POPULARITY
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 2561: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the emotional paradox of our hyper-connected digital age, where the illusion of belonging masks an underlying loneliness. Through heartfelt reflections and vivid metaphors, he illustrates why only face-to-face, imperfect, and embodied relationships can truly satisfy our deep need for connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/why-you-cant-replace-analog-companionship-with-digital-connection/ Quotes to ponder: "Digital connection is like chocolate chips in the pancake recipe of life. It is tasty and tempting to consume by the bagful." "Analog companionship has flesh and blood in its code, not 1s and 0s. It has salt in its tears, not pixels." "Out of habit, I reached for my phone. No signal. I left my digital crowd upstream. I paddled. I looked around." 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 3532: A life well-lived isn't about achieving every childhood dream, it's about evolving into who we're meant to be. Dr. Kelly Flanagan reflects on how his plans have changed over the decades, revealing that failure is often grace in disguise. By embracing who we truly are rather than who we thought we should be, we create a life that's both authentic and fulfilling. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-grace-of-failure-or-how-to-avoid-a-midlife-crisis/ Quotes to ponder: "It's easy to plan a Hollywood life, but it takes some growing up and a lot of self-acceptance to gladly choose a life that is a little more ordinary." "Growing up isn't about getting what we want; it's about giving in to the best parts of who we are." "A true self is a constantly emerging self. A good life is an always evolving life." 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 3532: A life well-lived isn't about achieving every childhood dream, it's about evolving into who we're meant to be. Dr. Kelly Flanagan reflects on how his plans have changed over the decades, revealing that failure is often grace in disguise. By embracing who we truly are rather than who we thought we should be, we create a life that's both authentic and fulfilling. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-grace-of-failure-or-how-to-avoid-a-midlife-crisis/ Quotes to ponder: "It's easy to plan a Hollywood life, but it takes some growing up and a lot of self-acceptance to gladly choose a life that is a little more ordinary." "Growing up isn't about getting what we want; it's about giving in to the best parts of who we are." "A true self is a constantly emerging self. A good life is an always evolving life." 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 3532: A life well-lived isn't about achieving every childhood dream, it's about evolving into who we're meant to be. Dr. Kelly Flanagan reflects on how his plans have changed over the decades, revealing that failure is often grace in disguise. By embracing who we truly are rather than who we thought we should be, we create a life that's both authentic and fulfilling. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-grace-of-failure-or-how-to-avoid-a-midlife-crisis/ Quotes to ponder: "It's easy to plan a Hollywood life, but it takes some growing up and a lot of self-acceptance to gladly choose a life that is a little more ordinary." "Growing up isn't about getting what we want; it's about giving in to the best parts of who we are." "A true self is a constantly emerging self. A good life is an always evolving life." 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 3481: Finding belonging is a lifelong pursuit, and Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores two very different paths to it. Some seek connection through aggression and conformity, while others embrace vulnerability, allowing rejection to refine their circles of belonging. Through powerful stories including one from motivational speaker Nick Santonastasso this piece challenges us to choose authenticity over approval, faith over fear, and true connection over performative acceptance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-find-belonging-either-beautifully-or-violently/ Quotes to ponder: "Who do you become in order to attract companionship? What do you do in order to keep your companionship?" "The other way is to show up as you actually are, with all your countless imperfections and inabilities and insecurities just laid bare, vulnerable, and alone and to allow the rejecting of you to become the thing that purifies your circles of belonging." "As your sense of belonging grows, your faith in everything else does, too." 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 3481: Finding belonging is a lifelong pursuit, and Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores two very different paths to it. Some seek connection through aggression and conformity, while others embrace vulnerability, allowing rejection to refine their circles of belonging. Through powerful stories including one from motivational speaker Nick Santonastasso this piece challenges us to choose authenticity over approval, faith over fear, and true connection over performative acceptance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-find-belonging-either-beautifully-or-violently/ Quotes to ponder: "Who do you become in order to attract companionship? What do you do in order to keep your companionship?" "The other way is to show up as you actually are, with all your countless imperfections and inabilities and insecurities just laid bare, vulnerable, and alone and to allow the rejecting of you to become the thing that purifies your circles of belonging." "As your sense of belonging grows, your faith in everything else does, too." 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 3481: Finding belonging is a lifelong pursuit, and Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores two very different paths to it. Some seek connection through aggression and conformity, while others embrace vulnerability, allowing rejection to refine their circles of belonging. Through powerful stories including one from motivational speaker Nick Santonastasso this piece challenges us to choose authenticity over approval, faith over fear, and true connection over performative acceptance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-find-belonging-either-beautifully-or-violently/ Quotes to ponder: "Who do you become in order to attract companionship? What do you do in order to keep your companionship?" "The other way is to show up as you actually are, with all your countless imperfections and inabilities and insecurities just laid bare, vulnerable, and alone and to allow the rejecting of you to become the thing that purifies your circles of belonging." "As your sense of belonging grows, your faith in everything else does, too." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Fabry Live is going on the road to the Art of Writing Conference at the Christy Awards. We'll talk about how writers and readers process pain through Christian fiction. Novelist and psychologist Kelly Flanagan and Christy Award winner and therapist Amanda Cox will discuss their process of using pain to touch the hearts of readers. Don't miss this live seminar on Chris Fabry Live. Watch the Livestream of The Christy Award Gala at 7:00pm CT For more information about the work of Care Net, click here. Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 3368: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores how, over time, many of us stop asking for what we truly want, burdened by guilt and shame. Drawing on heartwarming stories of children's selfless desires, he argues that reconnecting with our ability to ask is essential to uncovering joy and love. Rediscovering our wants can lead to more meaningful connections and a more joyful life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/when-did-you-stop-asking-for-what-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: "Our wants, in the end, reveal the depths of love within us." "As children, we learn our asking is forbidden." 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 3368: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores how, over time, many of us stop asking for what we truly want, burdened by guilt and shame. Drawing on heartwarming stories of children's selfless desires, he argues that reconnecting with our ability to ask is essential to uncovering joy and love. Rediscovering our wants can lead to more meaningful connections and a more joyful life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/when-did-you-stop-asking-for-what-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: "Our wants, in the end, reveal the depths of love within us." "As children, we learn our asking is forbidden." 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 3368: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores how, over time, many of us stop asking for what we truly want, burdened by guilt and shame. Drawing on heartwarming stories of children's selfless desires, he argues that reconnecting with our ability to ask is essential to uncovering joy and love. Rediscovering our wants can lead to more meaningful connections and a more joyful life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/when-did-you-stop-asking-for-what-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: "Our wants, in the end, reveal the depths of love within us." "As children, we learn our asking is forbidden." 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 3344: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the illusion of independence in a world where technology fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our deep interdependence with others, arguing that true freedom is found in balancing independence with connection to those around us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-one-illusion-we-cannot-afford-to-believe-in/ Quotes to ponder: "We're connected at an atomic level: the atoms one person breathes out are breathed in by someone else." "Freedom isn't about being independent. Freedom is about learning to dance the dance of both our independence and our interdependence." "What I feel is an illusion." 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 3344: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the illusion of independence in a world where technology fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our deep interdependence with others, arguing that true freedom is found in balancing independence with connection to those around us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-one-illusion-we-cannot-afford-to-believe-in/ Quotes to ponder: "We're connected at an atomic level: the atoms one person breathes out are breathed in by someone else." "Freedom isn't about being independent. Freedom is about learning to dance the dance of both our independence and our interdependence." "What I feel is an illusion." 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 3344: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the illusion of independence in a world where technology fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our deep interdependence with others, arguing that true freedom is found in balancing independence with connection to those around us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-one-illusion-we-cannot-afford-to-believe-in/ Quotes to ponder: "We're connected at an atomic level: the atoms one person breathes out are breathed in by someone else." "Freedom isn't about being independent. Freedom is about learning to dance the dance of both our independence and our interdependence." "What I feel is an illusion." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ned is discussing insights from the book Lovable by Kelly Flanagan, focusing on the importance of teaching kids how to set boundaries and say no. Ned talks about his own experiences as a father and explores how giving children the space to say no helps them develop confidence and healthy relationships. He discusses the balance between discipline and letting kids have agency, especially as they grow older, and wants dads to think about how their parenting choices impact their children's ability to set boundaries in life.Links and Resources:Loveable: Embracing What Is Truest About You, So You Can Truly Embrace Your Life----------Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood.Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate Mentioned in this episode:RUK Fitness
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 3320: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a powerful story about a family who responded to global and local tragedies by saying "Yes" to their children's compassionate ideas. By embracing their own natural beauty and inner compassion, they inspired change, raising tens of thousands of dollars for homes in Haiti, orphans in their hometown, and clean water in Africa. The article invites readers to discover their unique beauty by stripping away superficial layers and embracing the essence of who they truly are. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-become-beautiful-in-one-simple-step/ Quotes to ponder: "Our real beauty is what emerges through all the layers of paint and image we slather on." "When hearts break with compassion, they don't break apart, they break open." "Only you contain the shape of your beauty beneath all the bright, distracting paint." Episode references: Mission: https://www.bloodwater.org 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 3320: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a powerful story about a family who responded to global and local tragedies by saying "Yes" to their children's compassionate ideas. By embracing their own natural beauty and inner compassion, they inspired change, raising tens of thousands of dollars for homes in Haiti, orphans in their hometown, and clean water in Africa. The article invites readers to discover their unique beauty by stripping away superficial layers and embracing the essence of who they truly are. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-become-beautiful-in-one-simple-step/ Quotes to ponder: "Our real beauty is what emerges through all the layers of paint and image we slather on." "When hearts break with compassion, they don't break apart, they break open." "Only you contain the shape of your beauty beneath all the bright, distracting paint." Episode references: Mission: https://www.bloodwater.org 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 3320: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a powerful story about a family who responded to global and local tragedies by saying "Yes" to their children's compassionate ideas. By embracing their own natural beauty and inner compassion, they inspired change, raising tens of thousands of dollars for homes in Haiti, orphans in their hometown, and clean water in Africa. The article invites readers to discover their unique beauty by stripping away superficial layers and embracing the essence of who they truly are. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-become-beautiful-in-one-simple-step/ Quotes to ponder: "Our real beauty is what emerges through all the layers of paint and image we slather on." "When hearts break with compassion, they don't break apart, they break open." "Only you contain the shape of your beauty beneath all the bright, distracting paint." Episode references: Mission: https://www.bloodwater.org 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 2297: The article by Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the shifting attitudes toward marriage, using Japan as a case study where the younger generation increasingly chooses to remain single. Flanagan argues that society's disappointment with marriage stems from unrealistic expectations, while suggesting that true fulfillment in marriage requires a mutual surrender to our shared humanity, not just seeking personal gain. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/dear-marriage-humanity-wants-a-divorce-from-you/ Quotes to ponder: "People are leaving you because you didn't give them what they wanted. I know the feeling. You didn't give me what I wanted, either." "The truth is, no one can make us feel loved until we have first decided we are loveable. And that's a decision no other human being can make for us." "Rather than asking, ‘What do I want from marriage?' we must begin asking, ‘What does marriage want from me?'" 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 3296: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the concept of psychological blind spots, where we unknowingly hide our emotional pain from ourselves, leading to larger issues in our lives. By uncovering these blind spots, particularly shame, we can reconnect with our truest and most lovable selves, unlocking personal growth and healing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/this-is-your-biggest-psychological-blind-spot/ Quotes to ponder: "We don't just keep secrets from other people, we keep them from ourselves." "Shame is eventually the doorway into the biggest blind spot of all." 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 3296: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the concept of psychological blind spots, where we unknowingly hide our emotional pain from ourselves, leading to larger issues in our lives. By uncovering these blind spots, particularly shame, we can reconnect with our truest and most lovable selves, unlocking personal growth and healing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/this-is-your-biggest-psychological-blind-spot/ Quotes to ponder: "We don't just keep secrets from other people, we keep them from ourselves." "Shame is eventually the doorway into the biggest blind spot of all." 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 3296: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the concept of psychological blind spots, where we unknowingly hide our emotional pain from ourselves, leading to larger issues in our lives. By uncovering these blind spots, particularly shame, we can reconnect with our truest and most lovable selves, unlocking personal growth and healing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/this-is-your-biggest-psychological-blind-spot/ Quotes to ponder: "We don't just keep secrets from other people, we keep them from ourselves." "Shame is eventually the doorway into the biggest blind spot of all." 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 2273: Dr. Kelly Flanagan reveals how the common marriage vow "for better or worse" might undermine the very commitment it aims to solidify. He argues that true commitment in marriage is a discipline that requires continuous, intentional effort rather than a one-time promise, urging couples to treat their marriage with the same dedication they would a business or personal project. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/why-for-better-or-worse-is-a-fatal-vow/ Quotes to ponder: "For better or worse? And, from both, 'I do.' Watch them. Watch closely. Something is off." "Commitment is not a sentiment we vow; it's a discipline we live." "If we invested in our marriages with this kind of intentionality, our marriage vows would become powerful again." 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 3272: Dr. Kelly Flanagan reveals that the secret to life isn't about avoiding pain but embracing it. By acknowledging and walking through our pain, we gain freedom and power, opening ourselves to the full experience of living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/what-your-dentist-knows-about-the-secret-to-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Our pain is the secret to life. We can't even eat unless we're capable of feeling it." "The willingness to walk into our pain sets us free, and I think that kind of freedom makes us a powerful people." "The whole wide world is a banquet table, and there is a feast waiting for you." Episode references: Peter Rollins: https://peterrollins.com 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 3272: Dr. Kelly Flanagan reveals that the secret to life isn't about avoiding pain but embracing it. By acknowledging and walking through our pain, we gain freedom and power, opening ourselves to the full experience of living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/what-your-dentist-knows-about-the-secret-to-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Our pain is the secret to life. We can't even eat unless we're capable of feeling it." "The willingness to walk into our pain sets us free, and I think that kind of freedom makes us a powerful people." "The whole wide world is a banquet table, and there is a feast waiting for you." Episode references: Peter Rollins: https://peterrollins.com 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 3272: Dr. Kelly Flanagan reveals that the secret to life isn't about avoiding pain but embracing it. By acknowledging and walking through our pain, we gain freedom and power, opening ourselves to the full experience of living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/what-your-dentist-knows-about-the-secret-to-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Our pain is the secret to life. We can't even eat unless we're capable of feeling it." "The willingness to walk into our pain sets us free, and I think that kind of freedom makes us a powerful people." "The whole wide world is a banquet table, and there is a feast waiting for you." Episode references: Peter Rollins: https://peterrollins.com 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 2249: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores how conflict, often seen as a community killer, can actually foster authentic connections. By understanding the personal stories behind differing opinions, we can create spaces of gentle curiosity that transform disagreements into opportunities for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/conflict-kills-community-but-it-doesnt-have-to/ Quotes to ponder: "Opinions and beliefs are never born in a vacuum. They are the logical result of a story." "We become walking storybooks, differently-shaped and differently-believing, but nonetheless writing new chapters of our lives together." "I hope we disagree, and I hope our stories are told." 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 3248: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a heartfelt story about his daughter's bravery during a flight and uses it to illustrate the importance of listening to inner wisdom rather than being driven by transient emotions. He emphasizes that true courage involves discerning the guidance of our deeper self amidst our feelings, leading to more meaningful and empowered choices. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/quit-listening-to-your-feelings-asap-says-the-shrink/ Quotes to ponder: "I'm not saying feelings are bad or that we shouldn't pay attention to them. In fact, as a psychologist, I think we need to become aware of all of our feelings." "Courage is listening to your wisdom rather than your feelings." "You don't have to feel confident to have inner wisdom; you just have to have faith in its presence." 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 3248: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a heartfelt story about his daughter's bravery during a flight and uses it to illustrate the importance of listening to inner wisdom rather than being driven by transient emotions. He emphasizes that true courage involves discerning the guidance of our deeper self amidst our feelings, leading to more meaningful and empowered choices. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/quit-listening-to-your-feelings-asap-says-the-shrink/ Quotes to ponder: "I'm not saying feelings are bad or that we shouldn't pay attention to them. In fact, as a psychologist, I think we need to become aware of all of our feelings." "Courage is listening to your wisdom rather than your feelings." "You don't have to feel confident to have inner wisdom; you just have to have faith in its presence." 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 3248: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a heartfelt story about his daughter's bravery during a flight and uses it to illustrate the importance of listening to inner wisdom rather than being driven by transient emotions. He emphasizes that true courage involves discerning the guidance of our deeper self amidst our feelings, leading to more meaningful and empowered choices. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/quit-listening-to-your-feelings-asap-says-the-shrink/ Quotes to ponder: "I'm not saying feelings are bad or that we shouldn't pay attention to them. In fact, as a psychologist, I think we need to become aware of all of our feelings." "Courage is listening to your wisdom rather than your feelings." "You don't have to feel confident to have inner wisdom; you just have to have faith in its presence." 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 2225: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the profound impact of loneliness on marriage, suggesting that instead of eradicating loneliness, marriage should be a space where partners reveal and share their loneliness. This vulnerable connection can foster real love and deep companionship, transforming how we relate to each other and bringing light to a lonely world. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/marriage-is-for-hopelessly-lonely-people/ Quotes to ponder: "Marriage is not meant to be the place where our loneliness is taken away. It's meant to be the place where we reveal our loneliness to another." "Real love is two souls, lonely by nature and nurture, caring enough for themselves and each other to make their loneliness tangible to the other." "You may feel hopeless to fix it, but filled with the hope that comes from being joined in it." 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 3224: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a profound insight on embracing fear rather than attempting to eliminate it. Through a personal narrative of a turbulent flight, he illustrates how fear can coexist with fun, highlighting the importance of acknowledging fear as a companion in life's adventures rather than an enemy to conquer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/dont-let-fear-have-the-last-laugh/ Quotes to ponder: “With my eyes shut tightly, I'm making my fear worse by trying to control it.” “I used to think the goal of therapy was to help people vanquish their fear. Now, I think a goal of therapy is to help people vanquish that idea.” “There is another world existing right in the midst of our fear, a world in which fun is waiting to happen.” 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 3224: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a profound insight on embracing fear rather than attempting to eliminate it. Through a personal narrative of a turbulent flight, he illustrates how fear can coexist with fun, highlighting the importance of acknowledging fear as a companion in life's adventures rather than an enemy to conquer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/dont-let-fear-have-the-last-laugh/ Quotes to ponder: “With my eyes shut tightly, I'm making my fear worse by trying to control it.” “I used to think the goal of therapy was to help people vanquish their fear. Now, I think a goal of therapy is to help people vanquish that idea.” “There is another world existing right in the midst of our fear, a world in which fun is waiting to happen.” 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 3224: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a profound insight on embracing fear rather than attempting to eliminate it. Through a personal narrative of a turbulent flight, he illustrates how fear can coexist with fun, highlighting the importance of acknowledging fear as a companion in life's adventures rather than an enemy to conquer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/dont-let-fear-have-the-last-laugh/ Quotes to ponder: “With my eyes shut tightly, I'm making my fear worse by trying to control it.” “I used to think the goal of therapy was to help people vanquish their fear. Now, I think a goal of therapy is to help people vanquish that idea.” “There is another world existing right in the midst of our fear, a world in which fun is waiting to happen.” 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 2201: Dr. Kelly Flanagan reveals that communication, while important, is not the foundation of a powerful marriage. He argues that couples need to explore the deeper emotional roots of their conflicts, addressing unresolved childhood needs and traumas together to achieve genuine connection and healing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-disturbing-reason-your-marriage-isnt-joyful/ Quotes to ponder: "Great communication can only take us so far in marriage. The truth is, to take our marriages to the next level, we must be willing to go to the bottom level." "We must stop talking to one another, and we must begin feeling with each other." "May this be the year you join hands with your partner, descend into the darkness of your marital cellars, and surprisingly, joyfully, find there the light of grace and the glow of authentic connection." Episode references: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0609805797 Hold Me Tight: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Me-Tight-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/031611300X 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 3200: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the elusive concept of joy in "How to Find Joy in Unexpected Places this Summer," emphasizing its presence in the most challenging circumstances. Through a personal narrative set against a dramatic backdrop of lightning and moonlight, Flanagan contrasts the fleeting pleasures of typical holiday indulgences with the profound, enduring joy found when confronting life's storms head-on. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-find-joy-in-unexpected-places-this-summer/ Quotes to ponder: "Happiness is all about pleasurable circumstances and orchestrated comfort. But joy is a place inside every circumstance." "Joy is the place we stumble upon when we look our deepest pain and greatest fear directly in the eyes, and we refuse to flinch." "Joy is not the answer to hardship. Rather, it is the birth of an entirely new way to experience the pain and the fear and the sorrow itself." 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 3200: Dr. Kelly Flanagan explores the elusive concept of joy in "How to Find Joy in Unexpected Places this Summer," emphasizing its presence in the most challenging circumstances. Through a personal narrative set against a dramatic backdrop of lightning and moonlight, Flanagan contrasts the fleeting pleasures of typical holiday indulgences with the profound, enduring joy found when confronting life's storms head-on. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-find-joy-in-unexpected-places-this-summer/ Quotes to ponder: "Happiness is all about pleasurable circumstances and orchestrated comfort. But joy is a place inside every circumstance." "Joy is the place we stumble upon when we look our deepest pain and greatest fear directly in the eyes, and we refuse to flinch." "Joy is not the answer to hardship. Rather, it is the birth of an entirely new way to experience the pain and the fear and the sorrow itself." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're very fortunate to have so many legends in the FRD Brotherhood, and today's guest, Dr. Kelly Flanagan, is definitely one of them. Kelly is a psychologist, consultant, speaker, and author of several books that profoundly transformed my views on marriage, family, relationships, and friendship. In our conversation, we talked about how easy it is for couples to get triggered by seemingly minor things. Even after decades of expertise in understanding the human psyche, he still deals with this in his relationship. You'll hear how he's become aware of when his heart is closing and how the key to managing marital conflict is to keep your heart open. You'll also hear what Dr. Kelly is doing with his Humaning Substack and how you can join 14,000 other subscribers. He's using his platform to share inspiring stories of how we can improve our reaction to stress and crisis by not fighting against the current but instead being present enough to find the updraft as an easier way to reach our destination. One last thing, if you appreciate this episode, I'm offering to send you a copy of any of Dr. Kelly's books. Simply leave a review, take a screenshot and send it to us with your address to support@frontrowdads.com and I will gladly purchase the book and send it to you. (This offer is for US residents only due to international shipping costs). A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through… Own your emotional baggage before you share it with others Dr. Kelly's superpower Love is always about opening up What to do when you notice your heart's closing Being open-hearted is just as important as hitting the gym Love is not a solo journey Join Dr. Kelly's Humaning community What separates the FRD brothers from other men To understand love, embrace pain and suffering Get the Full Show Notes Want access to the full show notes, including links to all resources mentioned during today's conversation? Visit FrontRowDads.com/441 More About Front Row Dads Connect with us @ FrontRowDads.com & Instagram Want to hang out with other FRDs in Austin? Watch this 3-min video from our last Front Row Dads Live event. Tickets avail now for December's event. Not able to travel? We got you. Join our next online event, built just for kickass dads who know there's more to learn. FrontRowDads.com/summit FRD is solving a huge problem for dads. Our culture has turned “Dad” into a joke. Go ahead, google Dad and you'll find Dad Bod, Dad Jokes, Dad Weed, etc. Culturally, it's a Homer Simpson mentality, and it's BS. Our community is built for solid men. Men with range. Those who are badass, and know there's still more to learn, together. Most guys find it hard to find “their crew.” Finding other committed men, who are successful in life, and want to put family first – these guys are rare. Is this you? In FRD, hundreds of men from all over the world show up for each other, to share resources and raise the bar of fatherhood (our core values) If you're reading this, you want to grow. Podcasts are great, but guys… when you're ready to stop just listening to content, and want to JOIN the conversations – the FRD brotherhood is ready for you. One more thing… Has this podcast helped you? If so, please tell us how we're doing. Please take a minute and leave a review. Seriously, they matter. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify
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 2177: In "How to Know Who Loves You Best" by Dr. Kelly Flanagan, a heartwarming tale unfolds as a father observes the nuances of belonging and love through everyday moments with his family. Dr. Flanagan's insights into how our loved ones understand and accept us, despite our imperfections, illuminate the profound connections that define our closest relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-to-know-who-loves-you-best/ Quotes to ponder: "When my love has been an escalator, they've known I meant it to be an incubator." "A place of belonging happens when someone receives the words we've already said or the things we've already done and, sometimes, understands their meaning even better than we do." 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 3168: Explore the transformative power of pain in Dr. Kelly Flanagan's thoughtful narrative on how suffering serves as the great equalizer, erasing hierarchies and revealing our shared human vulnerabilities. Discover how embracing our pain can lead us to a sense of home and unity, challenging the isolating competitions of life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-one-thing-with-the-power-to-bring-us-all-together/ Quotes to ponder: "Pain can make little children empty piggy banks for a stranger who doesn't feel like a stranger anymore because they share the common ground of disappointment and loneliness." "Can you imagine a world of people equalized by their pain? Can you imagine a world where our sense of home doesn't end at the front door?" "Suffering is the great equalizer. From herniated disks to surprising loneliness to shocking divorces to unexpected diagnoses, every single one of us will eventually be equalized by pain and suffering." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Kelly Flanagan joins the podcast today to explore the reflective journey through the late forties, discussing the transformative power of embracing life's limitations and the wisdom that comes with age. From celebrating milestones like birthdays and family weekends to making profound lifestyle shifts such as embracing sobriety, Kelly shares insightful narratives that reveal how midlife can be a time of deep self-discovery and personal growth. Matt and Kelly's conversations about the challenges and triumphs of this life stage provides you a roadmap to navigating your own midlife transitions with grace and intention. Whether you're approaching this phase of life or simply interested in the art of living well, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice.Chapters:00:00:00 - Celebrations and Reflections: Past Vs. Present00:02:02 - A New Chapter at 47: Sobriety and Insight00:04:42 - The Strength of Community: Lessons in Connection00:06:18 - Lessons in Leadership from Front Row Dads00:08:33 - The Impact of Shared Experiences and Advice00:10:57 - Embracing Change Through Community Support00:13:54 - The Creative Struggle: Embracing Vulnerability00:16:44 - From Conflict to Connection: Heartfelt Insights00:20:45 - Emotional Safety: Understanding and Overcoming Judgment00:21:38 - Holding Friends Accountable Without Judgement00:23:27 - Mastering Relationships: The Interdependence Principle00:25:51 - Authorial Vulnerability: The Inner Truths of Writing00:29:15 - Presence Over Perfection: The Freedom of Letting Go00:34:19 - Revealing the 'Control Sneak': Reframing Control00:36:05 - Reflecting on Control: Personal Stories of Growth00:38:22 - Strategies for Letting Go and Enhancing Connections00:41:00 - Final Reflections: Deepening Connections and PresenceLinks And Resources:Dr. Kelly FlanaganBooks authored by Dr. Kelly FlanaganDr. Kelly on InstagramDr. Kelly on LinkedInDr. Kelly on FacebookFind all of Kelly's links on his LinkTree hereSubscribe to HUMANING on SubstackThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!
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 2153: Dr. Kelly Flanagan's enlightening piece challenges the traditional either-or mindset by suggesting a both-and approach to balancing the importance of marriage and children in a family setting. Flanagan illustrates through personal insights and societal observations how embracing a unified but distinct perspective within relationships can lead to a deeper understanding and acceptance of complex human connections. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/which-is-more-important-your-marriage-or-your-children/ Quotes to ponder: "Our kids should never be more important than our marriage, and they should never be less important. Family is about the constant on-going work of finding the balance." "We need a place where we can be trained in non-dualism, where we can learn to exchange either-or for both-and. And finally I thought, 'We already have such a place. It's called marriage. It's called family.'" "Can you imagine a world in which an entire generation of children, when asked 'Who mattered the most in your family?' could sincerely answer, 'We all did.'" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I'm joined by best-selling author and psychologist Dr. Kelly Flanagan. Dr. Kelly has personally transformed my life and I had to have him on the show to show you how transformative his work is. We talk about the intricate dance between boundaries, resentment, and acceptance, as well as the keys to fostering healthy relationships and embracing our true selves.In this incredible conversation, we'll explore:- The revelation that resentment often arises from unspoken boundaries.- Embracing acceptance as a catalyst for self-love and personal growth.- Kelly's own journey of confronting inner voices of shame and finding authenticity.- The parallels between setting boundaries in relationships and navigating the entrepreneurial world.- Practical strategies for balancing personal boundaries with external expectations.This conversation will challenge your perspectives and equip you with actionable insights to get out of your own way and live a more fulfilling life. I highly recommend Dr. Kelly's book "Loveable". It changed my life...Follow Dr. Kelly Flanagan:Website: https://drkellyflanagan.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkellyflanaganConnect with Me:Website: https://getoutofyourownway.coach/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronvelky/
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 3144: Dr. Kelly Flanagan invites readers to embrace a transformative sentence that promises to liberate them from the shackles of people-pleasing and fear of judgment. By adopting this mindset, Flanagan assures a path to genuine self-acceptance, deeper connections, and a life filled with grace and compassion towards oneself and others. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/one-sentence-that-will-change-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "I'm not going to worry very much about offending people anymore, which means I need you to tell me when I do, so I can think about it and decide if I need to apologize." "I'm sick of living in fear of what others will think of me. It has drained me, and I can't recall who I truly am. So, I'm done with feeling responsible for everyone else's feelings." "I know I'm broken and make mistakes. But I also know now we're all broken, which means your hurt may not be my fault." 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 2129: Dr. Kelly Flanagan discusses the underestimated threat that mundane tasks, like dirty dishes, pose to marriages. By weaving a narrative around ordinary family life and the pursuit of storybook endings, Flanagan reveals how embracing the monotony inherent in marriage and viewing it as an opportunity to discover joy and wonder can actually strengthen relationships. This insightful piece encourages readers to find beauty and gratitude in the repetitive tasks that bind the tapestry of family life together. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/why-dirty-dishes-are-the-biggest-threat-to-your-marriage/ Quotes to ponder: "Dirty dishes have killed more marriages than extramarital affairs ever did. Because they're boring, repetitive, monotonous." "If we want to discover breathtakingly beautiful love and sacrificial living, we will need to learn how to stay in our boredom long enough to unearth the riches buried just beneath the surface of our monotony." "Gratitude. That love is just a word, but a clean bowl is love and sacrifice in action." 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 3120: In "Who's Editing Your Life Story?" by Dr. Kelly Flanagan, readers are invited to reflect on the importance of having a trusted editor in life - not just for writing but for navigating the personal stories we live. Flanagan draws from personal experiences and literary wisdom to argue that embracing our errors with the help of a trusted editor can lead to a more authentic, revised story of our lives, filled with growth, understanding, and deeper human connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/whos-editing-your-life-story/ Quotes to ponder: "Every writer needs an editor. Rough drafts are rough, and writers need another set of eyes to create something beautiful and meaningful." "We need people who will say the hard things, people who will serve up the hard medicine, people for whom we will swallow it because we know they are serving it out of love and caring and respect." Episode references: Father Fiction by Don Miller: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Father-Fiction/Donald-Miller/9781439190531 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 3096: Dr. Kelly Flanagan's insightful piece, "An Invitation to Dance Like No One is Watching," explores the complex relationship with our egos through the lens of personal and familial experiences, particularly inspired by the book "Wonder." Flanagan delves into how our egos serve as both a protective armor in youth and a barrier to genuine connection, urging readers to embrace vulnerability and the beauty of our true selves beneath the facade. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/an-invitation-to-dance-like-no-one-is-watching/ Quotes to ponder: "The ugliest thing in a person is ultimately essential to preserving the beautiful thing we are becoming." Episode references: Wonder by R.J. Palacio: https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-R-J-Palacio/dp/0375869026 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 3072: Dr. Kelly Flanagan of DrKellyFlanagan.com shares his personal journey of rediscovering and pursuing his long-buried dream of writing a novel. He explores the reasons why we often bury our dreams, such as practicality, fear of failure, and resistance, and emphasizes the transformative power of embracing and actualizing our passions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-3-reasons-we-bury-our-dreams/ Quotes to ponder: "Our dreams are relatively safe experiments in being human, until we drag them out into the light for everybody to see. Then, they have to dance with our fears." "The danger is greatest when the finish line is in sight. At this point, Resistance knows we're about to beat it. It hits the panic button. It marshals one last assault and slams us with everything it's got." 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 3048: Dr. Kelly Flanagan of DrKellyFlanagan.com shares a powerful message about discovering passion through action, not reflection. Highlighting his son Aidan's experiences and his own journey, Flanagan emphasizes that engaging in life's activities, rather than waiting to find one's passion, is the key to a meaningful existence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/you-dont-find-your-passion-in-reflection-it-finds-you-in-action/ Quotes to ponder: "You don't find your passion and then start living; you start living and then, eventually, you get a glimpse of your passion in the rearview mirror." "A passion isn't bliss; it's something you're so extravagantly fond of doing you'd be willing to suffer for it if necessary." "We don't find our passions in reflection; they find us in action." 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 3028: Dr. Kelly Flanagan's insightful article, "The 5-Minute New Year's Resolution That Will Make All Things New," challenges the conventional view of life as a linear progression, emphasizing instead its circular nature. Flanagan invites readers to embrace life's rhythms through a simple yet profound five-minute daily breathing exercise, illuminating how this practice can transform our perception of progress and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/the-5-minute-new-years-resolution-that-will-make-all-things-new/ Quotes to ponder: "Life isn't a straight line. It's a circle. If you can't accept that, it can be pretty depressing." "For five minutes a day, just breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out. [...] Each breath—while seemingly the same as the one before it—is different, unique, new." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices