Podcasts about highly effective people

In this episode, Paul and Matt dig into the history—and the myths—around the Eisenhower Matrix. Was it really invented by Eisenhower? Did he even talk about this stuff? And how can a tool this simple be both game-changing and misleading at the same time? They explore how to apply it without over-engineering, how to spot when your team is maturing from reactive to proactive, and why “schedule” is the most powerful word in the framework.Five Key Learnings:Eisenhower never drew the Matrix—Stephen Covey popularized it in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.The four quadrants (Do, Schedule, Delegate, Delete) are helpful, but taken too literally, they can cause confusion.The most valuable shift is from treating tasks as a list to treating them as priorities.Teams mature when urgent/important work shrinks over time—fires are preventable.“Schedule” is the magic quadrant: if it's truly important, it must be time-blocked to actually happen.Resources mentioned in this episode:Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_7_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_PeoplePaul's article describing the Eisenhower Matrix  - https://www.humanityworking.net/p/slow-down-to-speed-up?utm_source=publication-searchHumanity Working is brought to you by BillionMinds - the company that makes employees ready for the Future of Work.BillionMinds helps companies be ready for the future of work by developing adaptable, resilient employees. You can learn more about them on LinkedIn or by visiting billionminds.com.

269. Questions for More Connection and Laughter in Marriage with Casey and Meygan Caston   *Disclaimer* This episode contains some mature themes and listener discretion is advised.   2 Corinthians 1:4 NIRV "He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God."   *Transcript Below*   Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you share three of the questions from your most recent book, specifically the ones people have told you unlocked the best conversations in their own marriage? You say you're an unlikely couple to help support marriages. Will you share a glimpse of your own backstory? What are a handful of ideas for ways couples can strengthen their connection with one another?   Casey and Meygan Caston are the Co-Founders of Marriage365. Casey and Meygan were perfect examples of what not to do in marriage. Three years into marriage, they found themselves having racked up more than $250,000 in debt, fighting constantly, and were ready to call it quits. Despite the 12 failed marriages between their parents, they knew this wasn't the legacy they wanted for themselves or their children. They began reading and educating themselves on how to do marriage the right way. The result of their journey is Marriage365, where they millions of people worldwide through their books, social media, retreats, and their online streaming service, Marriage365.   Marriage 365 Website Marriage 365 App Marriage 365 Books Marriage 365 Coaching   Thank You to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Sample of Previous Episodes on Sexual Intimacy on The Savvy Sauce: 4 Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life With Your Spouse With Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Jennifer Konzen 5 Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau  6 Ten Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Dr. Michael Sytsma 89 Passion Pursuit with Dr. Juli Slattery 108 Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder 135 Healthy Ways for Females to Increase Sexual Enjoyment with Tracey LeGrand 155 Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1 156 Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 158 Making Love in Marriage with Debra Fileta 165 Mutually Pleasing Sex in Marriage with Gary Thomas 186 Sex Series: Enhancing Female Pleasure and Enjoyment of Sex: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Degler 218 Secrets of Sex and Marriage: An Interview with Dr. Michael Sytsma Special Patreon Release: Protecting Your Marriage Against Unfaithfulness with Dave Carder 252 Maximizing Sexual Connection as Newlyweds to Long Term Marriages and Recovering from a Sexless Marriage with Dr. Clifford & Joyce Penner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcript*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:15)  Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.    Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.    I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse.   To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org.    Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Casey and Meygan.   Casey Caston:  Thanks for having us. Excited to be here.   Laura Dugger: So, thrilled to have both of you, and let's just dive right into one of your sweet spots. How can open-ended questions change a marriage?   Casey Caston: (1:16 - 2:33)  Yeah, well, if you think about when we first met somebody that we fell in love with, fell attracted to that first date, as you're sitting across the table, you are looking at that person with so much curiosity. Like, who is this person? What are their hopes and their dreams and their life experiences?   What are they afraid of? Where are they going in life? And that curiosity drove us to ask really good open-ended questions.   Like, tell me more about yourself. It's funny because we were just reading in Proverbs this morning that in a man's heart, he has a purpose, but a man of understanding draws from the deep wells to pull that out. And I just, I always think about how a great question plums the deep wells of a man's heart or woman's heart.   And that attraction, that energy we feel, helps us with asking great questions. But then what happens is when we get married and we move into the wash, rinse, repeat of childcare and chores and, you know, the mundaneness of going to work, coming home, dinner, like, it can really sap all of the romance out of a relationship. And so, what happens is we fall into asking really boring questions.   Meygan Caston: (2:33 - 2:34)  Like, how was your day?   Casey Caston: (2:34 - 2:36)  What's picking up the kids?   Meygan Caston: (2:36 - 2:37)  What's for dinner? Yeah.   Casey Caston: (2:38 - 3:18)  So, we realize that when the well is dry, so to speak, you're not asking those great questions. We need prompts. We need an outside prompt because I don't think naturally we would ask great questions to spark this, you know, connecting conversation.   And I will tell you too, that if you just dropped in and, you know, just ask your spouse, like, “Hey, so, tell me some boundaries we need to set up with your parents.” People are going to be like, “Excuse me, where did that question come from? And what's the question behind the question?   What's your motivation here?” But those are conversations we need to have. We just need prompts.   So, yeah.   Laura Dugger: (3:19 - 3:32)  Well, I love that response. And I'm also curious after working with so many married couples, what have you seen as that connection between these amazing prompts for open-ended questions and emotional intimacy?   Meygan Caston: (3:34 - 4:20)  Yeah. Well, kind of like what Casey was mentioning about, um, just that curiosity of getting to know each other. I think the other part of asking those open-ended questions and having these deeper conversations is really about intentionality.   Like you still care about me. You still want to know about my heart. Well, for us, 25 years later, I still care about you.   I still love you. And I think that of course, as women, we long for that emotional connection. And I don't think that men realize it, but they actually long for that too.   And it's creating a safe place for spouses to share, to cry, to even, um, dream together about their future. And I think, again, if we don't give ourselves those opportunities and we're not intentional with that, we get stuck in the mundaneness of marriage.   Casey Caston: (4:20 - 5:03)  But, uh, and I would add to that, that curiosity, Meygan, I've talked about how curiosity is the pursuit of something. Right. And we all long to be desired to be pursued.   I mean, that is, that underlying communication is so powerful in relationships, because if you think about it, if you're not being pursued and your spouse isn't curious, I mean, that's like the, the heart of apathy. It's like, I don't care. And I know that people aren't intentionally trying to communicate that, but when you feel that, like my spouse doesn't really care about what I dream about or what I'm hoping to achieve this year, they just come home and they just watch TV or they're on their phone.   Meygan Caston: (5:04 - 5:18)  Right. That communicates a lot non-verbally. And so, that's why these open-ended questions are something that we should never stop being a learner of each other and of ourselves.   And that will provide that emotional intimacy.   Laura Dugger: (5:19 - 5:45)  That's so good. And obviously your resources are amazing. I would love, because you have these 365 Connecting Questions for Couples.   And so, I want to just hear maybe three of these questions that come to mind for you guys, especially as you've heard, these are the ones that tend to unlock something deeper in the conversation.   Meygan Caston: (5:46 - 6:07)  Absolutely. So, August 3rd is, are you someone who spends a lot of time in deep thought, processing things before making a decision, or do you tend to make quick decisions? Why or why not?   That question has genuinely sparked so much conversation between us and even like with our kids and other couples. Maybe you can explain why.   Casey Caston: (6:07 - 6:11)  Yeah. Well, I'm Mr. Impulsivity, so.   Meygan Caston: (6:11 - 6:29)  Yeah, you are. Where I, I don't, I wouldn't consider myself a deep thinker, but I definitely like to make pros and cons lists and think through things. But if you think about a dynamic between a husband and a wife, you know, there are so many decisions that you make together, small and large, your whole life, every day.   Casey Caston: (6:29 - 6:30)  Decision-making is huge in relationships.   Meygan Caston: (6:31 - 6:57)  And it's an everyday thing that couples are tackling. And it's important to know that no one is better than the other. It's not that a deep thinker is better than a more impulsive person. It's kind of more just naturally how you are. Have you always been this way? Do you like that about yourself?   Wow. You know, well, when it comes to these bigger decisions, I do spend, make more time, you know, thinking through and pros and cons. Oh, well, with small decisions, I'm more impulsive. I mean, you could just talk about that for hours and hours.   Casey Caston: (6:57 - 7:01) Yeah. But what's interesting is I tend to think more futuristic and big picture.   Meygan Caston: (7:01 - 7:01)  Yes.   Casey Caston: (7:01 - 7:03)  Even though I'm impulsive in the moment.   Meygan Caston: (7:03 - 7:05)  And I cannot, I can't do that.   Casey Caston: (7:05 - 7:06)  You are Ms. Realist.   Meygan Caston: (7:06 - 7:08)  Just tell me today, tell me this week.   Casey Caston: (7:09 - 7:10)  I can't think about this fun sponge.   Meygan Caston: (7:11 - 7:11)  Yes. Yeah.   Casey Caston: (7:12 - 7:15)  Because I'm like, let's dream big. And she's like, yeah, but what's happening today?   Meygan Caston: (7:16 - 7:49)  Yeah. Yeah. Another great question is January 18th.   How can we romance each other during the day in anticipation of sex? Because as we all know, us ladies, we need the foreplay. But again, I think that husbands also enjoy the foreplay.   But I don't think that couples are having these conversations. I think they think a foreplay is, well, once we enter into the bedroom, you know, and what we like to say is it's anything positive is foreplay. So, a thoughtful text, you know, a flirty I'm going to grab your hand to empty out the dishwasher.   Casey Caston: (7:49 - 7:50)  Amen.   Meygan Caston: (7:50 - 7:55)  Yeah. You know, it's those kinds of conversations. But like, I would never think of asking you that.   Casey Caston: (7:56 - 7:56)  Right.   Meygan Caston: (7:56 - 7:58)  Right. Thankfully for those.   Casey Caston: (7:58 - 8:10)  But as you know, Laura, like couples that need to talk about their sex life. And if you don't talk about your sex life, most oftentimes there's a lot of assumptions. And that leads to, you know, dysfunction.   Meygan Caston: (8:11 - 9:14)  Well, and missed expectations. Totally. Yeah. And then I have another question. April 25th is how do our differences help complement each other?   Oh, so, kind of another one of those things, like with making decisions. Every single couple has differences. And we always tell people Casey, and I are more different than alike.   I think people see us online and whatnot. And they hear, oh, we're both extroverts. We are. So, we have some similarities. We're both stubborn, very competitive, both competitive. But in the day-to-day operations of who Casey and Meygan are, we make decisions, we run our lives, run our business, run our business.   We are completely opposite. And what I think it's good to do for couples is to actually own your differences rather than shy away from them or make yourselves feel bad, like, oh, I wish we were the same. I get it.   You know, we actually are attracted to those things when we're dating. That's why opposites attract. But then when we get married, it's like, why doesn't he do everything the same way? I do it because I do it the right way. That's what we think. Right.   Casey Caston: (9:15 - 9:21)  Well, you heard the joke that marriage is about becoming one. And in the earlier years, it's about which one.   Meygan Caston: (9:21 - 10:14)  Yeah. Which one? Which figure out?   Yeah. And so, that question really allows you to identify your differences, but then go, how do they balance each other out? And I think for me, as someone who is organized, type A Casey's very spontaneous.   If we were both type A and structured, we wouldn't have a lot of fun. We really wouldn't. His spontaneity really brings out that side of me.   But if we were both spontaneous, our bills would never be paid, and we'd be broke. So, you know, I'm a I'm a saver. He's a spender.   You can see the balance in that. It's good that we're both those things. Right.   I'm on time. He's late. We could continue going on and on and on and on.   But I think that he's a risk taker. I'm a complete play it safer. And so, those really draw out a beautiful balance in our marriage versus trying to change one another.   So, I hope that question sparks listeners to really ask your spouse that and have fun with the conversation.   Laura Dugger: (10:15 - 11:03)  Well, you chose three great ones. I love it. And they draw out such different parts of our personality.   You highlighted where Casey's more futuristic. Meygan, you're more present. Some people will connect with questions that direct them more past oriented.   And so, our orientation to time comes out and the meta conversations, the talking like having the conversation about your conversation. Just so much goodness. And yes, especially with sexual intimacy.   So, many couples report that it is much harder to engage in conversation about sex rather than just have sex. And like you said, missed expectations can be one of the blow ups there, among many other things. So, you have questions that don't shy away from all forms of intimacy.   Meygan Caston: (11:04 - 11:10)  Yeah. And to also say we have a lot of fun questions, too. Like, tell me about what your bedroom looked like when you were a teenager.   Casey Caston: (11:11 - 11:12)  That's a great one. I love that one.   Meygan Caston: (11:12 - 11:47)  Let's talk couples. If you had a really hard day with the kids or at work, pick a fun question. You don't have to go by the date.   If you don't like the question, it's triggering, then flip to the next one. But going back to that emotional intimacy and connection that you were talking about, Laura, is you have to have those deep questions and those conversations. And you did when you were dating, because if you went on a date with your husband and you were like, hey, tell me, you know, what do you want to do when you retire?   And he was like, I don't know. Yeah, you'd be like snooze fest. This guy's boring, right?   Or if he was on his phone the whole time, there was something intriguing about your spouse.   Casey Caston: (11:47 - 11:48)  I don't know. I don't know.   Meygan Caston: (11:48 - 12:01)  Yeah, there was something intriguing about your spouse when you were dating and you were asking those questions that should never stop. Just like we hear that quote, never stop dating your spouse. Well, never stop learning about your spouse.   It's the same thing. Absolutely.   Laura Dugger: (12:02 - 12:16)  And I love how you two have such a humble approach because you say that you're a very unlikely couple to help support marriages. So, will you let us in on your own backstory?   Meygan Caston: (12:17 - 12:46)  Yeah, well, can I just start off by saying this? We live in a county that has one of the highest divorce rates in the nation. So, it's 72 percent divorce rate where we live.   We also come from there's 12 marriages between our parents. So, we come from so much divorce and trauma. And then we also got married very, very, very young.   So, all those statistics were against us on top of that. I'm just going to start off by saying that. Casey Caston: (12:46 - 13:18)  Yeah, my mom's been married six times. So, when by the time I hit junior high, I had probably like nine different iterations of home life and different dads and step siblings and half brothers. And all of that between both of our parents.   There's just there's some mental illness. There's affairs. There's all this trauma that was really unprocessed.   But then when Meygan and I saw each other, it was like we knew the wounds that we shared. It was like almost like a trauma bond.   Meygan Caston: (13:19 - 13:19)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (13:19 - 14:08)  Like, oh, I've got abandonment. So, do you. And, you know, let's do it's like, wow.   So, let's make each other happy. And dating was just all the fun stuff, right? It was long walks along the beach.   It was going to street fairs or, you know, going out and having fun. And then we're like, if this is what life could be like, then we should do this forever and ever and ever. And just, you know, we were so doe eyed of like and optimistic about how marriage life would look like.   So, then once we did get married, done, done, done, we had to like work through stuff. Now, I was so conflict avoidant because I was afraid if there was conflict, then that means that there's going to be distance between Meygan and I and she might leave me.   Meygan Caston: (14:08 - 14:24)  Oh, there's another there's another difference. I'm a fighter. He's a fighter.   So, anytime we would have conflict triggers, you know, emotional regulation, I was like, we're going to go for it. Now, of course, my fighting tactics were not healthy. I yelled. I blamed. I was very aggressive, assertive.   Casey Caston: (14:24 - 14:37)  Conflict was very scary for me. Now. Now, Meygan, she's like wanting to deal with issues. And here I am, like trying to run for the hills. And she's like, he doesn't care about me. And I'm like, I'm trying to protect the marriage by not dealing with it.   Meygan Caston: (14:37 - 14:49)  So, you never really resolved anything. We would fight really bad. We broke all the fighting rules.   And then there was no true resolve, no apologies, no remorse. And you just kind of move forward.   Casey Caston: (14:49 - 15:06)  And so, then we piled ourselves like we had over two hundred fifty thousand dollars of debt when we started to try to work on getting pregnant. We we dealt with infertility. We I have ADHD, so that creates a lot of that's fun.   A lot of fun for the marriage.   Meygan Caston: (15:06 - 15:08)  The divorce rate is very high with ADHD.   Casey Caston: (15:08 - 15:10)  My life gets to teach you patience.   Meygan Caston: (15:11 - 15:11)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (15:12 - 16:44)  But and then we have a child with special needs as well. So, we we had like if there's something that could go wrong, it it went wrong. We had you know, once we got married, there was toxic in-laws that boundaries that were crossed.   So, it just nothing for us came easy. And so, that's why we were the least likely to succeed in marriage. I mean, if we there was a couple doomed from the get go, it was Meygan and I believe a hundred percent that God used those trials, those hardships to create marriage.   Three sixty five. He gave us the strength to, you know, have the courage to say we're not going to follow in our parents footsteps. We're going to change that.    You know, it ends with us literally like we are going to change and break this generational sin because it goes back many, many generations for both of us. Our whole family is littered with divorce. And now like when we approach marriage, it because of where we've come from, it wasn't all flowery.   It was really tough. We have to be practical and very tactical with our advice, because when you're sitting across from a couple that's angry and resentful. We have to sit there and go, we know what that's like.   And here's exactly what you need to do next. I'm not going to give you a platitude. I'm not going to give you some flowery statement or we're not going to just talk through it.    No, we're going to give you a tool and an action step that's going to help you. Laura Dugger: (16:46 - 18:56)  Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor. Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time?    WinShape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life from premarital to parenting to the emptiness phase. There is an opportunity for you. WinShape Marriage is grounded on the belief that the strongest marriages are the ones that are nurtured, even when it seems things are going smoothly so that they're stronger if they do hit a bump along their marital journey.   These weekend retreats are hosted within the beautiful refuge of WinShape Retreat, perched in the mountains of Rome, Georgia, which is a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga. While you're there, you will be well fed, well nurtured and well cared for. During your time away in this beautiful place, you and your spouse will learn from expert speakers and explore topics related to intimacy, overcoming challenges, improving communication and more.   I've stayed on site at WinShape before, and I can attest to their generosity, food and content. You will be so grateful you went to find an experience that's right for you and your spouse. Head to their website, winshapemarriage.org/savvy. That's W-I-N-S-H-A-P-E marriage dot org slash S-A-V-V-Y. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'd love to hear even more into the redemption part of it, because Marriage 365, you had shared before we had recorded that you launched that in 2013. So, just to get the timeline straight, had you already done some work and some counseling before you launched that?   Meygan Caston: (18:56 - 19:26)  Or what was that journey? Yeah, so, we always say we it took us two years to fall in love and get married. It took us three years to destroy our marriage, and it took about four or five years to repair our marriage.   It was, as you know, Laura, it is not a quick fix when your marriage is as bad as ours. And so, our story is unique in the sense where we were both not wanting to get help for our marriage. I love you, babe, but he was resistant.   He didn't want to go to therapy. His family didn't go to therapy. That wasn't normalized.   Casey Caston: (19:26 - 19:31)  Well, my faith background said that therapy is bad from the from the devil.   Meygan Caston: (19:31 - 19:38)  It was specifically your parents. But from the devil. Yeah, because I have a faith background, too. And my parents went to therapy. But that's what I was saying.   Casey Caston: (19:38 - 19:40)  My background was that you don't do that.   Meygan Caston: (19:40 - 21:16)  Yeah. So, I was wanting to get divorced and he wouldn't divorce me. He was like, no.   So, if you're going to do it, you got to do it. And so, I got help for myself. And I had the most amazing woman who a therapist who just walked me through basically how to save my marriage by myself.   And she goes, listen, you know, at the end of the day, if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. You have zero control over Casey. You have 100 percent control over you.   He's not here. You are. I can show you how to communicate, how to forgive him even without getting an apology.   I can show you how to bring to his defenses down. I can show you how to create boundaries so he doesn't yell at you anymore. I mean, and that's literally for 13 months I worked on myself. And I believe that that is what genuinely changed everything. And that's really the message behind Marriage 365 is if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. Stop waiting around for your husband or your wife to get on board.   They may never. Then you're only going to build resentment while you sit there and wait. At the end of the day, you're responsible for how you show up.   And so, in that 13 months, the hope was, of course, that I would positively influence Casey, which I did. And he saw the change in me. Everything changed.   I mean, like we both used to be yellers, right? We would both yell and scream. And I was like, I'm not going to yell anymore.   Like, I just I don't want to be a yeller of a mom. I don't want to be a yeller of a wife. Like, I don't like this part of me. My mom was a yeller. I mean, oh, yeah, I hate this. And I just remember like one day he came walking in and he was all heated and frustrated and he started yelling at me. And do you remember what I did, babe?   Casey Caston: (21:17 - 21:33)  Yeah. She looked at me and calmly said, you know, I can tell that you're very upset. I really want to have to listen to what you want to share with me.   Why don't you go outside, take a break, come back in? We're going to sit back on the couch. We can talk about it. I'm here for you. And I was like, what a change.   Meygan Caston: (21:33 - 22:07)  Who is this person? I changed the way that we did marriage. I did that.   And I tell people that I didn't do that once. I didn't do it twice. I did that for months because we had habits we had created.   But I was like, that was like a new boundary. I'm like, I'm not going to engage with him when he's angry. It's been triggered.   Nothing good is coming from this. So, it was all of that we started to really adopt and learn together because he's like, you're a different person. Like, it was obvious we were doing the tango.   And now I was doing the rumba and he was over there doing the tango. And I'm like, come join me in the healthy rumba over here because it's way better.   Casey Caston: (22:07 - 22:09)  And so, for toxic tango.   Meygan Caston: (22:09 - 23:20)  Yeah, we went to a marriage. Yeah, we went to a marriage intensive. And we did some therapy.   We did a lot of self-help. But through that journey, this is kind of where we started Marriage 365 is. First off, we couldn't afford therapy.   We needed to pay off all that debt that we had with a lot of student loan debt, a lot of stupid debt. What do you do if you can't afford therapy? What do you do if you don't have a good therapist?   What do you do if you have a bad experience with therapy? What do you do if the books aren't enough? And that was there was a really big hole and missing part in the marriage.   I don't say industry, but in the marriage space, where were all the online resources? Because this was back again in like 2010 when like podcasts weren't even around, social media was just becoming a thing. And it was really hard.   We were really disappointed with the lack of resources there were for marriage. And it felt like every church you go to, there was, you know, the missions ministry and the children's ministry and the youth groups. And all those are great.   Where in the world are all the marriage ministries? Then we found out only 3% of churches have actual paid marriage ministries. And I thought, that's messed up.   That's reverse. It's supposed to be the opposite, because then everything else will work itself out, as we know, with what research shows.   Casey Caston: (23:20 - 23:21)  Same with men's ministry, by the way.   Meygan Caston: (23:21 - 23:22)  Yes, same with men's ministry.   Casey Caston: (23:22 - 23:23)  Men's and marriage.   Meygan Caston: (23:23 - 23:26)  That's like the stepchild.   Casey Caston: (23:26 - 23:33)  Tech guy slash men's guy slash, you know. Children's persons can also do marriage.   Meygan Caston: (23:33 - 23:40)  So, we really just started helping our friends out. Obviously, people could see the change. Then people would come to us. We started helping couples at our church.   Casey Caston: (23:40 - 23:48)  And we had a ghoul pool. Like people were like, we give you guys another like ten months and then we're expecting you.   Meygan Caston: (23:48 - 23:51)  Yeah, everyone that knew us thought we'd get divorced.   Casey Caston: (23:51 - 23:52)  We were messy.   Meygan Caston: (23:52 - 23:58)  We were bad. Yeah. So, to see the complete transformation. And again, I go back to that work we did was on ourselves.   Casey Caston: (23:58 - 25:31)  And I just have to say that if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. If you're hearing that. And you're kind of in a one sided marriage right now, I got to just say, I know that message sucks because it's a message that says you have to go first.   And that's not fair. In a marriage, you're supposed to be a team. But I do want to say there's so many couples that are stuck. Waiting for their spouse to join them on the let's get healthy train. So, their spouse doesn't join them. And then what they do is they kind of lean back, fold their arms and go, well, I guess we're stuck.   But I want to say that that's there is a message of empowerment to say you do have influence and the ability to steer your marriage in a healthy way. I have lots of regret that I did not join that train much sooner. But the story is that Meygan, you know, became the hero of our journey.   And that is something that I work actively so that I'm never in that place again, that I am the one that's always actively trying to improve myself, that I'm a better communicator, that I'm not a yeller, which we've ditched that a long time ago, that that I'm considered of Meygan's needs. And I'm even like attuned to like, what is she feeling? And how do I meet her where she's at?   Laura Dugger: (25:32 - 25:54)  Which is amazing that watching Meygan, it was compelling enough for you to join in. And it's admirable on both sides, the work that you've done. And are there any specific areas that you grew in that now you teach couples? I'm thinking specifically under conflict and repair or communication.   Casey Caston: (25:55 - 27:42)  Yeah. So, I remember those early years and every single week was chaos to chaos. Like coming home, it'd be like, what's for dinner?   I'm hungry and we need to make a decision now. Or, you know, it's Friday night or Saturday morning. What's going on this weekend?   Or where's all our money going? It was very, it was very reactionary. And I remember reading through Stephen Covey's, you know, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.   And the first habit is be proactive. You cannot be intentional with your life. You cannot create purpose and meaning unless you are proactive with your life.   So, Meygan and I, you know, I'm working in a company and every single week we get together and we go through what are everyone's goals? What do we need to accomplish this week? We find alignment and the week goes really well.   We've got KPIs. We've got all these like, hey, as a team, you know, work team, here's what we're trying to accomplish this week. And it just kind of dawned on us like, well, why don't we do that in marriage?   Why don't we do that for a family? You got a family of six. You got six people running around the house. All have agendas. And you are trying to find alignment so that, hey, this is what the family is all about this week, right? We've got tournaments.   We've got parties. We've got projects. We've got meals.   And I think for so many couples we talk to, they live. Life with purpose on like building their career or their business or purpose with other areas of their life. And then when it comes to family, they wing it.   Meygan Caston: (27:42 - 27:43)  They just wing it.   Casey Caston: (27:43 - 28:31)  Yeah. And it's like, well, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. It's the winging attitude creates chaos.   And so, Meygan and I love to teach this tool called the Weekly Marriage Business Meeting. And it is all of the logistics of our relationship schedules, meal plans, budgets, connection time, sexy time, alone time, self-care time. Yeah.   And and we kind of set with intention the week ahead for us. And we go through all the decisions of who's going, what, where, when. And all of that's done.   So, when you walk into the day, you're not like stressed about what's supposed to be happening. There is alignment and there's no missed expectations.   Meygan Caston: (28:31 - 29:27)  Yeah, there's no fights anymore about, well, you said you'd be home at six. No, I didn't. I said I'd be home at seven.   We sync our calendars. And I think, too, a big thing with this is we've noticed we fight when we don't do this now. It's one of those tools that it's prevented most of conflict.   I mean, we say it will on average for the most couples that use it. We have at least over 10,000 couples we know right now currently using it that are our members that they say it cuts conflict in half in half, because what you're doing is you're even scheduling that connection time or date night time where you're like, no matter how busy we are, when are Casey and Meygan going to get to be Casey and Meygan?   And that's so important, because again, if you're winging it and you're just trying to find time to connect, well, you've got four kids, we've got two teenagers. It's never going to happen. Right. And so, the weekly marriage business meeting is definitely one of the amazing and favorite worksheets and tools that we've taught and that we use ourselves because it works.   Casey Caston: (29:28 - 29:28)  Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (29:28 - 29:59)  What a game changer. That is awesome and so practical, so intentional, which we're all about. But then also we had talked about emotional intimacy earlier and emotional intimacy is interconnected with sexual intimacy and communication is the root issue.   And that's what you teach couples. So, what are some conversations that couples can begin so that they can grow in both of those types of intimacy and enjoyment?   Casey Caston: (30:01 - 31:34)  Yeah, so, I feel like I have to start off by saying I got this so wrong when we were first married. It's OK. I forgive you now.   Yeah, because, you know. Let's just let's be we'll be we'll be completely transparent. So, Meygan and I waited to have sex until we were married.   So, now I actually waited till I was married to have sex. And I thought that under that purity guideline, I was promised maybe by a youth group, maybe by a convention, that if you withhold sex and remain pure, God is going to bless you with the best sex life when you're married. And that just simply did not happen.   Like when we first got married, I really got went into the bedroom thinking. I don't know what foreplay is, but let's have intercourse until I come and then we're done. And that's sex. That's our sexual intimacy. And we missed out on so many intimate ways of knowing each other and sex being an obligation and something like I just was demanding of it from Meygan. And. What I've come to discover and what I love to teach other men is that sex is so much more broader than just having intercourse. I mean, there was this total understanding like, well, I feel good during intercourse. This feels very stimulating, which means that Meygan must feel the exact same way while we're having intercourse.   Meygan Caston: (31:35 - 31:35)  Nope.   Casey Caston: (31:36 - 32:35)  Because that's because listen, I never had sex before. But anytime I watched a rom com, you know, the guy threw up, you know, against the wall or they're having intercourse and she's going and he's going and they're having a great time. Like this must be what sex is all about.   And what I've discovered now and I get to teach other men is that emotional intimacy is kind of the birthplace of sexual expression of love, right? That we we create safe places for our wives to to open up. And because of that, they become more willing and wanting that that sexual expression rather than us just coming in and saying, OK, it's time for sex.   Let's go. And so, when we talk about just this book, this 365 Connecting Questions for Couples, I tell my guys, I'm like, hey, if you want to have great sex, start here because that is foreplay.   Meygan Caston: (32:35 - 33:48)  That's start here. It's good to know my heart, not just use me for my body, which can feel like that for a lot of people. And I think going back to the emotional intimacy, I think that, again, you had that when you were dating or you wouldn't have gotten married.   There was no way you were. If the person was boring, closed off, if, you know, your spouse was just completely on their phone every time, you wouldn't have had that second, third, fourth date. So, there was emotional intimacy at some point, which means you can't ever say we never had it.    You can always get it back, but you can have to be intentional. And I think a great way is we call it connection time. I think date night scares a lot of people.    I think it's the idea of. We have to go to a restaurant, we have to spend money, we have to find a babysitter, all these hurdles that you have to go through to make it happen, so then couples just don't even do it. So, we're like, listen, if you if that's overwhelming to you, then try connection time.    And really what that is, it's still undivided, you know, attention and time with you and your spouse. Maybe it's smaller, maybe it's 15 minutes, 30 minutes. And I know for when our kids were little, we played board games and card games and they'd go to bed, you know, at 7:30 or 8:00 PM.    And we would bring out Yahtzee.   Casey Caston: (33:48 - 33:51)  There'd be a lot of trash talking over chutes and ladders.   Meygan Caston: (33:52 - 34:29)  But we would play. We would play games. And it was our time to connect.    And when we didn't talk about the kids, you know, we just chatted about our day and again, going through some of these connecting questions that didn't even really exist yet, but they were in our heads. Taking a walk with the dog and, you know, going to a little local coffee shop, even if it's just 30 minutes and sharing and talking and exploring that emotional intimacy should never stop again. And that's going to give people opportunities to then go into the bedroom, like Casey mentioned, more willing and more excited to be intimate to each other because it's like, oh, that's right.    We like each other. We're still married. We're still friends.   Casey Caston: (34:29 - 35:15)  You bring up a great point. Like I said, I think sitting down over the table, staring at each other can be intimidating for a lot of guys, because especially if this is not a regular habit in your relationship and taking a walk for guys when we're doing something and maybe it's less intimidating because we're not even staring at each other. But that kind of like getting the, you know, oxytocin going, like getting moving, like that kind of adrenaline can actually stimulate guys for good conversations and processing things.    And so, what we hear from a lot of couples that take our book, maybe they'll take a picture of the question and they'll go, Hey, let's take a walk. And then they'll use the question on their walk.   Meygan Caston: (35:15 - 35:15)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (35:15 - 35:24)  And that gets conversations going. So, if that's like a on ramp onto this, that's a that's a great starting point for a lot of people.   Laura Dugger: (35:24 - 36:48)  Oh, that's so good. And I love how you say just an on ramp, because the goal is more intimacy overall together to know one another, be known. And I love that you're showing this is not a manipulation factor.    This isn't ask these questions so we can be more active in the bedroom, regardless of whichever spouse is the higher desire one. But this is to really enhance all levels of your relationship. And as you talk about oxytocin, it just makes me think such an interesting cycle that the Lord created where I will speak more stereotypically that where women require the emotional connection and then they open up and enjoy sex more.    But then men, once they've had sex and they just have this like 500 percent increase of oxytocin in this neurochemical bath that opens them up emotionally. And we could see it even as we view our differences. You could be upset because they're opposite or we can see it as a gift that they can fuel one another.    And then we get more of a holistic picture of overall intimacy. So, I'll also link to quite a few episodes because we do about one per month where we dive deeper into sexual intimacy. S   o, I can link all of those in the show notes.    But Casey, were you going to say something?   Meygan Caston: (36:49 - 36:50)  I want to say something to it.   Casey Caston: (36:51 - 37:16)  He loves. Well, so, we're talking chicken and egg, right? Like who gets the emotional intimacy, who gets the physical intimacy first?    And I just think that there's if we approach our relationship with selfishness, well, then neither people get satisfied. But if we are in an approach to serve one another and be selfless lovers. So, men would be like, you know what?    I want to meet my wife's emotional needs.   Meygan Caston: (37:16 - 37:16)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (37:17 - 37:38)  Like and I do believe that men are the spark of initiation. If you're a husband out there listening to this, like that one of your greatest gifts to marriage is initiation. You were the one who asked for the first date.    You were the one who got down one the knee. You are the spark of initiation. And I believe that God's created women as nurturers of that initiation.   Meygan Caston: (37:39 - 37:41)  And to clarify, you're not talking just about initiating sex.   Casey Caston: (37:41 - 37:43)  Well, yes. Just everything.   Meygan Caston: (37:43 - 37:55)  Initiating, just initiating, initiating a weekly marriage business meeting. Women are so turned on by when a husband's like, hey, I don't necessarily know what we want to do for a date night, but I want to take you on a date. Can I get an amen, Laura?   Laura Dugger: (37:55 - 37:56)  Right, sister?   Meygan Caston: (37:57 - 38:14)  Hey, women are turned on. Listen, men, women are turned on. If you say, you know what?    I know that like this has been an issue with my parents and I don't even know how to handle it, but I really want to have that conversation. Oh, my gosh. Just initiating the conversation is all we're looking for.    It's OK that you don't have all the answers.   Casey Caston: (38:14 - 38:14)  Yeah.   Meygan Caston: (38:14 - 38:23)  But for men that avoid stonewall, escape, numb out, busy themselves, it is such a turnoff. It is so not what we want.   Laura Dugger: (38:23 - 39:55)  I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit theSavvySauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Heinrichsen from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities. And we are thrilled with the final product.    So, I hope you check it out there. You're going to find all of our podcasts now with show notes and transcriptions listed a scrapbook of various previous guests and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nation with the good news of Jesus Christ.    So, make sure you visit theSavvySauce.com.    Okay, so, then continue the conversation with just overall intimacy. What are some examples of de-escalation techniques that you recommend to couples who are in conflict, ones that can maybe help the strained relationships so that they can be repaired?  Yeah.   Meygan Caston: (39:55 - 42:19)  Yeah. So, a big thing that I've learned as someone who's very direct, I can tend to be on that, like I mentioned, fighter side. And I know a lot of women, studies have shown 75 percent of us ladies are the ones that typically bring up the issues.    So, just be aware that there is a gender difference there. And if you're a dude, there's nothing wrong with you if you're in, you know, that 75 percent or 25 percent. But I think the biggest thing I've recognized is to remind your spouse in the very beginning of the conversation, why you're having the conversation.    You know, I love you. I love us. I want to see us be the best people that we can be.    I want to see us enjoy marriage and enjoy life. I love you. Like bring the positivity and the reminder that you're better together than apart.    And really, that's part of what we call a soft startup, right? There's a lot of different soft startups you've heard of. You know, I feel when you I need those work to but I like to take it a little bit deeper to say, remind your spouse how much that you love being married to them.    Or again, whatever the issue is like we have the most. Let's say it's parenting. Casey and I are very different in our parenting styles.    Last night would have been a great difference of how that happened. But like reminder that like we both love our children. We both want the best for our kids.    No one doubts that. We both have made we made two beautiful, wonderful, quirky children. Right.    And so, even you can start the conversation with that. But I wish that more people did that because I think people are are, you know, I'm really upset about something. OK, well, the second you say that defenses, sorry, but defenses are going to go up.    We want to keep the conversations defenses low, guards low, right, de-escalation. And so, use soft startups, use kind, positive language. But I think another thing behind that would be come to the conversation processed.    Do not have these conversations 11 o'clock at night when you're tired or when you're hungry. Do not have these conversations when it just happened and you haven't had the time to just like stop. Think about what do I really need?    Why did that trigger me? What am I hoping to achieve? Why is my husband acting this way?    Oh, is he under a lot of stress? Yeah, we got to give ourselves time to sit and process before we even use those soft startups. So, that would be my advice for de-escalation.   Casey Caston: (42:20 - 43:04)  And mine actually would be an apology. I think that we all make mistakes. And when you think about a couple that's maybe living reactively, just winging it, I doubt that there's ever an apology that's given on either side because it takes a little it takes awareness to recognize, gosh, you know what?    My that little comment I just made that probably had a little zing to it. Or, you know, I really let my spouse down by not parenting the children the way she would want me to. Or, you know, I said I was going to do something and I didn't.    And I let my partner down. You want to de-escalate a tense situation. Apologize.   Meygan Caston: (43:04 - 43:04)  Yeah. Own it.   Casey Caston: (43:05 - 43:12)  When you apologize, you know, you're taking all of the heat out of the fire. They really are.   Meygan Caston: (43:12 - 43:16)  And you're validating your spouse's feelings. Who doesn't want to be validated and seen? Everybody does.   Casey Caston: (43:16 - 43:38)  And then you're taking responsibility and accountability for your actions, which is the trust builder for relationships. So, that's why when you talk about high conflict relationships, there aren't a lot of there's not a lot of trust there. It's not a safe place anymore.    So, to create that safety, we want to we want to build trust back into the relationship.   Laura Dugger: (43:39 - 43:50)  Those are fantastic. And do you guys just have maybe a handful of ideas for ways that couples can strengthen their marriage with one another?   Meygan Caston: (43:51 - 44:09)  Absolutely. I would say, obviously, the weekly marriage business meeting. I mean, I know we talked about it, but the important thing is to schedule it, put it in the calendar because you don't want to wing it.    And that way it's showing, oh, you're prioritizing us. Taking walks has been a big one for us. Playing games is a big one.   Casey Caston: (44:09 - 45:18)  The 60 second blessing is where we intentionally spend time. 60 seconds reminding our partner of how much we love them, using our words to say, like, I saw how hard you work for the family. I love how you take care of the kids and kind of reminding your partner, like I see the goodness in each other.    I think it's really important because. Day to day life, we can just be very transactional, and if we again, we have any sort of criticism or, you know, our words just are not flavored with life, well, proverb says, you know, our words have the power to give life or to give death. Right.    So, the words that we speak, if we evaluate. Are we producing what I call weed seeds? Or are we planting fruit trees?    Because weed seeds choke out the garden. Those sharp, critical words can leave your garden looking pretty shabby, whereas being intentional by speaking positive over each other. It's like planting fruit trees.    And who doesn't like a good, juicy orange? Right.   Meygan Caston: (45:18 - 47:15)  Well, and the 60 second blessing, you know, you start off by writing five to seven positive things you love about your spouse. And so, one spouse shares their list for 60 seconds and then the second spouse shares their list. And it's this habit that we actually started doing after our marriage intensive that we did as we were repairing our marriage because we had yeah, we had we had spoken such mean and harsh words or just a lot of roommate stuff.    And we needed that positivity. And it's a great foreplay tip, by the way, just to sit, sometimes sit down and go, I just need to tell you how wonderful you are. Like, who doesn't want to hear that about themselves?    I think another thing that Casey and I have recognized it is the only thing, by the way, Laura, in our marriage, the only thing that has ever stayed consistent. That's we have fun together. We laugh a lot, even in hard times.    Yeah, it wasn't as enjoyable, but we still had fun. And, you know, again, fun is different for everybody. We don't ever want to judge someone else's fun.    But we are constantly like we we are sarcastic. But that's for us because we have high trust levels. I usually tell couples if you're, you know, in a fair recovery or you have low trust levels, sarcasm is probably not great.    But we're very playful. We have again, we play a lot of fun games and we play ping pong and cornhole and we take our dogs on our dog on a walk. And we, you know, we're going to try to go ax throwing in April.    We've never done that before. Like there are fun that we've taken dance lessons. So, we like to think out of the box and do new things or things that we know that like how many games of Yahtzee have we played?    I don't even know. I mean, we've lost count. Or gin rummy, you know, I mean, we just play Sequence or Rummikub like we play them all.    And for that for us, that's really fun. We dance a lot. We love the 90's music.    Like get out your favorite playlist and just dance and sing and be goofy. Like I think if couples were to laugh and enjoy each other more and be able to laugh with themselves, I think that there would be more marriages that would stay together. Laura Dugger: (47:16 - 47:39)  That is something that I've even experienced in this time together. You guys are so fun to be around. And that's very life giving to others.    But I can see where it starts in that secret place between just the two of you, your best friend. And you share a lot of this goodness with Marriage 365. So, can you let us know all the different things that you have to offer?   Casey Caston: (47:40 - 48:48)  Yeah, I would probably say the number one way that people experience all of the resources that we've created over the years is through our mobile app. So, we have an app that has over a thousand pieces of videos, workshop, worksheet, excuse me, courses, challenges. We even have a checkup so you can actually rate kind of your marriage.    And that is a great way for people to be able to have access, you know, on the spot if they're dealing with an issue, they don't know how to get through and they're looking for a tool or a conversation to help them work through that. That our app provides such a valuable resource. I mean, beyond that, you know, some couples need a little bit more hands on approach.    So, we do coaching. We have a coaching staff actually to handle all the incoming couples that are saying, hey, can you can you help us out? And again, I just want to say coaching is really, really focused on giving action plans and homework and accountability to our clients.    And coaching is really, really helpful if you're like, I just need to know what to do next.   Meygan Caston: (48:48 - 49:17)  Yeah. We do intensives for couples that are in crisis, you know, there that are seriously considering separation or divorce or an affair recovery and that we have an over 90 percent success rate because we went through an intensive when we were struggling and it was something we knew we wanted to get trained on and do. And it's a full two days with Casey and I.    I mean, two days back-to-back. We know you. We get Christmas cards from all of our couples, you know, every year.    We love it. And it's they become almost I mean, yes, they're our clients, but they almost become like our friends.   Casey Caston: (49:17 - 49:45)  Yeah. And then probably personally, one of my favorite things that we do is we host our own couple's getaway. And this is a four-day experience.    It's not your it's not like a typical retreat where you're sitting in a conference room, you're just getting lectured all day. We're actually facilitating tools and then giving couples opportunities to work on them. Then some free time to really spend some time making great memories.    We have a dance party. It is a ton of fun.   Meygan Caston: (49:45 - 49:55)  We make sure. Yeah, we make sure it's fun. It's more it's definitely more for couples who are doing OK or want to do better, not they're not ideal for couples in crisis because it's going to be very uncomfortable.   Casey Caston: (49:55 - 49:56)  I love our retreats.   Meygan Caston: (49:56 - 49:57)  I know.   Casey Caston: (49:57 - 49:58)  I love interacting with her.   Meygan Caston: (49:58 - 50:05)  And of course, we have our social media. You can just search Marriage 365 and then we have our website, too. And we have our books, of course.   Casey Caston: (50:05 - 50:09)  Oh, and I have a men's group. I know I launched a five-week men's reset. . Meygan Caston: (50:09 - 50:34)  Needless to say, Laura, we're really busy. I do a lot. I think that's what's funny, right?    I think that people see us online and they think that we just have an Instagram, or we just have Facebook. And I'm like, we've been doing this for 12 years and we have a staff of 12 people. So, we reach a lot of people.    And we because marriage is never a one stop, you know, one size fits all. It's it's true. There are so many different dynamics, and we want to be able to help as many people as we can.   Laura Dugger: (50:35 - 50:59)  Wow. Thank you for sharing that. We will add all of those links.    I love all these different offerings that you have and that will meet people in whatever phase they're in. But you two already know we are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for both of you, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Meygan Caston: (51:00 - 51:47)  Mine would be I would want every single person to think about becoming more confident. And that starts with becoming more self-aware. I think that that is completely changed who I am.   And I'm we're raising two kids, and I see the confidence that they have. And we're modeling that but also walking them through how to be self-aware. And really, that starts with having to be one with your thoughts, turning off the phone, sorry, turning off the podcast, sometimes turning off the music and just actually sitting and really going.    Do I really know my thoughts, my feelings, my values, my personality, my good, my bad, my ugly? And we don't do this enough. We are busy ourselves.    We're distracted constantly. And I think that it's really harming our mental health. And so, that would be my savvy sauce.   Casey Caston: (51:47 - 52:30)  Hmm. I love that, babe. It's kind of hard because we find so much alignment.    I mean, I would that's exactly what I would say, too. Um, I, you know, my focus in twenty, twenty-five has really been turned towards helping husbands. And there's a quote that Henry David Thoreau says that many men live lives of quiet desperation and they die with their songs still inside them.    And most guys are terrified of stopping and evaluating. And so, for me, creating space too. Listen, I do a 10, 10, 10 practice in the morning.   Meygan Caston: (52:30 - 52:32)  That's what I thought you were going to say.   Casey Caston: (52:32 - 52:32)  Yeah, yeah.   Meygan Caston: (52:32 - 52:36)  Well, I was like, I bet you he's going to talk about it because it's been life changing for you.   Casey Caston: (52:36 - 53:01)  Yeah. So, I spend 10 minutes of scripture reading. So, that's input.    Then I spend 10 minutes of quiet meditation where I'm sitting and I'm in a listening posture. And I mean, I think about everything from lasagna to the last wave I serve to. But there's intentionality about just opening myself like here I am.    I'm ready to be downloaded on like what you have for me today.   Meygan Caston: (53:01 - 53:02)  God be one with your thoughts.   Casey Caston: (53:03 - 53:18)  Yeah. And all sorts of things come up. And then I spent 10 minutes journaling.    And that process is just and that's like the output. Right. So, now I've got input.    I've been listening and now I get to write stuff out. And that's been a huge game changer for me.   Laura Dugger: (53:19 - 53:43)  Wow, I love both of those. You two are just refreshingly vulnerable and such an incredible mixture of intentional and lighthearted. And it has been so great just to sit under your teaching today.    So, thank you for sharing your story and for helping all of us. And thank you just for being my guests.   Meygan Caston: (53:43 - 53:45)  Oh, you're welcome. It was a pleasure to be here.   Casey Caston: (53:45 - 53:49)  Yes, you asked great questions that plumb the deep wells of Casey Meygan.   Laura Dugger: (53:52 - 57:35)  One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.

In Part 2 of their series on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Josh Anderson and Bob Galen dive into “Put First Things First” and “Think Win-Win.” Learn how modern leaders can prioritize with courage, create clarity, and build true win-win relationships. Stay Connected and Informed with Our NewslettersJosh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.Subscribe hereBob Galen's "Agile Moose"Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."Subscribe hereDo More Than Listen:We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.Help Us Spread The Word: Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!

Ready to unleash the hidden greatness in your leaders? In this electrifying episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole Greer sits down with Greg Smith, General Manager of Franklin Covey's Executive Coaching Practice, whose coaching success rate blows past 97%! Greg brings over 25 years of experience guiding leaders at powerhouse companies like Walmart, Deloitte, and Disney. Together, Nicole and Greg crack open what really happens when coaching becomes the engine for building a culture where leaders thrive — and why coaching is THE secret weapon for preventing those painful leadership derailments.Nicole and Greg dive deep into the magic of assessments, the game-changing question every leader must answer (“What's it like to experience you?”), and the frameworks that turn good leaders into great ones. You'll discover how to harness process tension (yes, that's a good thing!), raise your self-awareness, and lead with energy, courage, and clarity. This episode will leave you inspired to invest in coaching — for yourself, for your team, and for the future of your organization.Vibrant Highlights:[02:18] Coaching & Culture: Greg explains why leaders must “eat, drink, and sleep” their company's culture and how coaching helps them align with it[07:22] The Big Question: Nicole shares the powerful coaching question, “What is it like to experience you?” and how it transforms leaders' self-awareness[16:22] Defining Coaching: Greg distinguishes coaching from mentoring, consulting, and advising—and why only 50% of so-called “coaching” achieves results[23:23] Framework for Change: Greg breaks down Franklin Covey's four-stage coaching process: alignment, data, coaching, and transition[45:51] Process Tension: Learn how to create accountability and sustainable behavior change by making your goals visible to your stakeholdersConnect with Greg:Website: franklincovey.com/coachingGreg's Article:  The Four Secrets to Managing Executive Transitions: https://www.fastcompany.com/91352305/how-to-successfully-manage-executive-transitions-management-executive-tarnsitionsLinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsmith-fc/LinkedIn Corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/franklincovey/Also mentioned in this episode:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: https://a.co/d/cjDUcJ0What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: https://a.co/d/8YxQ20YThe First 90 Days by Michael Watkins: https://a.co/d/7jtXQEkHope Is Not a Strategy by Sirisha Bamidipati & Harish Kumar: https://a.co/d/1pCgMiQListen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts!Learn more about Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, at vibrantculture.com.

Today's episode is all about how to be proactive versus being reactive. Resources from this episode: Verity Conference (Use code: NANCYRAY15 for 15% off)  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey  Free Weekly Checklist! Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an Audio Message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Send us a textWelcome to Country Proud Living, where nurturing spaces empower your life and every day feels a little more like home.   ⏰ Feeling stretched too thin? In this episode of Country Proud Living, LoriLynn shares practical time management tips for women who want less hustle and more peace.

Episode Summary: What can a pack of African painted dogs teach us about leadership and gender equity? A lot more than you might think. On a recent Disney trip with my son, I hopped on my favorite ride - Kilimanjaro Safari -in one of my favorite parks – Animal Kingdom, and our guide, Kyla, shared something that really caught my attention: painted dogs are the most successful hunters in the animal kingdom with an incredible 85% success rate. Compare that to the so-called “King of the Jungle,” the lion, who is successful only about 20% of the time. The difference? Not brute force. Not dominance. Not confidence. The painted dogs' secret is collaboration. They succeed because an alpha male and alpha female lead together, backed by the entire pack. In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, we explore: Why win/win beats win/lose in leadership and equity. The hidden strengths that are too often overlooked and undervalued. How McKinsey research proves diverse, collaborative leadership outperforms. The importance of communal traits like empathy, compassion, and collaboration. Why the future of leadership looks a lot less like lions, and a lot more like painted dogs. This episode is a reminder that leadership and equity aren't about fighting for the biggest piece of the pie. it's about ditching the scarcity mindset in favor of abundance. Win/Win! If you lead a team, an organization, or even your own family, this episode will challenge you to rethink leadership and equity, not as competition, but as collaboration. #tunein and discover why the case for gender equity is really the case for better leadership for everyone. References:

Mike Perez, a seasoned financial advisor and author of Faith and Finances, didn't start his career thinking about generosity or Kingdom impact. He began in accounting, building a solid professional foundation, but deep down, something felt incomplete—both professionally and spiritually. A series of God-ordained encounters drew Mike into the world of financial advising and, more importantly, into a place of full surrender to Christ. From that point on, his question became: What would it look like to truly live out my faith through my finances?   Over the last 33 years, that question has shaped Mike's entire career. Today, he carries a special passion for helping those in or near retirement “finish their race strong” by aligning their financial plans with their spiritual calling. In Faith and Finances, Mike distills decades of wisdom to help believers embrace biblical principles for financial success and radical generosity. Along the way, he offers profound insights on discovering your personal calling, setting a financial finish line that frees you to give boldly, stewarding your time and resources with eternal purpose, and building a legacy that outlives you and points others to Christ.   Major Topics Include: Mike's journey through living out is faith in his finances Learning generosity and stewardship in community The importance of heart change on the stewardship journey  What does it mean to finish well? The five pillars of a faith-driven retirement Important conversations about legacy Advice for doing legacy well as a follower of Christ Estate mapping with families Tips for experiencing heart change Three steps of a Journey of Generosity experience Practical tips for setting a finish line Living out calling beyond the working years  Encouragement to keep growing and stretching in faith and generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Our industry is all about people getting the money thing right, and I think that's fine and good. But I think what's more important is getting the life thing right, especially in the second half of life.” “Ephesians 2:10 says that you were designed for good works, it doesn't say that all bets are off once you're retired. You're meant to do good works until the end.” “We shouldn't be asking God, ‘How much should I give?' but rather ‘How much should I keep?'” “Does it take more faith to give while you're here or after you're gone?” “I don't think the journey ever ends because God's always working on our hearts.” “Giving breaks the power of money.” “Your best days can be ahead of you!” “Just take your next step with Jesus.” “Generosity is a muscle. The more you work it out, the stronger it becomes.” “God just wants to know that He can use you.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Faith and Finances by Michael Perez The ABC's of Financial Freedom by Barry L. Cameron  National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Christian Franchise Advisor Network (CFAN) with Ameriprise Financial Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Eternal Perspective Ministries (see our interview with founder, Randy Alcorn) Fields of Gold by Andy Stanley The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Decade By Decade by Bobb Biehl The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Proverbs 27: 17 | Sharpened by Community    Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.   Psalm 24:1 | God Owns It All   The earth is the Lord‘s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,   Ephesians 2:10 | Created for Good Works   For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.   Matthew 6:20 | Treasure in Heaven   but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

We're kicking off a brand-new series revisiting Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — through the lens of modern leadership. In this episode, Josh and Bob unpack the first two habits:Be Proactive – Don't wait for permission. Great leaders anticipate, act, and build ahead of the curve. From hiring talent before you need it to proactively managing your own growth, proactivity isn't about flailing — it's about intentional, forward-looking leadership.Begin with the End in Mind – Leadership starts with clarity. Whether it's building a product, scaling a team, or shaping a career, vision matters. But so does flexibility. Josh and Bob share stories about startups, strategy shifts, and why leaders must balance end goals with the twists and turns of the real world.The conversation is unfiltered, practical, and rooted in decades of lived experience — showing how these timeless habits still hold power today.The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary EditionStay Connected and Informed with Our NewslettersJosh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.Subscribe hereBob Galen's "Agile Moose"Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."Subscribe hereDo More Than Listen:We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.Help Us Spread The Word: Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3726: Benjamin P. Hardy explains how genuine progress in life rarely comes from small, incremental changes but from bold, intentional leaps that challenge comfort zones. By redefining identity, committing to bigger goals, and aligning daily actions with a compelling vision, he shows how anyone can accelerate growth and transformation. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/the-mission/how-to-make-quantum-leaps-personally-and-professionally-cfcae58948c1 Quotes to ponder: "You make quantum leaps by taking bold moves, moves that are not incremental but transformational." "Your identity must be shaped by your future, not your past." "The moment you commit to something bigger than yourself, the resources and clarity you need will appear." Episode references: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274 Psycho-Cybernetics: https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Maxwell-Maltz/dp/0671700758 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3726: Benjamin P. Hardy explains how genuine progress in life rarely comes from small, incremental changes but from bold, intentional leaps that challenge comfort zones. By redefining identity, committing to bigger goals, and aligning daily actions with a compelling vision, he shows how anyone can accelerate growth and transformation. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/the-mission/how-to-make-quantum-leaps-personally-and-professionally-cfcae58948c1 Quotes to ponder: "You make quantum leaps by taking bold moves, moves that are not incremental but transformational." "Your identity must be shaped by your future, not your past." "The moment you commit to something bigger than yourself, the resources and clarity you need will appear." Episode references: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274 Psycho-Cybernetics: https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Maxwell-Maltz/dp/0671700758 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3726: Benjamin P. Hardy explains how genuine progress in life rarely comes from small, incremental changes but from bold, intentional leaps that challenge comfort zones. By redefining identity, committing to bigger goals, and aligning daily actions with a compelling vision, he shows how anyone can accelerate growth and transformation. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/the-mission/how-to-make-quantum-leaps-personally-and-professionally-cfcae58948c1 Quotes to ponder: "You make quantum leaps by taking bold moves, moves that are not incremental but transformational." "Your identity must be shaped by your future, not your past." "The moment you commit to something bigger than yourself, the resources and clarity you need will appear." Episode references: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274 Psycho-Cybernetics: https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Maxwell-Maltz/dp/0671700758 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Start scared. Start before you're ready.”  Lasting success rarely comes from waiting until the stars align—it comes from starting before you're ready, staying consistent, and having the courage to take messy action. The principles that create real progress aren't flashy; they're rooted in clarity about what matters most and the discipline to align daily life with those values.  In this conversation, Lan Phan opens up about her journey of transformation—shifting from chasing titles to living with purpose. She highlights the power of small daily choices, the mindset required to build resilience, and the importance of asking for opportunities instead of waiting for them. Her perspective shows that fulfillment isn't found in status but in designing a life that reflects your true priorities.  Lan Phan is the founder of Community of Seven, a global leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Do This Daily. She equips leaders and entrepreneurs to align values, mindset, and habits so they can build businesses—and lives—that thrive.  Expert action steps:  1. Start before you feel ready—accept early imperfection as the price of progress.    2. Turn identity into action—set daily systems and keep them relentlessly.    3. Bet on yourself—trust your ability to figure things out when the branch shakes.    Learn more & connect:  https://www.communityofseven.com/  Lan's book, Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.  Also in this episode:  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey  • The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware (Lan referred to it as The Last Wishes of the Dying)   • Ask! by Mark Victor Hansen (co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul) and his wife   • Grit by Angela Duckworth  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

In this episode of The Business Coach Podcast, business coach Darrick Boyes shares his journey from an entrepreneurial upbringing to becoming a passionate ActionCOACH mentor. Drawing on his experience with major corporations like Ford Canada, Darrick explains why planning is less about the document and more about thinking big and staying committed to growth. He also shares lessons from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Jim Rohn's advice to “work harder on yourself than you do on your job,” showing how breakthroughs come when business owners align their plans with their dreams.Coaching is more than a job, it's a calling. Discover how you can become a certified ActionCOACH and change lives, starting with your own. Get started by clicking here. https://lp.actioncoach.com/franchise-apply  About Darrick Boyes:Darrick Boyes is a business coach with a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping owners achieve transformational growth. A former consultant with Ford Canada, Darrick shifted into coaching after discovering ActionCOACH and realizing the power of staying with clients through every stage of change. Known for his practical approach to planning, leadership, and personal development, he specializes in guiding entrepreneurs to create meaningful breakthroughs by aligning their business strategies with their dreams. Darrick's philosophy is rooted in continuous learning, resilience, and the belief that success begins with working harder on yourself than on your job.Learn more: https://avid.actioncoach.com/coachdarrickboyes/    About ActionCOACHActionCOACH is a global business coaching firm founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars. It offers coaching services to all types of businesses, providing guidance and support in various aspects of business management, including marketing, sales, finance, team building, and systems development. ActionCOACH operates through a network of trained business coaches who work directly with clients to help them achieve their business goals and overcome challenges. The company's vision is to "create world abundance through business re-education," aiming to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to build profitable enterprises that work without them. Learn more about ActionCOACH: https://www.actioncoach.com/Become A Coach: https://www.actioncoach.com/

Send us a textScaling past seven figures shouldn't mean sacrificing your health, family, or freedom. Yet too many agency owners find themselves buried in broken systems, unclear handoffs, or team bottlenecks that steal time and drain margins.That's why I invited John Henao, Founder & CEO of Go Staffy and eWiser, who scaled his own digital agency to seven figures with a fully remote Colombian team. In this episode, John and I unpack how agency freedom comes not from chasing revenue, but from building sustainable systems, leveraging AI-ready teams, and making the right next hire at the right time.You'll hear how he grew from $15k MRR to seven figures in just over two years, why profit without freedom is a trap, and how to redesign operations so they stop breaking every time you hit a new revenue level. If you've been searching for practical strategies to reduce burnout, delegate smarter, and scale profitably, this episode gives you the blueprint.Books MentionedThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyMake Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRavenAtomic Habits by James ClearThe BibleConnect with John Henao on Instagram or Facebook at John Henao, or visit GoStaffy.com to explore how his team can help your agency scale sustainably. Keep an eye out for his upcoming book The Freedom Agency and his new podcast Go Accomplish More.Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1787: Laura Stack shares a practical system for aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals through structured weekly, monthly, and yearly reviews. She explains how to use these checkpoints to refine priorities, track progress, and eliminate wasted effort so your work stays purposeful and productive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2013/02/how-to-conduct-weekly-monthly-and-yearly-reviews/ Quotes to ponder: "Weekly planning and review keeps your head in the game." "The more often you check your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them." "Stop doing anything that doesn't move you toward your objectives." Episode references: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Getting Things Done: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1787: Laura Stack shares a practical system for aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals through structured weekly, monthly, and yearly reviews. She explains how to use these checkpoints to refine priorities, track progress, and eliminate wasted effort so your work stays purposeful and productive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2013/02/how-to-conduct-weekly-monthly-and-yearly-reviews/ Quotes to ponder: "Weekly planning and review keeps your head in the game." "The more often you check your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them." "Stop doing anything that doesn't move you toward your objectives." Episode references: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Getting Things Done: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever wondered why some people seem immune to burnout, this episode is your roadmap. I'll walk you through the 10 key attitudes and practices that protect you from chronic stress, overwork, and frustration — and show you how to develop them for yourself.These aren't quick tips; they're the personal traits and daily practices that create lasting resilience. You'll learn why each one matters, how to put it into action, and how they work together to help you perform at your best without sacrificing your wellbeing.From self-awareness and stress management, through emotional resilience, time management, and emotional intelligence, this is your practical guide to transforming how you work and live.What you'll learn in this episode:Why prevention and recovery share the same core attributesHow to identify the biggest personal levers you can pull to improve your wellbeingPractical steps to develop each of the 10 attributesHow shifting your mindset transforms your workplace experienceWhere to start if you're currently burnt outResources mentioned in this episode:Burnout Recovery Powertools series — Episodes 155 to 166The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven R. CoveyListen now and learn how to build your personal burnout-proof foundation.Send us a text----------------------------------- Burnout Resources:Get 1-on-1 burnout recovery coaching at https:/mini.dexrandall.comFor even more TIPS see FACEBOOK: @coachdexrandallINSTAGRAM: @coachdexrandallLINKEDIN: @coachdexrandallX: @coachdexrandallSee https://linktr.ee/coachdexrandall for all links

What happens when you lead three HR tech brands through growth, acquisition, and the AI revolution? Phil Coxon is in the thick of it.In this episode, Dominic is joined by Phil Coxon, Managing Director of Breathe, Elmo UK, and RotorGeek - three HR and workforce management platforms tackling different ends of the market.Phil shares what he's learned scaling global businesses like Criteo and Mindbody, and how he's now applying those lessons in the world of SME and enterprise HR software. From sales strategy and product orchestration to company culture and AI integration, this episode dives deep into what it takes to lead through disruption and transformation.Phil also discusses how Breathe is deploying Gemini AI internally, how they're navigating shifting regulation, and why whiteboard sales still beat PowerPoint pitches every time.Scaling Across Markets: How Phil navigates leading three brands (Breathe, Elmo UK, and RotorGeek) that serve wildly different customer profiles—from micro-SMBs to global enterprises.Whiteboard Sales Magic: Why abandoning PowerPoint in favour of live co-creation on a whiteboard leads to the most memorable and successful sales pitches.The AI Assistant Mindset: How Breathe is embedding Gemini into daily workflows, from sales to implementation, and why every employee is encouraged to spend an hour a day with AI.Security and Trust in AI: The rigorous compliance approach Phil takes to integrating AI in HR—where data sensitivity is non-negotiable.Driving Sales Without Demand: Why great sales today means educating customers who weren't planning to buy—and how regulation is helping create urgency.From IPO to Impact: Phil's reflections on scaling Critéo from $30M to $2.3B, leading teams in Manhattan and across the globe, and what stuck with him.Cultural Synergy After Acquisition: Lessons in merging different business cultures without breaking what works—from emergency ward scheduling to HR platforms.Mandatory Training Saves Lives: How small steps like cyber security and equality training aren't just box-ticking—they can protect 147-year-old companies from collapse.The Fast-Follow Product Strategy: Why speeding up the delivery of customer-requested features is Breathe's north star—and how AI-generated code will make it happen.Phil Coxon is the Managing Director of Breathe, Elmo UK, and RotorGeek. With a background in global SaaS, adtech, and scaling tech companies, Phil now leads a suite of HR products focused on small businesses through to large-scale enterprise clients.Key Topics Covered:Why culture is the key to post-acquisition successHow AI is supercharging sales, engineering, and implementationWhat it takes to sell HR tools to buyers who aren't lookingThe future of engineering with code-generating AIWhy clarity beats complexity in modern leadershipWhere to Find Phil:LinkedIn – Phil Coxon

Send us a textIn this episode, I share some mental health ideas to teach your young adults as they begin to leave the nest.  I mention a few of my podcast and books that I have learned these great ideas.  I mention Steven R. Covey's 7 Habits for Highly Effective People principle of being proactive.  I share the resource of the Emotional Resilience course.  I remind you of the book, How to be Yourself by Ellen Henrisksen and learning to make friends.  I revisit the book, The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser and comment about the definition of confidence and accepting our human imperfection.  And finally I talk about the importance of gratitude.   There is really a lot out there to help your young adult become more resilient as they begin their journey on their own.  For show notes come by www.findingthefloor.com/ep228I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at camille@findingthefloor.com or dm @findingthefloor on instagram. Thanks for listening!!Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music. I love it so much!

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1779: Michael Piperno offers practical tools to help you speak with confidence, clarity, and connection. Through techniques like active listening, intentional pauses, and conversational framing, he shows how to earn trust, strengthen relationships, and communicate in a way that truly resonates. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.michaelpiperno.com/conver-speaking/ AND https://www.michaelpiperno.com/tips-to-help-you-be-heard/ Quotes to ponder: "Your voice is a powerful tool. When used with intention, it helps others understand you, trust you, and follow your lead." "When you speak with clarity, your message is easier to digest and much harder to misinterpret." "Good communication starts with listening. Truly listening." Episode references: TED Talk by Julian Treasure – How to Speak So That People Want to Listen: https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_how_to_speak_so_that_people_want_to_listen Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/1469266822 Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1779: Michael Piperno offers practical tools to help you speak with confidence, clarity, and connection. Through techniques like active listening, intentional pauses, and conversational framing, he shows how to earn trust, strengthen relationships, and communicate in a way that truly resonates. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.michaelpiperno.com/conver-speaking/ AND https://www.michaelpiperno.com/tips-to-help-you-be-heard/ Quotes to ponder: "Your voice is a powerful tool. When used with intention, it helps others understand you, trust you, and follow your lead." "When you speak with clarity, your message is easier to digest and much harder to misinterpret." "Good communication starts with listening. Truly listening." Episode references: TED Talk by Julian Treasure – How to Speak So That People Want to Listen: https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_how_to_speak_so_that_people_want_to_listen Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/1469266822 Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the road to VOUSCon earlier this year, Rich led a staff meeting to celebrate wins, cast vision, and talk about where they're headed.In this session, Rich unpacks a leadership principle inspired by Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: the Circle of Concern, the Circle of Influence, and the Circle of Control. He explains how great leaders focus on what they can actually lead, change, and steward—rather than being consumed by what's out of their hands.Drawing from Genesis 45, Rich shares three areas every leader must keep under control: attitude, habits, and voice. It's a reminder that effective leadership starts with leading yourself well.Catch the full leadership talk and be encouraged to lead—proactively, intentionally, and faithfully.Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

Title: I've Read 236 Business Books – Here Are the 12 That Will Make You Rich  Summary:  In this video, Seth Bradley, a successful real estate investor and former attorney, shares a curated list of the 12 most impactful business books that significantly changed his approach to wealth generation, investing, and entrepreneurship. He expresses his frustration with the majority of business literature but firmly believes in the transformative power of these selected titles. Seth emphasizes that achieving financial freedom involves moving away from traditional employment and cultivating a mindset geared toward asset building and strategic operation. Each book he mentions has played a critical role in shaping his journey, providing strategic thoughts on productivity, relationship management, and scaling businesses. The emphasis is not merely on the content of the books but on applying their principles to realize tangible success. Furthermore, he wraps up the discussion by encouraging viewers to take action by reading these books and applying their teachings to improve their financial status and life in general. Links to Watch and Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QXX37vgJPE&list=PLSfheWyV7beFqERLX4ebBUJ4SmzmF6z8e&index=4 Bullet Point Highlights: Transformative Reading: Seth Bradley highlights 12 business books that transformed his financial mindset. From Employees to Investors: Books teach the importance of shifting from earning through employment to making money through investments. The Power of Mornings: The “Miracle Morning” book stresses the significance of a structured morning routine for success. Execution Over Perfection: “The Lean Startup” emphasizes launching quickly and improving based on feedback. Relationship Building: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” underscores the importance of communication and building relationships in business. Mindset Shift with 10x Rule: Grant Cardone's “The 10x Rule” encourages ambitious thinking and significant effort to achieve exceptional results. Love Languages in Business: “The Five Love Languages” reveals how understanding different communication styles can enhance business relationships. Transcript: (Seth Bradley) [Music] I've read 236 business books and let me tell you honestly most of them are a complete waste of time but these 12 these are the ones that actually made me Rich these books change the way I make money I invest and I run my businesses and before you ask no I'm not including Rich Dad Poor Dad why because it's the purple Bible and if you don't know that one you're already behind so real quick if you don't know me I'm Seth Bradley really estate investor Capital Riser and former big law attorney I left a   multiple sixf figureure corporate career because I realized I'd never get rich working for someone else at least not wealthy I don't mess with stocks I don't waste time on 401ks I build businesses and I buy assets so if you want to break free from the 9 to-5 start raising capital and actually control your financial future this is the list you need this is the real playbook for Financial Freedom the books that shaped How I build wealth just stick around and at the end I've got a book you'll never   expect but it might be the most important one on the list all right let's get into it book number one it is Robert kosaki cash flow quadrant kosaki breaks down the four ways people make money employee self-employed business owner and investor most people spend their whole lives on the left side trading time for money the rich they're on the right side where businesses Investments make them money while they sleep you know I was making six figures as a lawyer but I was still on the wrong side that's when I knew I had to start   buying assets the second I understood this what my man was saying in this book I stopped thinking like an employee and starting moving towards Financial Freedom book number two Miracle morning by how El Rod now it's a solid morning routine is a cheat code for Success when I'm consistent with mine I dominate when I slack off my entire day suffers this book gives you a proven structure to start your day like a high performer if you don't control your mornings you don't control your life one of the   biggest takeaways for me was how much intentionality matters if you wake up and immediately start reacting to your world rather than you dictating how you perceive the world emails notifications demands you're already behind but if you take time to focus on yourself set goals and visualize success you'll operate at a much higher level this book will give you the tools to craft a morning routine that sets you up for Success now I do have to say that my morning routine is changed over time I read that book I had   a very structured morning I started out I needed that discipline but now I don't necessarily need it as much because I can really get into that flow get into that zone a lot easier I get up I make coffee I take my supplements I sit down and I start doing the hard work first so that morning routine whatever works best for you sometimes you need that structure and discipline to get going then once you kind of harness how you can do that you no longer need to take all those steps number three the 4our   work week by Tim Ferris now this one gets a lot of attention and also a lot of criticism but this book it taught me that time is the most valuable asset it's really not about working less and working 4 hours a week I mean for some people maybe but really it's about working smarter before reading this I was deep in the weeds of every task emails admin busy work this book just showed me how to automate how to Outsource how to focus on only high value moves and if you're always busy but not really making real progress this   book will change your mindset completely jump into that one for sure here we go book number four traction by Gino Wickman I still use this book every single day most businesses fail because they're a disorganized mess no systems no accountability that was me when I started out and that's how a lot of businesses start out traction fixes that I remember when I first started to grow my real estate business and my legal business at the same time along with the gyms and some other things I had no clear structure no direction and frankly   I was working my ass off but wasn't actually growing this book showed me how to implement the entrepreneurial operating system EOS and you can adopt a name for yourself like rais law operating system for me which is just a fancy way of saying here's how to actually run a business that doesn't depend on you doing everything yourself if you're stuck in the weeds this book is absolutely mandatory book number five The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven cubby success isn't luck it's built on habits and this book   lays them all out the biggest game changer for me be proactive and focus on what you can control not what you can't most people react to life and they wait for things to happen to them and to complain about them but wealthy people we make things happen this book helped me move from being reactive to strategic if you feel like life is happening to you instead of for you this book will completely change your mindset be sure to pick that one up read it every single year book number six the e- myth   Revisited by Michael Gerber if you're doing everything in your business then you don't own a business you own a job and that was me before this book I used to think that being an entrepreneur meant grinding 24/7 and sometimes we still do I still do but all I was doing back in the day was creating a high-paying high stress job for myself and that's not the point this book showed me why systematizing your business is the only way to truly scale once I implemented these systems I was able to step back work on the a big   picture and finally grow instead of just survive book number seven The Lean Startup by Eric rise most people wait way too long to launch they overthink they over plan they never execute this book teaches you the exact opposite launch first improve later I wasted so much time like many of us early on just trying to perfect things before putting them out there this book changed how I approach every every single business now I focus on launching fast testing and adapting if I read this earlier I would   have saved years maybe decades the best businesses don't come from perfect planning they come from Quick execution and constant learning book number eight How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale to Carnegie business is all about relationships and if you don't know how to communicate you're screwed this book taught me how to build connections negotiate better and influence people without being manipulative of course but if you're going to raise Capital you're going to close deals this book is an absolute   must read I apply these principles every single day they're simple in concept but they're harder to execute consistently whether it's working with investors Partners employees team members this book is the foundation for strong relationships in business and also in everyday life book number nine the 10x rule Grant Cardone you know he says a lot of controversial things some people give him Flack but this dude knows how to make money most people think too small not Grand this book forced me to build bigger execute at a higher level   because everything worth doing takes 10x more effort than you expect if you apply this mindset you're going to stop making excuses and you're going to start making big moves the most powerful lesson here to me average actions they lead to average results if you want to dominate in business and in life you have to push way far beyond what's reasonable that's what separates High performers like us from everyone else if you want success this book will force you to raise your standards always do 10x more and 10x   higher all right book number 10 who not how Dan Sullivan this one's incredible successful people don't ask how do I do this they ask who can do this for me who can help me with this this mindset shift completely changed how I run my businesses instead of wasting time learning everything myself I hire experts I ask for help and I let them execute at a higher level before this book I was stuck in the mindset of trying to figure out everything myself once I embrac the who not how principle I stopped being the bottleneck in my own   businesses but now I focus on finding the right help finding the best people to execute finding experts in their fields rather than trying to do everything myself so if you struggle with delegation this book is an absolute GameChanger book number 11 how Elrod Strikes Again The Miracle equation so this book it's simple right unwavering Faith plus extraordinary effort and I know that sounds a little kind of flu fluey and that's not really me and it might not be you either but look I mean I say that Mantra to myself every single   day it gets hard sometimes so if you don't believe success is inevitable and you're not willing to put in the work an insane amount of effort then you're never going to make it one of the biggest lessons from the book is that mindset alone it's not enough you have to back it up with absolute Relentless action you can't just hope for Success you have to put in the work consistently every single day no matter what no matter how you feel no matter what's going on no matter what obstacles arise this book will shift your perspective on   commitment and perseverance remember that saying preach it to yourself every day when gets hard all right book number 12 I told you it would be a surprise on the list I don't think this makes anyone's list for a business book but number 12 the five love languages by Gary Chapman you've all heard of it but let me explain a relationship book sure but business is all about relationships if you don't know how to connect with people you're never going to succeed at a high level this book taught me that   people communicate and they receive value in different ways whether it's clients it's Partners its employees knowing how someone feels appreciated will change how you do in your business and how successful you ultimately are for example some people value words about affirmation While others need tangible recognition once I started applying these principles in business and you keep it in your head for all conversations I became a better leader a better negotiator and a better connector if you want to improve your ability to   work with people which you will this book will give you an edge a relationship book yes but business is all about relationships remember that if you don't know how to connect with people you'll never succeed at a high level all right there there you go folks the 12 business books you need to Succeed in Business and honestly in life generally read those 12 put them on repeat read them every single year which book hit you the hardest drop a comment below I want to know which one resonated with you the most if you found this   valuable hit that like button or subscribe whatever you're watching this on and share it with someone who needs it these books absolutely change my life and they can do the same for you now go take action read those books apply those principles and let's get this money let's go [Music] Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QXX37vgJPE&list=PLSfheWyV7beFqERLX4ebBUJ4SmzmF6z8e&index=4 https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZAmMtTXDA/ https://x.com/sethbradleyesq/status/1902426622608994373 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sethbradleyesq_wealthbuilding-moneymoves-businessbooks-acthttps://x.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesq www.facebook.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/ https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/ https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesq https://medium.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Suzanna Chaplin, founder of ESB Connect, shares her incredible journey from starting an email marketing business with her father to building a powerhouse with over 17 million email addresses and £1.5M in revenue. She opens up about overcoming £250K in debt, navigating the emotional toll of a family business, and pioneering the UK's first email retargeting tech that matches anonymous site visitors with emails. Suzanna also dives into scaling with profitability, building a resilient team, and why owning your audience is more critical than ever. Her story is packed with real challenges, bold moves, and powerful insights for any business owner chasing sustainable growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Suzanna Chaplin, the hardest thing in growing a small business is navigating the emotional rollercoaster—the constant ups and downs. One day everything feels great with strong sales and a happy team, and the next day, key clients might pull budgets or team members might resign. It's the ability to stay consistent, keep showing up every day, and push through the tough times that truly tests a business owner's resilience. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Suzanna Chaplin's favorite business books that have helped her the most include “Winners” by Alastair Campbell for its insight into what makes successful people tick, and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, which she values for its lessons on communication and understanding people's core motivations. She also mentioned “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and books by Adam Grant as powerful resources that have shaped her business thinking. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Suzanna Chaplin recommends several powerful podcasts and online resources to help grow a small business, including How I Built This by Guy Raz for inspiring founder stories, Diary of a CEO for raw and insightful conversations (especially earlier episodes), and Sweat Equity by the founders of Hype for practical branding tips. She also suggests Founders for deep dives into entrepreneurial mindsets and The Spark by Emma Grede for valuable perspectives from a female founder's lens. Suzanna emphasizes that podcasts, books, and mentorship have been key to her learning, offering real-world solutions to everyday business challenges. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Suzanna Chaplin recommends Xero as a must-have tool to grow a small business, emphasizing the importance of knowing your numbers and staying on top of cash flow. While it may seem basic, having clear visibility into your finances is crucial for making smart decisions. She also highlights the value of implementing a solid CRM system as the business scales, helping manage team workflows, forecasting, and client communication more efficiently. These tools, she says, are essential for building a strong operational foundation. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Suzanna Chaplin's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: “It's going to be okay—keep going and stay consistent.” She emphasizes the importance of trusting the journey, making quicker decisions when needed (especially around hiring), and not holding onto people or situations that no longer serve the business. She'd also remind herself to stay organized, believe in her instincts, and understand that the hard days will pass—and every small step forward adds up to big progress. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You don't truly own your audience until you own their email address – Suzanna Chaplin Every small step you take during hard times becomes a giant leap in hindsight – Suzanna Chaplin Delegation isn't weakness — it's the key to real growth – Suzanna Chaplin      

“It's really important to keep a sense of humour, especially if you're in a stressful environment. Show people that you're human.”   This is a special episode only available to our podcast subscribers, which we call The Mini Chief. These are short, sharp highlights from our fabulous guests, where you get a 5 to 10 minute snapshot from their full episode. This Mini Chief episode features Linda Carroll, Chief People Officer, G8 Education. Her full episode is titled Driving business success through the development of your people. You can find the full audio and show notes here:

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1768: Laura Stack offers a transformative approach to time management by flipping the script: it's not about doing more, but doing what truly matters. Her practical tips help eliminate time wasters, streamline tasks, and protect your schedule so you can achieve peak productivity without burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2012/06/the-work-less-more-success-guide-to-time-management-2/ Quotes to ponder: "Productivity isn't about doing more things, it's about doing the right things." "If you don't plan your day, someone else will." "Eliminate, automate, or delegate tasks that don't require your personal touch." Episode references: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1768: Laura Stack offers a transformative approach to time management by flipping the script: it's not about doing more, but doing what truly matters. Her practical tips help eliminate time wasters, streamline tasks, and protect your schedule so you can achieve peak productivity without burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2012/06/the-work-less-more-success-guide-to-time-management-2/ Quotes to ponder: "Productivity isn't about doing more things, it's about doing the right things." "If you don't plan your day, someone else will." "Eliminate, automate, or delegate tasks that don't require your personal touch." Episode references: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Burleson Box, Dr. Dustin Burleson sits down with Dr. Kyle Fagala, orthodontist and founder of Neon Canvas, to explore how creativity and strategy intersect in the world of orthodontic marketing and practice growth. Kyle shares his insights on:How digital marketing for orthodontics has evolved and where it's headed nextThe difference between “just having a website” and truly creating an engaging digital experienceWhy practices need to embrace storytelling and creativity to stand out in crowded marketsLessons from building Neon Canvas and working with practices nationwideThe importance of aligning your marketing with your practice values and patient experienceWhether you're looking to refine your online presence, create a more memorable patient journey, or simply get inspired by one of the most creative voices in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBooks & Concepts:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey – A foundational book on principles-based leadership and personal growth.Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie – A creative guide to thriving within corporate structures.Awaken Your Genius by Ozan Varol – A book on rediscovering creativity and original thinking.Both/And Thinking by Wendy K. Smith and Marianne W. Lewis – Research-based insights on balancing paradoxes in organizations.Subtract by Leidy Klotz – A book on improving systems by removing unnecessary elements.The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor – Exploring the relationship between positivity and success.Events & Conferences:Mother of Pearls Conference – A collaborative event for orthodontists focused on clinical and practice growth.OrthoPreneurs Summit (OP Summit) – A leading orthodontic conference for practice owners and teams.Projects, Practice & Creative Work:Children's Orthodontic Book Project – Customizable children's books for orthodontic practices, created by Dr. Kyle Fagala.Neon Canvas – A digital marketing agency co-founded by Dr. Kyle Fagala, serving orthodontists nationwide.Saddle Creek Orthodontics – Dr. Fagala's orthodontic practice serving patients in the Memphis area. Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to The Burleson Box on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your support helps us bring powerful conversations like this to more listeners in healthcare leadership. ***The Burleson Box is brought to you by Stax Payments:Save Big on Transaction Fees: Boost Your Bottom Line with Stax Payments.Did you know that your practice can start saving thousands of dollars on your monthly processing costs with our preferred payments partner, Stax? Simplify your practice operations and provide a quality patient experience. Healthcare practices like yours need a way to accept payments simply and securely. That's where Stax comes in.Stax helps you manage your entire payments experience from within one platform. You can safely accept touch-free payments in-person, online, or over the phone, securely store and manage patient information with layered security and Level 1 PCI compliance.
Take advantage of a simpler, more transparent way to process your payments with competitive flat-rate pricing, provided exclusively through Stax. No additional fees or contracts required!Power your practice and get paid faster with simple, safe and secure payment solutions. Have questions? Schedule time to speak with a dedicated payment consultant to learn more.Click Below to Lear More Today:StaxPayments.com/burleson-seminars*** Go Premium: Members get early access, ad-free episodes, hand-edited transcripts, exclusive study guides, special edition books each quarter, powerpoint and keynote presentations and two tickets to Dustin Burleson's Annual Leadership Retreat.http://www.theburlesonbox.com/sign-up Stay Up to Date: Sign up for The Burleson Report, our weekly newsletter that is delivered each Sunday with timeless insight for life and private practice. Sign up here:http://www.theburlesonreport.com Follow Dustin Burleson, DDS, MBA at:http://www.burlesonseminars.com

Send us a textIf your marketing feels scattered, your team's unclear on what's working, and the KPIs don't connect to revenue, this episode was built for you.I sat down with Josh Ramsey, fractional CMO, founder of JRCMO and a full-stack marketing agency, and the strategist behind more than 80,000 campaigns. We talk about what happens when marketing becomes too tactical, and how to rebuild from a systems-level perspective.Josh shares why clarity in messaging, positioning, and internal operations matters more than chasing the next trend, especially for digital agency owners scaling past 7 figures. He breaks down how he uses personalized KPIs, 30-day diagnostic audits, and team alignment frameworks to fix the real problems under the hood. This episode explores blind spots, strategic navigation, and how a fractional CMO can help you scale without wasting time, money, or team energy.

After achieving massive success as a renowned author, Dr. Benjamin Hardy knew he was destined for more. Leaving behind a profitable collaboration with his co-author, he focused on mastering the art of scaling a business. As the co-founder of Scaling.com, he has helped top performers transform their strategies and unlock next-level growth in entrepreneurship. In this episode, Benjamin discusses the power of setting impossible goals and reveals his three-step scaling framework, designed to help entrepreneurs grow ten times faster than they ever imagined. In this episode, Hala and Benjamin will discuss:  (00:00) Introduction   (02:27) His Career Journey and Identity Shifts (06:11) Building a Mindset for Future Success (08:13) Scale Faster: Why 10X Thinking Beats 2X Goals (12:46) The Biggest Blockers to Scaling Your Business (14:44) The Power of Setting Impossible Goals and Deadlines (27:45) Benjamin's Framework to Scale Faster as a Founder (36:12) Finding Your “Super Whos” for Business Growth (42:17) Simplifying Your Systems to Scale Your Impact (48:27) Letting Go of Identities to Embrace 10x Growth (51:55) How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Scaling.com Dr. Benjamin Hardy is an organizational psychologist and the co-founder of Scaling.com, a performance-based training program designed for fast-growth companies. As a bestselling author, his books, including 10x Is Easier Than 2x, have sold millions of copies worldwide. His latest book, The Science of Scaling, offers entrepreneurs a powerful framework to achieve 10x growth by setting impossible goals and aligning with their future selves. Sponsored By: Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/profiting. Airbnb - Find a co-host at airbnb.com/host Boulevard - Get 10% off your first year at joinblvd.com/profiting when you book a demo Resources Mentioned: Benjamin's Book, The Science of Scaling: bit.ly/TheScienceofScaling  Benjamin's Book, 10x Is Easier than 2x: bit.ly/10xIsEasierthan2x  Benjamin's Book, Who Not How: bit.ly/Who_NotHow  Benjamin's Book, The Gap and the Gain: bit.ly/TheGapandtheGain  Benjamin's Audiobook: scaling.com/audiobook  Benjamin's Website: benjaminhardy.com  YAP E206 with Benjamin Hardy: bit.ly/YAP-apple YAP E260 with Benjamin Hardy: bit.ly/YAP-BHapple  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steve Covey: bit.ly/7Habits_EffectivePeople  Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Remelt: bit.ly/_GoodStrategy_BadStrategy  Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: bit.ly/Search_for_Meaning_  Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen: bit.ly/DontBlieve_YouThink  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, Coach JK shares a fresh perspective on affirmations, pulled straight from a re-read of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.You'll learn about the four key components of an effective personal affirmation and why so many people unknowingly write theirs in a way that lacks power and clarity. JK walks through examples of both ineffective and effective affirmations, with a specific lens on those working to build strength, improve fitness, and stay consistent with foundational habits.This episode is less about trendy motivational quotes and more about creating affirmations that actually help you take action and feel aligned with your goals...without the fluff.If you're looking for something deeper than “just try harder,” tune in.To join the free Fitness Foundations Community, send JK a DM on Instagram (@coachjkmcleod) or email jk@jkmcleod.com.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3679: Cal Newport explores a minimalist yet effective approach to personal productivity by combining structured systems with intuitive freedom. Drawing on insights from top performers, he outlines how to balance organization without over-planning, helping you maintain momentum and avoid burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/10/02/freestyle-productivity-balancing-systems-and-simplicity-when-organizing-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Most people exist somewhere in between: they crave the structure of a system, but become frustrated if it grows too complicated." "Freestyle productivity is about finding the right level of organization to enable your work, not get in its way." "You want your systems to be like a fine-tuned guitar: always there to help you produce something beautiful, but never stealing the spotlight." Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Scott Young's Study Hacks: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ Zen To Done: https://zenhabits.net/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3679: Cal Newport explores a minimalist yet effective approach to personal productivity by combining structured systems with intuitive freedom. Drawing on insights from top performers, he outlines how to balance organization without over-planning, helping you maintain momentum and avoid burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/10/02/freestyle-productivity-balancing-systems-and-simplicity-when-organizing-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Most people exist somewhere in between: they crave the structure of a system, but become frustrated if it grows too complicated." "Freestyle productivity is about finding the right level of organization to enable your work, not get in its way." "You want your systems to be like a fine-tuned guitar: always there to help you produce something beautiful, but never stealing the spotlight." Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Scott Young's Study Hacks: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ Zen To Done: https://zenhabits.net/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3679: Cal Newport explores a minimalist yet effective approach to personal productivity by combining structured systems with intuitive freedom. Drawing on insights from top performers, he outlines how to balance organization without over-planning, helping you maintain momentum and avoid burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/10/02/freestyle-productivity-balancing-systems-and-simplicity-when-organizing-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Most people exist somewhere in between: they crave the structure of a system, but become frustrated if it grows too complicated." "Freestyle productivity is about finding the right level of organization to enable your work, not get in its way." "You want your systems to be like a fine-tuned guitar: always there to help you produce something beautiful, but never stealing the spotlight." Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Scott Young's Study Hacks: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ Zen To Done: https://zenhabits.net/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIf you've ever sold SEO and regretted it, this episode is for you.I sat down with Nic Padilla, Business Development Director at Boostability, one of the top white label SEO providers in the world, to unpack why most white label SEO partnerships fall flat... and what actually drives long-term results.Nic has trained sales teams in 14 countries, helped agencies generate millions in recurring revenue, and leads a system that gets 86% of clients to page one in six months. We talk about more than SEO; we dig into the systems, retention strategies, sales handoffs, team alignment, and automation that make this work without burning you or your team out.You'll walk away with a clear look at how to scale your SEO offering without doing all the work yourself, and how the right white label SEO partner can increase retention, simplify ops, and protect your margin.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business host Troy Trewin interviews Kerry Boulton from Exit Strategy Group, who shares her incredible journey of buying a freight business doing $16M and growing it to $50M with the same 63 staff. Kerry reveals how she executed a strategic exit after seven years, then went on to build and sell multiple ventures. Now through The Exit Strategy Group, she mentors owners on being “always exit ready,” balancing business, financial, and personal goals. She discusses the power of systems, the Value Builder tool, and finding your “Alan Bond moment.” Kerry's story is a masterclass in scaling, cash flow, people, and creating true freedom. Other Resources: An easy way to measure if your customers love you in 21 minutes – use the Net Promoter Score (NPS). And it's FREE. Maximise Your Business Sale Price To Meet Your Expectations! How to Exit Your Business Feeling Fulfilled Personally Satisfied and Have the Biggest Pay Day of Your Life Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Kerry Boulton, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. Growth eats up cash faster than most owners expect, and many don't realize how easily they can run into a squeeze. She says you've got to keep a constant eye on cash, plan ahead, and understand that scaling up often means funding gaps you need to prepare for. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Kerry shares that her favorite business book is “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, which she says gave her a rock-solid foundation for both business and life. She also loves “The Great Game of Business” by Jack Stack for teaching how to build financial literacy and an ownership mindset in your team. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? For podcasts and learning resources, Kerry highly recommends “Built to Sell Radio” by John Warrillow, which dives into making your business more valuable and sellable. She also likes “Business Lunch” with Roland Frasier & Ryan Deiss, plus the Exit Planning Institute's podcast. And of course, she's a fan of Troy's Grow Small Business Podcast, which she appeared on. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? When it comes to tools, Kerry swears by the Value Builder System, which helps owners see their business through a buyer's eyes, score it across key value drivers, and figure out exactly where to improve to maximize value and exit readiness. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If she could give herself advice on day one of starting out in business, Kerry laughs and says she'd simply tell herself to “buckle up,” because it's going to be a hell of a ride—full of challenges, personal growth, and ultimately the chance to create freedom and live life on her own terms. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Always run your business as if you'll sell it tomorrow — that's how you build something truly valuable — Kerry Boulton Buckle up — because business is the best roller coaster ride you'll ever take — Kerry Boulton Cash is the oxygen of your business; ignore it and you'll suffocate — Kerry Boulton      

Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeAre you struggling to grow your business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Discover how to achieve both financial success and personal freedom with expert insights from Mike Abramowitz.Mike Abramowitz, a business coach and co-founder of Better Than Rich, shares his journey from selling Cutco knives to helping hundreds of business owners streamline their operations and reclaim their time. With a background in direct sales and a passion for personal growth, Mike offers valuable lessons on building systems, maximizing referrals, and achieving what he calls "3x freedom" - time, money, and location.In this episode, Mike delves into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that can transform a struggling business into a thriving enterprise. He emphasizes the importance of delegation, leveraging technology, and focusing on high-value activities to scale your business without sacrificing your personal life.Additionally, Mike discusses the power of referrals, the common pitfalls of home service businesses, and the true meaning of being "rich" beyond just financial wealth. His insights on emotional clarity and presence provide a holistic approach to success that goes beyond traditional business metrics.If you're ready to take your business to the next level while reclaiming your time and freedom, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Mike Abramowitz on the Wealthy Wellthy podcast.Key Takeaways5:43 Reframing sales as influence and skill13:46 The mindset difference in successful salespeople19:59 Mike's background as youngest of eight25:43 Money journey from debt to accredited investor33:20 Working hard on the right things40:26 Common problems for home service businesses46:37 Defining "better than rich" as 3x freedomMemorable Quotes"All sales means is influence. And people might say, what's the difference between influence and manipulation? It's intent. Manipulation is for my own self interest. Influence is for the other person's self interest.""My mess is my message. And that really stuck with me big time. I was like, what can I do to turn this valley and this pain of my twenties and turn it into some sort of gift?""We need to work hard, but we need to make sure that we're working hard at the right things. That's essentially what Andrew helped me with - what are the things that somebody else can do?"Resources MentionedHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519Connect with KrisstinaWebsite - https://wealthywellthy.life/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/krisstinawiseYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@krisstinawiseKrisstina's Book, Falling For Money - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692560904/

In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey spotlight one of the most transformational ideas from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit 1: Be Proactive. Featuring rare, archival audio from Stephen R. Covey himself, this episode explores the foundational mindset behind personal growth, empowerment, and leadership.Stephen R. Covey's voice rings through decades to offer one of the most important paradigm shifts: that between what happens to us and how we respond, there lies our ultimate freedom. With stories from Viktor Frankl to frontline caregivers to corporate leaders, the episode shows how taking responsibility isn't just a behavioral shift, it's a life-altering lens for viewing the world.Whether you're navigating career setbacks, relational challenges, or societal pressures, this episode will help you reclaim your agency and expand your influence.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction to power principle episodes[01:09] The legacy of Stephen R. Covey and Habit 1.[03:03] Viktor Frankl and the last human freedom[07:26] Why taking ownership is empowering, not daunting[08:56] Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence[10:19] The rise of Ben: How one proactive employee changed everythingNotable Quotes"Between stimulus and response is a space. In that space lies our power and our freedom to choose our response." — Stephen R. Covey"Your life is a product of your values, not your feelings... your decisions, not your conditions." — Stephen R. Covey"Proactive people work on the inner circle. Reactive people focus on the outer circle." — Stephen R. CoveyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R, CoveyBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

“HR has shifted towards partnering with the business as a trusted advisor to the executive team, as people have started to realise the value of human capital.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Linda Carroll, Chief People Officer of G8 Education, on driving business success through the development of your people.  

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#210: Jack Bonehill is a tax advisor and host of The Tax Professionals Podcast.  He explains why he started a podcast about tax, how his employer responded to his podcast, and the benefits he's gained through podcasting. What you'll learn[02:52] Trying to make money with YouTube videos. [03:47] Why Jack made a podcast about tax. [05:31] How to overcome imposter syndrome. [06:18] The personality behind wanting to start a side hustle. [08:25] What makes challenge attractive. [09:37] The pros and cons of wanting to be a high achiever.[11:49] How Jack stays motivated. [12:24] The challenges that arise when you quickly progress in your career. [13:46] The problem with assessing someone based solely on their experience. [15:30] How to get better at what you do in your workplace. [18:15] The issues with businesses that only focus on profit. [19:57] How to retain your identity as you become more senior. [23:10] Why it's beneficial to be open and transparent. [26:55] How different generations view work culture differently. [29:05] The old-fashioned nature of the tax advice industry. [31:50] The benefits of hosting a podcast. [35:42] How colleagues and employers respond to you running a side hustle. [41:32] The unique nature of LinkedIn and how to use it to win work. [44:49] Why explore coaching. [46:57] The most surprising aspect of coaching. [48:42] The results Jack got from coaching.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Smart Passive IncomeThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven CoveyStoryworthy, Matthew DicksChange Work Life coachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/doing-things-differently-working-a-traditional-career-in-a-non-traditional-way/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

In this episode, Chris and Kevin dive into the power of focused goal-setting and why narrowing your attention to just one or two key objectives can significantly increase your chances of success. They explore how too many goals can lead to analysis paralysis and stalled progress, and why energy management—not just time—is essential to staying on track.Drawing from research and real-world examples, including Warren Buffett's famous goal-filtering method, they discuss how strategic prioritization, momentum-building, and even knowing which goals to put on the back burner can make all the difference. You'll walk away with practical tools for cutting through the clutter, setting intentional goals, and actually achieving them.Items Mentioned:7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyArticle on Buffet's Goal Setting Method: https://modelthinkers.com/mental-model/buffetts-two-lists

This Sunday, Pastor Nathan continues our series Leadership Book Club with a message on, “The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People”.Notes can be found in the YouVersion app under Events. (Available for a week only, so click “save” if you want for later.)To learn more about Thrive and to see all our upcoming events visit our website: https://www.livewithpurpose.church/SOCIALS:ThriveCCAthensFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveCCAthens/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveccathens/GIVING:Giving Online: https://www.livewithpurpose.church/giveGiving By Mail: 610 ½ Old Tyler Highway Athens, Texas 75751YouVersion:Notes on YouVersion: http://bible.com/events/49461584We were made the Thrive.

What's on the horizon for foreign aid and humanitarian response strategies, especially in light of ongoing funding cuts to foreign aid around the world? In this episode, Dr. Eric James, founder of Field Ready, shares how localization can make humanitarian aid faster, cheaper, and more effective. We talk about reducing dependency on outside supply chains and how putting tools directly into the hands of local community members builds long-term resilience. Dr. James also tackles the harsh realities facing the aid sector today, including shrinking budgets and the rise of anti-intellectualism. This episode reflects both on what still needs to change and where to look for opportunities for innovation in instability. Listen in to learn more: 11:08 - Rutger Bregman on tax avoidance and social impact 18:14 - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey   Read More from Dr. Eric James: Managing Humanitarian Relief Articles and other books Eric's post-show recommendation - Sign up for regular summaries of changes in the humanitarian landscape from the International Humanitarian Studies Association Field Ready   About Dr. Eric James Eric is an international aid worker, social entrepreneur, and educator with over 25 years of experience in humanitarian work. He has worked extensively with various NGOs and the UN in disaster and conflict zones around the world. He currently teaches in various academic contexts, leads his nonprofit Field Ready, and works on innovative ventures focused on humanitarian response, leadership, and strategy. Dr. James is also the author of several books about foreign aid, including the widely used guide, Managing Humanitarian Relief. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delanie Fischer is joined by Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Molly Maxwell, to discuss the powerful minutiae around behavior change including the principles of reinforcement, punishment (not as scary as it sounds!), and extinction. Molly also guides Delanie through crafting a game plan for 3 different habits she's amidst building—exposing the obstacles, from all angles, that are keeping her from action and consistency. You'll never think about 30 seconds the same way again!Plus:+ How Perfectionism Masks Our New Habit Wins+ The #1 Thing Lasting Behavior Change Needs+ Are You Punishing Yourself Without Realizing?More episodes related to this topic:1 New Habit Can Change Your Entire Life with Leo Babauta: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/39ed9a59/1-new-habit-can-change-your-entire-life-with-leo-babautaMini Habits by Stephen Guise: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/21d7febe/mini-habits-by-stephen-guise9 Habits That Have Changed Our Lives with Taylor Tomlinson, Kelsey Cook, and Delanie Fischer: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/26b05a4c/9-habits-that-have-changed-our-livesAtomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/24bc636e/atomic-habits-by-james-clearThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/33b48b31/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-by-stephen-r-coveySupport the podcast, vote on topics, and more: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelplessYour Host, Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Independence Day! In this inspiring episode, Lindsey connects the spirit of American independence to your personal freedom from disordered eating. Drawing from Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," she breaks down the four human endowments that give us ultimate freedom: self-awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. If you're tired of living for everyone else's approval and ready to declare independence from your eating disorder, this episode will show you exactly how to break free using the power you already have within you. What You'll Learn The 4 human endowments that create ultimate freedom (from Stephen Covey) How your eating disorder hijacks your internal guidance system Why you get stuck in the "capacity to act" phase of recovery How to reconnect with your creative imagination and dreams The power of asking "What's the best that could happen?" How to put on your "full armor" against disordered eating The 4 Keys to Ultimate Human Freedom 1. Self-Awareness Allows you to think about your thoughts Key to taking responsibility for where you are and where you want to go Action Step: Write your Best Self Statement (Episode 51 reference) 2. Conscience Your internal guidance system for right and wrong Connects actions to your highest values (your "True North Compass") Gets jaded when eating disorder is in the driver's seat 3. Independent Will Your capacity to act and break patterns Where many people get stuck in recovery The part of you that's "starving for independence" 4. Creative Imagination Gives you purpose and dreams beyond current reality Hard to access when living "chained in the disorder" When attached to willpower, makes you unstoppable Key Questions to Ask Yourself "What's the best that could happen if..." I surrender control? I sit with my dreams and imagine life without unhealthy behaviors? I stop counting calories or weighing myself? I become the natural version of me I'm supposed to be? Powerful Episode Quotes "Independence is freedom from the need of everyone else's approval." "You have the key. No one else. Freedom isn't really free - it's won by you, but you don't have to go at it alone." "When your willpower is attached to your creative imagination, nothing can stop you." "Fears keep us stuck. The fear of weight gain is real... but it kept me stuck for so long. These are the handcuffs around you, and you have the key." Biblical Foundation - Ephesians 6:10-18 Lindsey references putting on the "full armor of God" to stand against the eating disorder, including: Belt of truth Breastplate of righteousness Shield of faith Helmet of salvation Sword of the Spirit Resources Mentioned Best Self Statement: Pinned in Her Best Self Society Facebook community Episode 51: "Why Some Find Freedom from Disordered Eating and Others Don't" Stephen Covey: "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfesociety.com  Ready for Recovery Coaching? Lindsey offers personalized recovery coaching for women ready to do the work. If you're in the "messy middle" and feel stuck despite listening to inspirational content, working with someone who's walked the path could be your game changer. Next Steps: Visit www.herbestself.co  Fill out the client application See if you're a good fit for coaching If not the right match, Lindsey will connect you with other qualified coaches on her team or additional resources to support you along your journey to freedom Take Action This Week Practice self-awareness - Reflect on what you truly want vs. what your ED wants Honor your True North - Connect with your real values and conscience Exercise your independent will - Make one choice that goes against ED thoughts Use creative imagination - Dream about life without obsessive food thoughts Ask the key question: "What's the best that could happen?" Connect & Share Love this episode? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Share with someone who needs to hear this message Join the private Facebook community for ongoing support Tag @thelindseynichol on social media with your independence declaration Independence Challenge: This week, declare independence from one ED behavior or thought pattern. Share your declaration in the Facebook community for support and accountability! xo, lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

In this special episode, Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to explore the real origin story behind The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. From childhood family councils to a 20-year publishing journey, they uncover the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped one of the most influential personal development books of all time.The episode dives deep into how the habits evolved over time, why paradigms matter more than behavior, and how primary greatness, not just success, leads to lasting fulfillment. With heartfelt stories, insightful breakdowns, and meaningful listener questions, this episode brings the 7 Habits to life in a way you've never heard before. Let's dive in!What We Discuss[03:01] How the 7 Habits began as stand-alone principles[07:13] How the habit names and structure evolved[12:02] Why the 7 Habits took over 20 years to develop[16:08] Choosing purpose over profit: Stephen M. R. Covey's career decision[27:11] Private victory as the key to public victory[29:38] Mental resilience in competitive environments[32:46] The hardest habit to live consistently[37:16] What would the 8th habit be?[39:19] Are the 7 Habits still relevant today?[57:28] Practical applications to live more effectivelyNotable Quotes[04:47] “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage pleasantly, smilingly, unapologetically to say no to other things.” — Stephen H. Covey[20:53] “Secondary greatness is success. Primary greatness is character.” — Stephen M. R. Covey[25:21] “Peace doesn't come from accumulation. It comes from contribution.” — Britain CoveyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksThe 8th Habit by Stephen R. CoveyThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R, CoveyStephen M. R. CoveyLinkedIn Britain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn

#576 Taylor Isselhard is a full-time wedding photographer and the host of the Wedding Lens Lounge podcast. As a professional who successfully transitioned from part-time to full-time photography, Taylor offers an in-depth perspective on the critical steps required for building a sustainable photography business.A significant theme in his career is the disciplined approach to business growth. Relying on his background in business, Taylor underscores the importance of thorough preparation before leaving stable employment. This includes maintaining a clear understanding of financial needs, forecasting bookings, setting aside an emergency fund, and only making the leap once the business demonstrates consistent demand and stability.KEY TOPICS COVEREDTransitioning to Full-Time Photography - Taylor describes how he built up his business gradually, shooting weddings part-time for six years and only going full-time once he reached a threshold of consistent bookings and had established key systems and savings.The Power of Client Experience and Networking - Taylor attributes much of his rapid growth to the positive client experience he provided and the word-of-mouth referrals it generated. He emphasizes the importance of networking with vendors, tagging them on social media, and intentionally nurturing relationships in the wedding industry to gain referrals and increase visibility.Systems, Workflow, and Work-Life Balance - Taylor discusses the practical systems he implemented for client management (like HoneyBook CRM), planning his work week, and balancing business with family life. He outlines his method for blocking off time, using spreadsheets for goal setting, and the importance of beginning with the end in mind—setting long-term goals and breaking them down into actionable steps.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSCRM (Customer Relationship Management): A software tool (like HoneyBook) used to manage client interactions, contracts, invoices, and communications in an organized, professional manner—critical for scaling and streamlining a photography business.Begin with the End in Mind: A strategic planning principle (from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”) involving setting clear, long-term business goals and then mapping out the milestones and actions needed to achieve them.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSWhat fears or obstacles do you face in considering a transition to full-time photography, and how could Taylor's experience inform your approach?How can building client relationships and networking with vendors be integrated into your workflow?What current systems (or lack thereof) are holding you back from scaling your business and achieving balance?RESOURCES:Visit Taylor Isselhard's Website - https://tpiphotography.com/Follow Taylor Isselhard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tpi_photography/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!