Podcast appearances and mentions of ken honda

¿Y si el problema con tu dinero no fuera cuánto ganás, sino cómo está fluyendo en tu vida? En este episodio te cuento la idea central del capítulo “El flujo del dinero” del libro Dinero Feliz, de Ken Honda. Hablamos de por qué en algunos lugares se siente “más energía” que en otros, qué tiene ... Leer más

En este episodio te muestro cómo las emociones y creencias que heredaste en la infancia (sí, de tus viejos y hasta de tus abuelos) moldean la forma en que hoy decidís, gastás, ahorrás e invertís. Tomo como guía Happy Money de Ken Honda para pasar de un dinero que genera angustia a un dinero feliz: ... Leer más

Join The Reality Revolution Tribe

En este episodio me meto en el capítulo más potente de Dinero feliz de Ken Honda: la idea de que la sabiduría financiera depende de dos cosas, tu coeficiente intelectual del dinero (mecánica: ganar, gastar, proteger, invertir) y tu coeficiente emocional del dinero (recibir, disfrutar, confiar en el flujo, compartir). Repasamos perfiles típicos (ahorrador compulsivo, ... Leer más

Join The Reality Revolution Tribe

Seguimos analizando Dinero Feliz de Ken Honda, un libro que cambia por completo la forma en que pensamos el dinero. En este segundo episodio exploramos qué significa realmente el dinero para cada uno de nosotros, por qué la mayoría vivimos atrapados en el mito de la escasez, y cómo nuestra relación emocional con el dinero ... Leer más

En este episodio comenzamos una nueva serie basada en el libro “Dinero Feliz” de Ken Honda, un autor japonés que propone una forma completamente distinta de ver el dinero: como una energía emocional que puede ser feliz o triste, según cómo la usamos. Hablamos de la historia del autor, de cómo surgió este concepto y ... Leer más

Lessons from Japan's Zen Millionaire - Ken Honda In this episode, I sit down with Ken Honda—Japan's bestselling author, speaker, and “Zen Millionaire”—to explore how money carries energy and how you can shift from scarcity to abundance with peace and joy. Ken, the internationally acclaimed author of Happy Money and True Wealth, shares how to heal your relationship with money, create emotional freedom around your finances, and cultivate what he calls stress-free wealth. We dive into:

Lessons from Japan's Zen Millionaire - Ken Honda In this episode, I sit down with Ken Honda—Japan's bestselling author, speaker, and “Zen Millionaire”—to explore how money carries energy and how you can shift from scarcity to abundance with peace and joy. Ken, the internationally acclaimed author of Happy Money and True Wealth, shares how to heal your relationship with money, create emotional freedom around your finances, and cultivate what he calls stress-free wealth. We dive into:

In this episode, I sit down with Ken Honda—Japan's bestselling author, speaker, and “Zen Millionaire”—to explore how money carries energy and how you can shift from scarcity to abundance with peace and joy. Ken, the internationally acclaimed author of Happy Money and True Wealth, shares how to heal your relationship with money, create emotional freedom around your finances, and cultivate what he calls stress-free wealth. We dive into:

The Science and Soul of Healing — with Dipal Shah In this transformative conversation, Dipal Shah—former biochemist, energy healer, and CEO of Ananda 4 Life—shares her powerful journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming one of today's leading voices in holistic and energy medicine. We dive deep into:

The Science and Soul of Healing — with Dipal Shah In this transformative conversation, Dipal Shah—former biochemist, energy healer, and CEO of Ananda 4 Life—shares her powerful journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming one of today's leading voices in holistic and energy medicine. We dive deep into:

In this transformative conversation, Dipal Shah—former biochemist, energy healer, and CEO of Ananda 4 Life—shares her powerful journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming one of today's leading voices in holistic and energy medicine. We dive deep into: 

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Check out the full episode: https://greatness.lnk.to/1241Ken Honda dives into the concept of "happy money" - the idea that money can bring joy and happiness when used in alignment with one's values and purpose. He provides practical strategies for cultivating a mindset of abundance, such as expressing gratitude for the money we have, releasing limiting beliefs around wealth, and embracing a sense of deservingness.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"There can be many solutions to our financial problems, but most of us try to solve them by working more hours, and it's not an intelligent way of doing it. You have to work smarter, and the way you do it is to use your gift, use your talent." - Ken Honda Today's featured international bestselling author is happiness expert, Zen Millionaire, and the first person from Japan to be voted into the Transformational Leadership Council, Ken Honda. Ken and I have a fun chat about his book, the impact of human connections, what happy money is, and more! Key Things You'll Learn: Why you want to treat money with excitement, appreciation, and joy daily Why creativity and problem-solving are essential during a financial crisis What to expect from his upcoming book "Nine Letters" How Ken is expanding his global influence and keeping his mind sharp Ken's Site: http://kenhonda.com/ Ken's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372 The opening track is titled "Money Trees" by the magnanimous chill-hop master, Marcus D (@marcusd). Be sure to visit his site and support his craft. https://marcusd.net/ Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmon Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You May Also Like… #Holiday Bonus Ep. – "Happy Money" with Ken Honda (@KenHondaHappy): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holiday-bonus-ep-happy-money-with-ken-honda-kenhondahappy/ Ep. 777 – Attract & Manifest Good Luck with Victoria Marie Gallagher (@LOAHypnotist): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-777-attract-manifest-good-luck-with-victoria-marie-gallagher-loahypnotist/ 161 - "CodeBreaker" with Sandra Biskind (@TheBiskinds): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/161-codebreaker-with-sandra-biskind-thebiskinds/ 273 – "Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success" with Bob Doyle (@bobdoyle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/ 1-Year Anniversary Episode #2 - "Building An Economic Legacy" with Antonio T. Smith Jr. (@TheATSJr): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/gnpyear1-bonus-episode-2-building-an-economic-legacy-with-antonio-t-smith-jr-theatsjr/ Ep. 407 – "Financial Alchemy" with Morgana Rae (@morganarae): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-407-financial-alchemy-with-morgana-rae-morganarae/ Ep. 328 – "The Greatest Secret" with Hale Dwoskin (@sedonamethod): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-328-the-greatest-secret-with-hale-dwoskin-sedonamethod/ #GNPYear3 Bonus Episode 5 – "Money Honey" with Rachel Richards (@MoneyHoneyRach): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/gnpyear3-bonus-episode-5-money-honey-with-rachel-richards-moneyhoneyrach/ Ep. 697 – "The 7-Figure Life" with Dr. Noah St. John (@noahstjohn): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-697-the-7-figure-life-with-dr-noah-st-john-noahstjohn/ 96 - "Fit Money" with Julia Carlson (@fitmoneydr): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/96-fit-money-with-julia-carlson-fitmoneydr/ 100 - "Habits of Highly Broke People" with Dipo Adesina (@dipo_adesina): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/100-habits-of-highly-broke-people-with-dipo-adesina-dipo_adesina/ Ep. 399 – "Money Is An Energy Game" with Madeline Gerwick (@MadelineGerwick): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-399-money-is-an-energy/ 261 – "How Thoughts Become Things" with Douglas Vermeeren (@DougVermeeren): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/261-how-thoughts-become-things-with-douglas-vermeeren-dougvermeeren/ Ep. 691 – "How to Spark Your Heart and Ignite Your Life" with Hilary DeCesare (@HilaryDeCesare): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-691-how-to-spark-your-heart-and-ignite-your-life-with-hilary-decesare-hilarydecesare/ Ep. 383 – "Abundance On Demand" with Colette Streicher: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-383-abundance-on/ Ep. 642 – "#Financial Strategies for Service Industry Professionals" with Barbara Sloan (@tippedfinance): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-642-financial-strategies-for-service-industry-professionals-with-barbara-sloan-tippedfinance/ Ep. 400 – "How to Become a Multimillionaire, but Not Act Like It" with Tom Antion (@TomAntion): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-400-how-to-become-a/ 279.5 (Host 2 Host Special) – "The Game Of Self Domination" with Natsune Oki (@lifeupeducation): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/2795-host-2-host-special-the-game-of-self-domination-with-natsune-oki-lifeupeducation/ Ep. 690 – "Prosper mE" with Victoria Rader, Ph.D. (@VicaRader): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-690-prosper-me-with-victoria-rader-phd-vicarader/ 143 - "Financial Self-Defense" with Ken Rupert (@K_E_Rupert): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/143-financial-self-defense-with-ken-rupert-k_e_rupert/ Ep. 341.5 – "Playful Cheeks" with Dr. Alison J. Kay (@ajkbliss): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3415-playful-cheeks-with-dr-alison-j-kay-ajkbliss/ 248.5 (Host 2 Host Special) – "A Self-Kick of Positivity" with Shelley Knight (@ShelleyFKnight): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/2485-host-2-host-special-a-self-kick-of-positivity-with-shelley-knight-shelleyfknight/ Ep. 577 – "Practical Happiness" with Pamela Gail Johnson (@the_real_pamela): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-577-practical-happiness-with-pamela-gail-johnson-the_real_pamela/

What's your relationship with money? Is it your friend, your enemy, or something much more complicated? In this episode, I discuss a topic we all think about but rarely talk about: money.   We'll explore the science of how money stress affects our creative brains and unpack the family stories that shape our financial habits. We'll guide you through actionable steps and a few mindset shifts, including the powerful "Honey Money" concept, that have helped me build a healthier, more abundant relationship with my finances.  This episode is for any creative who's ready to rewrite their money story and build a life that feels not just creatively fulfilling, but financially safe and expansive. Chapters 00:00 - My Money Story: From Haiti to a Scarcity Mindset 03:05 - The Science of Money Stress: How Scarcity Affects Your Brain 05:15 - Unpacking Your Family's Money History 07:00 - The Five-Step Journey to a New Mindset 11:10 - Books That Will Change Your Relationship with Money 15:30 - Meet 'Honey Money': A Simple Practice for Abundance 18:18 - A Gentle Warning and Where to Find Help   Here is the list of books and resources to help you reframe your relationship with money: Lower Ed by Tressie McMillan Cottom https://www.amazon.com/Lower-Ed-For-Profit-Education-Ruin-of-the-American-Dream/dp/1620974497 The Color of Money by Mehrsa Baradaran ttps://www.amazon.com/Color-Money-Banking-Racial-Wealth/dp/0674237477 Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond https://www.amazon.com/Poverty-America-Matthew-Desmond/dp/0593239912 Get Rich, Lucky Bitch! by Denise Duffield-Thomas https://www.amazon.com/Get-Rich-Lucky-Bitch-Manifesting/dp/1788172101 The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681 Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Underearning-Five-Steps-Richer/dp/0062842455 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 Happy Money by Ken Honda https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372 Mental Health & Crisis Resources Please remember, your well-being matters more than any amount of money. If you are struggling, please reach out to these resources for support. Crisis Text Line: For immediate support, text HOME to 741741. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: You can call or text 988 to connect with the prevention line. Psychology Today: A resource to help you find a therapist in your area.   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Text us your feedback on this episodeStruggling with money stress or just sick of the scarcity mindset? You're not alone. In this episode, Lunden sits down with Ken Honda—Japan's Zen Millionaire and bestselling author of Happy Money—to explore how we can shift from unhappy money to happy money by embracing gratitude, healing our financial wounds, and transforming our energy around money.You'll discover:How Ken defines “Happy Money” as money infused with joy, gratitude, and positive intention—versus unhappy money, which is tied to stress, guilt, or fear.Money as energy—how our emotions and attitude shape the flow of abundance or anxiety in our lives.Scarcity vs. abundance mindset—why less often brings more peace, especially when we learn to say “I'm next” instead of feeling envy.Money EQ over IQ—why emotional intelligence with money matters more than financial knowledge alone.Practical rituals to foster a healthier money flow: daily gratitude during transactions, forgiving past financial scars, spending aligned with values, and being generous.If you're ready to shift your money energy and find peace in how you earn, spend, and receive—this episode is your starting point.Timestamps to help you navigate this episode: 0:00 – Introduction 2:58 – Happy Money vs. Unhappy Money: What's the Difference? 12:55 – How to Examine Your Relationship With Money 18:36 – Healing Money Wounds & Rewriting Your Money Story 29:50 – Creating Passive Income Systems That Work23:51 - Sponsor: Snap Supplements 25% OFF using code LUNDEN2534:09 – Getting Curious About Financial Change 43:12 – Raising Kids With a Healthy Money MindsetSupport the showFREE Self Love & Sweat Monthly Life Coaching Calendar: http://lifelikelunden.com/calendar2 FREE HIGH INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING WORKOUTS: https://lifelikelunden.activehosted.com/f/169One-On-One Life Coaching & NLP with Lunden:http://lifelikelunden.com/vipConnect with Lunden:IG: @lifelikelundenYouTube: https://youtube.com/lundensouzaLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lundensouza/Twitter: @lifelikelundenUse code LUNDEN25 for a discount on Snap Supplements: https://snapsupplements.com/lunden25 Podcast Sound Design Intro & Outro: https://hitspotaudio.com/

What if your money could bring you more joy—and less stress? Today, we welcome Ken Honda, Japan's bestselling personal development guru, to the basement. He introduces us to his concept of “Happy Money,” where gratitude replaces fear, and your relationship with money becomes… well, happier. From early lessons in emotional finance to wisdom from his own mentors, Ken shares how small mindset shifts can lead to big life changes. But before we get zen with our Benjamins, Joe and OG shine a light on the latest investigation into real estate commissions. Are hidden fees quietly draining your wallet when you buy or sell a home? The Justice Department seems to think so. We dive into what's happening—and what you can do about it. Also in the episode: HSA contribution limits are rising—are you using your health savings account the smart way? A listener wonders if hiring their kids can unlock Roth IRA opportunities (spoiler: it's not as simple as “just write them a check”). Doug moonshines a trivia question that may or may not involve death (but definitely involves Doug). Whether you're looking for practical strategies or a new perspective on money itself, this episode brings both insight and inspiration. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/happiness-with-ken-honda-greatest-hits-1706 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of CFO at Home, Vince delves into the fascinating world of behavioral finance, particularly focusing on the concept of The 7 Money Personalities as introduced by Ken Honda in his book "Happy Money." Vince explains how understanding our own and our partner's money personalities can significantly improve financial decision-making and communication within relationships. He breaks down the seven distinct personalities: the Money Maker, the Worrier, the Compulsive Spender, the Compulsive Saver, the Indifferent to Money, the Generous Giver, and the Financial Avoider. Listeners will learn how these personalities can complement each other and foster unity, trust, and transparency in financial discussions. Additionally, Vince highlights the different emotional needs men and women have regarding money, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and open communication for couples to thrive financially together. Key Topics: Exploring The 7 Money Personalities and their impact on financial behavior How understanding money personalities promotes unity and peace in relationships The importance of trust and transparency in financial discussions Balancing different financial tendencies for a harmonious partnership Recognizing and respecting emotional needs related to money in men and women Strategies for effective communication and goal-setting in financial planning Key Links: Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money Contact the Host - vince@thecfoathome.com Want to be a guest on CFO at Home? Send Vince a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628643039567x840793309030672500

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on January 11, 2022. If you've been following me for any length of time, you've probably heard about the years I spent chasing money - and how it left me emotionally bankrupt. Don't get me wrong - money is a powerful force. It gives you the ability to close your eyes, imagine something that you want to create, and then open your eyes and actually be able to go out there and do it. However, I've also found that people have wildly different opinions on money, how we should relate to it, and how it affects our levels of happiness and fulfillment. But what do people who have really mastered the game of money have to say about it? What constitutes a wealthy life? How should we define success? How do we create and monetize long-term value for those we serve? Todays' episode of Impact Theory answers those questions, and many more. I've assembled some of my favorite moments from past guest interviews, all revolving around our relationships with money and financial success. SHOW NOTES: 00:00 | Ken Honda on shifting your focus around wealth 09:01 | David Rubenstein on children of wealthy families 17:54 | Ramit Sethi on rewriting your invisible scripts around money 28:10 | Tilman Fertitta on forging your own path in business 37:05 | Yancey Strickler on new ways of measuring value ********************************************************************** Do you need my help? STARTING a business: Join me inside ZERO TO FOUNDER here SCALING a business: Click here to see if you qualify Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, Ken Honda describes the first steps everyone needs to take to start healing their money wounds, and to transform money from something to be feared into something that brings peace and ease. He also goes into exquisite detail on the tough subject of how to find your gifts, and then how to go about making a living with them. SHOW NOTES: The Zen approach is to find satisfaction in what you have instead of seeking more [1:20] Ken's first lesson about money was to forget about money [2:20] Ken gives a surprising definition of what wealth means [5:12] Money doesn't buy happiness, but it really is powerful [7:04] People are afraid of money because of “money trauma”, often from parents [8:17] The first step to taking control of your money narrative is gratitude and appreciation [12:15] Focus on what you can give, and it what you will attract into your life [15:27] How do you find your gifts, and how do you polish them into something extraordinary? [21:13] Ken asks people literally a thousand questions to help them find their gifts [24:18] Ken describes the way that you can monetize your gifts [26:30] Ken advocates not comparing yourself to other people as a remedy for depression [29:47] Ken shares the story of his upbringing, where he had money but not peace [32:19] Ken shares another story of a man who committed family suicide [36:34] Ken describes how the pain of his father and grandfather fuel him now [39:13] Friendship is more protective than money [41:22] Being in a no-money situation is uncomfortable, but it doesn't kill you [43:49] Ken describes cultural differences between Japanese and American attitudes [45:53] Ken talks about what he would do if he lost all his money [50:08] FOLLOW: WEBSITE: kenhonda.com INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/2N8Yfjd FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3ecxDcY TWITTER: https://bit.ly/30SWgr4 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Get 5 free AG1 Travel Packs and a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D with your first purchase at https://impacttheory.co/AG1pod. Secure your digital life with proactive protection for your assets, identity, family, and tech – Go to https://impacttheory.co/aurapod to start your free two-week trial. ********************************************************************** What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: Join me inside ZERO TO FOUNDER here SCALING a business: Click here to see if you qualify Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY & MINDSET PLAYBOOK AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does sofrito—a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking—have to do with reimagining business, food security, and conveying a history lesson about a rich and sometimes complex culture? For today's guest, it's everything. If you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement... then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for. In this episode, you will hear:   Food has a cultural foundation passed through generations. Cultural identity can be preserved and taught through everyday meals. How to make the best sofrito if you don't have time to cook. Food is more than just food – it's heritage, intention, and a story. The story of the Puerto Rican pasteles is shared. Food choices are power moves, shaping local or global economies. Imagination makes it possible to wear multiple hats and still stay rooted in purpose. You don't need permission to do things differently, just the will and a plan. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact by Melissa Llarena Audible   Audio Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CY9BZH9W/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0   Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CK2ZSMLB   Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0D5B64347/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0   Or, download a free chapter at fertileideas.com       About Crystal Diaz   Crystal Díaz has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of food, marketing, and cultural advocacy. She co-founded PRoduce, Puerto Rico's digital marketplace for locally grown food. Crystal is also the force behind El Pretexto, the island's first culinary farm lodge, where food and imagination meet 2,600 feet above sea level. A committed advocate for food security, she collaborates with Espacios Abiertos to advance agricultural policy. Crystal holds two master's degrees, including one in Food Studies from NYU. She's been recognized by Fast Company and El Nuevo Día for her creative leadership and impact in the local food movement. Quotes that can change your perspective:  “If you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen.” – Crystal Díaz   “With every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home.” – Crystal Díaz   “Sofrito is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it… but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history to it.” – Crystal Díaz   “We are on a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think about it differently.” – Crystal Díaz   “Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied… so I can pull something like this [a culinary farm lodge] up in Puerto Rico.” – Crystal Díaz SHARE this episode with fellow food lovers, cultural storytellers, and moms on a mission to raise rooted kids. Crystal's insights on local food, identity, and imagination will inspire anyone looking to nourish their family and community from the inside out. Let's keep our culture alive—one pastel, one sofrito, and one big idea at a time. Supporting Resources:   Website: https://www.elpretextopr.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elpretextopr  Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/@elpretextopr/ Subscribe and Review   Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.    I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. About Fertile Imagination   You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!    In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise    “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator    “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money    “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX   TRANSCRIPT   00:00:00 Crystal: Come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension. So we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently.  00:00:25 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger. Plan out how you're gonna get to that next level in business, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that this way you get what you really want rather than having to settle. Get ready to discover founders have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood.  00:00:47 Melissa: Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out, and stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms, but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone. I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm gonna give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours. Sounds good? Then keep listening.  00:01:17 Melissa: So what does sofrito, which is essentially a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking, have to do with reimagining business, food security, and passing along really critical history lessons. Well, for today's guest, it is everything. And if you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement, then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for.  00:01:49 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub. This is your weekly podcast designed to inspire you to dream bigger in your business and your life. Also, to help you find the energy to keep going because how are you going to sustain what's necessary to be big and to keep your imagination flowing so that this way you could feel inspired, lit up like a Christmas tree or Hanukkah candles. I'm your host Melissa Llarena. 00:02:17 Melissa: I'm a mom of three high energy boys. No. They did not get their energy from me. Psyched. They did. I'm also a best selling author of Fertile Imagination and an imagination coach for mom founders who are reimagining what success and motherhood can look like on their own terms, and that's really important.  00:02:34 Melissa: Now, if you've ever stirred a pot of sofrito, you already know this. Right? You know that the blend of flavors tells a deeper story. It tells a story that sometimes has made its way across generations. It preserves a culture, and it does nourish more than just our baby's bellies.  00:02:56 Melissa: So today's guest, I am thrilled to invite Crystal Diaz. Now she's taken the same approach in terms of her business ventures. She's a foodpreneur, culture keeper, I love that, and community builder. She wears four hats and in today's episode we're gonna go through each of those hats. One of which is as the owner of El Pretexto, i.e. The Excuse, a culinary farm lodge in the countryside of Puerto Rico where she serves 100% locally sourced meals and lives her mission every day.  00:03:33 Melissa: She has lots of degrees and an MA in food studies from NYU, which is why if you're watching the video, you could see, I hope, my NYU t-shirt. Hit subscribe if you see it and you love it. Subscribe on YouTube. Hit follow on this podcast. 00:03:53 Melissa: A little bit more about Crystal. She was recognized by Fast Company as one of the most creative people in business in 2022 and was named one of El Nuevo Diaz women of the year in 2023. She's the real deal. In this episode, we're gonna explore how Crystal uses her imagination as her main ingredient, whether it's in terms of the way that she's carving away for Puerto Rico to have its own food centric cultural immersive experience or even by how she decided to commute to NYU from San Juan every single week, which was creative in and of itself, or even in terms of the way that she describes the depth of a very famous Puerto Rican dish.  00:04:43 Melissa: Oh, and side note, I actually have her real life best on the planet, sofrito recipe. My gosh, do not run away, For sure. Check out the sofrito recipe we articulated in this conversation. You're gonna walk away with yummy ideas for how to use your own imagination to nourish your business, your family, and community, and it's gonna be so important even if you're not working in food.  00:05:13 Melissa: So before we dig in, I would appreciate if you hit follow, if you're listening to this on iTunes. Why hit follow? Because every time someone hits follow on iTunes, it tells me that I need to bring more guests with stories like this to the podcast. And I get really excited and when a mom is excited, it is a very good day in her entire home. So go ahead, hit follow. You will absolutely get that dopamine hit that everybody needs or if you're watching this on YouTube, then hit subscribe. I would be so appreciative and again, I will do the dance of joy. Okay. So enjoy the conversation.  00:05:54 Melissa: Crystal Diaz, thank you so much for this conversation on the Mom Founder Imagination hub. We are delighted to have you here. Crystal, just to kind of set off the scenery, why don't you explain to us where you are in Puerto Rico? What's outside your windows? 00:06:10 Crystal: All right. Well, let's… our imagination hub in a car. We are in San Juan, and you drove forty five minutes south, up to the mountains. Now we are in Cayey. I am at El Pretexto, which is also my home, and we are overlooking… we're up in the mountains, 2,600 feet over sea level, overlooking the Caribbean Sea at the south, and all the mountains slowly winding down all the way to the coast. 00:06:43 Crystal: And you will have some crazy chickens surrounding you. In my patio while you are probably sipping a wine or a coffee, depending on the time of the day. Enjoying the view and, surrounded by trees, lush greenery all over the place. And there are gardens on your side, also as well. So you are surrounded definitely by nature and you feel at peace. That's where we are.  00:07:15 Melissa: Oh, okay. Cool. So let's bring that sense of peace to this conversation. I am excited because I'm sure any listener right now who is a mom, has a business, might feel a little frazzled now and again. But right now, for the next thirty minutes, this is a peaceful zone. We are in Puerto Rico right now. 00:07:37 Melissa: Okay. So, Crystal, now I'm gonna ask you an obvious question, as you just described what you are surrounded by in Puerto Rico. But you attended NYU, and I'm just kind of super curious. You could have stayed in New York, let's say. Right? You could have been like this chef at a restaurant in New York City, Michelin star, etcetera, etcetera. But you decided to return home. And so I'm just curious, like, what informed that decision?  00:08:13 Crystal: Well, you will be surprised with my answer because I never left home. I commuted every single week to New York. Coming on to the city, take my classes, back to my home. So for two years, I was traveling every week to New York for one day.  00:08:34 Melissa: Oh my gosh. Yeah. That is so surprising. Okay. So now I'm just curious here. Okay. So you were on a plane. So, usually people complain about their commute. Right? 00:08:48 Crystal: Uh-huh.  00:08:49 Melissa: They have this whole return to work aggravation. Here you are getting on a plane every single week to take courses at NYU. So then let me ask you this other question. So I know that it's a little off track, but now I'm just way curious. Why did it have to be NYU? That's quite the pull.  00:09:13 Crystal: Yeah. Well, my background is in marketing, and I have a BA in Marketing with a Minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Then I worked with a newspaper for fourteen years. So my background is all about business and marketing. Then I did a first master degree here in Puerto Rico, in the University of Puerto Rico, about cultural action and management. And then, I wanted – because at this point, I believe that I am not passionate anymore. I am kind of obsessed with food, and I guess we will get into that later. 00:09:58 Crystal: But, I wanted to learn the policy part of it. And in Puerto Rico, we don't have any program in any of the universities nor public or private, specifically about food, and way less food policies and advocacy and that type of perspective on the food system, which is what I wanted to learn. So that's why I ended up in New York. I decided to do this because it's a direct flight. So it's gonna be a three hours and a half flight going in, then the one hour in the A train until Westport. 00:10:49 Crystal: Even though I know it's intense, it was pretty straightforward. You don't have make a stop then take another plane. And I was studying and reading all my plane hours, so there's no excuse to not complete your assignments, I guess.  00:11:07 Melissa: Yeah. I love that. Okay. So, hey, that is 100% using your imagination because I think a lot of us, myself included, I wouldn't have considered that to be an option in my mind. I still don't. Right? It's gotta be a certain set of circumstances that make that a possibility. But, I love that now that's an idea that we just planted in someone's head. Right? If they really are obsessed. Right?  00:11:35 Crystal: And if you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen. And to my point, New York is so expensive that I spend way less money in flight tickets than actually living there.  00:11:56 Melissa: Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Okay. So this is really interesting. Okay. So you could have stayed in New York, but you didn't even choose to stay in New York when you were taking classes at NYU. So now you have the whole, like… that's just so that's fascinating, Crystal. You really gobsmacked me right now with that piece of information.  00:12:18 Melissa: So along the same lines of using your imagination and thinking totally out of the box, let me ask you this one question. So, El Pretexto, of course, we'll go into what it is and all of that. But I also wanna understand because on your website, you say that you've traveled the world. Right? So you've seen all these different culinary experiences. And using your imagination and imagining where or how would you imagine Puerto Rico's cuisine fitting into the landscape of world gastro– I can't say the rest of that word, but I know it's a real word.  00:12:57 Crystal: Yes. Well, for me, I love to travel. I am a girl of no luxuries. Right? I don't care about purses or new shoes or jewelry. It's like I don't judge, but I don't care. So where I spend my money and my time, which I can't… money, you can recover it somehow, but time is just one time. You just have every minute that you have.  00:13:27 Crystal: And I like to spend those traveling and getting to know other cultures and exposing myself to other cultures. And I think that those travels have pushed me to understand and appreciate what we have back here at home and also understand the opportunities that we have back here at home. Not everybody is doing it perfectly, but you can definitely learn how it is done in other places. And I'm talking generally. Right? Depending on what you are interested.  00:14:01 Crystal: But you always learn of how the world do things in other places. So, I in my case, I love food and I try to expose myself, not only to eating in good restaurants or good food, but I love to go to markets. I even go to supermarkets every time I travel. I like to visit farms and I noticed, especially in Mexico, you can see this – Peru is developing this a lot and Italy has it all set. 00:14:40 Melissa: On lockdown.  00:14:41 Crystal: But you have these culinary experiences where you get to… expose to their cuisine, with a local chef and and you go to their farmers' markets and you get the whole country but with a special focus in food. And I was like, “You know what? Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied so I can pull something like this up in Puerto Rico.” So that's how one of our offerings about the curated food experiences came to be because I was sure that somebody will have the curiosity to get to know Puerto Rico from its food.  00:15:33 Crystal: So that's how I got into there. And I think that because I am obsessed with the fact that Puerto Rico imports 90% of everything that we eat, I am then focused on cherish and enhance and share that 10% what it can be if we actually put a lot of effort into grow that 10% into 20%, let's say.  00:16:08 Melissa: That's interesting. So okay. So, I mean, I'm not cynical, but, in my opinion, I kind of believe that the person that controls food source kinda controls a lot. And that's not fantastic. And so I'm just wondering from a policy perspective and as you think about this share of stomach or however it's really considered, are you also part of that conversation too? Like, are you actively advocating for that too?  00:16:45 Crystal: Yes. Yes. I always say I have a couple of hats for all those also thinking that you only have to do one thing and one thing only. If you want to do one thing and one thing only, that's okay. But in my case, I am focused on food, but I try to deal with it from different perspectives. So I have four hats.  00:17:09 Crystal: And one of my hats, specifically works with food policy advocacy. And we try to understand the local food policies that are in place, understanding what programs work, what programs doesn't work, and then trying to make it as… to come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food. 00:17:41 Crystal: Because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently. And I am not against importation. We all have globalized diets, and we love olive oil, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico. And we love wine, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico.  00:18:16 Crystal: So it's not like, all the way 100%. That's not what I mean. But definitely, we should aim to have, let's say, half of our stomach-share full of food that is produced locally. Not only because of its nutritional value, but also because it means economic growth and development for our island and our local communities. So every dollar that you spend on food… somebody might be hearing us while they are eating something.  00:18:55 Crystal: So you imagine whatever you're eating right now, let's say it cost you $1. It depends on where the ingredients came from, that dollar went to that place. It depends on where it was processed, part of that dollar went to that place. And then if you bought it in the supermarket or if you bought it in Amazon, to who you gave that share of that dollar.  00:22 Crystal: So with every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home. And that's how I see it. 00:19:58 Crystal: How do we make that that share of that dollar that we as consumers have the power to choose where it goes. And, by the way, there are some parts that we have the power and some part we don't have the power. I understand that. But how do we make an effort in whatever way we can to stay as close as possible to our home.  00:20:24 Melissa: So I think you said that… was that one out of your four hats? 00:20:28 Crystal: Yes.  00:20:29 Melissa: What are the other three?  00:20:30 Crystal: Well, El Pretexto, which is a bed and breakfast, is our Puerto Rico's first and only culinary farm lodge. This is my home, but I also welcome guests here. So El Pretexto is my second one. I'm the co-founder of PRoduct, which is a digital marketplace that connects local food producers with consumers directly. We're trying to shorten that food chain and make it easier and convenient to get local products on your home. We deliver island wide. So that's my third hat. And then I have a super small, digital, marketing agency with another partner, and it's all focused on food and beverage. So everything is about food but from different perspectives.  00:21:25 Melissa: Yeah. That's so interesting because it's almost like you have a little supply chain kind of going on. Right? It's like we've got a lot going on, but it's all related to eating, which is essential. But I think it's smart. I mean, you have your little niche there. Huge niche. We keep being hungry, so you're in a good spot, I would say.  00:21:49 Melissa: So let me understand this idea about food and how you saw it as an opportunity for Puerto Rico because it has a rich history. Right? So me as a mom, for example, I'm second generation from a Puerto Rican perspective. As a mom, for me, passing down culture is urgent. It's almost on the verge of extinction, I feel, because of where I am generationally. Like, I'm, quote, unquote, “amongst people that I know I'm not,” quote, unquote, “supposed to know Spanish.” I'm not, quote, unquote, “supposed to literally make rice and beans every day,” which by the way, I don't have to. But my goodness, my children really like their rice and beans. And I am so lazy. So that is all I make because I just want one pot.  00:22:40 Melissa: But anyway, so culture, food, that's the one way that I pass it along. Right? You are what you eat. So guess what? My kids are Puerto Rican and Cuban, at this stage. Yes. They have Dominican in them, but, hey, that's just my culinary preference. So tell me about this idea of culture, Puerto Rican culture. And I would be super curious if you could maybe choose an example of a cuisine or food and just kind of walk us through how that kind of expresses culture or maybe there's a story behind it that is unique to Puerto Rico.  00:23:20 Crystal: Well, for me and my mentor used to be doctor Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra, which was the only food historian in Puerto Rico. He passed two years ago, but I learned so much from him and pretty much I was his daughter. He inherit me all his library, which I have here, home. And, so we discussed this a lot. And I think that we both shared that the ultimate dish that represents the Puerto Rican culture will be the pasteles. For those that doesn't know what a pastel is, it's a tamal like preparation. But the tamales are corn based and they use corn leaves to wrap it up. The pasteles puertorriqueños is made out of a dough made out of root vegetables mainly. 00:24:20 Crystal: It will have bananas and plantains that we got from our African in [inaudible]. It will have pumpkin, which were already with our Taino peoples here in America. It will have yautia, which also was here in Puerto Rico. And then, it will have some pork stew that was brought by the Spanish people. So you have in one dish our full heritage of the three cultures that have conformed the Puerto Rican-ness in just one dish.  00:25:01 Crystal: And then that works too will use, what is the ultimate base of flavor of the Puerto Rican cuisine, which is the sofrito. And the sofrito itself also is a blend of African, Spanish, and Taino ingredients, but it's a bricolage of flavors and smells that then go into the stew that then is used to make the pastel. And the pastel is also representative of the most authentic Puerto Rican soul because el pastel is wrapped as a gift.  00:25:40 Crystal: And if you were poor and there was a lot of poverty in Puerto Rico at some – we still have, but there used to be a lot of poverty back in the days. If you didn't have any resources, monetary resources to gift things, you will make pasteles with the things that are on your patio. You will have that growing up in your patio, in your garden, and then you will do pasteles, and you will gift that to your adult, kids, to your sisters, to your brothers.  00:26:13 Crystal: And so because it's – now we have technology, and now we can use food processors and so on. But back in the day, you had to grate that by hand. So if you have that gift, I am not only gifting you my talent and the products that I grow in my patio, but I'm also gifting my time. So it's a very meaningful way of telling someone that you really care about them. 00:26:42 Crystal: And that's all about Puerto Ricans. We care. We care a lot. We want to share everything that we have. And all the visitors that we have, they all can say that Puerto Ricans are always nice to them. Even if we have people that doesn't speak so much English, they will take you to whatever place you wanted to go, trying to understand you and enjoying our island. So I think that the pastel is representative of all the goodness of the Puerto Ricans.  00:27:16 Melissa: Let's pause for a second. If you've been nodding your head all along while listening to Crystal talk about food as fuel for imagination, then I wanna put this on your radar. My book, Fertile Imagination is for any mom who's ever thought, “I know I'm capable of more, but I don't know where to start.”  00:27:39 Melissa: And as one Amazon reviewer said this of my book, Fertile Imagination, which is all about maximizing your superpower to make your maximum impact, She says this, “It's a non judgmental kick in the butt to start valuing your whole selves and to create a new reality where we combine motherhood with our big dreams. Whether you're chasing an idea during nap time or whispering your big vision,” this is hilarious, “into a spatula, then this book is your creative permission slip.”  00:28:17 Melissa: You're gonna hear stories, especially if you like this conversation with Crystal. You're gonna hear a story as well from a podcast guest that I had here who is a James Beard award winning chef, Gabriele Corcos. And you're gonna learn about how he has really latched on to this idea of novelty as his way to explore new categories of interest in his one beautiful life. So I want to just be sure that you realize that this conversation is the beginning of the process. I wanted you to see through Crystal how if your imagination was reawakened, you can start to reimagine how you approach your own life. And I think that's important.  00:29:04 Melissa: But then the book, Fertile Imagination, goes on and adds some tools that you can actually use to incorporate your imagination into your one divine life. And here's the thing, because you could use your imagination from any place you are in the world, you won't have to hop on a plane and go to any place. You can actually just close your eyes and replug in to the little girl that you once were who had all these beautiful ideas that you wanted to play out in the world and that's what I want for you. 00:29:41 Melissa: So here's what I have for you. Just go ahead to fertileideas.com. If you're driving, if you're running, if you're walking, you could do this in a bit. Just go to fertileideas.com and you could download a free chapter of my book, Fertile Imagination. What's really amazing about that chapter is that that chapter basically takes you to a place where you can go and travel back in time, to that moment when you were most free, to that moment where you had the world totally ahead of you and you were imagining what you wanted for your one divine life. That's what I did when I got on stage at the Magnet Theater in New York City 100 years ago now, so it feels. 00:30:25 Melissa: But I talk about that moment for me in that chapter that you can get for free right now on fertileideas.com. So back to the show. Again, shop the book. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination, every mom's superpower. Go to fertileideas.com. Grab the free chapter. Why not? What are you gonna do? Have an amazing time reading a free chapter? That's the way to set yourself up for success for this summer. All right. Enjoy the rest of the conversation.  00:30:55 Melissa: I've never ever heard of un pastel in that way. I'm just like… it's fascinating because I also think it's… maybe it's just me, but I feel like there's a bit of an acquired taste to it too. Like, for me. Right? When I think about a pastel and I compare it to a tamal, I do not think about a Mexican tamal at all. I think about Cuban. I think about– 00:31:26 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. 00:31:28 Melissa: And for me, it's really fascinating to hear the story behind the pastel in the sense that it's very, very comprehensive. You could… I mean, I bet you there's probably books already. Or maybe you're gonna write a book. Maybe you got a fourth – a fifth hat to wear, right? You can write about pasteles. I mean, it's not a bad gig.  00:31:49 Melissa: But I think it's really interesting. And I think it's a testament to the fact that irrespective of where someone travels to the depth with which they can get to know and appreciate a culture is almost unlimited in a way, right? It's… like, for me and my family, I am not a Disney World person. But I've been to Disney World because it's kinda like, “Oh, we just go to Disney World and I have three kids.” And you got a cat. That's a little bit of a cat. She's got a cat. If you're watching this on video, you see her big and fluffy cat. Is your cat Puerto Rican though? 00:32:29 Crystal: She is Puerto Rican. She is a sato cat.  00:32:31 Melissa: Aw.  00:32:32 Crystal: She's a rescue one.  00:32:34 Melissa: So cute. She probably eats pasteles because she's got meat on her. She's a solid cat. But, yeah, just the depth with which you could understand a culture, what I'm hearing from you, Crystal, it can absolutely include history and and careful attention to the food that you're eating. Right? I think about just everywhere that I've traveled and every time I've eaten food, it's kind of like there's almost a story or a reason for why something is on a plate, and it's not always superficial. It's not just labor profile. It could have to do with political conversations. It could have to do with whoever decided that that food would make its way to that region.  00:33:27 Melissa: But let me ask you this question then. So just to kind of close-up this conversation on something that I think is very practical, I'm gonna ask you a very selfish question. Okay, so I'm on the quest for the perfect sofrito. I'm gonna tell you what I do for my sofrito. So it's my ritual on Sundays. I take all the peppers that I find, red, green, yellow, and even orange because it comes in that pack. I also then buy cilantro. I'm in Texas, so let's just be mindful I'm limited in some of the things I can get.  00:34:05 Melissa: Also because I'm a health conscious mom, I put bone broth in the blender so that this way things can blend. Right? I put onions. I put garlic. I put some oregano. That is what's in my sofrito on a good day. Melissa's like, “Okay. I am ready to make a sofrito.” How can I enhance that sofrito, or how do you teach people that visit El Pretexto how to make their own sofrito?  00:34:39 Crystal: Well, sofrito is one thing as the pasteles. Right? Everybody have their own recipe, and everybody says that their mom's sofrito is the best. Right? [inaudible] My mom's sofrito is the best. So that's the one that I do. And I'm happy to share the recipe for you because I have it written.  00:35:03 Crystal: But there are two schools of Sofrito to begin with. The school that says you do your Sofrito on a Sunday and you don't touch it… you don't do another Sofrito batch up until that one is gone in one or two weeks. And then you have my mom's school, which is you do your sofrito every time that you're gonna cook. 00:35:28 Melissa: Gotcha. Right.  00:35:31 Crystal: Obviously, that's nice for those that are retired and have all the time in the world. I do it that way. I'm not retired, but it's because I have a– 00:35:40 Melissa: That's your job. 00:35:41 Crystal: That's how she does it. And I don't want to, to your point, I want to continue her way of doing things. So, there are onions. We don't use all the colors of the bell peppers. We actually use cubanelle pepper. Onion cubanelle, then we will have the aji dulce, the sweet little pepper we need. We will have the cilantro, but we will also have culantro. [inaudible]. Yeah? And then, we will have garlic in it, a little bit of oregano, and pretty much that's the base. 00:36:29 Crystal: So depending on who you ask, there are people that will omit having the onion, and they will do it when they are cooking, if they're doing a batch. And then you will have people that will go all the way in with a lot of culantro in it, so it has that strong flavor to it. My mom's is more balanced in how much goes of each little thing in there. And we also use the bone broth, but not to blend the sofrito, but to stew the rice. If it's gonna be a stew rice, we will do bone broth instead of water with the rice. 00:37:18 Crystal: And then, the beans, we like them vegetarians. We don't use any hams or meat cuts into it. But, again, that's us. There are people that say that the most flavorful ones is with a piece of ham in it and whatever. But, I like… my mom's and mine are vegetarian. And my cat starts again.  00:37:43 Crystal: But, sofrito is is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it. And as I told earlier, it's also a blend of these three cultures that goes into it. A lot of cultures have mirepoix or other type of base of flavors into their food and this is ours. So you have to make it yours but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history into it. But, yeah, happy to share my mom's one with you. 00:38:29 Melissa: Yeah. For sure. Crystal, this was so amazing. So I would say around now, a lot of individuals are planning their summer holiday trips and vacations and all of that. So, maybe you can share where people can learn more about you, can learn more about El Pretexto if that's an option to them to kind of explore, and just follow your journey. 00:38:53 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. Well, a friendly reminder that it is an adults only project. So this might be your chance to… El Pretexto actually translates to “The Excuse.” So this might be your excuse to having your parents take care of the kids and hop down to the island and have a little bit of a honeymoon. But, El Pretexto, you can find it at elprotextopr.com. We're also in social media @elprotextopr in Facebook and Instagram.  00:39:30 Crystal: There you will meet our chickens and photos of our garden and our harvest and the breakfast, and maybe you get a little bit hungry. In our website, you will find different options because you could come for a weekend or you could come for a weekday stay, but also you could come for these curated food experiences, which are in very specific dates around the year. We also have dinners, farm to table dinners in our property. We invite guest chefs to cook dinners, around the year.  00:40:08 Crystal: And, also, I take people to other places in the countryside to enjoy a beautiful lunch, but getting to know another piece of countryside around the island. So, El Pretexto is no other thing than the celebration of the beautiful diverse countryside of Puerto Rico. And you can check all the information there. So, yeah, feel free to follow me there.  00:40:37 Melissa: Thank you so much, Crystal. This has been amazing. Have an awesome rest of your day. Keep enjoying the peace and serenity of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea and all the beauty that you see outside your window. Thank you so much for this conversation.  00:40:53 Crystal: Thank you. Thank you for the invitation.  00:40:56 Melissa: So what's your version of a sofrito? Right? Let's take it out of the kitchen and into your home office. What sort of things for you can you put together to create your next big idea, whether it's something for business, something for your personal life or something for your family this very summer. I am so excited to have had Crystal Diaz for this conversation because I think she's inspiring all of us. She's giving us a good idea of all the ways that we could color our own individual rainbows.  00:41:33 Melissa: At the same time, I want this to just remind you that your imagination could be stirred into anything, right? Especially like tonight's dinner. So catch up on Tuesdays on the Mom Founder Imagination Hub and until then, keep cooking up ideas that only you can serve. I honestly think there's a place in this world for imaginations. And irrespective of AI and technology, at the end of the day, it's only as good as the person behind the computer screen, our prompts, our ideas, the way that we decide to use these resources.  00:42:10 Melissa: And that is the best case for you to actually keep your imagination going and playing with it. So thank you for this conversation. And again, if you are interested in learning more about the book, just go to fertileideas.com. Have an amazing rest of your day, moms.  

Original airdate: Apr 4, 2023 Money is among the most common sources of stress. An unhealthy relationship with money can lead to anxiety, fear, and anger and cause discord in our relationships. Even if we work hard and are financially well-off, we may still experience all these emotions. But money has the ability to smile when it's given and received with a certain feeling and energy. My guest, Ken Honda, asserts that it is possible for anyone, no matter their current financial status, to live with more ease in their relationship with money. Money and happiness expert Ken Honda is a best-selling self-development author in Japan, with book sales surpassing eight million copies since 2001. Ken's financial expertise comes from owning and managing several businesses, including an accounting company, a management consulting firm, and a venture capital corporation. His writings bridge the topics of finance and self-help, focusing on creating and generating personal wealth and happiness through deeper self-honesty. During our discussion, Ken shares his philosophy on "Happy Money," based on the concepts in his bestselling book, "Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money."  He explains how we can develop a "Happy Money" mindset by tapping into our talents and building a loving, abundant relationship with money.

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory  In this "Lessons" episode, Ken Honda, Japan's #1 Money Psychology Expert, shares how deep-seated money trauma from childhood shapes our financial decisions and limits our potential. He explains that early money wounds—formed through feelings of unworthiness and messages of scarcity—can hold us back from pursuing opportunities and building wealth. By embracing forgiveness and practicing compassionate reflection, Ken shows us how to heal these wounds, transform our relationship with money, and ultimately unlock both personal and professional growth. ➡️ Show Linkshttps://successstorypodcast.com  YouTube: https://youtu.be/HRRADrkXz6wApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ken-honda-best-selling-author-expert-on-money-prosperity/id1484783544Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pAI6SkhBXzYpES7U5CMpe ➡️ Watch the Podcast On Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

I'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!Get my new book Make Money Easy here!What if the invisible beliefs quietly running in your mind are the exact reason you're not experiencing the financial abundance you desire? In this special episode, I've gathered four of the most transformative money mindset insights from my conversations with today's leading wealth experts AND added my own BRAND NEW insights. Dan Martell reveals how our subconscious beliefs about money and success are often sabotaging our financial growth without us even realizing it. Jaspreet Singh shares the crucial shift from consuming to investing that separates those who build lasting wealth from those who earn high incomes but remain financially fragile. Ken Honda invites us to completely reimagine money as flowing energy rather than something to hoard, while Rob Dial provides actionable strategies to rewrite your internal money story for lasting abundance. Whether you're struggling with financial insecurity or looking to expand your wealth consciousness, these game-changing perspectives will transform how you think about, attract, and grow your money.In this episode you will learn:How to identify and rewrite the limiting money beliefs that are keeping you stuck in financial scarcityThe five-step framework for building real wealth regardless of your current income levelWhy treating money as flowing energy rather than something to hoard actually attracts more abundance into your lifeThe exact language patterns and daily affirmations that can reprogram your relationship with wealthWhy most financially successful people are also the most generous, and how this counterintuitive approach accelerates wealth creationFor more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1746For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you'll love:Dan Martell – greatness.lnk.to/1642SCJaspreet Singh  – greatness.lnk.to/1644SCKen Honda – greatness.lnk.to/1331SCRob Dial – greatness.lnk.to/1516SC Get more from Lewis! Pre-order my new book Make Money EasyGet The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on June 23, 2020. On this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, Ken Honda describes the first steps everyone needs to take to start healing their money wounds, and to transform money from something to be feared into something that brings peace and ease. He also goes into exquisite detail on the tough subject of how to find your gifts, and then how to go about making a living with them. SHOW NOTES: Ken gives a surprising definition of what wealth means [5:12] Money doesn't buy happiness, but it really is powerful [7:04] Focus on what you can give, and it what you will attract into your life [15:27] How do you find your gifts, and how do you polish them into something extraordinary? [21:13] Ken advocates not comparing yourself to other people as a remedy for depression [29:47] Friendship is more protective than money [41:22] Ken talks about what he would do if he lost all his money [50:08] FOLLOW: WEBSITE: kenhonda.com INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/2N8Yfjd FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3ecxDcY TWITTER: https://bit.ly/30SWgr4 CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS: Range Rover: Range Rover: Explore the Range Rover Sport at https://rangerover.com/us/sport Audible: Sign up for a free 30 day trial at https://audible.com/IMPACTTHEORY  Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Thrive Market: ​​Go to https:thrivemarket.com/impact for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Tax Network: Stop looking over your shoulder and put your IRS troubles behind you. Call 1-800-958-1000 or visit https://tnusa.com/impact ButcherBox: Choose either grass-fed ground beef, steak tips or organic chicken thighs to get free in every box for an entire year. Plus, get an extra $20 off your first box when you use code IMPACT at  https://butcherbox.com/impact ITU: Ready to breakthrough your biggest business bottleneck? Apply to work with me 1:1 - https://impacttheory.co/SCALE Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact American Alternative Assets: If you're ready to explore gold as part of your investment strategy, call 1-888-615-8047 or go to https://TomGetsGold.com Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://mintmobile.com/impact.  DISCLAIMER: Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month 5 gigabyte plan required (equivalent to $15/mo.). New customer offer for first 3 months only, then full-price plan options available. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. ********************************************************************** Do you need my help? STARTING a business: Join me inside ZERO TO FOUNDER here SCALING a business: Click here to see if you qualify Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do toys shape who we become? Today, I sit down with a fascinating toy historian Chris Byrne who reveals the hidden power of play - from how different toys develop everything from relationship skills to problem - solving abilities.    We explore why true play isn't about reaching an end goal, but about embracing the pure joy of the journey. Whether you're looking to understand the art of playing alongside your kids or giving them space to explore independently, this episode will transform how you think about playtime. Join us for a rich conversation about rediscovering the magic that happens when we give ourselves permission to simply play.   After exploring the art of play with our toy historian today, I want to share something powerful with you. My book Fertile Imagination tackles a crucial truth: we can't guide our children toward imagination if we've lost touch with our own. I'll show you the exact framework I used to reawaken and strengthen this superpower – the same one that transformed both my life and my three sons'. If you're ready to rediscover your creativity and childlike zest for life, grab your copy now: https://bit.ly/fertilebook     In this episode, you will hear:    Play is a process, not a means to an end, and embracing it can reduce stress. Imagination influences every decision we make. Playing with toys helps kids develop problem-solving and relationship skills. Adults benefit from play too—it fosters creativity, joy, and innovation. Letting children lead playtime strengthens their confidence and creativity. Kids learn by doing, and unstructured play is vital for their development. In corporate settings, a playful mindset can unlock new ideas and innovation. Fear of failure limits creativity—kids don't judge play, and neither should we.   This episode is brought to you by:    Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom's Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book is available as a hard cover, paperback, and also as an audiobook. If you are on the go and wish to quickly jot down where you can purchase the book then head to: https://bit.ly/fertilebook.    If however you want to grab the audio version then head to the show notes to click the direct Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CK2ZSMLB   About Chris Bryne   Chris Byrne has spent over 35 years in the toy industry, holding major marketing and creative roles before launching Byrne Communications, a consultancy specializing in product development, strategic planning, and marketing. A passionate advocate for the power of play, he has studied its impact on child development and creativity across industries. He has appeared on major media outlets worldwide, sharing insights on toys, play, and innovation. He also co-hosts The Playground Podcast, diving deep into the toy industry's past, present, and future.   SHARE this episode with fellow moms and entrepreneurs who want to bring more creativity into their lives! Chris's insights on play, imagination, and innovation are a must-listen for anyone balancing motherhood and career growth. Let's embrace play, rediscover joy, and inspire the next generation! Supporting Resources:   Website: https://www.thetoyguy.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoyguy/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetoyguyofficial/ The Playground Podcast: Spotify & Apple Podcasts Subscribe and Review   Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.    I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. About Fertile Imagination   You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!    In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise    “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator    “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money    “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX           TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Chris: I really believe is what we play with as kids really becomes, we become a lot of that. And we had a basement in our house that had a room in it, that had a window in it. And my brothers and I would create puppet shows. And we would do that. And we would just go round up all the kids in the neighborhood and say, you have to watch this puppet show. And they did. I mean, they were good. But it was really about storytelling. It was about connection. It was about making things up and just feeling very alive in that moment, feeling very connected to who I was at that time and being able to share that with other people. 00:00:43 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger. Plan out how you're going to get to that next level in business, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that this way you get what you really want rather than having to settle. Get ready to discover how mom founders have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood. Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out. 00:01:09 Melissa: And stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms, but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone. I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm gonna give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours. Sounds good? Then keep listening. 00:01:36 Melissa: So how do toys shape who we become? Have you ever asked yourself that question as you are giving your child a toy? If that toy is going to influence their career choices ahead or the way that they are, their character. Today, I sat down with a fascinating toy historian, Chris Byrne. 00:02:04 Melissa: Now he is a 35 year plus veteran of the toy industry. He's held major marketing and creative positions earlier in his life. And he's appeared on TV talking about toys and play in the US and around the world. He's even been on the Live with Kelly and Mark show as a regular guest. And he has his own podcast, by the way, the Playground Podcast. 00:02:29 Melissa: So, Chris reveals today the hidden power of play, from how different toys develop everything from relationship skills to problem-solving abilities. We also explore why true play isn't about reaching an end goal, it's about embracing the pure joy of the journey. So, whether you're looking to understand the art of playing alongside your kids or giving them some space to explore independently, this episode is going to change how you think about playtime. So I encourage you to join us for this rich conversation about rediscovering the magic that happens when we give ourselves permission to just play. 00:03:10 Melissa: Okay, so before we jump into the conversation, I wanna just let you know that after the conversation, I would invite you to explore the art of play with my book, Fertile Imagination. Why is that relevant to you as a mom? Here's what I want you to know. It's really hard to guide our kids toward imagination if we've secretly lost touch with our own. So in my book, Fertile Imagination, I share with you the exact framework that I used in order to reawaken my imagination, play with my imagination, stretch my imagination, and strengthen what I believe to be our greatest superpower. 00:03:56 Melissa: So this framework is super simple to follow. It is guided and it is also provided in lots of really cool journaling question prompts in the book. And it's gonna be the same exact process that I used in order to really get back in touch with that little childlike spirit that all of us has, but maybe we forgot we have held quite tightly close to our hearts. 00:04:22 Melissa: So, I invite you to go ahead, rediscover your creativity, and see if you can find your childlike zest for life. Because I really believe that it's hard to teach our kids things that we may have forgotten are natural to us, and maybe came naturally to us when we were younger. So enjoy the conversation. The link to the book is available in the show notes where you're listening to this. Let me read the actual link so that you can learn more about my book, Fertile Imagination. 00:04:53 Melissa: It is a bit.ly link. So it is bit.ly/fertilebook. You can absolutely grab a copy right there of Fertile Imagination. If you wanted the audio version that is available exclusively via Amazon. So go ahead and check out the show notes for that link. Thank you again. And I hope you enjoy the conversation and let me know what you think at the end, I will share with you my top three takeaways that you can apply to your immediate mom life. Thank you so much. 00:05:28 Melissa: Chris Byrne. I am so excited to have you here on the Mom Founder Imagination Hub. How are you? 00:05:35 Chris: I am very well. I'm so excited to be with you. Thank you so much for the invitation. 00:05:40 Melissa: I couldn't get enough of your TED Talk. I was like, oh my gosh, he's not just a toy historian. He's like a toy psychologist. I loved it. I loved it. So welcome to the show. Chris, I want to just start with the big, big question on my mind. Help me understand from your perspective, decades in the industry, learning about the art of play, like what is an imagination to you and do you consider it a superpower? 00:06:12 Chris: Well, I absolutely consider our imagination our superpower. It is the one thing that, really one of the many things that really define us as human beings. Nothing happens in our world that doesn't start in the imagination. It can be, what do I want for lunch? Or what do I want to be when I grow up? Or should I marry this person? Or should I have children? 00:06:34 Chris: Or whatever it is because we begin in the imagination and other kinds of animals, you just put food in front of them and they eat, it's instinctual. But for us, it's not- as humans, it's not just instinctual. We literally create our worlds on a daily basis and that starts in the imagination. 00:06:54 Melissa: I agree. And it's interesting because as a fully grown adult, I would say that when I was writing my book, Fertile Imagination, and I see it as like a superpower for moms who are technically adults. I feel like it's a topic that is seldom discussed amongst adults. Like, is this something that you are noticing? Or maybe, you know, people that have that childlike quality because of your industry? What's your take on imagination, the art of play, and being an adult? 00:07:30 Chris: Well, I think all of those are really critical to who we are, because play is really the act of asking a question, what if? What if I do this? What if I, you know, as an adult in can be, what if do whatever? For me, as a kid is like, what if I jump off this wall? What's gonna happen? You know, but we grow up and we have a little bit more, more adult kind of perceptions, if you will, for that. And it really is like trying to spin out a scenario. 00:08:06 Chris: So if I am going to take a new job, for example, what is that gonna be like? Who am I gonna be working with? And we begin to develop stories around things in our imagination. And those stories are very important because we really can't take action to make things real until we've imagined them as a concept. 00:08:28 Melissa: Yeah. And so, okay. So this is something that I'm struggling with right now. This is like real time, I need some help, get me unclogged sort of stuff. So this idea of having a story in my mind and having a vision I want to make real, the vision side of it is so hard right now for me to see, mainly because it's like, there's things that I've envisioned in the past, but I haven't made happen. So I don't know kind of like how to play myself to a solution or a vision or just kind of like, think with a little less of like the past, you know, like hindering this vision. 00:09:15 Chris: Right. It's a great, it's a great thing. I mean, I'm sorry you're going through that, but I think that if you look at how a child plays, right, when they get an idea and they don't sit there and think, well, if I just do this or I do this or I do that, it's going to be fun, right? They come, that's not fun. I'm done. I'm on to the next thing. And I think as adults, we should do that too. If something is becoming too much effort, if it's not working, then we just drop it and go on to the next thing. 00:09:47 Chris: And I don't think there's any harm or foul in that. And I think that when you look at a kid who is imagining and playing, they're not judging the play as they're doing it. They're looking at well, where did this take me and where should I go next from it? And it's a much freer, kind of more peaceful way to go through the world. 00:10:08 Chris: I mean, I talk about things that I've done that turned out to be mistakes. And I call them I said, well, that was a once in a lifetime experience. As in I don't have to do that again. I learned the lesson. 00:10:20 Melissa: Yeah. And I think, you know, approaching any problem from that perspective releases that pressure to get it right the first time. And it gives you like the levity to get back up and just be like, okay, let's go at it again. And I imagine like, cause I noticed also, and I know that this side of it might be a little bit more conventional thinking, but like, you actually bring these ideas into corporate settings, you know, the art of play. 00:10:51 Melissa: And I'm like, if I think about the different environments where it's not okay to play. It's not okay to make mistakes. Like how do you sell that idea of we're just playing right now and don't get frustrated if it works or not in like a corporate setting, you know? 00:11:11 Chris: Well, one of the things that's so interesting in a corporate setting is people come into a meeting or a brainstorming and they're focused on one specific outcome, right? So if you're focused on an outcome, you kind of end-run the process of play because play is a process. Play is asking, what if, you know, let's go down this road and let's go down this road and see what it is. So I always encourage people to be as off the wall as possible. I will give you an example that almost got me fired. 00:11:43 Melissa: This is a good one, okay. 00:11:44 Chris: And nobody will like it, but I was working with Ideal, with Ideal Toy Company and we had the Shirley Temple doll. And nobody, we had these porcelain $400 Shirley Temple dolls and Shirley Temple dolls were huge in the '30s and still with doll collectors, but nobody was buying them. And we thought, how do we get rid of them? And I said, well, why don't we put them on the QE2 and use them as skeet? Like people can launch the doll. 00:12:11 Chris: So the brand manager got really mad at me. And told me I was inappropriate. But as we talked more, we ended up doing a doll collecting event with Cunard that actually turned out to be good. So the idea is, go out there and play off the wall in a safe environment, obviously. So the idea of creating an environment where it's safe to play, where it's safe to have that sort of impulsive childish response to a situation is okay. 00:12:45 Chris: We would never have promoted that in a corporate sense. But the idea that we were just playing with ideas and being silly. That opens the pathway to being really creative and to seeing what could actually work. And then once you get that, you put the action steps in place to get to the next step. 00:13:05 Melissa: Yeah, I think just, you know, going crazy and just really trying to break out of conventional thinking and our very logical pathways in our mind, it's like first we do this, that, the other. It's almost like some sentences, right? And the way we like greet each other, it's so like rehearsed that to come up with something like, oh my gosh, I love your outfit. You know, it reminds me of like a toy soldier or something. It would be like way off, but it would start rapport, I think. Rapport or like, you know, people would be like, kind of weirded out. But I've always tried that. How can I not weird people out? 00:13:44 Chris: Well, it's, right, well, that's always a question, but I don't really worry about that too much. But I think that one of the things, again, as I was saying about process, but also getting over fear, right? As adults, we think, well, what if I get it wrong? Children, when they play, if you watch them play, they don't worry about getting it wrong. They just think, well, that didn't work. That didn't do what I wanted it to do. Let me do something else. They haven't built a hierarchy of judgment and really being unkind to themselves about doing something wrong. 00:14:19 Chris: And if you embrace play, there's really no kind of, you can't be wrong when you're playing, right? Some things may be practical, but there's imagination and there's spinning things out, things that might never become real, but then things that actually could practically become real. And the process of getting to that point is actually pretty joyful. 00:14:42 Melissa: And I think we could all use some more joy these days, that's for sure. Adults and children alike. So let's see, let's go back in time. So let's go back to the time where you recall maybe playing with a toy and feeling like an insane amount of joy. If you can think about, you know, your one moment or one of the moments, I'm curious to hear your perspective. 00:15:06 Chris: Well, it's really interesting because one of the things that I really believe is what we play with as kids really becomes, we become a lot of that. And we had a basement in our house that had a room in it. They had a window in it. And my brothers and I would create puppet shows. And we would do that. And we would just go round up all the kids in the neighborhood and say, you have to watch this puppet show. And they did. They were good. But it was really about storytelling. It was about connection. It was about making things up and just feeling very alive in that moment, feeling very connected to who I was at that time and being able to share that with other people. 00:15:52 Melissa: Wow, so that's interesting. So it's funny because I feel like maybe I was, because I was an only child for most of my upbringing, like a lot of the things I did were just on my own and I had to really figure out how to make something out of what was around me. So let me share like this one thing that I would do to just pass the time. And of course, like in the background, like there was like maybe Magnum P.I. playing or, you know, name- Hawaii Five-0, whatever my mom was into. 00:16:25 Melissa: So I would go to the closet and I would take out a shoebox. And I would proceed to create like a scene. So they're called dioramas. I looked it up because I was like, this is a weird thing that I just kept doing all the time. And then I would create little figurines and put like little slots, you know, on the sides and move the little carboards in and out, you know. And I was like, okay, I have to ask Chris, like, what does that say about me? I have no idea. 00:16:56 Chris: Well, I mean, I would say it sort of starts you as a storyteller, which is what you're doing today. You're telling stories and you're facilitating other people telling stories. But it's also, I mean, especially for children at that age, it's about trying to make sense of the world and the stories they tell us, like trying to make sense of relationships. I'll tell you another story. 00:17:18 Chris: Years ago, we were playing with some kids with Barbie dolls. And they had all these different Barbie dolls. And one kid took all the blonde Barbie dolls and they were making fun of the brunette Barbie doll. And we were just watching this and going, yeah, this is somebody who is working out a reality in their life. 00:17:38 Chris: And that is really what play is, because even as she, in this case it was a girl, became powerful in that situation, was able to stand up for herself, you're giving your brain the sense that you can actually do this. If you do it vicariously, you've already had that experience on some level. So that when you confront that in real life, it might be easier, or you might have a solution. 00:18:03 Chris: I mean, how many times do you go into a situation, an interview or whatever, and you've rehearsed what you're gonna say? And your brain already knows that. It's like visual, what they talk about in sports about visualizing, you know, the outcome. You know, you're already having that experience, which is so cool. Cause our brain doesn't know the difference sometimes between reality and what we imagine. 00:18:24 Melissa: I love that. I love that. And so, yeah, who knows what I was trying to work out? There are a lot of things going on in my home. I'll tell you that much. But yeah, I think, you know, that idea though, just like trying to work things out that, you know, maybe you don't have that first person experience with, but like doing it through the use of a toy. Have you noticed at a curiosity any sort of changes with the dynamics between toys and kids now that there's like AI sort of toys out there? 00:19:01 Chris: There are so many different types of play experiences. What we were just talking about is more traditional doll or action figure or stuffed animal kind of play where a child is really doing that. Some of the other stuff with AI or licensed space like Star Wars, Marvel, all of that is beginning to understand yourself as a capable human being. 00:19:23 Chris: So for example, if I'm a superhero, I can feel. I can have the feeling of what it's like to be a superhero. And I always say, if your life is all about mom is in control, eat your peas, get in the minivan, do your homework, suddenly if you're a superhero, that's very empowering. And then empowering as an individual to be able to confront the world in a different way because you're empowered. So it's very classical, the kind of totemistic idea that we take on the powers of the superheroes. 00:19:59 Chris: And even though we're not gonna fly, we're not gonna lift, we're not gonna pick up a truck, we're not gonna do that, you have the emotional sense of capability, which is really what it's all about. 00:20:10 Melissa: That's interesting. I think, I mean, I don't know. Now that I think about my kids, for example, their toy experiences these days is really YouTube videos and playing video games and things like that. And I wonder if that's also along the same thread of what you just said, feeling the different capabilities like running fast or jumping high, things like that. 00:20:37 Chris: I think definitely. I mean, it's, you know, YouTube videos are like today's cartoons, right, on some level. You know, I grew up watching cartoons and, and it was- so they're looking at who are my role models and who are, you know, somebody's doing something. Oh, I'd like to try that. And, you know, or oh, wow, they tried that, I'm not gonna do that, but what would it be like if I did this kind of thing? 00:21:03 Chris: So I think that it's a window on the world and people are always concerned about screen time and I'm never concerned about screen time so much as I'm concerned about what's on the screen. So that is what's being modeled through the YouTube things, things that you as a mom or a parent want your child to be consuming because it can be very supportive or it can be kind of dangerous depending on what kids have access to. 00:21:30 Melissa: Yeah. And it's so interesting what you're sharing right now, because I mean, I had Saturday morning cartoons, for example, and I ate a lot of cereals with all the dyes and all these other things. And my kids literally tell me, they're like, oh, we want to have Saturday morning cartoons just like you. But of course, it is that YouTube thing. And I limit it to SpongeBob. Like, that's appropriate for their ages right now. 00:21:54 Melissa: But I think that's so interesting, this whole idea of rehearsal and visualization and imagination. I wonder because when it comes to toys and just the way that they've changed through the years, how did, for example, Tickle Me Elmo, how did that support people in terms of capabilities or anything? I'm curious. 00:22:22 Chris: Well, Tickle Me Elmo was kind of an outlier in that, you know, in terms of classical play. Tickle Me Elmo became a fad, right? And fads take on a life of their own. They kind of jump the shark or jump from the toy industry because Tickle Me Elmo started as an entertaining little preschool doll for preschoolers, infants and preschoolers. Suddenly it becomes this whole cultural phenomenon that everybody has to have. 00:22:50 Chris: It becomes, so it's a fad, so it becomes kind of a marker in time. So if you were around for Tickle Me Elmo, and you remember that, it's sort of a springboard to your memories of what the latter part of 1996 was about, because that's when Tickle Me Elmo was really huge. So that's not really kind of play in the way that I talk about it a lot. That becomes a cultural event. And my other joke about Tickle Me Elmo, Tickle Me Elmo was $40 really, basically, or more. You know, you can have a Tickle Me Elmo and be really cool for a lot less than you can have a Birkin bag. 00:23:26 Melissa: Wow, yeah, that's true. That is true. It's so funny, this conversation just takes me down the whole nostalgic route. Like I'm thinking about my Steve Urkel joke pull doll. Do you remember that one? 00:23:39 Chris: Yeah, yeah, of course. 00:23:41 Melissa: Yeah, so anyways, I'm totally like aging myself right now. I'm like, oh, I had Steve Urkel and I had Popples and all the like. What do you think, you know, nostalgia? Let's talk about that. Because I feel like a lot of marketers use that, you know, in order to kind of like pull forth a certain generation, let's say. And I even feel like at a supermarket, like I'm like, I think they know who their shoppers are with the music. But let's talk about nostalgia. 00:24:09 Melissa: Like, and again, thinking about more quote unquote modern toys, you know, like. And back to like these like electronics, like do you think that it'll be the same sort of calling card, I think is the right phrase? Like when someone starts saying, oh, like, let's say 10 years from now, you know, what's the name of the- Stumble Guys? Like, do you think that people will say like a certain like thing on video games and it'll have the same emotional pull as like Tickle Me Elmo, Popples, or Cabbage Patch? 00:24:41 Chris: It's hard to know. The thing about nostalgia is it's really for adults, right? Nostalgia is for people looking back. When you're three and four, you're not nostalgic for much. You're not remembering much. Maybe you remember your pull ups, right? When you had your pull ups. But you don't, you're not really nostalgic for something because you haven't been around that much. 00:25:03 Chris: The challenge from a toy marketing standpoint is relying on nostalgia to sell toys. Because I mean, yes, there's a certain level of you as a mom had My Little Pony or Littlest Pet Shop or any of those huge hits, Masters of the Universe. And you want to share those with your child. But for it to engage your child's imagination, there has to be something authentic to them. It's not just, mom liked this, so I'm going to like it too. That doesn't really work. 00:25:31 Chris: Look at Barbie and how Barbie's been redefined over the years, because Barbie always reflects the culture at any given time. So in 1959, she could be a fashion model or a bride, right? Pretty much, those are the Barbie options. Today, there are hundreds of careers and there's hundreds of abilities. And Barbie, the Barbie line looks like the world kids are growing up in, just as it did in 1959. It's just a more diverse and broader world with more possibility for girls and women today than it was in 1959. 00:26:08 Melissa: So when it comes to the toy industry, who's actually using their imagination to come up with like what to make for the future? Like, is it a combination of kids and adults? Is it like who's actually imagining like right now, like in the Mattels, et cetera, you know, what's coming down the line like 10 years from now? It's going to be hot and cool. And like, how do you how do you imagine something like that? 00:26:36 Chris: Well, it's hard. I mean, I think I think it's like, you know, my crystal ball usually needs a shot of Windex so I could get a clearer sense. But it's more an art than a science, that's for sure. And it's looking at trends. It's looking at how are kids playing, how are they interacting, how are they socializing, what is fun to them, and what's going on in the culture at large. Because the toy industry always reflects the culture. 00:27:03 Chris: We're always reflecting, because kids, you know, most healthy kids, they aspire to being big. They wanna grow up and they want the things like their parents have. So back in the, you know, in the early 2000s when cell phones came out, you saw tons of preschool cell phones, right? You don't see that so much anymore because the preschoolers have a real cellphone. 00:27:25 Chris: But you see things that will allow them to feel like they are part of the culture and they are growing up into it and that they are older and perhaps more capable than they really are because that's an important imaginative tool to help in the maturation process. 00:27:41 Melissa: That's fascinating. So that's true. It was definitely a lot of like, I don't know, mommy and me things. Like you see them with like a cash register or like a Target cart, right? The plastic little one, right? Cause their parent is shopping at Target. And so I wonder because it's like, there's some habits that as a parent, like maybe we wanna shake off ourselves, but we're inadvertently doing a lot. 00:28:06 Melissa: So like the cellphone one, I'm like, oh God, yeah, mommy has a cellphone and now her child does too. And it's like, how can I stop? And it's a reinforcement, but I'm wondering, okay, so in terms of the future and in terms of toys, have you ever done or seen any sort of things where the mom was playing with the child versus the child was playing by themselves? Like any differences there? 00:28:31 Melissa: Because I would love to just kind of inspire a listener right now to consider the fact that actually getting lost in play with their child can be even more beneficial than just having your child play with a toy to the side and you're doing something completely different. 00:28:52 Chris: I think that is critically important. One of the things that we're talking to parents of Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. And Gen Alpha was born 2010 to this year. And one of the things that parents talk about is some of the best part of their day is when they're playing with kids. And what I always suggest is that if you're playing with your kid, especially if they're a preschooler, let the child run the play and you respond. Don't tell them, oh, look at this, oh, do that. 00:29:24 Chris: And you don't have to teach, it doesn't have to teach them anything, right? It doesn't have to teach. Kids are going to learn. So really letting that child's imagination drive the experience because, you know, I think every parent has had the experience where your child comes up with something and you go where did that come from? 00:29:45 Melissa: 100%. All the time. 00:29:47 Chris: And it's because they're sponges and they're listening to their absorbing everything and then they're processing it to their childlike brains or their childish brains. So I think that letting the child do that, but being there and being in communication is really important. 00:30:02 Chris: When I was growing up and maybe when you were too, we had three different worlds. We had kid world where no adults came in and the kids were doing that. We had adult world where we weren't allowed, where the parents would do that. And then there was family world, which is dinner and vacations and being yelled at about your grades or whatever that was. 00:30:21 Chris: But those three worlds don't really seem to exist anymore. And parents and kids are much more integrated in one another's lives. I think that's an outcome of COVID. It's actually a very positive outcome from COVID. Because you as mom and dad, have fun with your kids. Come on. It's, again, back to the idea of process rather than outcome. They don't have to become an expert ball player. They don't have to become an expert thing at times. They can actually just learn and play and discover the world and share those discoveries with you. 00:30:51 Melissa: Yeah, I love that. And I think it's an opportunity for someone that has to think a lot in life and feels the stresses of life to kind of let go and just stop thinking and just going with what is. Be present. You know, be totally present. 00:31:12 Chris: Be totally present and just be open to what it is. It's trying not to, as I was saying, it doesn't have to have a definitive outcome. And the one thing I think we've lost track of, often in our culture right now, is the idea of embracing process. It's really okay to make mistakes. It's really okay to try something, as long as you get up and start again. 00:31:36 Chris: I mean, how many times have you, I was talking about, for me, I learned to ski late. And I'm a really mediocre skier. I'm enthusiastic, but I'm not good. And I had somebody who was teaching me and he said, Chris, eventually I was scared. Eventually you're gonna have to point your skis down the hill. So I did it, I fell a lot, I did that, but I was so eager to learn that I'd fall and get up again. 00:32:04 Chris: I had to learn how to get up, but that's the thing that I think is, you know, if you have an idea of where you'd like to go but embrace the process on the way there because who knows what you're going to learn and what you're going to discover. 00:32:16 Melissa: Yeah, I definitely agree with that. I think that's the key to any goal. It's just you have to really fall in love with the process as you head towards the vision the goal, you know, whatever it is that you're trying to accomplish. And I also love the fact that, you know, as with play it's like there's something that's so pure about it, you know, when left on unmanipulated. 00:32:40 Melissa: It's like as a parent, we might have this desire to like educate our kids up to wazoo with regards to like every educational toy out there and every moment with we're with them, we're teaching them another language or coding or something. But I think, you know, just being open to a little bit, you know, unstructured play and that time with your child has so many benefits. And I think, you know, Chris, the work that you're doing just stay connected to like play as just being fun and okay and positive is is really helpful. Thank you so much for the work that you've done. 00:33:18 Chris: Thanks. I mean, I really do think that it as I mentioned, joy before it really does open the door to being joyful and going, oh, wow, that's fun, you know? I mean, when was the last time you said, oh, wow, that's really fun. 00:33:31 Melissa: 100%. Yeah, for sure. Thank you so much, Chris. So where can listeners continue to learn about their favorite toys, about you, about what's up ahead in the toy industry? 00:33:42 Chris: You can come see the toyguy.com. That's probably the best way. And then on Instagram, I'm thetoyguy. So, yeah. And I post a lot of pictures from things like toy fairs and different things and things that are fun for me and that make me giggle. 00:33:58 Melissa: Thank you so much, Chris. Have an awesome one. 00:34:01 Chris: Thank you. 00:34:03 Melissa: My three takeaways for this conversation that you can absolutely take to the bank and apply in your home are, first, this idea that playing with our kids has benefits for our kids, but also for us, especially if you're a super busy mom. It helps put you in the immediate present moment. So that's a big, big perk right there. 00:34:25 Melissa: Second is this idea that it's all about the process as opposed to the final answer. And that's something that I know is hard to think about when you're constantly thinking about what's next in your life. So thinking about play as something that you're doing and it's a process instead of to put together that Lego piece might be a great shift in your thinking and could relieve you of the stress and pressure of getting things right. 00:34:54 Melissa: Second, no, actually my third point here, my third point would be that in terms of the benefits of playing, I hadn't realized how psychologically deep some of these toys touch the minds of our kids. So the simple fact that we are thinking about, you know, working out relationships when you're doing a diorama, which may have been the case for me personally or maybe you're thinking about whether or not you have skills like a superhero, which was something that Chris shared, I just never thought about how psychologically interesting playing with a toy could be. 00:35:32 Melissa: So you might want to reconsider this idea that playing with a toy is just a way to distract your child or keep them focused on something other than breaking things. There could be real psychological value and also something for you to just consider psychological opportunity when it comes to the choices behind the toys we put in front of our kids. 00:36:00 Melissa: So I hope you enjoyed this conversation. Again, this episode was brought to you by my book, Fertile Imagination. I am excited about it. It's a guide for stretching every mom's superpower for maximum impact. Your imagination is your superpower. That is why I had Chris on the show today. I encourage you to check out the show notes where you could actually purchase the book and let me know that you did. I am always available for conversation and any questions. Thank you so much and I appreciate you. And until next Tuesday.

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Ever notice how everyone picks the same predictable words for their New Year - peace, joy, freedom? What if your 2025 word of the year could be something totally unexpected that lights up everyone's face when you share it?   2025: The Year of Captivation Yep, that's MY word this year.   2025 is not just another year—it's the year of captivation for me. In the past, my time has been driven by business goals, from client acquisition to serving a growing audience predominantly of mothers. This year, however, my focus is on discovering and pursuing what truly captivates me—my word of the year.   ---   **Captivation: Inspired by Family and Stories**   Reflecting on memorable moments of captivation, I am reminded of summers spent with my grandmothers in Miami and Puerto Rico. My Cuban grandmother and her family were expert storytellers, captivating me with tales from their lives and adventures. These moments instilled in me a love for storytelling and a fascination with human expression.   ---   **Choosing a Word of the Year: A Journey of Self-Discovery**   I invite you to join me on this journey of selecting a word of the year—a concept popularized by Danielle Laporte in her work on desire mapping. Find a word that resonates deeply, one that isn't commonly chosen but is authentic to the sensation you aim to experience. Whether it's a bold choice like "captivating" or something uniquely personal, let it guide your experiences and interactions.   ---   **Practice Captivation in Everyday Life**   Achieving a sense of captivation doesn't necessarily require grand gestures; it can be found in simple, everyday experiences. Whether it's listening intently to your child's story or discovering a new passion, these moments hold the potential to enrich our lives profoundly.   ---   **Conclusion: A Year of Unforeseen Opportunities**   As we traverse 2025, I aim to provide you with content that not only captivates but also adds value to your life. This year will be marked by transformative changes in how I approach my business and personal life, integrating my newly acquired skills as a meditation practitioner.   Let's explore how we can make this year uniquely ours. I encourage you, my listeners, to think expansively, embrace words that are different, and stand unafraid in your journey.   Happy New Year! While we're at it, why not make it official? Subscribe or follow the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast, and feel free to send me a note afterwards so I can thank you—seriously, feel encouraged to email me melissa.llarena (at) gmail.com. Let's keep this engaging dialogue alive as we explore the art of captivation together. Have a captivating week ahead! This episode is brought to you by: My free anti-burnout 30-day resource for mompreneurs! Momentum usually comes at the cost of burn-out because what it truly takes to build something upfront is more energy and effort than a lot of us have to spare….which is why….I created this planner. This mom-friendly planner links your vision to daily actions, helping you stay focused and energized as you build profitable relationships. Whether you want to find a new job, get new clients, or launch up your ultimate podcast while focusing on mission critical consistent action steps each day…starting with a 30-day timeframe…this action tracker and planner was made with YOU in mind. Set yourself up for a successful year and an even bigger one ahead! It also sees to it that you replenish your energy to prevent burnout. ($97 value, helps avoid a $2,400 trip to the ER from exhaustion). https://bit.ly/imagineaplan Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators? I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet. I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. This holiday season purchase a copy or two of Fertile Imagination, email me your picture (under the tree by the candles) using this email address melissa [at ]melissallarena.com , and then on Christmas day I hope to share these images across my social media. Let's support the moms we are and love this holiday season! Shop Fertile Imagination for the holidays! – https://bit.ly/fertilebook About Fertile Imagination You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert! In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination! Advance Praise “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX TRANSCRIPT   Welcome to 2025. It is Melissa, your host of the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast.  Wow, like what was that? Seriously, it's so funny. I just returned from a trip to the colonies, as I like to refer the states that I have a lot of family in. So we went to New York, we went to New Jersey and we went to Connecticut. Yeah. And I will say that the experience was a bit of a whirlwind, but it ended with just like feeling really, really sick. And so I'm on the mend, definitely feeling very, very. alive and excited and pumped about 2025. This morning, I already went to the gym. I did my 10, 000 steps, went to the groceries, did some laundry part two. I mean, it's been a productive set of hours on this feast of the epiphany Three Wise Men Day. I even put incense with the scent of myrrh for the occasion of the Three Wise Men. You remember? What did they give baby Jesus? Frankincense, myrrh, and gold. So I would say, you know, it's been a really interesting start to the new year.  And in this unedited episode, you thoroughly hear that I still have the remnants of a, a bad set of bacteria, virus,  But notwithstanding, I feel good. I feel good about 2025. And the reason why I do is because it's going to be different than years past. Years past have been really dictated by business initiatives, figuring out what needs to happen in order to bring in new clients, in order to better serve, You know, a brand new target audience being you a mom and also, you know, just a lot of novelty when it comes to the different ways that people approach, you know, lead generation and all that businessy stuff. And so this year is going to be a little bit different.  It's really going to be about figuring out what.  exactly captivates me. That is the word for me of 2025. And as I tell individuals, my word, I am met with this whole idea of, wow, that's crazy, but like in a good way, because it's definitely a very high vibe word, captivating, captivate to captivate.  I put a lot of thought into it.  And just to kind of share a story of those moments when I have been the most captivated, I remember every single summer I would spend a month in Miami and a month in Puerto Rico with my respective grandmothers. And my Cuban grandmother on one hand was A really good storyteller, as was my entire family from a paternal perspective. And I would say that they really got into storytelling. So let's imagine they got home from work and they all worked in the police department and they had these amazing stories. Whether it was, you know, about criminals or if it was about, I don't even know, a salsero that they would have invited to like a Christmas party. I mean, a lot of my memories are a little bit of a Patchwork quilt, should I say?  Point of the matter, they would use their body to really express themselves. They would stand up in the middle of the living room to absolutely, you know, be on stage, quote unquote.  And I felt captivated,  completely engrossed in what they were saying. And I'm pretty sure I had no idea what they were really, really saying. Because I was a little girl, but I was always really intrigued by the way they express themselves and the stories they would tell. And that's why for me, that is the word that popped up, captivating to captivate. And when I started looking up what it meant, it also had this idea that there has to be a willingness.  be captivated. So as I think through this word of the year for myself, I invite you to think beyond some of the words that are in the atmosphere in your local area. Or wherever it is that you might reside. So, for example, if in your community you might hear words like, Oh, freedom, or peace, or contentment, or words like joy. Why not consider a word like, that is totally left field, but really nails the sensation you're going for. And then in the same way that the person who wrote this book about desire mapping, Danielle Laporte says, she basically said, you know, once you have your word or set of words, it's really about figuring out. a myriad of ways that you can feel that sensation. So if I want to feel engrossed, plugged in or captivated, it's not just like going to great adventure and, you know, going on a roller coaster and maybe I am totally captivated by an amazing ride. It can be something as so simple, so sweet as paying close attention to a little story that a son of mine has, you know, whether it was something that he caught in school or something that he just wants to share with me or retell from a story he has read. So for me, captivating has range. What about you? I would invite you to really think through.  what you desire to feel in 2025. For me, as I mentioned, it was being captivated or captivating or captivate people. Because again, if you want a certain feeling, it really behooves you to emit that feeling yourself. So that also implies I have to be captivating. And So there we go. So for you really think that through, think through right now, maybe write it down at some point, a couple of words that really, really ignite something inside of you, something that might be, um, a little sleepy right now. It might be a little bit kind of, you know, not used. Just think of a word that you want to draw attention to in your life. And funny enough, When I chose that word, which is not the most common word I've seen, I started, of course, seeing that word, which has an actual scientific principle attached to it. Kind of like when you buy a particular car, you start to notice all those cars. So,  Happy New Year. I'm thrilled that this podcast lives on. I'm thrilled that I had the opportunity to share with you my 2025 word, and I really endeavor to captivate you, captivate you in a way that makes you feel better. After listening to every single episode, and I really do invite you and hope that you can be very patient with me because this is a year of change when it comes to the way I go about, you know, sharing my gifts and talents. This is also going to be a year of change in terms of how I think about my business and my role and how I decide to you. You know, bring forth everything that I've learned, even new things. I just became a meditation practitioner. It's like official now I'm done with the program. So there'll be a lot of unexpected conversations, but also my ambition is really to make sure that you get value out of each and every single one of them. So in this one, I invite you to think about a word of the year, and I invite you to definitely consider how you might make it. different or set yourself apart from those that are in your area. It might really inspire other people to think more expansively about their own lives and their own experiences. Because every single person I've told this word to, captivating and captivated, like, It just brought a huge smile on their face and they really loved that word. They're like, I have never heard someone use that word in terms of the word of the year for them. And of course I say, I know you haven't because I really like using words that are different. That captivates me, right? It holds my interest. being a little different and, um, unexpected and be unafraid to do either. Okay. Happy new year until next Tuesday. And if we are not official yet, like if you haven't hit follow or subscribe, I invite you to go ahead and do that. Go ahead and do that. And if you want to send me a little note, I will put it in the show notes. Tell me that you actually subscribed or followed me. And. And I'll tell you a captivating story in exchange, I will email you. So you'll see my email in the show notes, have an amazing rest of your week. Thank you again for listening.

In this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we revisit an enlightening conversation with Ken Honda as we dive into the concept of "happy money," a transformative philosophy that fosters a more joyful and harmonious relationship with your finances. In a world where financial success is often measured by the size of one's bank account, Ken Honda, a renowned Japanese author, brings a refreshing perspective on the emotional and relational aspects of money. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go.   Ken Honda on Happy Money and the Power of Gratitude Ken Honda introduces the idea of "Happy Money," which he defines as money that brings joy both when it is received and when it is spent. This concept challenges the traditional view of money as merely a tool for transactions. Instead, it emphasizes the emotional impact of money on our lives. One of the foundational principles of Happy Money is gratitude. Ken suggests that when making payments or writing checks, we should say "thank you" to appreciate the opportunity to bless others with financial support. This simple act can transform spending from a burdensome task into a joyful experience.   The Role of Money in Our Lives Christopher points out that many financial books focus on the mechanics of making, saving, or investing money, often neglecting the emotional and relational aspects. Ken agrees, noting that he is often referred to as a "money healer." He explains that many people have a troubled relationship with money, leading to feelings of shame, frustration, and anxiety. Ken emphasizes that this unhealthy relationship with money is a universal issue, affecting people across different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether someone is financially challenged, middle class, or wealthy, a lot of them experience negative emotions related to money.   Ken Honda on Money Wounds and Emotional Healing The conversation delves into the concept of "money wounds," which are emotional scars that affect how individuals perceive and interact with money. These wounds can stem from various experiences, such as financial struggles or societal pressures. Ken highlights that even wealthy individuals can feel guilt or anxiety about their financial situations. Christopher shares a story about a wealthy acquaintance who frequently argued with his spouse about finances, illustrating that money does not guarantee happiness. Ken concurs, stating that true security comes from relationships and trust in the future, rather than solely from financial wealth. To hear more from Ken Honda and how to heal your Money Wounds and start your Emotional Healing, download and listen to this episode.   Bio Ken Honda is a bestselling self-development author from Japan, with over eight million books sold since 2001. His work blends financial expertise with self-help principles, offering readers insights into creating personal wealth and happiness. Drawing from his experience owning and managing multiple businesses, Ken's writings emphasize the importance of self-honesty in fostering financial and emotional well-being. He holds the distinction of being the first Japanese member of the prestigious Transformational Leadership Council. Fluent in Japanese and English, Ken has lived in Boston and currently resides in Tokyo.   Links Connect with Ken Honda! Website | Happy Money | LinkedIn    We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on iTunes!

Are you a working mom feeling overwhelmed in your corporate role? Get ready to level up your corporate game as we're hanging out with Sally Ivester, a seasoned pro with 12+ years in big tech. Sally spills the tea on how your mindset and strategy can make or break your career journey.   Join us as we explore the art of "working loudly" (no, not banging on your keyboard!) and discover how to be a joy to work with, even on those groggy days. Sally breaks down the importance of building your brand and reputation, especially when you're remote, and gives you practical tips to ensure you're top of mind for all the right reasons.   Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and tune in for a fun, inspiring chat to help you thrive in your career while navigating the chaos of motherhood! In this episode, you will hear: Treat your career like a game—understand the rules and navigate relationships to thrive. Sharing your achievements to build your brand and stay visible for career growth. Setting boundaries and staying active in virtual meetings to stay connected. Consistently delivering and showcasing results is key to building a strong professional reputation. Establishing a personal user manual can help communicate preferences and boundaries.   This episode is brought to you by: My free anti-burnout 30-day resource for mompreneurs! Momentum usually comes at the cost of burn-out because what it truly takes to build something upfront is more energy and effort than a lot of us have to spare....which is why....I created this planner. This mom-friendly planner links your vision to daily actions, helping you stay focused and energized as you build profitable relationships. Whether you want to find a new job, get new clients, or launch up your ultimate podcast while focusing on mission critical consistent action steps each day...starting with a 30-day timeframe...this action tracker and planner was made with YOU in mind. Set yourself up for a successful year and an even bigger one ahead! It also sees to it that you replenish your energy to prevent burnout. ($97 value, helps avoid a $2,400 trip to the ER from exhaustion). https://bit.ly/imagineaplan   _________________________________________________________________________________   About Sally Ivester Sally Ivester is a corporate veteran with over 12 years of experience in Big Tech. After graduating from an Ivy League school, she struggled to navigate the corporate world on her own. As a history enthusiast, she studied the careers of top performers across industries to uncover the strategies that fueled their success. Now, she helps early-career professionals accelerate their growth with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive workplace.    Quotes, that can change your perspective: “The corporate job is a game. And you don't get to choose whether you play it or not. Like if you're in it, you're in it. But you do get to choose whether you play it on easy mode or on hard mode.” - Sally Ivester   “Self-awareness begins with, I'm not going to be the smartest. I'm not like, there's always going to be things that happen.”  - Sally Ivester “The way that I think about work loudly is your work does not speak for itself. You need to tell people what is the value that you're providing.” - Sally Ivester “I'm a mom, so think of all the things that other moms do. You might be doing the laundry. You might be thinking about all the things that kids should be eating and like putting together the grocery list in the background. No one's asking you to do it, right? But you're doing it because you want to make sure these kids are fed and the family's fed and everything else.” - Sally Ivester "The goal is be more present, even though you're not physically present." - Sally Ivester SHARE this episode with your fellow mom founders and empower them to embrace their career journey with confidence! Sally's insights on "working loudly" and career growth are a must-listen for balancing corporate life or leading a business. Let's uplift each other! Supporting Resources: Website: https://beacons.ai/hisallyivester TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hisallyivester Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hisallyivester Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisallyivester Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.   I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms.   This holiday season purchase a copy or two of Fertile Imagination, email me your picture (under the tree by the candles) using this email address melissa [at ]melissallarena.com , and then on Christmas day I hope to share these images across my social media. Let's support the moms we are and love this holiday season!  Shop Fertile Imagination for the holidays! – https://bit.ly/fertilebook   About Fertile Imagination  You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!  In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise  “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator  “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.”  —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money  “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX   

In this heartfelt podcast, a mom (Melissa Llarena your host and mom of three) shares the raw, beautiful reality of holiday preparation. From a hilarious Target shopping adventure with her three sons to a powerful love letter recognizing the invisible labor of mothers during the holiday season, this episode is a must-listen for every mom navigating the magic and chaos of Christmas. Key Highlights: A unique approach to gift-giving after revealing the truth about Santa Comedic tale of shopping with three sons and avoiding potential "holiday shoplifting" Intimate look at the emotional and logistical challenges of motherhood during the holidays What You'll Hear: The story behind teaching kids about thoughtful gift-giving A moving tribute to moms who create Christmas magic Raw, honest moments of holiday preparation and emotional complexity Memorable Quotes: "Jail time for the holidays is not on my Santa wish list" "We can all use some encouragement" "Dear Santa, you are the magic during Christmas" Call to Action: Share this episode with a mom who needs to feel seen and appreciated this holiday season.

https://renegadehealthboss.comIn episode 137 Heather Gray FDN-P  welcomes Ken Honda. Ken Honda an author and expert on the connection between money, happiness, and personal growth. Ken shares the transformative story behind his journey into writing about wealth and happiness, reflecting on his childhood and the significant loss of his father's best friend to suicide. This pivotal moment shaped his understanding of money, which led to his now-famous philosophy of "Happy Money."In this podcast you will discover00 Heather Gray FDN-P  welcomes Ken Honda he is an author and expert on the connection between money, happiness04:24 Ken discusses he unexpectedly became a published author after printing 100,000 copies of his first book07:01 Ken shares the emotional story of his father's depression and the tragic impact of money on his family10:15 The conversation turns to how Ken's personal pain led to his purpose in teaching others about money and happiness.12:09 Ken reflects on his book "True Wealth," offering listeners wisdom on transforming their relationship with money13:19 Ken discusses his books make complex ideas accessible, especially in teaching readers about intuitive decision-making 18:34 Ken discusses the cultural contrast between Americans and Japanese regarding money and personal life, emphasizing the importance of not tying your worth to your net worth.23:16 Ken talks about shifting from scarcity mentality to generosity, like giving to charity27:06 Ken advises on the importance of creating a personal brand through social media and content.31:31 Ken discusses the power of word-of-mouth marketing, how becoming well-known within your community can lead to business growth35:15 Ken shares their experience of offering a free course, only to find that none of the participants followed through40:34 Explore the challenges of receiving support and money and how to break through feelings of unworthiness.Thank you to our amazing sponsors, without them our podcast would not be possible.  n1o1 Nitric Oxide by Dr.Nathan BryanMHP VitaminsPlease learn more about our sponsors here.https://renegadehealthboss.com/sponsors/Guest Bio:Ken Honda is a bestselling Japanese author with over eight million copies sold globally. His book Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money became an international bestseller in 2019, and his latest work, True Wealth – 9 Lessons From a Grandfather on Happiness and Abundance, releases in May 2024. Known as the “Zen Millionaire,” Ken promotes a relaxed, worry-free approach to money, believing that anyone can trust their financial future and live with ease.To learn more, visit https://kenhonda.com/From nutrition and stress management to restorative practices, this ebook is your essential companion for a balanced and vibrant life. Perfect for anyone looking to make lasting changes to their health and well-being, this guide empowers you with the knowledge and tools needed to take control of your health naturally. Start your healing journey today FREE mini eBook [Foundations of Health]https://rhbcourses.com/products/free-mini-ebookGet the Foundation of Health Course here. Lose the brain fog, have more energy, and get your gut working right. Send us a textGet Transcripts here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rIazw0fXYfj5_bkR_W8EuywI5sVJ3VYg?usp=drive_link

Ready for a fresh episode that's brimming with big dreams, family stories, and some real-life hacks to build a better business without burning out? This week, we're chatting with Leah Remillet, a mom, entrepreneur, and systems whiz who shares her journey from hustling 24/7 to finding that sweet spot of success and balance.    Leah breaks down how she took a 100-day break (yes, you read that right!) and still came back to a thriving business, totally inspired. Plus, if you've ever had genius ideas pop up while you're in the shower or driving, Leah's got tips on capturing those “aha!” moments without missing a beat.   So, grab a cozy seat or hit play on your next drive – we're diving into all things systems, sabbaticals, and sustainable success! In this episode, you will hear:   Allowing yourself space to step back can reignite passion and motivation. Transitioning from a “hustle harder” mindset to finding balance by setting boundaries and systems. Nurturing creativity without the interference of day-to-day tasks. Shifting focus to small, everyday positives can improve both business and personal well-being. How small tools like shower notepads and car voice memos are great for capturing fleeting creative thoughts. Capturing inspiration right away helps turn ideas into actionable steps.  

Money is in everything, and how we choose to interact with it greatly influences the way we view the world. In this episode, we chat with Ken Honda about healthy ways to adjust your perspective on money so that you are able to live life to the absolute fullest. Ken Honda is the author of Happy Money: Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money. Known as the “Zen Millionaire”, Ken encourages his readers to “let the unhappy money go and begin bringing in happy money and a sense of freedom.” Ken regularly gives seminars to large groups of people around the world, and with the wisdom he shares, many individuals come away with a wholly different outlook on money and happiness… Join the discussion now to find out: How Ken is fulfilling his mission to inspire other people's outlook on money. Unique philosophical ideas that have the potential to attract wealth and happiness. The importance of appreciating your money. Money-related stress that people can face. You can learn more about Ken Honda and purchase his book by visiting Kenhonda.com! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm talking about your money personality type and why it matters. According to Ken Honda, author of Happy Money, there are 7 distinct personality types.  Today, I'm talking about what I think is the most tortured of the money personality types - the saver-splurger. 

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm talking about your money personality type and why it matters. According to Ken Honda, author of Happy Money, there are 7 distinct personality types.  Yesterday, I talked about the most difficult money personality types…the compulsives. Compulsive spenders, savers, and money makers. All challenging to overcome some of the common and destructive pitfalls of the compulsive types.  Today I want to turn to a money personality that's a bit more subtle.

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm talking about your money personality type and why it matters.  According to Ken Honda, author of Happy Money, there are 7 distinct personality types. Honda has spent years researching the intersection of psychology & money. It's important to remember that you may see overlap with yourself and the different personality types. The important thing is to recognize which personality types most closely resemble your own, so you can better understand your own relationship with money.  Today, I am actually going to talk about 3 money personalities - the compulsives.

In this rewind episode we talk with Ken Honda author of Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money. Have you ever differentiated between happy and unhappy money? Ken says that money should flow in as well as flow out. He equates it to a form of energy that can both sustain and drain us. We discuss his five steps to happy money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Are you a people-pleaser who struggles to say “no” without that lingering guilt? Get ready to meet Suzanne Culberg, "The Nope Coach," who's here to help you set boundaries and reclaim your time with confidence! In this conversation, she dives into her bold journey of starting a podcast and the adventure of recording 100 episodes in 100 days. Spoiler: it's no easy task! Suzanne shares her refreshingly honest approach to content creation, recording straight from Zoom without worrying about fancy editing or scripts. If you're feeling uninspired in your business or struggling with burnout, this episode is a fun reminder to stay authentic, let go of perfection, and bring more “you” into everything you create!   In this episode, you will hear: The term "business period" to describe cycles of self-doubt and reevaluation in business. Setting firm boundaries and saying no without guilt can prevent burnout and focus on their goals. How Suzanne's informal, unscripted approach helped her connect more authentically with her audience. The value of experimenting in business without overthinking or perfecting. Prioritizing action over perfectionism empowers entrepreneurs to share their ideas and develop essential skills.  

Episode 27 - True Wealth is past just having a lot of money, it encompasses a stress-free lifestyle, harmonious relationships, abundant thinking and timeless wisdom, with best-selling author Ken Honda about his latest book ‘True Wealth'. Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

  Ken Honda is known as the "Happy Money Guy," "Money Healer," and the "Zen Millionaire." His journey into financial wisdom began nearly 20 years ago when he witnessed a mother and daughter cut their playdate short because of work. This moment inspired him to start writing about the importance of financial freedom, with a focus on helping people ease their pain, frustration, and stress around money. Ken believes that, regardless of one's circumstances, the distance to happiness is the same for everyone, and through introspection and gratitude, we can break free from financial struggles. He is passionate about healing money trauma and helping people find peace with their finances while living a life of generosity and abundance. In this episode, Mathew and Ken discuss how to heal money wounds and shift from a scarcity mindset to a space of abundance without being reckless. Ken explains the root causes of financial stress, sharing his insights on why most money issues stem from either making too little or spending too much. They explore how money wounds are passed down through generations and the importance of healing these wounds before passing them on to our children. Ken also addresses the dangers of a scarcity mindset, offering practical advice on how to break free from it while maintaining balance. He emphasizes the power of generosity, encouraging listeners to understand that what we give often comes back to us in multiple ways. Additionally, Ken provides tailored money advice for people at different stages of life, from their teens to their 50s, and shares thought-provoking questions to help individuals uncover their unique gifts and talents. In this episode, you'll hear: The two main money problems and how to fix them  Examples of money trauma and how to work through them  The scarcity mindset and how to overcome it without being foolish  How to find your talents and make money for them  Follow the podcast:  Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)  Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)  Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)    Resources: KenHonda.com  Humming for PEACE   Connect with Mathew Blades:  Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/  Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/  Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/   Additional Credits: LFPWLI is managed by Sam Robertson

How would your life change if you committed yourself to a greater purpose? Living a committed life is like embarking on a thrilling adventure full of challenges, rewards, and self-discovery. It's about making a solemn promise to ourselves or others to pursue a particular goal or purpose with passion and determination. Not only does it give us a sense of meaning or purpose, but it also enables us to become the best version of ourselves.  Lynne Twist, an award-winning speaker, author, and global activist, has made the conscious choice to answer her calling, pursue her purpose, and live a committed life.  In fact, she has dedicated her life to promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Her commitment to these causes has inspired millions of people around the world to become more conscious and compassionate global citizens. Having served as a longtime executive of The Hunger Project, Lynne remains a passionate advocate and spokesperson for the cause of eradicating world hunger and empowering women in diverse cultures across the globe. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Lynne talk about the importance of finding your calling, living a committed life, how gratitude can change the way you see the world, and why it matters to seek out opportunities to make an impact.  Topics include: How the Est training transformed Lynne's life for the better Lynne explains the purpose of Erhard Seminars Training (EST) How gratitude can change your outlook in life The story behind the creation of The Hunger Project  Being committed and dedicated to your calling Lynne explains the term “Source” she used in her books  And other topics… Resource mentioned: Happy Money by Ken Honda: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372  The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Made-Clear-Discovering-Direction/dp/1250307503  Connect with Lynne: Website: https://soulofmoney.org/  Website: https://pachamama.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnetwist/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Committed-Life-Fulfillment-Yourself/dp/1523093099  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsors: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you listened to the FULL EPISODE yet?"Forget about the money. You have to focus on what you want to put out. If you put out so much, ready or not, money will come." -Ken HondaKen Honda, renowned "Zen Millionaire" and bestselling author, shatters conventional wisdom about wealth in this eye-opening episode. With refreshing honesty, he reveals why chasing money often leads to emptiness and shares his counterintuitive approach to achieving both financial success and genuine happiness. Honda recounts his own journey from struggling entrepreneur to financial guru, emphasizing how he learned to prioritize inner fulfillment over external validation.Diving deep into the psychology of wealth, Honda offers listeners a paradigm shift in thinking about money. He challenges the common belief that a specific dollar amount will bring security, instead advocating for clarity of purpose and value creation. Honda provides actionable strategies for reprogramming limiting beliefs about money and tapping into one's unique talents to create abundance. With powerful anecdotes and practical wisdom, he illuminates the path to becoming both "happy and wealthy," inspiring listeners to redefine their relationship with money and unlock their true potential for success.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter!

Why is it important to read books from different genres? Each genre offers unique insights and knowledge that can be applied to various aspects of life. Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, or any other genre, diversifying your reading choices will help you open yourself up to new and exciting stories that keep you engaged and eager to read more.  In addition, reading books from different genres can help you break out of reading ruts and challenge yourself to read outside of your comfort zone. You may even discover new authors or genres that you would have never explored before, broadening your literary horizons. Today, I am flying solo for part two of this series on How to Build Your Reading Superpower. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to finish every book you have started. That is what I learned from reading tons of books in the past. So in this episode, I will explain this helpful tip that helped me reached my reading goal last year.  Check out the first part of this series here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darius-classic-how-to-build-your-reading-superpower/id1555334180?i=1000661223263 Topics include: The importance of reading more than one genre What books I would recommend others to read Why it is okay not to finish a book Helpful tips on reading more books And other topics… Resource mentioned: The Game by Neil Strauss: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Penetrating-Secret-Society-Artists/dp/0060554738  The Surrender Experiment by Michael Alan Singer: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Winning-Creative-Battle-audio-cd/dp/1501260626  Happy Money by Ken Honda: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372 The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Money-Reclaiming-Wealth-Resources/dp/039332950X Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green: https://www.amazon.com/Richer-Wiser-Happier-Greatest-Investors/dp/1501164856 The Storyteller by Dave Grohl: https://www.amazon.com/Storyteller-Tales-Life-Music/dp/0063076098  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael welcomes back money and happiness expert, Ken Honda.  Ken's writings bridge the topics of finance and self-help, focusing on creating and generating personal wealth and happiness through deeper self-honesty.  He is the author of the international bestselling book, “Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money.” Ken recently released his new book, a novel, “True Wealth: True Wealth – 9 Lessons From a Grandfather on Happiness and Abundance.” In this episode, Ken and Michael discuss: -Ken's definition of wealth and our tendency towards fostering a scarcity mindset around money  -Practical tips and strategies for developing a mindset of abundance and a loving relationship with money, particularly if one is struggling financially -The power of everyday choices in cultivating happiness, purpose, and authentic connection in life -Insights from Ken's latest novel, “True Wealth,” and so much more! Next, Michael leads a guided meditation focusing on the feeling-tone of All Needs Met. Catch up with Ken, his work, and his Arigato Living community at https://kenhonda.com/  and on social media.  Remember to subscribe/follow and set an alert to receive notifications each Wednesday when new episodes are available! If you are inspired by the Take Back Your Mind podcast, please share it with your friends and family, and give us a 5-star rating! Connect with Michael at his newly-redesigned website – https://michaelbeckwith.com/ – and receive his guided meditation, “Raise Your Vibration and Be Untouchable” when you sign up to receive occasional updates from Michael!  You can also connect with him at www.Agapelive.com. Facebook: @Michael.B.Beckwith https://www.facebook.com/Michael.B.Beckwith IG: @michaelbbeckwith https://www.instagram.com/michaelbbeckwith/ X:  @drmichaelbb https://twitter.com/drmichaelbb YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMWuqEKXLY4m60gNDsw61w Finally, a special thank you to the sponsors of the Take Back Your Mind with Michael B. Beckwith podcast: The Agape International Spiritual Center (www.Agapelive.com) and NutriRise, makers of Michael's AdaptoZen Superfood Greens Powder and Vitamin D3+K2 drops (https://nutririse.com/products/adaptozen-bundle)! 

Today on the You Can Heal Your Life podcast, you'll hear a chapter from True Wealth, the brand-new audiobook by best-selling author Ken Honda. In this excerpt, read by Jesse Einstein and Jack Armstrong, you'll learn about the concept of synchronicity and how seemingly random events in life are interconnected. Ken shares personal anecdotes to illustrate this idea and encourages you to pay attention to synchronicities as they can lead to meaningful opportunities. You'll also discover the importance of trusting intuition and taking action in response to these synchronistic events. You can listen to the full audiobook FREE with a trial of the Empower You Unlimited Audio App.  To start listing now, visit hayhouse.com/empoweryou.

Join us as Ken Honda, Japan's best-selling personal development author, shares transformative insights on "Happy Money" - the concept that can change your relationship with finance. Discover how to navigate life with a mindset that attracts abundance and joy, breaking free from fear and scarcity. Ken's profound understanding of money's emotional impact, combined with practical wisdom from his journey and the success of his books, offers a roadmap to financial well-being intertwined with happiness. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking to create a life where money flows freely with gratitude and love. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No matter what life throws your way, there are a few things that will ALWAYS be in your full control: your attitude, your skill set, and your effort. While it's important to be aware of new external opportunities and swing for the fences when they come your way, never let them distract you from investing in yourself. Investing in yourself doesn't only mean hitting the gym or reading the latest personal development book – it goes beyond that. It means that we should invest in our personal finances, equip ourselves with the skills to make us recession-proof, set ourselves up for long-term success, and more.Jaspreet Singh, the Minority Mindset, is an attorney, investor, and CEO of Market Briefs. Although he didn't receive any formal financial education – he is on a mission to make financial education fun and accessible. He's back on the show to share his thoughts about the current economic situation and help educate people on their best course of action moving forward.Ken Honda is the best-selling author of Happy Money, a wealth and personal development book which teaches a revolutionary approach to money. For 25 years, Ken has been teaching and mentoring people in Japan about how to understand and heal unconscious money wounds, achieve peace of mind, and learn practical, powerful ways to increase abundance.Bob Proctor is a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, success coach, and expert on the human mind. In short, he's a master thinker. One of his bestselling books is called You Were Born Rich, which is all about finding success in your present rather than reaching for it in the future. Bob is also featured in the popular film The Secret, one of the most popular self-help films ever made.In this episode you will learnHard work amplifies the effectiveness of smart work.Your beliefs shape your actions and potential for success.Gratitude can increase the value of your money.Expressing gratitude to your finances can lead to financial independence.Aligning with a higher frequency can attract the abundance you seek.For more information go to www.lewishowes.com/1556For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960Listen to the full episodes:Jaspreet Singh – https://link.chtbl.com/1411-podKen Honda – https://link.chtbl.com/1331-podBob Proctor – https://link.chtbl.com/1227-pod