative boundaries. His work spans portraiture, immersive art, AI driven image making, and collaborative projects designed to bring hope and dignity to people around the world.Links:Jeremy Cowarthttps://jeremycowart.comHelp Portraithttps://help-portrait.comJeremy on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/jeremycowartMiles Witt Boyerhttps://www.mileswittboyer.comPHOTOCOhttps://www.photoco.coIf this episode challenged you, inspired you, or made you want to create something new, don't miss the Aftercast. Jeremy shares the framework he uses to evaluate and pursue creative ideas, and it is gold. You can get access inside PHOTOCO.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." – Henry Ford Gratitude: Dogs. They are flat out amazing creatures. Love you, Bella! Miss you, Pooky! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're not listening to this on your Alexa, you should be! Visit TheDailyRefresh.com and click on the word Alexa in the Nav bar for a tutorial on making The Daily Refresh one of your Flash Briefings.

We have 60K-90K thoughts a day and half of those thoughts are repeated from the day before and then half of those thoughts are negative thoughts. Over time, these repeated thoughts add up to what we think of as our personality, our truth, our reality. But what happens if we don't like our situation, personality, or reality? What if we desire change in our life? That only happens when we change our perception of reality through our perspective on what is real and what is true. Being mindful of our thoughts is an excellent way to shift into a new reality. This meditation aims to help re-wire the mind one breath at a time.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." - Abraham Lincoln Gratitude: Art. To quote Ani Difranco, "Art is why I get up in the morning." Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If there's something unique YOU are grateful for, let me know and I'll share it on an upcoming episode. Simply visit TheDailyRefresh.com and click the word 'Gratitude e' in the Nav bar!

Join us for our Bio Hacking series, Mike and Mark explore the transformational power of conscious breathing through the lens of Patrick McKeown's groundbreaking book, The Oxygen Advantage. Backed by science, McKeown's methods focus on improving health, reducing stress, and optimizing performance through simple yet effective breathing techniques.Get the book on Amazon https://geni.us/PatrickOxygenAdvantageThe episode covers practical insights and easy-to-follow exercises to help listeners manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance focus. Breathing is something we do automatically, but Patrick reveals that most people are doing it wrong. By retraining your breath, you can unlock mental clarity, Resilience, and energy gains you never knew you had.

(Group Learning Program) - Guided Breathing Mindfulness Meditation and Student QuestionsBreathing Mindfulness Meditation was the primary form of meditation employed by The Buddha to attain Enlightenment. There are many aspects of The Path to Enlightenment that one would need to learn and practice with guidance from a Teacher, however, Breathing Mindfulness Meditation should be among the top priorities for any Practitioner aspiring to attain Enlightenment.The goal of Breathing Mindfulness Meditation is to develop “Right Mindfulness”, “Right Concentration”, and to eliminate the unwholesome root of craving/desire/attachment.All discontentedness is caused by craving/desire/attachment so it is important to train the mind to not have craving/desire/attachment as part of "Developing Your Life Practice”.In this Podcast, David will guide you in a Breathing Mindfulness Meditation session and will accept questions from Students to help you develop your meditation practice and progress forward on The Path to Enlightenment.——-Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The BuddhaDedicated to the education of Gotama Buddha's Teachings to attain Enlightenment.https://www.BuddhaDailyWisdom.com(See our website for online learning, courses, and retreats.)Group Learning Program - LIVE Interactive Online Classes, Book, Audiobook, Videos, Podcast and Personal Guidancehttps://mailchi.mp/f958c59262eb/buddhadailywisdomThe Words of The Buddha - Pali Canon in English Study Grouphttps://mailchi.mp/6bb4fdf2b6e0/palicanonstudyprogramFREE Book - Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenmenthttps://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyWisdom999YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyWisdom999Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/buddhadailywisdom/Support our efforts to share The Teachings of Gotama Buddha with you and worldwide for all people using this link.https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/supportbuddha#buddhism #learnbuddhism #enlightenment #dhamma #dharma #buddha #meditation #meditationretreat #meditationcourse

Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you approach the Bible like a buffet, selectively choosing verses that affirm your values rather than allowing Scripture to transform and challenge your values?-When you face spiritual warfare or temptation, do you have specific rhema words from Scripture ready like Jesus did in the wilderness, or do you need to spend more time in the logos to build that foundation?-How does the concept of inhaling God's Word and exhaling it to others challenge you to move beyond personal consumption of Scripture to active sharing and living it out?-What is the difference between knowing about God through Scripture and actually encountering God through His Word, and which one best describes your current relationship with the Bible?

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do." - Thomas Edison Gratitude: Magic. Just read a quote saying magic is in everything. So true! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're interested in launching your very own Podcast, visit FreePodcastCourse.com/ and this completely free training will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know! So visit FreePodcastCourse.com.

Are you feeling stuck in survival mode, battling a racing heart, or overwhelmed by digital overload? In today's episode, we step away from the noise and focus on somatic healing to bring your body back to a state of safety.Using Coherent Breathing, a science-backed biological hack, we aim to balance your heart rate variability and exit the "fight or flight" response. This is Part 1 of our organic 3-part series designed to help you move from immediate panic attack relief to long-term nervous system regulation.What You'll Experience:The Somatic Manual Override: A guided walkthrough of Coherent Breathing ($5$s inhale / $5$s exhale) to stop shallow chest breathing and signal safety to your brain.The Anchor Visualization: A powerful mental tool to help you remain steady amidst fragmented attention and external chaos.Affirmations for Stability: Internalize phrases like "I am the calm center of my own life" to reclaim your self-worth and peace.Daily Affirmations Included:"I am the calm center of my own life.""I am returning to my natural state of peace.""I release the need to control things that are not mine to carry."3 Daily Caring Tips for a Happier Life:The Two-Minute Tech Fast: Prioritize silence before engaging with digital feeds to reduce cortisol spikes.Soften the Gaze: Look at the horizon to tell your brain there is no immediate threat, a simple hack for hypervigilance.Hydrate with Intent: Use the sensation of drinking water as a somatic grounding technique to stay present.Listen now to begin your journey from panic to peace. ---Timestamps:00:00 – Immediate Panic Relief: Entering a safe space.01:30 – Coherent Breathing: The biological hack for anxiety relief.05:00 – Guided Visualization: Building your internal anchor.07:30 – Affirmations for Mental Clarity.09:00 – 3 Tips for a Happier Life.Resources:Find the full Anxiety Breaker Course at calminganxiety.fm.Be kind to yourself.

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Sayan, we explore a surprisingly overlooked root of kids' sleep, focus, and emotional regulation: how they breathe. Dr. Leslie Pasco breaks down why mouth breathing isn't just a “habit,” but a body-wide stress signal that can quietly shape development. This conversation is for parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting children who snore, mouth-breathe, wake tired, or struggle with attention and behavior. You'll walk away with clear early warning signs, what to look for from infancy onward, and how early intervention can support healthier jaw growth, stronger airways, and calmer nervous systems. About the Guest: Dr. Leslie Pasco is a dentist of nearly 30 years and the founder of MyOway Centers for Kids. She shifted from traditional dentistry to early intervention work focused on jaw growth, airway development, and breathing techniques to help children breathe and sleep better. Episode Chapter: 00:08:03 — Why “dysfunctional breathing” in kids often goes unnoticed 00:09:14 — Dr. Pasco's turning point: from dentistry to airway-first care 00:12:04 — What mouth breathing actually means and why it becomes a cycle 00:13:48 — Mouth breathing as a danger signal: fight-or-flight in daily life 00:16:12 — How widespread is this, and what signs parents can spot early 00:17:20 — Brain development, memory, and performance: what changes with breathing 00:20:05 — What parents can do: screening, tongue ties, early orthopedic guidance, Buteyko Key Takeaways: Watch for signs like mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting past certain ages, and chronic congestion. Mouth breathing can keep a child's nervous system in survival mode, impacting digestion, focus, and behavior. Early screening matters—especially for tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip ties) linked to feeding struggles. Around age 3, gentle orthopedic appliances and daily “mini-gym” exercises can guide jaw and airway growth. Buteyko-style breathing (light nasal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, CO₂ tolerance work) can support calm and focus. Trust your “parent gut” and keep searching if you're not getting clear answers. How to Connect With the Guest: Website: MyoAwaycenters.com Facebook Instagram   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to meet it." - Jonathan Winters Gratitude: Color. As you can probably tell from my site, I'm obsessed with it! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're ready to master productivity, discipline and focus in 100 days, visit TheMasteryJournal.com and you'll have the step by step guidance to do just that. Use promo code 'refresh' as a thank you for listening to The Daily Refresh.

As we go through our lives, all the stressors, anxieties, bumps in the road, past traumas all add up and begin to sort of paint us into a corner and sometimes it feels like avoiding them will make them easier to deal with. Out of sight, out of mind...but over time we begin to see that there is no avoiding truth because what tends to happen is instead of avoiding that thing we are pretending doesn't exist, we end of fixating on it. Instead of avoiding the thing, it begins to run our lives in so many unproductive ways. This meditation aims to help gain perspective on this and reminds us that recognizing and acknowledging, much like acknowledging thoughts while in meditation, makes moving on with our lives so much easier.

TRANSCRIPT Robertson: [00:00:00] Gissele: Hello and welcome to the Love and Compassion podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. Gissele: Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. And if you’d like to support the podcast, please go to buy me a coffee.com/love and compassion. Today we’re talking about how to become a more compassionate civilization in light of the world’s most recent events. Robertson Work is a nonfiction author, social ecological activist, and former UNDP policy advisor on decentralized government, NYU Wagner, graduate School of Public Service, professor of Innovative Leadership and Institute of Cultural Affairs, country Director, conducting community organizational and leadership initiatives. Gissele: He has worked in over 50 countries for over 50 years and is founder of the Compassionate Civilization Collaborative. He has five published books and has [00:01:00] contributed to another 13. His most well-known book is a Compassionate Civilization. Every week he publishes an essay on Compassionate Conversations on Substack. Gissele: Please join me in welcoming Robertson work. Hi Robertson. Robertson: Hi Giselle. How are you? Gissele: I’m good. How about yourself? Robertson: I’m good, thank you. I here in the Southern United States. I’m glad you’re in wonderful Canada. Robertson: great admiration for your country. Gissele: Ah, thank you. Thank you. Gissele: I wanted to talk about your book. I got a copy of it and it was written in 2017, but as I was reading it, I really found myself listening to things that were almost prophetic that seemed to be happening right now. What compelled you to write Compassionate Civilizations at this moment in history. Robertson: Yes. Thank You you so much, and thank you for inviting me to talk with you today. Robertson: And I wanna say I’m so touched by the wonderful work of the Matri Center for Love [00:02:00] and Compassion. I have enjoyed looking at your website and listening to your podcast and hearing Pema Chodron speak about self-love. If it’s okay, I’d like to start with a few moments of mindful breathing Gissele: Yes, definitely. Robertson: okay. I invite everyone to become aware of your breathing, being aware of breathing in and breathing out. Breathing in the here and in the now. Breathing in love. Breathing in gratitude. I have arrived. I am home. I’m solid. I am free breathing in, breathing out here now. Robertson: Love [00:03:00] gratitude. Arrived home solid free. Okay. And to your question, after working in local communities and organizations around the world with the Institute of Cultural Affairs and doing program and policy work with UNDP and teaching grad school at NYU Wagner, I felt called to articulate a motivating vision for how to embody and catalyze a compassionate civilization. Robertson: So each of us can embody, even now, even here, we can embody and catalyze a compassionate civilization in this very present moment. We don’t have to wait, you know, 50 years, a hundred years, a thousand years. we can embody it in the here and the now. So I was increasingly aware of climate change, climate disasters, [00:04:00] the rise of oligarchic, fascism, and of course the UN’s sustainable development goals. Robertson: I also had been studying the engaged Buddhism of Thich Nhat Hahn for many years, and practicing mindfulness and compassionate action. As you know, compassion is action focused on relieving suffering in individual mindsets and behaviors, and collective cultures and systems. The word that com it means with, and compassion means suffering. Robertson: So compassion is to be with suffering and to relieve suffering in oneself and with others. So, I gave talks about a compassionate civilization in my NYU Wagner grad classes and in speeches in different countries. Then in 2013, I started a blog called The Compassionate Civilization. So in 2017, there was a [00:05:00] new US president who concerned me deeply and who’s now president again. Robertson: So a Compassionate Civilization was published in July of that year, as you mentioned, 2017. The book outlines our time of crisis and provides a vision, strategies and tactics of embodying and catalyzing a compassionate civilization, person by person, community by community. Moment by moment it it includes the movement of movements, mom that will do that. Robertson: Innovative leadership methods, global local citizen, and practices of care of self and others as mindful activists. So there’s a lot in it. Yeah. The Six strategies or arenas of transformation are environmental sustainability, gender equality, socioeconomic justice, participatory governance, cultural tolerance and peace, and non-violence, socio. Robertson: So since then [00:06:00] I’ve been promoting the Compassionate Civilization Collaborative, as you mentioned, to support a movement of movements. The mom, Gissele: thank you for that. I really appreciated that. And I really enjoyed the book as well. It’s so funny that, the majority of people see a world that doesn’t work and they want things to change, but they don’t do something necessarily to change it. When did compassion shift from a private virtue to a public mission for you? Robertson: Great question. Thank you. I think it began the private part began very early in my Christian upbringing. I was raised by loving parents to love others. You know, love of neighbor is the heart of Christianity. And understand that love is the ultimate reality. You know, that you know, as we say in Christianity, God is love. Robertson: So then when I went off to college at Oklahoma State University, I found myself being a campus activist. So I shifted to activism for civil rights. We were [00:07:00] demonstrating for women’s rights and for peace in Vietnam. As you know, the Vietnam War was raging. And after that, I attended Theological Seminary at Chicago Theological Seminary, but. Robertson: My calling happened when I was still in college, and it was in a weekend course, just a one weekend in Chicago. Some of us drove up and attended a course at, with the ecumenical Institute in the African-American ghetto in Chicago. And my whole life was changed in one weekend. I mean, I woke up that I could make a difference and I could help create a world that cared from everyone, you know? Robertson: And here I was. I was what? I was a junior in college. So then after that, I worked after college and grad school. I worked in that African American ghetto in Chicago with the Ecumenical Institute. And then in Malaysia, I was asked to go to Malaysia and my wife and I did [00:08:00] that, Robertson: And then. We were asked to work in South Korea, which we did. And then the work shifted from a religious to secular is we now call our work the Institute of Cultural Affairs. And from there we worked in Jamaica and then in Venezuela, and then back in the US in a little community in Oklahoma Robertson: And then I also worked in poor slums and villages. So then with the UNDP. I worked in around the world giving policy advice and starting projects and programs on decentralized governance to help countries decentralize from this capital to the provinces and the cities and towns and villages to decentralize decision making. Robertson: Then my engaged Buddhist studies particularly with Han and his teachers and practice awakened me to a calling to save all sentient beings. what [00:09:00] an outrageous calling, how can one person vow to save all sentient beings? But that’s what we do in that tradition of the being a BofA. Robertson: So through mindfulness and compassionate actions. So then I continue my journey by teaching at NYU Wagner with grad students from around the world. I love that so much. Then to the present as a consultant, speaker, author, and activist locally, nationally, and globally. So Gissele has been quite a journey, and here we are in this moment together, in this wild, crazy world. Gissele: Yeah, for sure, One of the things that I really loved about your book that you emphasize that we need to have a vision for the world that we wanna create. If we don’t have a vision, then we can’t create it, right? many of us are, focusing on anti, anti-oppressive, anti crime, anti this, anti that. Gissele: But we’re not really focusing on what sort of world do we wanna create? and I’ve had conversations with so many people, and when I ask the question, if people truly [00:10:00] believe. The human beings could be like loving and compassionate, and we could create a world that would be loving and compassionate for all many people say no. Gissele: And so I was wondering, like, did you always believe that civilization could be compassionate or did you grow into that conviction? Robertson: Great question. I definitely grew into it. Yeah. even as a child, I was awakened, you know, by the plight of African Americans in my country, in our little town in Oklahoma. Robertson: So I kind of began waking up. But I wasn’t sure, how much I or we could do about it. So I really grew into that conviction through my journey around the world working in over in 55 countries, it’s interesting the number of people your podcast goes to serving people and the planet. Robertson: So. Everywhere I worked Gissele, I was touched by the local people, that people care for each other, you know, in the slums and squatter settlements, in villages, in cities, the, the rich and the [00:11:00] poor. everywhere I went regardless of the culture, the language, the races, the issues the, the local people were caring. Robertson: So my understanding is that compassion is an action. It’s not just a feeling or a thought. It’s an action to relieve suffering in oneself and in others. but suffering is never entirely eliminated. You know, in Buddhism, the first noble truth is there is suffering, and it continues, but it can be relieved as best we can with through practices, through projects, through programs, and through policies. Robertson: So what has helped me is to see, again, a deep teaching in Buddhism that each person is influenced by negative emotions of greed, fear, hatred, and ignorance. And yet we can practice with these and to become aware of them and just, and to let them go, you know, and to practice evolving into loving kindness as [00:12:00] you, as you do in in your wonderful center. Robertson: Teaching more loving, kindness, trust and understanding. We can embrace inner being that we’re all part of everything. We’re all part of each other. You know, we’re part of the living earth. We’re part of humanity. I am part of you, you are part of me. And impermanence, you know, that there is no separate permanent self. Robertson: Everything comes and goes, and yet the mystery is there’s no birth and death. ’cause you and I. we’re part of, this journey for 13.8 billion years of the universe, and yet we can, in each moment, we can take an action that relieves our own suffering and in others. So, as you said, a vision is so, so important. Robertson: I’m so glad you touched on that, that a vision can give us a calling to see where we can go. It can motivate us, push us, drive us to do all that we can to realize it, you know, if I have a vision for my family. To care for my family. If [00:13:00] I have a vision for my country, if I have a vision for planet Earth, that can motivate me to do all I can do to make that really happen. Robertson: So right now there are so many challenges facing humanity, climate disasters. Oh my, I’m here in Swanno where we’ve had a terrible hurricane in 2024. We’re still recovering from it. Echo side, you know, where so many species are dying of plants and animals. It’s, it’s one of the great diebacks of in evolution on earth, oligarchic, fascism. Robertson: Right now, we’re in the midst of it in my country. I can’t believe it. You know, you’re, you’re on 81. I, I thought I was, gonna die and still live in a country that believed in democracy and freedom and justice. And so now here we, I have to face what can I do about oligarchic, fascism and social and racial and gender injustice. Robertson: Other challenges, warfare. And here we are in this crazy, monstrous war [00:14:00] in the Middle East. You know, what can we do? What can I unregulated? Artificial intelligence very deeply concerns me. we’ve gotta regulate artificial intelligence so it doesn’t hurt humans and the earth. Robertson: It doesn’t just take care of itself. So, you know, it’s easy Gissele to be despairing and to give up, you know, particularly at this moment. But actually at any time in our life, we’re always tempted to say, oh, well, things will be okay, or There’s nothing I can do, you know, but neither of those is true. Robertson: There are things we can do. We can stop and breathe and continue doing what we can where we are. with what we have and who we are. We do not have to be stopped by despair or by cynicism or by hopeism. We don’t. So thank you for that question about vision. I vision still wakes me up every day and calls me forward. Robertson: I’m sure it does. You as well. Gissele: Yeah. I [00:15:00] mean, without vision, it’s like you don’t have a map to where you’re going to, right.what’s our destination if we don’t have a vision? And so this is for me, why I loved your book so much. you are helping us give a vision Gissele: I mean, the alternative is what is the alternative? there’s my next question. What happens to a society that abandons compassion? Robertson: Exactly. Well, I sort of touched on it before. it falls into ignorance and into greed. Wanting more wealth, more power. for me for my tribe and, and falls into hatred, falls into fear, falls into violence, and that’s happening now, she said. Robertson: But I love what Thich Nhat Hahn reminds us of, of is that if there is no mud, there is no lotus. And that, that means is, you know, if there is no suffering, there can be no compassion . So without suffering and ignorance, there is no compassion or wisdom, because suffering calls us to relieve it. when I see [00:16:00] my wife or children in pain, I want to help them. Robertson: or when I see others, neighbors, you know, during the pandemic, our neighbors took food and water to each other. You know, after the hurricane, neighbors brought us water. suffering calls the best from us, it can, it can also call, call other things. But again, there’s no mud. Robertson: The lotus cannot grow. So we can continue the journey step by step and breath by breath. So that’s what I’d say for now. but that’s an important question. Gissele: you said some key things including that, people have a choice. They can choose to be compassionate, or they can choose to use that fear for something else, right. Gissele: But I often hear from people, well, you know, they want institutions to change. why are the institutions more, equitable, generous, compassionate and you know, like. I don’t know if we have a vision for what compassionate institutions look like, [00:17:00] what would compassion look like at that level? Robertson: Oh, that’s where those six areas you know, the compassion would look like practicing ecological regeneration or sometimes called environmental sustainability. You know, that we we’re part of the living Earth gazelle, We’re not separate from the earth . We breathe earth air, we drink earth water. Robertson: We you know, the earth. Hurricanes come. The earth. Floods come We are earthlings. I love that word, earthlings, and so, how do we help regenerate the earth as society? And that’s why, you know, legislation aware of climate change, you know, to reduce carbon emissions. Robertson: The Paris Accord, and that’s just one example, how do we have all laws for gender equality so that women receive the same salaries as men and have the same rights. as men, we gotta have the laws, the institutions you know, and the participatory democracy, that we have a constitution. Robertson: a constitution is a vision. of what we are all about. Why are, we’re [00:18:00] together as a country, so that we can each vote and express our views and our wishes, and that government is by foreign of the people. It is. So it’s, it’s critical, you know, that we vote and get out the vote again and again and again. Robertson: And to create those laws, those institutions they care for everyone. And the socioeconomic justice. we need the laws and institutions that give full rights to people of color to people of every culture and every religion, and every gender every transgender, every human being, every living being has rights. Robertson: That’s why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is so important. I’m so grateful that it was created earlier in the last century in my country our country cannot go to war without congressional approval. Robertson: Aha. did that just not happen? Yes. But it’s in the Constitution. the law says that we must talk about it [00:19:00] first. We must send the diplomats. We must doeverything we can before we harm anyone. War is hell. there are other ways of dialogue and diplomacy. Robertson: we can do better. But again, it takes the laws and institutions. Gissele: thank you for that. I do think that we have some sort of sense in terms of what we find doesn’t work for us, right? these institutions don’t work, they’re based on separation, isolation, punishment, and we see that they don’t work. We see that, like inequality hurts everyone. Gissele: We see that all of these things that we’re doing have a negative impact, including war. And yet we don’t change. What do you think prevents societies from becoming more compassionate? Robertson: if we’re in a society that if harming people through terrible legislation and laws and policies that makes it hard for people then have to either rebel and then they can be you know, killed. Or they have to form movements peaceful movements like the [00:20:00] Civil Rights Movement in my country, you know, with Martin Luther King leading peace marches and our peaceful resistance, in Minneapolis, the peaceful resistance to ice, so what one big thing that’s, that makes people think they can’t be compassionate again, is the, larger society, you know, the institutional frameworks and legislations and laws and government practices. Robertson: But even then, as we’re seeing, you know, in Minneapolis and everywhere, and Canada is leading in so many ways, I think I, I’m so grateful for the leadership of your, your prime minister, calling the world thatwe must not let go of the international rules rules based international practices that we’ve had for the last 80 years, my whole life. Robertson: You know, we’ve had the, the UN and the international rules and now some powers want to throw those out, but no, no, we are gonna say no. we’re [00:21:00] surrounded by forces of wealth and power as we know. And however we can each do what we can to care for those near hand, far away, the least the last, and the last for ourselves, moment by moment. Robertson: Breath, breath by breath. And sometimes we, the people can change history and the powerful can choose compassion. And, we’ve changed history many times. We’ve created democracy. We, the people who have created civil right. Universal education and healthcare of the UN and much more. Robertson: you touched a moment ago on the pillars of a compassionate civilization. You know, there are 17 UN sustainable development goals, as you know, but I decided 17 was a big number, so I thought, why don’t we just have six? That’s why my book, it has six arenas of transformation for ease of memory and work. Robertson: and they are environmental sustainability, gender equality, socioeconomic justice, participatory governance, cultural tolerance, peace and nonviolence. So modern [00:22:00] societies can be prevented from being compassionate also by Negative emotions as we were talking about, of ignorance, greed, hatred, and violence. Robertson: Greed thinking, I need more wealth. I’m a billionaire, but I need another billion. You know, I’m the richest billionaire in the world, but I wanna buy the US government hatred, violence. So these all for me, all back into the Buddhist wisdom of the belief that I’m a separate self. Robertson: Therefore, all that’s important is my ego. Hell no, that’s wrong. You know, my ego is not separate. When I die, my ego’s gone. You know, all that’s gonna be left when I die, or my words and my actions, my actions will continue forever. my words will continue forever. May I, ego? No. So the, if I believe my ego is all there is, and I can be greedy and hateful and fearful and violent, but ego, unlimited pleasure and narcissism, fear of the other, ignorance of cause and effect, these don’t have to drive us. So [00:23:00] structures and policies based on negative emotions and the delusion of a separate self and harm for the earth. We don’t have to live that way. We don’t have to believe propaganda and misinformation and ignorance, and we can provide the education needed and the experience. Robertson: We don’t have to accept wealth hoarding. You know, why do we have billionaires? Why isn’t $999 million enough? Why doesn’t that go to care for everyone and to care for the earth? So again, we have to let go of wealth hoarding of power hoarding. Robertson: we don’t need all that wealth. We don’t need all that power. We can, we can care for each other. We can care for the earth. Gissele: There, there are so many amazing things that you said. I wanted to touch on two the first one is that I was having a conversation with an indigenous elder, and he said to me, you know, that greed is just a fear of lack, right? Gissele: And it really stopped me in my tracks because, when we see people hoarding stuff in their [00:24:00] house, we think, well, that’s abnormal. And yet we glorify the hoarding of wealth. But it isn’t any different than any sort of other mental health issue in terms of hoarding. And so that really got me to think about the role of fear. Gissele: And, if somebody’s trying to hoard money, it’s not getting to the root of the problem, issue. It’s never gonna be enough because they’re just throwing it into an empty hole. It’s a a billion Jillian, it’s never gonna be enough because it’s never truly addressing the problem. Gissele: But one of the things that you said as we were chatting is, that the wealthy, the elite, they can choose compassion, they can always choose it, which is an amazing insight. And yet I wonder, you know, in terms of people’s perspectives of compassion and power, do you think that the two go hand in hand or can they go hand in hand? Gissele: Because I think there might be some worries around, well, if I’m more compassionate, then I’m gonna be, taken advantage of, I’m gonna be, a mat. what is your [00:25:00] perspective? Robertson: Oh, I agree with everything you said and your question is so, so important. Thank you so much. Robertson: there are billionaires and then there are billionaires like Warren Buffet. Look, he’s given. Tens of billions of dollars away, hundreds of billions of dollars away, and other billionaires have done that. And then there are the billionaires, who think 350 billion isn’t enough. Robertson: You know, I need more. Well, that’s crazy. That is sick. That is sad that, that is a disease. And we have to help those people. I feel compassion for billionaires who think they need another 10 billion or another a hundred billion, or they need five more a hundred million dollars yachts, or they need another 15 $200 million houses around the world and that that is very sad. Robertson: And that they’re really suffering. They’re confused. Yeah. They forget what it means to be human. They’ve forgotten what it needs to be. An earthling that we’re just here for a moment. Gissele: Agree. Robertson: We’re just here for a moment, for a [00:26:00] breath, and we’re gone. Breathe in, we’re here, breathe out, we’re gone. And so we can stop. Robertson: We can become aware of that fear, as you said. We can take good care of that fear. I love the way Thich Nhat Hahn says. He says, hello, fear, welcome back. I’m gonna take good care of you. Fear. I’m gonna watch you take care of you. You’re gonna Evolve. ’cause everything is impermanent. Everything changes. So fear will change. Robertson: Fear can change. Fear always changes It evolves into Another emotion, another feeling, So let it go. Let it go. In the truth of impermanence. ’cause everything is impermanent. Fear is impermanent. So we also can remember the truth of inter being that I am part of what I fear, I am part of. Robertson: This current federal administration. You know, I’m part of the wealthy elite, and it is part of me. I fear of the US administration right now, but it is part of [00:27:00] me and I’m part of it. I fear climate change, but it is part of me. I’m part of it. I fear artificial intelligence , unregulated. I fear old age, but boys, I’m 81 and a half, it’s here. Robertson: So I’m gonna take care of it. I’m gonna say, Hey, old man, I’m gonna take care of you. And they’re all me. There’s no separation. I love Thich Nhat Hahn’s word. We enter are, we enter are now, how can I stop, become aware of fear, breathe in and out, and know the truth of inter being and impermanence and accept it. Robertson: Care for it. get out to vote, care for the self, write , speak, do what I can to care for what I can. My family, my neighbors, my city, my county, my country, my world. And everything changes. Everything passes away. Everything comes in and out of [00:28:00] being, what happened to the Roman Empire? Gissele: Mm, Robertson: what’s happening to the American Empire. Everything comes in and goes out like a breath, breathing in and breathing out. And then everything transforms into what is next? What is next? what is China going to bring? Ah, there is so much that we don’t know, Robertson: I love Thich Nhat Hahn’s teaching that. when we become aware of a negative emotion, we should Stop, breathe, smile. And then say, oh, welcome. Fear. Welcome back. Okay, I’m gonna take care of you. Okay, we’re in this together. Robertson: And then you just, you keep breathing in awareness and gratitude and things change. Your grandkid calls you, your baby calls you, your dog, your cat. You see the clouds, you see the earth, the sun. You see a star. You realize you’re an [00:29:00] animal. You know the word animal means breath. Robertson: We are animals. ’cause we breathe. We’re all breathing. So I love that. You know it. I love to say I am an animal. ’cause I, you know, we, human beings are often not, we’re not animals. We’re superior To animals, you know? Right. we are animals, that’s why we love our dogs and cats and we can love our, the purposes and the elephants and the tigers and the mountain lions and, and the cockroaches and the chickpeas and the cardinals we are all animals. Robertson: We’re all breathing. So I love that. Gissele: Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that was so beautiful. I felt that also, I really appreciated the practice too. In this time when we, like so many us are, are feeling so much fear and so much uncertainty and not knowing how things are gonna pan out, to just take a moment to breathe and reconnect to our true selves, I think is so, so fundamental. Gissele: And I hope that listeners are also doing it with us. you know, as I have [00:30:00] conversations with people around the world we talk a lot about, the way that the systems are set up, the institutions. Gissele: And it took a lot of hard work for me to realize that we are the institutions, just like you said, so the institutions are made up of people. And I was so glad to see that in your book, that you clearly say, you know, like it’s about people. It’s about us. It’s like we make up these institutions, you know? Gissele: And when I’ve looked at myself, I’ve asked myself, who do I wanna be? What do I really, truly wanna embody? And my greatest wish for this lifetime is to embody the highest level of love and to truly get to the point where I love people like brothers and sisters, that I care for them and that we care for one another. Gissele: And yet, there are times when I wanna act from that place, but the fear comes up, the not wanting or not trusting or believing when the fear comes up, how can compassion really help us change ourselves so that we can create a [00:31:00] different world? Robertson: What you said is so beautiful, and your question is so powerful. Thank you. Yes. And I’m gonna get personal here. we can do what we can, we can take care of ourselves, we can take care of others as we can, but we shouldn’t beat ourselves up when we can’t. You know? Robertson: So I, here I’m 80, I’m over 81, and I have issues with balance and walking, and I have some memory issues and some low energy issues. So I have to be kind to myself. I, so I’ve just decided that writing is my main way of caring for the world. That’s why I publish one or two essays a week on Substack, on Compassionate Conversations for 55 countries in 38 states. Robertson: And so I said, you know, I used to travel around the world all the time. Not anymore. I don’t even want like to travel around the county. Robertson: Anyway, I’m an elder , so I have to say , okay, elder, be kind to [00:32:00] yourself, but also do everything you can, write everything you can speak with Gazelle if you can. Robertson: I also have to decide who I’m gonna care for. I’ve decided I’m gonna care for my wife who just turned 70 and my two kids and my two grandkids, my daughter-in-law, my cousins and nieces and nephews, my neighbors here and North Carolina. Robertson: The vulnerable, you know, I give to nonprofits who help the hungry and the homeless to friends and to people around the world through my writings and teachings And so the other day I drove to get some some shrimp tacos for my wife and me for dinner. Robertson: And a lady came up and she had disheveled hair. And she just stood by my car and I put the window down a little and she said. can you drive me to Black Mountain? that’s not where we were. I was in another town. ‘ cause I’m out of my medicine. Robertson: She just, out of the blue said, stood there and said that. And I thought, [00:33:00] oh, oh, hmm. Oh, so, oh yes. So I, I wanted to say, but who are you? How are you? Do you live here? Do do you have any friends or family? Do you, you, can I give you some money? Do you have, but I was kind of, I was kind of struck dumb, you know? Robertson: I thought, oh, oh, what should I do? And so I said, oh, I’m so sorry I don’t live in Black Mountain. And she said, oh. And she just turned and walked away and she asked two other cars and they said no. And then she walked away. And then she walked away. I thought, oh, Rob, Rob, is she okay? Does she have a family? Robertson: Did she have a house? What if she doesn’t get her medicine? How can she walk to that town? Could you have driven her and delayed taking dinner home to your wife? And then I said, but I don’t know. And then I thought, oh, but she’s gone. And I then I said, okay, Rob. Okay, Rob, [00:34:00] you’ve lived 81 years. You’ve cared for people in the UN in 170 countries. Speaker 3: Yeah. Robertson: And you’ve been in 55 countries, you’re still writing every week, you’re taking care of your neighbors and family and friends. Don’t beat yourself up. Old guy. Don’t beat yourself up. But next time, you know what Rob, I’m gonna say, Hey, my dear one, are you okay? I don’t have any money, but I can I buy you? Robertson: We are here at the taco shop, Can I buy you dinner? I would, I’m gonna say that next time, Rob. I’m gonna say that. and then I also gazelle,I’m gonna support democratic socialist institutions. You know, some people are afraid of that word, democratic socialist. Robertson: But you know, the happiest countries in the world are democratic socialist countries. Finland is the world’s happiest country. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland, those are in the top 10 [00:35:00] when they’ve, when there have been analysis of, if you, if you Google happiest countries in the world, Robertson: those Nordic countries come up every year. Why? They are democratic socialist countries. You pay high taxes and everybody gets free college. You know, free education, free college, free health everybody gets taken care of in a democratic socialist country in the Nordic countries and New York City. Robertson: I’m so proud that our new mayor in New York City Zoran Mai is a democratic socialist. He is there to help everybody, but particularly those who are hurting the poor, the hungry , the sick, or the people of color, women, the elderly, the children. I’m so proud of him and I write about him on my substack and I write him Robertson: I he’s one of my heroes just like Bernie Sanders is one of my heroes. And Alexandria Ocasio Cortes, a OC is one of my, my heroes, CA [00:36:00] Ooc. So, and you know, I used to never tell anybody I was a Democratic socialist ’cause I was afraid. I thought, oh, they’ll think I’m a socialist. Hell no. I am now proud to say I’m a democratic socialist. Robertson: I’m a Democrat. I vote the Democratic ticket, but I’m always looking for progressives, progressive Democrats, you know, democratic socialist Democrats. because, you know, our country can be more like Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland New York City. New York City is showing us the way America can be like a New York City. Robertson: I’m so proud of New York City and I used to live in New York City so as an old person. I can only do what I can do. and I’m not saying, oh, I poor me. I can’t do anything. No, no. I’m not saying that. I’m saying I can do a hell of a lot as this 81-year-old, it’s amazing what I can do, but that is why I write and speak and care for my family, neighbors, friends, the poor. Robertson: [00:37:00] Donate to nonprofits for the homeless and the hungry vote. Get out the vote. So yes, that’s my story. Gazelle. Gissele: I totally relate. I mean, I’ve been in circumstances like that as well, where you wanna help. But the fear is like, what if a person kills you? What if they don’t really have medication? Gissele: What if you get hurt or they try to rob you or they have mental health problems? Mine goes to protection and it is very human of us to go there first. And so, so then we get stuck in that ping pong in that moment and then the moment passes and you’re like, you know, was it true? Could I have driven that person? Gissele: And that would’ve been something I wanted to do for sure. But in that moment, you are stuck in that, yo-yo, when the survival comes in. And so helping ourselves shift out of that survival mode, understanding and learning to have faith and trust. And for me that’s been a work in progress. Gissele: It really has been a work in [00:38:00] progress. The other thing I wanted to mention, which I think is so important that we need to touch on. It’s the whole concept of socialism. So I was born in South America before I came to Canada and so I remember lots of my family members talk about this, there’s many South American countries that got sold communism, as socialism we’re talking about approaches that instead of it being like a democratic socialism that you’re talking about, which is the government, make sure that people are taking care of and that the people are probably taxed and provided for what would happen in those countries was that. Gissele: Everything got taken away. People were rationed certain things, and, it was horrible. it was not good, but it was not socialism. And there was many governments that took the majority of the money, then spent it on themselves, left the country, took it themselves, and so especially the Latin American community is very much afraid of socialism because they think back to that, the [00:39:00] rationing of electricity, the rationing of food, the rationing of all of that stuff, it wasn’t provided openly. Gissele: It was, everybody gets less. And so you have these people with this history that then have come to the US and think they don’t want socialism. They think democracy means that people aren’t gonna take stuff away from them, but that’s not what it means either. ’cause I don’t even know if like in North America we have a true democracy. Robertson: so thinking about reframing of how we think or experience democratic socialism, that it doesn’t mean less for everybody and in everything controlled by the government. It means being provided for abundantly and, also having the citizens be taxed more, which means we are willing to share our money so that we can all live well, Beautiful. Beautiful. Oh, thank you. Hooray. Wonderful. What country are you? May I ask where you coming? Gissele: Yeah, of Robertson: course. Gissele: Peru, I Gissele: [00:40:00] Yeah. Robertson: Wonderful. I’ve been to Peru a few times. A wonderful, beautiful country. And I, I lived in Venezuela for five years. ‘ cause I love, I have many friends in Venezuela. Robertson: But anyway I agree with everything you just said. That’s why I said what I said that I now can, I can confess that I am a democratic socialist. And that’s not socialism. It’s a social democracy is what it’s called. Yeah. That’s what they call it in Finland and Denmark and so on. Robertson: They call it social democracy. It’s democracy. But it, as you say, it’s cares for everyone and for the earth. We have to always add and the earth, ’cause you know, all the other species and, and the other life forms and the ecosystems, the water, the soil, the air, the minerals the plants, the animals. Robertson: and we have the money, as you said. I mean, if I had $350 billion, think of what taxes I could pay if the tax rate was, you know, 30%. [00:41:00] And rather than nothing, some of these, some of these folks pay, Gissele: well, I think we have glorified that we all wanted that, right? Like we got sold this good that oh, we should all want to be as wealthy as possible, right? And so we normalize the hoarding of money. Not the hoarding of other stuff, right? Gissele: And so we have allowed that, which gets me to my, next point, you talk about the environmental impact as part of a compassionate society, which absolutely is necessary. Gissele: And as human beings, we can be so lazy. We want convenience. We want to, have our package the next day. We don’t wanna wait. are we willing to pay higher wages? Are we willing to wait? Longer for our packages, like, are we willing to, invest in our wardrobe instead of buying fast fashion? Gissele: We don’t do these things and these have environmental impacts, and it also have human impacts, and at the end, they have impact on us. What can we do to ensure that, that we address that [00:42:00] complacency so that we are creating a fair, affordable , and compassionate world. Robertson: So important. Thank you. Robertson: It’s, it’s a life and death question. So yes, we should always ask about ecological and social impacts and take actions accordingly. That’s why I recycle every day. You know, some people say, oh, recycling is stupid. What do they really do with this, with it? You know, are they, are they really careful when you, they pick it up? Robertson: but I recycle religiously every day That’s why I support climate and democracy through third act. There’s a group that Bill McKibbon has started here in the US called Third Act. It’s a group of elder activists, activists over 60 who are working on climate and democracy issues. Robertson: So I’m doing that. That’s why I vote and get it out to vote. And as I said, I vote for Democrats and Democratic socialists. That’s why I write and speak and vote for ecological regeneration for social justice, for peace, for [00:43:00] democratic governance. It’s so critical that we keep questioning our actions like. Robertson: Okay, why am I recycling? Is it really worth the time? You know, deciding about every item, where it goes, and then putting out it out carefully and rinsing it first. And is that really going to help the world? ’cause you also know we need systemic changes, because you can always say, oh, but what the individual does doesn’t matter. Robertson: We need laws, we need institutions of ecological regeneration, and we need laws on caring for the climate and stopping climate change. So you can talk yourself out of individual responsibility when you realize that we need laws and institutions that protect the environment. Robertson: But it’s both. It’s both. what each person does, because there are millions of us individuals. So if there are millions of us act responsibly, that has, is a huge impact. And then if we [00:44:00] also have responsible laws and institutions that care for the environment as well as all people, then that’s a double win. Robertson: So I agree with you. We have to keep asking that question over and over and making those decisions and they’re hard decisions. We have to decide. Gissele: Yeah, I’ve had to look at myself like one of the commitments I’ve made to myself is not buying fast fashion. And so, investing in pieces, even though sometimes I feel lack oh my God, spending that much money on this, you know? Gissele: Yeah. It all comes back to me. if I am not willing to pay a fair wage, that means that the next person doesn’t get a fair wage, which means they don’t wanna pay a fair wage and so on and so forth. And then it comes back to me, you know, my husband has a business and then, you get people that don’t also wanna pay a fair wage. Gissele: It’s all interconnected. And so we have to be willing, but that also goes to us addressing our fear, our fear of lack, that we’re not gonna have enough. All of those things. And the biggest fundamental [00:45:00] fear, and you mentioned death to me, is the ultimate Gissele: fear That we must overcome I think once we do, like, I think once we understand that we are not, this human vessel. Gissele: that we’re not just this bag of bones and live in so much constrained fear that perhaps we could. really open up ourselves to be willing to be more compassionate . What do you think? Robertson: Absolutely. I’m with you all the way. Yes. We fear death because we’re caught in that illusion of a separate permanent self. Robertson: You know, it’s all about me. Oh, this universe is all about me. The universe was created 13.8 billion years for me. Robertson: Yeah. But it’s all about me and particularly my ego, honoring my ego. Building up my ego, praising my ego being, you know, that’s why I wanna be rich and famous. Robertson: Fortunately, I never wanted to be rich or famous, but that’s another story. We’ll talk about that some other time. But everything and [00:46:00] everyone is impermanent. When I realized that truth and it, it came to me through engaged Buddhism, but you could, you could get that truth in many, many ways. Robertson: That everything and everyone is impermanent. we’re part of the ocean. But the waves don’t last forever, do they? But the ocean lasts forever. Robertson: So My atoms, are part of the 13.8 billion year old universe. my cells are part of the living earth. Yes, they remain When I die, you know, go back into the earth. back into the soil and the water and the air but My ego doesn’t remain. What, what remains, as I said before, are my actions. Robertson: Everything I did is still cause and effect. Cause and effect. Rippling out. Rippling out. Okay. Rob, what did you do? What did you say? did you help that, did you touch that? Did you say that? so my actions and words continue rippling forever. So Ty calls that, or in the Plum Village tradition of engaged Buddhism, it’s called my continuation. Robertson: Your actions and your words [00:47:00] are your continuation that last forever as your actions and words will continue through cause and effect touching reality forever. So when my ego does not remain so I can smile and let it go. I often think about my continuation. You know, I say, well, that’s why, maybe why I’m writing so much and speaking so much. Robertson: And caring for so many people every day, you know, caring to care for my wife and my children and grandchildren and friends and neighbors, and the v vulnerable and the hungry, and the homeless, and the, and my country, and my city, and my county, and my, and why do I write substack twice a week? Robertson: And containing reflections on ecological, societal, and individual challenges and practices. And so every, week I’m writing about practices of mindfulness and compassion. So I’m trying to be the teacher. I’m trying to send out words of mindfulness and compassion so that they will continue reverberating when I’m dust, Robertson: So [00:48:00] I’m reaching out. In my substack to just those 55 people in 55 countries, in 38 states, touching hearts and minds and even more on social media. every month I have like 86,000 views of my social media. Why do I do it? It’s not just about ego, you know? Robertson: Oh, Rob, be famous. No, Rob is not famous. I’m a nobody. I gotta keep giving and giving and giving, you know, another word, another action, so I can, care for people around me through personal care, donations, voting, volunteering workshops, I’m helping start a workshop in our neighborhood on environmental resilience through recycling, through group facilitation. Robertson: I’m trained in, facilitation. I’ve been trained my whole life to ask questions of groups so they can create their own plans and strategies and actions. that’s some of my answer. Robertson: I hope that makes some sense. Gissele: Thank you very much. I appreciated your answer and it made me really think you are one of our compassionate leaders, right? [00:49:00] You’re, you’re kind of carving the way and helping us reflect, ’cause I’ve seen some of your substack, I’ve seen like your postings. Gissele: That’s actually how I kind of reached out to you. ’cause I was so moved by the material that you were sharing, the willingness to be honest about what it takes to be compassionate and how hard it can be sometimes to look at ourselves honestly, because we can’t change unless we’re willing to look at ourselves. Gissele: All aspects of ourselves, like you said, we are the billionaires, we are the oligarchy, we are all of these people. The racism that voted that in the, the racism that continues to show the fear, all of that is us. And so from your perspective, what do compassionate leaders do differently? Robertson: Yes. Well, it great question. Robertson: what do compassionate leaders do differently? Well, he or she or they. Robertson: are empathic. I think it starts with empathy. What are like, what are you feeling? What are you thinking? Robertson: What are you, what’s happening in your life? So an empathic [00:50:00] leader listens to other people. They see where other people are hurting. They care. They ask questions and facilitate group discussions, enable group projects. They let go of self-importance, you know, that it’s not all about me. Robertson: They let go of narcissism. They let go of, the ego project. They help others be their greatness. They care for their body mind so that they can care for others. and they donate and vote and recycle and more and more and more and more. did you know in Denmark. In elementary school every week, children are taught empathy. Robertson: You know, they have courses on empathy, Robertson: when I was growing up, I,didn’t have courses in school on empathy in church school, you know, in my Sunday school at, in my church. I was taught to love my neighbor and to love everyone, and that God was love. But in school, in my elementary [00:51:00] school and junior high and high school, we didn’t talk about things like empathy and compassion. Gissele: Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. I did know about Denmark ’cause my daughter and I are co-writing a book on that particular topic. The need to continue to teach love and compassion in, Gissele: being a global citizen. Right? And, and I’m doing it with her perspective because she just graduated high school, so she has like the fresher perspective, whereas mine’s from like many moons ago. Gissele: We need to continuously educate ourselves about regulating our own emotions, having difficult conversations, hearing about the other, other, as ourselves. Because that’s, from my perspective, the only way that we’re gonna survive. a friend of mine said it the best that we were having a conversation and she does compassion in the prison system and she says, I can’t be well unless you are well. Gissele: My wellness depends on your wellness. And that just hit me in my heart, like, ugh. Not that I live it every day, Robertson, Gissele: every day I have to choose and some [00:52:00] days I fail, and other days I do good in terms of like be more loving and compassionate and truly helping the world. But it’s a choice. It’s a continual choice. So this goes to my biggest challenge that maybe you can help me with, which is, so I was having this conversation with my students. We were talking about how. In order to create a world that is loving and passionate for all, it has to include the all, even those who are most hurtful, and that is really difficult . Gissele: I’m just curious as to your thoughts on what starting point might be or what can help us look at those who do hurtful things and just horrible things and be able to say, I see God within you. I see your humanity. Even though it might be hard. Robertson: Yes, It is hard. several years ago when I would hear [00:53:00] leaders of my country speaking on the media, I would get so repulsed that I would turn it off but I began practicing. Robertson: I practiced a lot since those days and I realized, you know. People who hurt, other people are hurting themselves. they’re actually hurting. they’re suffering. People who hurt others have their own suffering of, they’re confused. they’ve forgotten what it means to be human. Robertson: They’re, full of, greed, of their own fears, all about me. Maybe they’re filled with hatred they become violent. they’re suffering. I still find it very difficult to read or listen to certain people. Robertson: But what I do is I stop and I breathe and I smile and I say, okay. Robertson: I care. I’m concerned about you. I don’t know what I can do, but I am gonna do everything I can to care for the people, being hurt, you know, like my fellow activists in [00:54:00] Minneapolis are doing, or elsewhere, we could mention many places around the world where people are risking their own lives. Robertson: You know, in Minneapolis, two activists were killed, Ms. Good Renee Good, and Alex Pretty were killed because they went beyond their fear, you know? they got out there in the street because the migrants were being hurt and they got killed. Robertson: So, you know, At some point you have to come to terms with your own death, I don’t know if I have a, a minute to go or 20 years, I still have to let go. And so how do I care for my wife, my family, my friends, my neighbors my country, the vulnerable, the homeless, the hungry, and, as you said, for the wealthy and powerful who are hurting others, you know, starting wars attacking migrants, killing activists. Robertson: It’s hard. You know? So I have to say, I love the story of [00:55:00] when during the Vietnamese war Thich Nhat Hahn and his monks. They did not take sides. They did not say we’re on the side of the Vietnamese or the us. They did not take a side in the war. This is hard for me ’cause I, I usually take sides. Robertson: The practice was, okay, we’re not going to support we’re Vietnamese or the us. Were going to care for everyone. So they just went out caring for people who were getting hurt and during the war, people who were hungry, people who needed food, people who were bleeding, Robertson: So they decided their role was to care for those who were hurt not to attack. To say, I’m for the blue and I’m against the red. They said, I’m just gonna, care . Like, the activists in Minnesota, They’re, they’re not attacking ice, they’re singing to ice. Robertson: And so yes, we have to acknowledge our own anger. [00:56:00] I’m angry with these politicians. sometimes I want, to hate them, but I have to say, I do not hate you, my friend. You are confused. You’re so confused. You’re hurting others. So you’re so hurtful. Robertson: You don’t realize how you’re hurting others. But, I’ve got to try to stop you from hurting others. I’ve got to try to help those who are hurt and maybe I’m gonna get hurt, you know, because in the civil rights movement, if you’re out there doing on a peace march, you might get beaten up. Robertson: as I said, I’ve lived in villages, poor villages, and. Urban slums in several countries. And some people could say, well, that’s stupid. You could get hurt. You know, you could, you could as a white person living in a African American slum or in a Korean village or in a Venezuelan village, Robertson: So, you know, I say, was I stupid? Was I risking and I was with my wife and children? Was I risking the lives of my wife and children by living in slums and, and villages? Yes. Was I stupid? I mean, [00:57:00] no, I wasn’t stupid, but I was risking our lives. But I somehow, I was, called I wanted to do it. I said, okay. Robertson: but my point is it’s risky, you know? And you have to keep working with yourself. That’s why I love the word practice. Robertson: You know, in Buddhism we keep practicing, and I love your, the teaching of that you have on your website of Pema Chodron, you know, on self-love. You know, you have to keep practicing. How do I love myself? Say, okay, I’m afraid and I’m just this little white person, but or I’m this little old white person, but I’m gonna do everything I can and be everything I can. Robertson: I really appreciated the story of Han not choosing sides. I mean, you’re right. If we are going to see each other’s brothers and sisters and is is one global family, we can’t pick a side over the other, even though we so want to. Gissele: And, and I’m with you. when I think that there’s a [00:58:00] unfairness, when there’s people that are vulnerable or suffering, I’m more likely to pick to the side that is like, oh, that person is suffering. They’re the victim. But what you said is spot on. People that truly lovewho have love in their heart, like when you were raised with love. Gissele: You had love to give others because your cup was full. So it overflowed to want to help others, to want to love others. People that are hurting, that don’t have love in their hearts are those that hurt other people. Robertson: Mm-hmm. Gissele: They must because they must be so separated from their own humanity. Robertson: Yes, yes, yes. Gissele: And yet things are changing. You mentioned Minnesota, and I wanted to mention that I love that they’re doing the singing chants, and they’re not making them wrong. they’re singing chants like you can change your mind. You don’t have to be wrong. You don’t have to experience shame and guilt for the choice you’ve made. You can always change your mind. And in your book, you talk a lot about movements. Do you wanna [00:59:00] share a little bit about the power of movements and helping us create a compassionate civilization? Robertson: Oh, yes. Thank you. I’m, I’m a big movement fan. it started in college with the Civil Rights Movement. I realized, wow, you know, if a lot of people get together and do something together, it can make a difference. Like the Civil Rights movement. Gissele: Yeah. Robertson: And the women’s movement and peace movement. Robertson: And like in Vietnam, the peace movement, we could really make a difference if we get out in March. I think that being an individual or part of an organization that is part of a movement can be a powerful force. And so I focus in my life and that, that book on the six movements that I’ve mentioned, and those movements can work together. Robertson: And when they work together, they become a movement of movements. They become mom. Hmm. I like that because I I’m a feminist and I think that we need so [01:00:00] desperately we need more feminine energy inhumanity and in civilization. Robertson: So I’m a unapologetic feminist. And so that’s why I like that the movement of movements, the acronym is Mom, you know, and so it’s the Moms of the World will lead us like you. And so they’re the movements of ecological regeneration, socioeconomic justice, I’m repeating gender equality, participatory governance, cultural tolerance, peace and non-violence. Robertson: And you know, we also have the Gay Rights Movement, the democracy movement. there’s so many movements that it made a huge difference. So. I began saying that I, after writing the book, I said, okay,now my work is the work of the Compassionate Civilization Collaborative. Robertson: And I decided I wouldn’t make an organization, I it, wouldn’t have a website, I wouldn’t register it. I wouldn’t raise money for it. It would just be anybody and everybody [01:01:00] who was part of the movement of movements who was working to create a compassionate civilization. Robertson: So that’s what I did. And that’s where I am. I’m this old guy in my home. I don’t get out a lot. I don’t drive a lot. I just drive to nearby town. I have a car, but I don’t use it a lot. I don’t like to walk up and down hills. Robertson: IAnd sometimes I can’t remember things and I say, Hey, but look, you have so many friends all over the world and you can keep encouraging through your writing. So that’s why I keep writing, you know, it is for the movement of movements. Robertson: I guess that’s why I write. here’s something I want to share, something I thought or felt or something that I wrote about. And maybe it will touch you. Maybe it’ll encourage you. Maybe we’ll help you in your life. Robertson: I live in a homeowners association neighborhood. It’s a neighborhood that has a homeowners association. We’re 34 families and we have straight families, gay families. we have white families and non-white families. [01:02:00] We have Democrats, Republicans and Socialists. Robertson: We have Christians and Buddhists and Hindus. And so what I do, I say, Hey, we’re all neighbors. We all helped each other during the pandemic. We all helped each other after the hurricane. It doesn’t matter what our politics are or our religion or our sexuality, we’re all human beings. Robertson: We’re all gonna die. we all want love. We all want happiness. And We can be good neighbors. We don’t have to have ideology, you know, we don’t have to quote the Bible, we don’t have to quote Buddha. We can just be good neighbors. So we’re gonna have a workshop this spring And so we’re all going to get together down the street in this big room, in the fire station, and we’re gonna have a two hour workshop. And will it help? I don’t know. Will it make us better neighbors? I don’t know. Why am I doing it? I’m driven to do it. I’ve done workshops all over the world and I wanna do a workshop in my neighborhood. Robertson: I’ve done workshops with the un, I’ve done [01:03:00] workshops with governments, with cities So I love to facilitate. I love getting people together to solve problems together to listen to each other, respect each other, to honor each other. Gissele: so I’m just gonna ask you a couple more questions. But I’m just gonna make a comment right now about what you said because I think it’s so important. Gissele: Number one is I love that your neighborhood is a microcosm of what our world could be like . The fact that people got together to help and make sure that people were taken care of. If we could amplify that, that could be our world. I think that’s such a beautiful thing. Gissele: And the other thing that I think is really fundamental is that even through your life, you are showing us that some people are going to go pickett. And that’s okay. Some people are gonna write blogs to help us, and that’s okay. Some people are gonna do podcasts, and that’s okay. There are things that people can do that don’t have to look exactly the same. Gissele: Some people are going to have more courage, and they’re going to put their bodies in front and potentially get hurt. Other people, maybe they can’t do [01:04:00] that. So there are many different ways to help. The other thing that you said that was really, really key is the importance of moms . And that was one of the things that really touched me about your book, the acronym. Gissele: I was like, oh my God, I so resonate with this. Because I do feel that we need more feminine energy. We really kind of really squash the feminine energy. But the truth of the matter is we need more because fundamentally, nurturance is a mother energy is a feminine energy. Gissele: Compassion’s a feminine energy. Yes, yes, yes, Robertson: yes, yes, Gissele: so if I can share my story. Last night I was at hockey game. My son was playing hockey. Robertson: Mm-hmm. Gissele: And our team they don’t like to fight. Gissele: We play our game and we have fun and we’re good. And so the previous teams that were there, it was under Youth 15, most of the game was the kids fighting. And taking penalties. And so the game ends, the people come off the ice and two men that are starting to get like into a fight [01:05:00] now, woman got in front of them. Gissele: Wow. and said, we all signed a form that said, this is just a game. Remember who this is for? even though she was elevated, she totally stopped that fight between two men that we were not small. And So it was, it was really interesting. Robertson: Wonderful. Gissele: it was a woman who actually stopped a fight Gissele: It’s the feminine power. And that doesn’t mean, and I wanna make this clear, that doesn’t mean that men have to be discarded or have to be treated the same way that women are treated. ’cause I think that’s a big fear. That’s a big fear that some white males have. It’s no, you don’t have to be less than, Robertson: right. Robertson: We need Gissele: to uplift the feminine energy. So there’s a balance. ’cause right now we’re not balanced. Robertson: Exactly. Exactly. Oh, boy. Am I with you there? there’s a whole section in my book, as you noticed on gender equality I’m gonna read a tribute to Mothers I. Robertson: Tribute to Mothers Giving Birth to New Life, nurturing, [01:06:00] sustaining, guiding, releasing, launching, affirming Love. Be getting Love a flow onwards. Mother Earth, mother Tree, mother Tiger, mother Eve. My grandmother’s Sally and Arie, my mother, Mary Elizabeth, my children’s mother, Mary, my grandchildren’s mother, Jennifer, my grandchildren’s grandmothe

  Aging in Place: Safety, Technology, & Dignity w/ Drew Siefried of TruBlue Ally - AZ TRT S07 EP04 (286) 3-1-2026       Things We Learned This Week ·         America is aging rapidly - By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65. ·         Most seniors want to stay in their homes - More than 80% of older adults prefer aging in place rather than moving to assisted living. ·         Technology is transforming senior safety - Non-intrusive monitoring systems can detect falls and alert families without cameras or wearables. ·         One fall can change everything - Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence among seniors. ·         Prevention is far cheaper than crisis care - Simple home safety upgrades can prevent accidents and help seniors maintain independence longer.     Guest: Drew Seifried LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewseifried/ Company: TruBlue Home Service Ally Website: https://www.trublueally.com/east-phoenix-north-scottsdale   With over 25 years of combined corporate and entrepreneurial experience, I currently own and operate TruBlue Home Service Ally, where we support seniors and busy families with home modifications and handyman services. In this role, we prioritize safety, reliability, and exceptional service, ensuring all personnel meet high professional standards. As a Certified Franchise Executive, I also guide aspiring entrepreneurs, including corporate professionals, first responders, and military veterans, toward business ownership through franchising. Leveraging expertise in franchise agreements and processes, I simplify the path to ownership, aligning opportunities with individual goals. My mission is to empower others to achieve their aspirations through purpose-driven ventures.   TruBlue Home Service Ally® provides a unique and affordable approach to helping busy adults and seniors live a worry-free life by offering trustworthy handyman, home maintenance and senior modification services. Helping you maintain your home both inside and out, TruBlue's services include: handyman projects and to-do list chores, preventative home maintenance programs, seasonal work, and senior modification services, all handled by a professional, bonded and insured Tru-Pro® Technician. Episode Overview America is entering a major demographic shift. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65, creating what many experts call the "Silver Tsunami." Families across the country will face new challenges as aging parents want to maintain independence while staying safe at home. But aging at home safely requires planning. In this episode, we sit down with Drew Seifried of TruBlue Home Service Ally to discuss how home safety modifications, emerging Age Tech, and non-intrusive monitoring technologies are helping seniors stay independent longer — while providing peace of mind for their families. We also explore the unique needs of veterans and individuals with disabilities, and how communities and organizations can better support them.   Segment 1: Aging in Place & The Silver Tsunami Drew Seifried owns three territories with TruBlue, a national franchise focused on helping people safely remain in their homes. The company works primarily with: ·         Seniors and aging adults ·         People with disabilities ·         Veterans ·         Adult children caring for aging parents Their mission is simple: help people live independently and safely at home. The Growing Senior Population America is rapidly aging. Key statistics: ·         61 million Americans are age 65+ ·         By 2030, about 20% of the population will be seniors ·         Phoenix and other Sun Belt cities are seeing rapid senior population growth as retirees relocate This demographic shift will place new pressure on: ·         Healthcare systems ·         Caregiver workforce ·         Family members caring for aging parents The Hidden Risk: Falls in the Home One of the biggest threats to senior independence is falling. Key statistics: ·         1 in 4 adults age 65+ falls each year ·         Falls cause over 3 million emergency room visits annually ·         More than 300,000 seniors are hospitalized each year for hip fractures ·         Over 50% of falls occur inside the home In many cases, one fall can change everything. A serious fall can lead to: ·         Hospitalization ·         Loss of mobility ·         Long-term disability ·         Moving into assisted living The Most Dangerous Areas in a Home According to home safety experts, the highest risk areas include: ·         Bathrooms (tubs and showers) ·         Entryways and stairs ·         Poor lighting ·         Cluttered hallways or walkways Even small modifications can dramatically reduce fall risk. Preventing Falls Before They Happen TruBlue helps families install preventative safety upgrades such as: ·         Bathroom grab bars ·         Non-slip shower treatments ·         Improved lighting ·         Handrails and stair supports ·         Walkway hazard removal The company also performs full home safety assessments to identify hidden risks. As Drew explains, the goal is prevention — because once a fall happens, recovery can be much more difficult. Aging at Home vs Assisted Living Another major challenge families face is cost. Average assisted living costs in the U.S.: ·         $5,000–$6,000 per month ·         Often $60,000–$70,000 per year By comparison, many safety upgrades or in-home services cost a fraction of that. And most seniors prefer to stay home. Surveys show: ·         84% of seniors want to age in place ·         Independence and familiarity with their home environment matter deeply Segment 2: Age Tech & Smart Monitoring One challenge facing families is the shrinking caregiver workforce. With fewer caregivers available, technology is stepping in to help monitor safety. Adult children want peace of mind that their parents are safe — especially when they live in another city. But many seniors dislike traditional monitoring systems. Common concerns include: ·         Cameras in the home ·         Wearable emergency devices ·         Privacy issues ·         Technology complexity A New Approach: Radar-Based Monitoring A newer technology solution is radar-based monitoring systems like those from Pontosense. These systems use small radar sensors placed throughout the home. They can detect: ·         Falls ·         Movement patterns ·         Breathing and vital signals Unlike cameras, they are completely non-intrusive. Features include: ·         No cameras ·         No wearable devices ·         No audio recording ·         No stored video data The system can detect unusual events and send alerts. Smart Alerts for Families If a fall occurs, the system can: ·         Wait about 90 seconds to see if someone gets up (reducing false alerts) ·         Send notifications to family members ·         Contact caregivers ·         Alert emergency services if necessary Family members can also monitor activity patterns through a mobile app. For adult children balancing careers, families, and aging parents, this technology provides peace of mind without invading privacy. Segment 3: Disability Services & Veteran Support TruBlue also works with individuals living with disabilities and veterans who require specialized home modifications. Organizations supporting the disability community include: ·         Ability360 ·         Benevilla These groups offer programs ranging from adaptive sports to community support services. Health Challenges as We Age Many older adults face conditions that impact mobility or independence. These can include: ·         Arthritis ·         Balance issues ·         Progressive neurological diseases like ALS or MS ·         Reduced strength and coordination Simple tasks — getting into a bathtub, climbing stairs, or reaching shelves — can become difficult. Home modifications can restore independence. Importantly, these upgrades can be designed to blend into the home aesthetically, preserving both function and dignity. Supporting Veterans Veterans represent another group that often needs home safety support. Key statistics: ·         Approximately 17 million veterans live in the United States ·         Nearly 8 million veterans are age 65 or older Despite available programs, many veterans do not utilize assistance. Organizations working to support veterans include: ·         Paralyzed Veterans of America ·         Veterans of Foreign Wars ·         Elks Lodge Drew himself served in the military and is passionate about helping veterans access services and resources. Additional Home Safety Monitoring Beyond fall prevention, modern smart homes can also monitor: ·         Smoke and fire detection ·         Water leaks and flooding ·         Utility failures ·         Entry and exit activity These systems help families create a safer living environment for aging loved ones.   Final Takeaway Aging doesn't have to mean losing independence. With the right combination of: ·         Home safety modifications ·         Smart technology ·         Community resources ·         Family planning Millions of seniors can live longer, safer, and more confidently in their own homes.       'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.    

Full Show Notes: bengreenfieldlife.com/ohmpodcast In this episode, I welcome back my former podcast sidekick, Dr. Jay Wiles—a leading performance psychologist and expert in nervous system optimization. Together, we dive deep into the science of resonance breathing, unpacking how this surprisingly simple practice can dramatically improve your heart rate variability, stress resilience, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. We also get hands-on with the cutting-edge Ohm lamp, an innovative technology Jay helped develop that personalizes resonance breathing sessions using high-fidelity HRV data gathered right from your palm. Whether you're an elite athlete looking for a mental edge or just hoping to enhance your day-to-day health, this conversation is packed with actionable tips, real-world anecdotes, and a peek into the future of nervous system biohacking. Dr. Jay Wiles - who you may remember if you're a long time podcast listener as my witty sidekick on old Ben Greenfield Life podcast episodes - is a performance psychologist and psychophysiology expert specializing in nervous system optimization, recovery, and human performance. He serves as Chief Health and Performance Officer at Ohm Health, where he leads the science and development of biofeedback-driven tools designed to train stress resilience, improve sleep, and enhance cognitive performance through evidence-based autonomic nervous system interventions. Ohm Health is a nervous system resiliency and training company focused on improving stress resilience, recovery, sleep, and cognitive performance through evidence-based psychophysiology. Pre-order and use code BEN for 10% off at Ohm Health Episode Sponsors: BIOptimizers MassZymes: MassZymes is a powerful, best-in-class enzyme supplement that improves digestion, reduces gas and bloating, and provides relief from constipation. Go to bioptimizers.com/ben and use code ben15 for 15% off your order. Organifi Shilajit Gummies: Harness the ancient power of pure Himalayan Shilajit anytime you want with these convenient and tasty gummies. Get them now for 20% off at organifi.com/Ben. Just Thrive: Just Thrive Probiotic is the only probiotic clinically proven to arrive 100% alive in your gut, wrestling in less bloat, better energy, and even clear skin. Digestive Bitters packs 12 science-backed herbs in one tasteless capsule that jumpstarts your digestion and supports GLP-1 production so cravings don’t control you. Visit justthrivehealth.com/BEN and save 20% with promo code BEN. See the difference for yourself or get a full product refund, no questions asked. BON CHARGE: BON CHARGE is a holistic wellness brand with a wide range of products that naturally address the issues of modern life. Their products can help you sleep better, perform better, recover faster, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and so much more. Go to boncharge.com/GREENFIELD and use coupon code GREENFIELD to save 15%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "If you have enough push, you don't have to worry about the pull." - Zig Ziglar Gratitude: Music. It's one of those things I literally cannot live without. Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you want to take your life to the next level, check out my Free Training; 3 Hours to your big idea. In just 3 hours, you'll have THE BIG idea that you can go all in on, and the best part, the entire training is free! Visit YourBigIdea.io to start today!

Rob welcomes Dr. Nick Heath—an atmospheric scientist living with type 1 diabetes for 27+ years and known online as “The Breathing Diabetic”—to explore how breathing can become a practical lever for living well with diabetes. Nick shares his diagnosis at age 11 and how his “second diagnosis” moment came in his mid-20s when nutrition changes improved his control and opened his mindset to other tools within his control. That curiosity eventually led him into breathwork, first through Wim Hof and then more deeply through Patrick McKeown's The Oxygen Advantage, where the science around nasal breathing, slower breathing, and CO₂ tolerance clicked—followed by a noticeable improvement in his blood sugars after a few months of consistent practice. From there, the conversation gets tactical and evidence-driven: why breathing is uniquely powerful because it's both autonomic and voluntary, how airflow through the nose can influence brain activity and calm states, and how slow breathing can improve markers tied to autonomic function (like heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity) that are often reduced in people with diabetes. Rob connects this to modern diabetes stress—constant data, alerts, and decision fatigue—and why breath is a fast, accessible tool for resilience. Nick addresses the “woo vs. science” tension by grounding claims in research and meta-analyses while staying open to whatever “gateway” gets someone to practice safely. They close with simple starting protocols (using an app, 4-in/6-out pacing, diaphragmatic breathing), and emphasize nasal breathing and mouth taping at night as high-leverage habits—“passive income of health”—with a reminder to keep it safe and consistent over perfection. Chapters: 00:15 Insulin Sensitivity Playbook + Meet “The Breathing Diabetic” 01:27 Diagnosis Story: Age 11, DKA, and the “Diet Coke” Moment 02:48 The “Second Diagnosis”: Mid-20s Wake-Up and Lifestyle Control 03:58 From Air Quality Scientist to Breath Nerd: Discovering Wim Hof 04:51 The Oxygen Advantage: Nasal Breathing, CO₂, and a Breakthrough 08:52 Breath Goes Mainstream: James Nestor Validation + Confidence to Share 11:50 Why Breath Is a Superpower: Autonomic + Voluntary = A Lever 15:11 The Brain Angle: Nasal Airflow, Brainwaves, and Calm States 18:06 Diabetes Physiology: HRV, Baroreflex, and Slow Breathing Benefits 35:52 Practical Protocols: 5-Min Minimum Dose, Apps, Ratios, Mouth Tape Resources: The Breathing Diabetic Instagram The Breathing Diabetic Website

In this episode of Find Your Edge, Coach Chris Newport sits down with Dr. Jerry Yoo of Next Level Physical Therapy to talk about what it really takes to stay active for life—especially for runners and endurance athletes over 40.We cover:Why the best time for PT is often before you're injuredThe “two diagnoses” in PT (symptom vs root cause)Shockwave therapy and regenerative toolsWarm-up + cool-down best practicesStrength training for endurance performance and longevitySimple breathing tools for mobility and race-day nervesLearn more: nlphysio.comInstagram: @drjerryYoo | @nextlevelphysioptRead more and watch here: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/dr-jerry-yoo-next-level-physio-longevity-for-athletesTrain with structure, community, and purpose—without paying for full coaching. The Endurance Edge Club gives you professionally built training plans in Training Peaks Premium, access to virtual workouts, team socials, and athlete-led sessions. Join monthly or save nearly 50% with an annual plan and get the tools you need to stop guessing and start making real progress. Learn more and join now at TheEnduranceEdge.com/club Support the show

Welcome to Day 2 of The Art of Ubuntu. Today's meditation centers on the affirmation: "I am part of everything around me." This gentle practice is designed to soften feelings of separation and help you reconnect to the quiet truth of belonging—through your breath, your body, and your awareness of the life all around you. You'll be guided to settle your nervous system, open the heart with warmth, and meet your day with a little more ease, compassion, and connection. Leave feeling grounded, supported, and more at home in your own life—because you were never meant to carry it alone. ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to The Art of Ubuntu—a meditation series inspired by the African philosophy that reminds us: "I am because we are." Ubuntu is the practice of remembering our shared humanity—especially in moments when life feels isolating, tense, or divided. It's not about being perfect or "nice." It's about choosing presence, dignity, and compassion—so you can feel more grounded in yourself while also feeling more connected to others. In this series, each meditation will help you strengthen the inner skills that make Ubuntu real in daily life: steadiness in your nervous system, warmth in your heart, and a clear sense of belonging. You'll explore what it means to offer kindness without self-abandonment, to set boundaries without losing your humanity, and to live with the quiet strength of community-minded love. Let this be your daily reminder that healing isn't only personal—it's relational—and your peace becomes even more powerful when it's shared. This is day 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "Ubuntu Mindfulness: A Gentle Practice to Feel Less Alone" episodes 2572-2578. THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE - CO-CREATOR QUEST Every day connect with the world around you in a meaningful way. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  VISUALIZATION: Compassion Day 2:  AFFIRMATION: "I am a part of everything around me." Day 3:  CLARITY BREATH: Inhale: peace within -- Exhale: peace to the world Day 4:  DHYANA MUDRA Lose yourself in time and space by placing your right hand on top of your left hand, and touching thumb tips together. Day 5:  CHAKRA FOCUS: First chakra to feel grounded Day 6:  Compassion FLOW MEDITATION: combining the week's techniques Day 7:  WEEKLY REVIEW MEDITATION: closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 3,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Calming Down Won't Make Your Life Easy (The Cross Still Remains) | Catholic Mom Learning how to calm your nervous system is powerful. Breathing slowly. Stepping outside. Drinking water. Getting out of fight-or-flight. These tools matter. But they do not mean your life will suddenly become easy. In this episode, we talk about where psychology meets Catholicism — and why even the most regulated, peaceful Catholic mom will still have a cross to carry. You'll hear about: Why calming down helps you think clearly — but doesn't remove suffering The difference between reducing chaos and eliminating the Cross What redemptive suffering really means Why no one escapes the Cross (and why that's actually mercy) The temptation to carry crosses poorly — or carry ones God never asked for How to stop trying to "out-hack" your suffering The grace God always gives for the day you're in God does not forget you. He does not accidentally assign you the wrong life. He does not ask you to carry something without giving you the grace for it. You may still have hard days. You may still say, "I'm having a very human day." But the goal isn't a cross-free life. The goal is to carry your cross well. And strangely — that is the easiest life available to us. You are not alone in your suffering. And your cross is not meaningless.

A new dangerous trend is taking over social media involving breathing fire. Most people are uncomfortable with personalized ads. Some parents are giving their toddlers raw butter as a snack. Dictionary.com has added the word "swiftie".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "A goal properly set is halfway reached." - Zig Ziglar Gratitude: Choice. I love that every day I can choose to be happy. Fabulous! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're not listening to this on your Alexa, you should be! Visit TheDailyRefresh.com and click on the word Alexa in the Nav bar for a tutorial on making The Daily Refresh one of your Flash Briefings.

R/travel leads Gabe and comedian Myq Kaplan to stories of road trips and touring past. The two then reminisce about the time ten years ago they went to a very famous person party in NYC. What are some nice morning and evening habits? What kind of man is Gabe Dunn? R/publicdefenders asks for the most unhinged responses in court.Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/just-between-us/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Here I offer a guided meditation through the 16 steps of mindfulness of breathing with the seven factors of awakening. A very thorough journey through the body, mind, and heart, with tones of joy and contentment, with insight into impermanence.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer Gratitude: Words. They are literally my life line. I would not be me without them. Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If there's something unique YOU are grateful for, let me know and I'll share it on an upcoming episode. Simply visit TheDailyRefresh.com and click the word 'Gratitude e' in the Nav bar!

Using your breath, breathe in what you need for yourself - and then breathe out what you want to send to others. Julie Potiker completes her meditation with the poem, "Drifting Ochre", by Sam Aureli.Drifting Ochre, by Sam AureliA single leaf of yellow ochrefloats along the water's gentle current.It spins and twirls, as if rememberingall it had known - the warmth of spring,the quiet labor of becoming,a life steeped in sun and rain.The stream nudges it forward,over rocks and eddies, past rootsand shadows, urging it onalong a path unasked, untraced.The leaf didn't need to know.There was onlythe freedom of letting go.And as I watched, I thought:all things drift in time,each in our own rivers and bends,our passage carved by wind and water,until the earth calls us back,her soil richwith all that has come before.-Drifing Ochre, by Sam Aureli (from On the Edge of Knowing).Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". Both are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". Both are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Using your breath, breathe in what you need for yourself - and then breathe out what you want to send to others. Julie Potiker completes her meditation with the poem, "Drifting Ochre", by Sam Aureli.This meditation ends with music to allow you to drift off into sleep.Drifting Ochre, by Sam AureliA single leaf of yellow ochrefloats along the water's gentle current.It spins and twirls, as if rememberingall it had known - the warmth of spring,the quiet labor of becoming,a life steeped in sun and rain.The stream nudges it forward,over rocks and eddies, past rootsand shadows, urging it onalong a path unasked, untraced.The leaf didn't need to know.There was onlythe freedom of letting go.And as I watched, I thought:all things drift in time,each in our own rivers and bends,our passage carved by wind and water,until the earth calls us back,her soil richwith all that has come before.-Drifing Ochre, by Sam Aureli (from On the Edge of Knowing).Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". Both are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". Both are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Recorded on February 28, 2026 at Boundless Mind Temple, Brooklyn, NY. Referenced in the talk: The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. If these teachings have benefited your life, please consider supporting the program with a donation (suggested $2-7/episode, or whatever feels right for you!). You can donate to Brooklyn Zen Center at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.' Thank you for your generosity!

Dr. Debi Silber sits down with brain fitness expert Dr. Patrick Porter to explore how betrayal hijacks the nervous system and what we can do to rewire our brains for healing and optimal performance.  Key Topics Discussed  The Brain-Betrayal Connection  How betrayal dysregulates the nervous system and puts us into sympathetic dominance (fight or flight)  Why traditional healing tools often fail when the nervous system is hijacked  The critical role of brain-heart harmony in healing  Dr. Porter's Journey  Overcoming early struggles in school through visualization and relaxation techniques  Introduction to the Silva Method and its impact on his family  30+ years of research in light, sound, and vibration therapy  Recent breakthrough study showing brain training outperformed opioids for pain management  Understanding Brain Waves  Five Primary Brain Wave States:  Beta (35-40%): Reactionary mind for daily tasks, but high beta creates stress and mistakes  Alpha: Controls creativity and cognitive ability; atrophies with age  Theta: The master meditator state; key for neuroplasticity and gut-brain communication  Delta: Deep restorative sleep essential for clearing toxins and cognitive health  Gamma (40+ Hz): Releases GABA and accesses the body's natural pharmacy  The Sleep-Brain Connection  You do more neurological work sleeping than when awake  Need minimum one hour of level 4 sleep to prevent cognitive decline  Brain shrinks three-quarters of an inch nightly to wash away toxins through cerebrospinal fluid  Discovered in 2015: The lymphatic system operates in the brain during deep sleep  Practical Strategies for Brain Fitness  Morning Routine:  Drink two glasses of water with Celtic salt upon waking  Wait two hours before drinking coffee to preserve cortisol curve  Practice psychological sighing breath (in bathroom for privacy)  Get sunlight exposure and connect with nature  Midday Reset:  Take a 20-minute brain break around 2pm when body temperature drops  Google/Microsoft study showed 26% productivity increase with proper breaks  Use box breathing: breathe in 4 counts, hold 4, out 4, hold 4  Evening Wind-Down:  4-7-8 breathing technique: breathe in for 4, hold for 7, breathe out for 8  Get to bed by 10pm to maximize melatonin production (10-11pm window)  Liver only cleanses between 11pm-12am  Use deep delta training to reach first sleep cycle faster  The Pineal Gland  Functions like an eyeball with ocular nerves  Enlarged pineal glands associated with intuitive gifts  Can become calcified by water, air, and food toxins  Keep healthy through proper breathing and spinal fluid circulation  Generational Memory  MIT research shows we're influenced by 54 generations of ancestors  Genetic memory passed at conception affects our responses  We can recognize and change inherited patterns through daily rituals  The BrainTap Solution  72 published studies supporting the technology  Outperforms neurofeedback in 15 sessions vs. 40  Uses light, sound, and vibration for brainwave entrainment  Three daily protocols: Morning SMR training (10 min), afternoon theta reboot (20 min), evening delta training  Key Takeaways  97% of thoughts today are the same as six months ago  Thoughts arise in our brain but don't originate there  You can't solve a problem at the level it was created (Einstein)  "You can't have a pill without a skill" - sustainable healing requires inner work  Breathing is the key: you can't stay angry, anxious, or depressed while breathing properly  Resources Mentioned  BrainTap: 14-day free trial at braintap.com  Dr. Porter's website: DrPatrickPorter.com  Book: The Brain Fitness Blueprint (Hay House)  The Silva Method: Ultra relaxation technique  Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter  Visit DrPatrickPorter.com or BrainTap.com for more information and to start your brain fitness journey.  Note: Always consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement or health regimen. 

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "So much of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to work." - Peter Drucker Gratitude: Love. It's completely magical and amazing, isn't it? Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're interested in launching your very own Podcast, visit FreePodcastCourse.com/ and this completely free training will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know! So visit FreePodcastCourse.com.

Meditation imitates life in so many ways. When we face set backs, road blocks, or failures in our path, so often the only thing left to do is begin again. Just as in meditation when we find our mind wandering, we have to be mindful of it, acknowledge it and return to our breath. Begin again. This meditation aims to remind us that no matter what, there is no such thing as failure, so long as we keep going. One breath at a time.

Are you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? In this 10-minute guided meditation for anxiety, host Martin leads you through a powerful spring reset designed to physically guide your body back to safety. If you are struggling with stress relief, fatigue, or a buzzing nervous system, this session offers you the "permission to let it all go".Through a combination of deep vagus nerve breathing, golden light visualization, and powerful daily affirmations, you will learn how to release "winter weight" and return to your natural state of peace. Perfect for listeners seeking mindfulness, mental health support, and practical anxiety relief in 2026.Time Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Spring Reset: Finding stillness within.01:08 – Grounding: Letting the floor take your weight.01:21 – The Vagus Nerve Reset: Deep inhales and audible sighs.02:02 – Golden Light Visualization: Relaxing the jaw and shoulders.04:38 – The Mind's Eye: Visualizing your inner spring garden.05:36 – Affirmations for Inner Peace.08:01 – 3 Daily Tips to Protect Your Peace.09:18 – Gentle Awakening & Closing Thoughts.Guided AffirmationsRepeat these silently or out loud to shift your mindset:"I am safe enough to let my guard down.""I release the need to control things that are not mine to carry.""My worth is not defined by my productivity, but by my presence.""I am returning to my natural state of peace."3 Daily Tips to Protect Your PeaceImplement these "superpowers" throughout your day to manage stress:The 30-Second Shake: Stand up and literally shake your limbs to discharge stuck stress from your muscles.The "Let Them" Rule: If others are acting out, simply say "let them" to save your energy for your own inner garden.Nature's Microdose: Spend two minutes looking at something green or the sky to lower cortisol instantly.Support the Show Enjoyed this session? Please Subscribe and leave a Review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find their calm. For deeper dives, join our Supporters Club via the link below.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "Successful people are simply those with successful habits" - Brian Tracy Gratitude: Family. We have our ups and downs, but they really are my foundation. Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're ready to master productivity, discipline and focus in 100 days, visit TheMasteryJournal.com and you'll have the step by step guidance to do just that. Use promo code 'refresh' as a thank you for listening to The Daily Refresh.

Martin McPhilimey is a respiratory and sleep scientist by background and the founder of The School of Breath Science.In this episode we discuss:Martin joined me from Western Australia where he is based.He is originally from Coventry in England.Martin is a respiratory and sleep scientist by background and the founder of The School of Breath Science.Breath Science Certification Breathing, Nervous system, Sleep, Breath-work, Psychology and Human behaviour.Research on max sprints and lactate clearing capacity of the diaphragm.Diaphragm is type 1 muscle fibre. Type 1 muscle fibres uses a lot of lactate as a fuel source.Adaptations that the diaphragm creates from inspiratory muscle training improves it's ability to use lactate as a fuel.About CO2 tolerance and air hunger/urge to breath.Breathing rate is driven by emotionWhat are chemoreceptors?Martin has an eight litre lung capacity and held his breath for 3:30 on his first attempt.What can someone do if their nervous system is stressed?What benefits do hyperventilation style practices have for general health?On intermittent hypoxic training and high altitude training.How to improve sport performance with a sleep protocol.What breathing techniques calm us down before big performances?The magic of the controlled exhalation.Yogic breathwork/pranayama.How to address traumatic experiences that happen during freediving.Trauma may be more likely to impact on a person who is more hypercapnic.HRV measurements and their real-life use.Interoception and those who struggle with it.Desert Island Questions - PATREON EXCLUSIVE CONTENTFor all episodes of The Freedive Cafe Podcast, information about freediving courses, coaching, workshops and retreats in Dahab, Egypt, visit www.truedepthfreediving.comTo support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/freedivecafe

This breathing practice guides the inhale through three layers of the body, the belly, the ribcage, and the heart space, creating a full conscious breath that nourishes the entire being. This wave-like breath reconnects you to your body in layers. The belly grounds you. The ribcage stabilizes you. The heart opens you.It encourages nervous system regulation while also cultivating emotional awareness. Breathing into the heart space can soften protective tension held in the chest, while breathing into the belly restores safety and steadiness.With practice, this breath creates a sense of being rooted and open.

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself" - Emerson Gratitude: Friends. There is no way I could survive without them. Love you guys! Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you want to take your life to the next level, check out my Free Training; 3 Hours to your big idea. In just 3 hours, you'll have THE BIG idea that you can go all in on, and the best part, the entire training is free! Visit YourBigIdea.io to start today!

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: "Destiny is not a thing to be waited for, but a thing to be achieved" - William Jennings Bryan. Gratitude: Life. How cool is that I'm actually here, in this world, living? Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing. Visit TheDailyRefresh.com to share your unique piece of gratitude which will be featured on an upcoming episode, and make sure to watch the tutorial of how to make The Daily Refresh part of your Alexa Flash Briefings! Call to action: If you're not listening to this on your Alexa, you should be! Visit TheDailyRefresh.com and click on the word Alexa in the Nav bar for a tutorial on making The Daily Refresh one of your Flash Briefings.

Patrick McKeown is an internationally recognized breathing expert and author, specializing in functional breathing, sleep, and mental health. Over the past two decades, he has helped thousands of people worldwide improve their sleep, health, and performance through the science of optimal breathing. Patrick's latest book, The Breathing Cure for Better Sleep, brings together cutting-edge research and practical tools to help people overcome snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless sleep through simple but powerful breathing techniques. His work combines science with real-world application, offering practical solutions for better rest, calmer minds, and healthier bodies. Patrick is also known for developing the Oxygen Advantage® and Buteyko Clinic breathing programs, and continues to train healthcare professionals, athletes, and everyday individuals on how to harness the power of breath — not only for physical performance but for deep, restorative sleep.   SHOWNOTES:

Most of us never question how we breathe. Yet many of us over-breathe or mouth-breathe without realising it. In this episode, investigative journalist and international bestselling author James Nestor shares four breathing techniques to retrain your nervous system and support better health. This episode is for anyone who feels stressed, snores, wakes up tired, or wants a simple way to improve their health. James, who has spent over a decade researching breathing science with leading respiratory experts, guides us through daily breathing habits to help calm your body, improve oxygen efficiency, and support long-term wellbeing. We explore why nasal breathing is more efficient, how slow breathing can influence the nervous system, and how modern lifestyles may have reshaped our airways.  If breathing is something you do 20,000 times a day, what might change if you retrained it?

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave welcomes Catholic composers and musicians Sarah Hart and Steve Angrisano. Steve, Sarah, and fellow Catholic composer Curtis Stephan recently set 220 antiphons to contemporary music in a new project called, "Let Us All Rejoice."

In this episode of The Jordan Syatt Podcast I speak with Sonya Azad (@sonyaazadtv) and we discuss:- Yoga for weight lifters- Breathing techniques and strategies- Meditation made easy- How to calm your nervous system- And more...I hope you enjoy this episode and, if you do, please leave a review on iTunes (huge thank you to everyone who has written one so far).Finally, if you've been thinking about joining The Inner Circle but haven't yet... we have hundreds of home and bodyweight workouts for you and you can get them all: https://www.sfinnercircle.com/

Do you feel like your mind is on a constant loop of "what-ifs"? If you are struggling with high-functioning anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or a nervous system that feels stuck on high alert, this clinical hypnotherapy session is designed specifically for you.In today's episode, Martin Hewlett (Clinical Hypnotherapist) guides you through a powerful somatic release to physically shift your biology from survival mode into restorative safety. We move beyond just "thinking differently" to unburdening the mind through proven breathing techniques and vagus nerve stimulation.Reclaim your mental clarity, reduce cortisol levels, and learn how to navigate a noisy world with a "bubble of composure".Inside This Episode: The 10-Minute Reset[0:00] Cold Intro: Acknowledging the weight of anxiety and the promise of restorative safety.[1:00] Welcome: Introduction by Martin Hewlett, Clinical Hypnotherapist.[1:15] Breathing & Somatic Relaxation: Utilizing the "Physiological Sigh" to signal safety to the brain and scanning the body for tension.[5:00] Affirmations & Visualization: Reprogramming the subconscious with the "Vast Sky" visualization to detach from anxious thoughts.[9:00] 3 Daily Caring Tips: Practical, science-backed tools for immediate anxiety relief.[10:00] Outro & Reflections: Returning to the room with renewed peace.3 Caring Tips for a Calmer LifeTo maintain your grounded state throughout the day, try these three simple techniques:The Cold Water Reset: Trigger your mammalian dive reflex by splashing cold water on your face or holding an ice cube to instantly lower your heart rate.The "Done" List: Combat feelings of lack by writing down three things you've already achieved today, shifting your brain toward abundance.Box Breathing: Use the 4-4-4-4 rhythm (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) before stressful situations to maintain your physical grounding.Join Our Community of CalmI am so grateful you trusted me with your time today. If this session brought you a moment of much-needed peace, please consider subscribing and sharing this episode with a friend or loved one who might be struggling. Your support is what allows us to reach more people across the globe who are in need of a moment to breathe.Until next time, remember: Peace and harmony flow through your every thought. Smile often, be kind to your beautiful soul.

James Nestor is a best-selling author and science journalist known for his focus on breathing and breathwork. The new edition of his book “Breath: the New Science of a Lost Art” is available now.  James joins Theo to talk about the link between mouth breathing and braces, why he thinks the rise in ADHD cases has been misdiagnosed, and how some breathing exercises can lead to profound emotional experiences. James Nestor: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesnestor/  “Breath: the New Science of a Lost Art”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/547761/breath-by-james-nestor/ Tour Dates! https://theovon.com/tour New Merch: https://www.theovonstore.com ------------------------------------------------- Sponsored By: Celsius: Go to the Celsius Amazon store to check out all of their flavors. #CELSIUSBrandPartner #CELSIUSLiveFit https://amzn.to/3HbAtPJ  Shopify: Go to http://shopify.com/theo to get started with Shopify. Sonic: Go out and try the SONIC $6 Meal All-American Smasher today. A juicy, delicious burger paired with tots or fries and a drink for a deal that speaks for itself! https://www.sonicdrivein.com/deals/ Better Help: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to http://betterhelp.com/theo for 10% off your first month. Valor Recovery: To learn more about Valor Recovery please visit them at https://valorrecoverycoaching.com/  or email them at admin@valorrecoverycoaching. ------------------------------------------------- Music: “Shine” by Bishop Gunn Bishop Gunn - Shine ------------------------------------------------ Submit your funny videos, TikToks, questions and topics you'd like to hear on the podcast to: tpwproducer@gmail.com Hit the Hotline: 985-664-9503 Video Hotline for Theo Upload here: https://www.theovon.com/fan-upload Send mail to: This Past Weekend 1906 Glen Echo Rd PO Box #159359 Nashville, TN 37215 ------------------------------------------------ Find Theo: Website: https://theovon.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/theovon Facebook: https://facebook.com/theovon Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thispastweekend Twitter: https://twitter.com/theovon YouTube: https://youtube.com/theovon Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheoVonClips Shorts Channel: https://bit.ly/3ClUj8z ------------------------------------------------ Producer: Zach https://www.instagram.com/zachdpowers Producer: Trevyn https://www.instagram.com/trevyn.s/  Producer: Nick https://www.instagram.com/realnickdavis/ Producer: Andrew https://www.instagram.com/bleachmediaofficial/  Producer: Halston https://www.instagram.com/halstonrays/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices